This Friday Tunes part of my blog has really become quite fun for me to put together. I always enjoy music and you will often find me warbling off tune to all sorts of tunes. This classic by Fleetwood Mac is a song that I got obsessed with last Fall. Enjoy and have a perfect weekend!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Grief & Prayer
I have come to see that with the sunshine in life comes the rain. It always happens and will continue on in a never ending cycle. It is wisdom and maturity that helps us see how both are needed in a fully growing life.
So many of those that mean so much to me are grieving. Death, loss, disappointments, grief, and sickness. These things make us all sit up and realize how fragile we are. Sure, we have plans and hopes and desires. We go about our lives with this sometimes cocky spirit....as if nothing would dare happen to us. And yet.....
There are people who are doubled over in grief as I write this. There are those who have been in tears for DAYS over loss in their life. There are people who feel so desperate that they are alone and contemplating taking their own lives just so their pain will end. There are tiny babies and children who have lost the fight with terminal illness. There now are shattered pieces where there once was something whole.
What to do....sometimes my sorrow for others can almost be overwhelming. And I think....what to do? How can I share my heart with those who are mourning. And then I remember what got my family though our own dark nights. I remember that the "...effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16
Ah, sweet prayer. It literally is a balm to the weary soul. When my soul was at it's weakest moment in my LIFE, it was prayer that healed me and gave me strength that came only from God above. It was prayer that gave me the most precious gift that can be found in grief. Hope.
Hope for a new day. Hope for change. Hope for laughter and light to return. Hope for miraculous wonders to fill our lives and for the ability to notice them.
For all of those who are ending this day sadder than they were last week. Maybe even sadder than they were just yesterday, I hope you know this. You are in my prayers. You will continue to be in my prayers. God bless you mightily in ways that you cannot even imagine. And for those whose grief is not so obvious. Or maybe those whose grief is still fresh even though their loss it not. Those who are depressed in spirit and struggling to keep it together. I pray for you as well. May God put people in your life so that you can reveal your secret, hidden pain and find "...grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
So many of those that mean so much to me are grieving. Death, loss, disappointments, grief, and sickness. These things make us all sit up and realize how fragile we are. Sure, we have plans and hopes and desires. We go about our lives with this sometimes cocky spirit....as if nothing would dare happen to us. And yet.....
There are people who are doubled over in grief as I write this. There are those who have been in tears for DAYS over loss in their life. There are people who feel so desperate that they are alone and contemplating taking their own lives just so their pain will end. There are tiny babies and children who have lost the fight with terminal illness. There now are shattered pieces where there once was something whole.
What to do....sometimes my sorrow for others can almost be overwhelming. And I think....what to do? How can I share my heart with those who are mourning. And then I remember what got my family though our own dark nights. I remember that the "...effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16
Ah, sweet prayer. It literally is a balm to the weary soul. When my soul was at it's weakest moment in my LIFE, it was prayer that healed me and gave me strength that came only from God above. It was prayer that gave me the most precious gift that can be found in grief. Hope.
Hope for a new day. Hope for change. Hope for laughter and light to return. Hope for miraculous wonders to fill our lives and for the ability to notice them.
For all of those who are ending this day sadder than they were last week. Maybe even sadder than they were just yesterday, I hope you know this. You are in my prayers. You will continue to be in my prayers. God bless you mightily in ways that you cannot even imagine. And for those whose grief is not so obvious. Or maybe those whose grief is still fresh even though their loss it not. Those who are depressed in spirit and struggling to keep it together. I pray for you as well. May God put people in your life so that you can reveal your secret, hidden pain and find "...grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Reading Magic
Thank You USA Today for the important reminder.
The Magic School Bus is celebrating 25 years in publication! Wow!
As a former teacher these videos and books were a class and teacher favorite. Just thinking of them brings back great memories of my precious students and our amazing learning adventures:)
Check out the quick article here.
Now I just need them to update Reading Rainbow and I will be all set for old school reading memories.
The Magic School Bus is celebrating 25 years in publication! Wow!
As a former teacher these videos and books were a class and teacher favorite. Just thinking of them brings back great memories of my precious students and our amazing learning adventures:)
Check out the quick article here.
Now I just need them to update Reading Rainbow and I will be all set for old school reading memories.
Monday, September 26, 2011
A-Z Fun
Thanks to Annie for posting this fun A-Z activity on her blog about a month ago. It grabbed my attention, and was a fun read!
Now, this Annie is a friend of my friend Annie. They both are bloggers. Confused...that's OK:) Enjoy!
Now, this Annie is a friend of my friend Annie. They both are bloggers. Confused...that's OK:) Enjoy!
a is for age
26
b is for bed size
Queen
c is for chore you hate
Taking out the Trash
d is for dogs
nope....a pet piglet though one day...maybe?
e is for essential start to your day
Washing my face.
f is for favorite color
PURPLE
g is for gold or silver?
white gold or that gorgeous rose gold
h is for height
five fiveish...
i is for instruments you play
none, but I wish I could play the piano
j is for job title
Counseling Intern
Graduate Assistant
Athletic Mentor
Graduate Assistant
Athletic Mentor
k is for kids
0.....but if I get married...then 2 please.
l is for live in
Athens, GA
m is for maiden name
Stewart
n is for nickname(s)
none really but sometimes Brina, Bree and Meep
o is for overnight hospital stays
0 for me but plenty of hospital sleepovers with Melanie.
p is for pet peeve
most annoying-uncontrolled children in public places
most hurtful- hmmmmm
most hurtful- hmmmmm
q is for quote
almost everything I get on The Happiness Project Listserv but especially this one...
"The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play."
— Arnold Toynbee
"The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play."
— Arnold Toynbee
r is for righty or lefty?
Right
s is for siblings
yep, my Melanie (younger sister)
t is for time you wake up
Earliest 5:30; Latest 7:30
u is for university
The University of Georgia
and
Florida State University
and
Florida State University
v is for vegetables you dislike
spinach
w is for what makes you run late
reading, early morning TV, and Facebook
x is for x-rays you've had
0...I lead a safe life:)
y is for yummy food
PIZZA, dessert, and homemade meals...but no salad!
z is for zoo animals
koala bear
what about you? what's your a to z?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Lion King: Lessons
You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the Circle of Life.
Lion King
When I went to go see the Lion King last night I was expecting the same movie going experience that I had as a child, a 4th grader to be exact. I even traveled 45 minutes to my closest AMC to enjoy the film in comfort. I forked over the money for a Friday night, 3D movie....that is a biggie for this little cheapskate;) However, let me tell you one thing. I was WRONG!
The Lion King was SOOOO much better to me last night. The music is beyond beautiful. Matching the moments and emotions in the film perfectly. I don't know how to really describe it, but I was very in tune with the music as the movie flowed along. It was lovely and magical! It just resonated well with my soul, I guess:)
Ok, now on to the actual movie. I know it is because of my maturity and "adult" perspective, but I was gleaning lessons right and left last night. Which only enhanced my moviegoing experience.
One, was just the amazing, power of a strong father. A father who would do anything for you. Who keeps his promises. Who can be stern but also has a sense of humor. And let me just note....when Mufasa died, the sniffles I heard were not coming from the children in the theater!
There was also the concept of jealousy. Whew....in the movie of course, jealousy led Scar to kill his own brother. Of all of the human emotions jealousy is one of the most unreasonable and therefore more dangerous. Of course not envying and not being covetous are also Biblical principles, but the movie did a great job of illustrating how jealousy and wanting the life, power, position, and privileges of another can consume your own being.
On a personal note I took some moments to think about my emotional reaction when Nala finds Simba all grown up and Timon and Pumba sing their sad song about the changes in their "trio". They felt like they were going to be left alone; lose the close friendship of a true companion. In general, that their friend was moving along without them. I have struggled with some of these feelings concerning Melanie and her new boyfriend. And I have had to take myself to task a few times about it. Thankfully my friends have listened to me and given me some wise and desperately needed advice. Anyway, it is getting better.....I guess I don't like change all that much. But as Rafiki said in the movie, "Change is good!"
To sum it all up. Go see the Lion King. Take someone else with you so that you can share it with them. I give the movie a roaring (hahahha) A+ and 2 thumbs way up! Hurry it won't be around too much longer! Have a blessed weekend!
Lion King
When I went to go see the Lion King last night I was expecting the same movie going experience that I had as a child, a 4th grader to be exact. I even traveled 45 minutes to my closest AMC to enjoy the film in comfort. I forked over the money for a Friday night, 3D movie....that is a biggie for this little cheapskate;) However, let me tell you one thing. I was WRONG!
The Lion King was SOOOO much better to me last night. The music is beyond beautiful. Matching the moments and emotions in the film perfectly. I don't know how to really describe it, but I was very in tune with the music as the movie flowed along. It was lovely and magical! It just resonated well with my soul, I guess:)
Ok, now on to the actual movie. I know it is because of my maturity and "adult" perspective, but I was gleaning lessons right and left last night. Which only enhanced my moviegoing experience.
One, was just the amazing, power of a strong father. A father who would do anything for you. Who keeps his promises. Who can be stern but also has a sense of humor. And let me just note....when Mufasa died, the sniffles I heard were not coming from the children in the theater!
There was also the concept of jealousy. Whew....in the movie of course, jealousy led Scar to kill his own brother. Of all of the human emotions jealousy is one of the most unreasonable and therefore more dangerous. Of course not envying and not being covetous are also Biblical principles, but the movie did a great job of illustrating how jealousy and wanting the life, power, position, and privileges of another can consume your own being.
On a personal note I took some moments to think about my emotional reaction when Nala finds Simba all grown up and Timon and Pumba sing their sad song about the changes in their "trio". They felt like they were going to be left alone; lose the close friendship of a true companion. In general, that their friend was moving along without them. I have struggled with some of these feelings concerning Melanie and her new boyfriend. And I have had to take myself to task a few times about it. Thankfully my friends have listened to me and given me some wise and desperately needed advice. Anyway, it is getting better.....I guess I don't like change all that much. But as Rafiki said in the movie, "Change is good!"
To sum it all up. Go see the Lion King. Take someone else with you so that you can share it with them. I give the movie a roaring (hahahha) A+ and 2 thumbs way up! Hurry it won't be around too much longer! Have a blessed weekend!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Friday Tunes
I am dating myself (again) by putting this old school song out here this morning.....but I don't care!
HAHAHAHA here is some "good" music to start out your Friday. Thank You Boyz II Men!
Warning- The video is a little dramatic and not exactly the polished, stuff we are used to today....but it's still good. And their voices are amazing!
HAHAHAHA here is some "good" music to start out your Friday. Thank You Boyz II Men!
Warning- The video is a little dramatic and not exactly the polished, stuff we are used to today....but it's still good. And their voices are amazing!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Hospitality Please
"Where is the hospitality?"
young Sabrina upon entering a hotel.....as quoted by her dad:)
If you have ever been in someone's home where true hospitality resides you will instantly know.
It does not always have to be sparkling clean.....that is surface level. I am talking about the feeling of a house that exudes hospitality from floor to roof. A home that welcomes you and makes it hard to leave. Hospitality makes you want to go back and visit just as soon as possible....without becoming annoying;)
It will be different depending on your host. Maybe it is flowers that welcome you at the front door. Or laughter as good stories are shared among friends. It can be delicious food and the invitations to "Eat as much as you want!" and "Please help yourself!". It often is pictures and art and the amusing stories that tell of a life well lived!
In a house with hospitality you sleep well at night. All of your needs are taken care of and there is always the offer of getting anything else that you need. Hospitality is sharing space with people who are naturally open, caring and loving. It is not awkward or fake or stiff or too "polite and pretty". It is real, and honest, and genuine to the core. It is the people who come to your house who become your family....when you are not so near your family.
I LOVE hospitality. Though Family and Graduate housing is nice....I have not been able to host people as I have in the past. And I miss that......a lot. Bible studies, Christmas tree decorating parties, birthdays, Wii challenges, dinners, sleepovers and more. I miss it all. You would not even believe how excited I will be to get my own space again after graduation. Until then I am thankful for all of the hospitality that has been shown me since I have been in Georgia. I am grateful for all of the examples of hospitality in the home that have graced my life over these 26 years!
young Sabrina upon entering a hotel.....as quoted by her dad:)
If you have ever been in someone's home where true hospitality resides you will instantly know.
It does not always have to be sparkling clean.....that is surface level. I am talking about the feeling of a house that exudes hospitality from floor to roof. A home that welcomes you and makes it hard to leave. Hospitality makes you want to go back and visit just as soon as possible....without becoming annoying;)
It will be different depending on your host. Maybe it is flowers that welcome you at the front door. Or laughter as good stories are shared among friends. It can be delicious food and the invitations to "Eat as much as you want!" and "Please help yourself!". It often is pictures and art and the amusing stories that tell of a life well lived!
In a house with hospitality you sleep well at night. All of your needs are taken care of and there is always the offer of getting anything else that you need. Hospitality is sharing space with people who are naturally open, caring and loving. It is not awkward or fake or stiff or too "polite and pretty". It is real, and honest, and genuine to the core. It is the people who come to your house who become your family....when you are not so near your family.
I LOVE hospitality. Though Family and Graduate housing is nice....I have not been able to host people as I have in the past. And I miss that......a lot. Bible studies, Christmas tree decorating parties, birthdays, Wii challenges, dinners, sleepovers and more. I miss it all. You would not even believe how excited I will be to get my own space again after graduation. Until then I am thankful for all of the hospitality that has been shown me since I have been in Georgia. I am grateful for all of the examples of hospitality in the home that have graced my life over these 26 years!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
We shall see
"Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves."
— Carl Jung
What a whopper of a quote Mr Jung! I can stand behind his words because I am seeing that they play out very truthfully in my life.
However, I was inspired in worship today to change that.....aka be irritated/hurt less. I took away from the lesson today that I need to look higher than my pet peeves to the God who created us all.
I think I learned that by letting go I am giving myself room to breathe. And with the stress of grad school being cranked up about 100%...... I need to breathe.
I see around me only few people who seem to grasp this concept....but that does not mean that I have any excuse not to try to live it for myself.
A new week is here! The past is done and over. Today is here and clear. The future is FULL of possibilities to center my heart on God and let the rest take care of itself.....and that is exactly what I intend to do!
* My Noles lost, but it was SUCH a good game! Can't wait to cheer them on in Doak in November!*
— Carl Jung
What a whopper of a quote Mr Jung! I can stand behind his words because I am seeing that they play out very truthfully in my life.
However, I was inspired in worship today to change that.....aka be irritated/hurt less. I took away from the lesson today that I need to look higher than my pet peeves to the God who created us all.
I think I learned that by letting go I am giving myself room to breathe. And with the stress of grad school being cranked up about 100%...... I need to breathe.
I see around me only few people who seem to grasp this concept....but that does not mean that I have any excuse not to try to live it for myself.
A new week is here! The past is done and over. Today is here and clear. The future is FULL of possibilities to center my heart on God and let the rest take care of itself.....and that is exactly what I intend to do!
* My Noles lost, but it was SUCH a good game! Can't wait to cheer them on in Doak in November!*
Friday, September 16, 2011
Friday Tunes
I can't be there in person, but I will be cheering for my FSU boys all the way from Athens on Saturday!!!!
It's Friday and the big game is almost here:)
It's Friday and the big game is almost here:)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Beautiful, Messy Words
Words can be as uplifting as a much needed hug OR as depressing as the pits of a dark cave.
As light as a floating cloud OR as heavy as a lead weight.
As funny as the giggles OR as serious as a frown.
As insightful as truth OR as hurtful as truth (this one is tricky, tricky!).
As precious as gold OR as popular as the latest trends.
Our words heal and wound. They are humble yet proud. They praise and complain.
And because of all of this we have to be that much more careful. Because our words can work for good and danger, I really think we have to watch them SO carefully. Our words have power and if our hearts and minds are not in the right place.....well then, our words will show it. They will give people a clear picture into our souls....if they listen carefully. In today's fast-paced world let's not forget to speak to others in a way that shines with joy. Let's use our spoken words for their full power of positive potential. There is nothing that can brighten a day more than a smile and caring words spoken by those we love and admire.
As light as a floating cloud OR as heavy as a lead weight.
As funny as the giggles OR as serious as a frown.
As insightful as truth OR as hurtful as truth (this one is tricky, tricky!).
As precious as gold OR as popular as the latest trends.
Our words heal and wound. They are humble yet proud. They praise and complain.
And because of all of this we have to be that much more careful. Because our words can work for good and danger, I really think we have to watch them SO carefully. Our words have power and if our hearts and minds are not in the right place.....well then, our words will show it. They will give people a clear picture into our souls....if they listen carefully. In today's fast-paced world let's not forget to speak to others in a way that shines with joy. Let's use our spoken words for their full power of positive potential. There is nothing that can brighten a day more than a smile and caring words spoken by those we love and admire.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sweet Spirits
It refreshes my soul to meet those special people who exude gentleness, love, and peace as naturally as if they were breathing in those qualities from the air around them. If you have had the blessing to meet someone like this, then you know exactly what I mean.
Today in prayer group (2 is still a group!) one of my dear friends reached out and held my hand as I teared up a bit. It was so natural and so needed and it reminded me that God places these precious souls, the spirits of other believers, in our lives for a reason.
As I lamented the changes in my life she was so in tune to my needs, and I appreciate the God in her even more on this tiring Monday. In simple words....I was in need and she was there for me. Amen for that.
She is not the first person that I have met with this sweet, sweet spirit that just radiates contentment. But again I am SO thankful for her and our God who created us to love and care and be peace to others throughout our journey.
Abundant blessings and peace to you my friend. I hope your week is the best possible!
Today in prayer group (2 is still a group!) one of my dear friends reached out and held my hand as I teared up a bit. It was so natural and so needed and it reminded me that God places these precious souls, the spirits of other believers, in our lives for a reason.
As I lamented the changes in my life she was so in tune to my needs, and I appreciate the God in her even more on this tiring Monday. In simple words....I was in need and she was there for me. Amen for that.
She is not the first person that I have met with this sweet, sweet spirit that just radiates contentment. But again I am SO thankful for her and our God who created us to love and care and be peace to others throughout our journey.
Abundant blessings and peace to you my friend. I hope your week is the best possible!
A new week
A new week is here. I want to be cognizant of that.
I don't want too many of my weeks to blend together. A giant mass of days, and hours, and minutes.
I want my week to be clear. My days to be bright. My minutes to be fresh.
How am I going to do this you may wonder? Well.....I am not exactly sure.
I think that praying specifically for each day during that day is a key.
I think purposefully opening my eyes to the nature that thrives around me will help.
I think talking to mi familia each day and my close friends each week is a key.
I think being thankful for both small (sleeping well at night) and large things (our military) is important.
A new week is here and I am ready to be present.
I don't want too many of my weeks to blend together. A giant mass of days, and hours, and minutes.
I want my week to be clear. My days to be bright. My minutes to be fresh.
How am I going to do this you may wonder? Well.....I am not exactly sure.
I think that praying specifically for each day during that day is a key.
I think purposefully opening my eyes to the nature that thrives around me will help.
I think talking to mi familia each day and my close friends each week is a key.
I think being thankful for both small (sleeping well at night) and large things (our military) is important.
A new week is here and I am ready to be present.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Pics!
 |
| A house divided by 3! |
 |
| Sisters always! |
 |
My cohort ladies...don't know where Sam went. |
 |
| This is SO late.....but our Savannah trip was wonderful! |
 |
| Historical Savannah! |
Friday, September 9, 2011
Friday Tunes
It was a short week! Happy Friday.....goooooo Fall football.
PS- This is a really catchy song. I am behind the times but you should have seen the 4th and 5th graders dancing to this:)
PS- This is a really catchy song. I am behind the times but you should have seen the 4th and 5th graders dancing to this:)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Praise for a Weekend!
My weekend was an overflow of abundant blessings. Praise God!
My home was perfection to me.
Loren's wedding was a sweetly answered prayer.
Watching "The Help" was marvelous and completely touching.
Sitting on the beach was pure, 100% bliss.
Having dinner with an old friend was new and exciting.
Seeing Cherika was just right.
Church at Chaffee Road was quaint and powerful.
My daddy's new office was spacious and gorgeous.
I felt uplifted, loved, tremendously happy, and appreciative to my God who gave me what I needed when I needed it the most!
Have a wonderful week everybody!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Friday Tunes
Today is my Friday since I am heading home this evening!!! So in honor of roadtrips, here is my "Friday" musical selection. I love this happy, and groove worthy song!!! It always get me dancing:)
Have a safe and truly fabulous weekend.....make each moment count!!!! I sure hope to:)
Have a safe and truly fabulous weekend.....make each moment count!!!! I sure hope to:)
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