Focus

I originally had an extremely long post of the "exciting" life I have led so far in 2009, but as I neared the end I found myself slightly focusing inward and asking myself, "Why me?" I deleted it so as not to have a public record of my self-centeredness, but also because as I typed I heard the voice of a rather mean, heartless, and painfully honest friend...."What is your focus?" Just to be transparent, this has been a rather difficult task. It seems as though I have been hit from every side so far this year and I find myself looking up from the bottom of the barrel often. I am learning, albeit ever so slowly, that I can not be in control of my circumstances, but I can be in control of my focus. Am I feeding at the bottom of the barrel or looking up and expecting to see my Father reaching down to pull me up?

Which brings me to another lesson...What can I expect from my Heavenly Father? Do I expect to see Him working things for my good? Do I expect Him to be consistent with His track record?

Illustration #1, as pointed out by my "mean" friend: I baby-sit a genius. His name is Vipul. Though he is very intelligent, he is only three. At times I find myself stressed because he will refuse to complete a task when I know he is fully capable. Yet many times I have watched him attack a job with vigor only to learn that it is beyond his ability. Usually I watch him for a few minutes and chuckle to myself, then hold out my hand and offer assistance. It is a joy to help him. How much more would my Father stretch His loving arms out to offer hope, comfort, healing, and ultimately His kind assistance? I can expect Him to be consistent and stand by His record and do it again, and again, and again!

Illustration #2, 3rd Grade Bible Lesson on John 3:16: This morning Mrs. B introduced the lesson in a rather unique way. She started out calling the students to attention for a game called the "rhythm game." Pad your legs twice, clap hands twice, snap each finger once. On the first snap say your name, second snap a friend's name, continue until someone misses the beat or says the wrong name. After practicing for a few rounds she changed the name of the game and added a different aspect. "We are going to call this game Life and when you mess up it is a sin. Sin must be punished!" Mrs. B pulled out a long roll of what looked like bulletin board paper. She took a marker and wrote punishment. "When you mess up the rhythm or miss a name you will be punished."

The game started again and you could see the concern and concentration of the students. They were really trying not to mess up out of fear of getting swatted by the rolled up paper. The first student to break the rhythm looked like she was getting ready to pass out. As Mrs. B went toward the small girl, she suddenly turned and LIGHTLY swatted another student. This went on for several turns. Each time the same student was swatted. The class questioned the fairness of this method, but Mrs. B continued without a word. Finally the class was called to attention and a explanation was given. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not parish but have everlasting life! The children were so upset at the injustice of one person getting swatted, but the point was driven home and you could see the lights come on

I sat in the back of the room at my desk as tears formed and flowed. I can expect my Father to come through with a solution to the problem. I can expect Him to love me when I feel unlovable and ugly inside, He has already proven it true.

One more lesson I am learning. Most of my life the verse stating that "the truth will set you free" referred to lying. Always tell the truth, it keeps you out of trouble. While telling the truth is a great thing and requirement by God, there is more to this verse. Knowing the truth will set you free. When my mind runs about wildly with doubts and fears, the truth will set me free. The truth is God is faithful, God is available, God is CONSISTENT, God is God and I should let Him be. Knowing the truth will set me free.

The Twins Are Here!!!!

The family I work with finally had their twins Wednesday! It has been crazy. I'll post a few pics from my cell but let me warn you the high quality my astound you.

Vishal

Vimal

Pretty sure I spelled the names WRONG but I will figure it out soon! I haven't gotten to hold them yet because I have been at home with the big brother Vipul. I quickly snapped these pics when I dropped him off at the hopsital after work. More high quality pictures to follow.

The "Confederates" (Written as a freshman in college)

The soldiers gathered around the colonel swiftly and quietly. Plans must be made; for the enemy lie in wait on the other side of the valley. Every year about the same season the enemy came haunt the surrounding woods and forests. It had become quite an annoyance to the inhabitants.

"Quiet!" Colonel said as loudly and demanding as was possible under the circumstances. "The element of surprise is of the utmost importance. There is no way that we will win the battle if we are announcing our arrival!"

Immediately the rustling and whispering of the soldiers ceased. All of their attention was focused on their seemingly invincible leader. He had been in the thick of the battles for many years now and deserved the honor and respect due someone of his position.

Colonel had a grim outlook on life. His parents were killed in a battle when he was very young. Because of their premature death Colonel had no siblings. He grew up alone and it had made him hard. This was a quality much needed in the service. His anger at the foe for killing his parents stayed with through the years. It had festered a hatred for the enemy deep within. Despite the hard trails that life had brought him the colonel stood tall and handsome with tufts of chest hair protruding in every which direction. He had a demanding presence about him.

"We need to plan for the adversaries. The same plan that we use every season is good. They fall for it every time. Prancer, you run directly through the field. Run fast or they might have half a chance to shoot. Blitzen, you stand behind that clump of bushes on the east side of the battlefield. Make sure your chest and sides are well hidden. Don't give them a clear shot. The rest of you split into groups. Group One scatter yourselves over by Blitzen. Groups Two quietly work your way over to where Prancer will exit the field and enter the forest again. Your job is to help distract in case of an emergency. Alright, each of you have a job. Let's do it!"

As the colonel finished his analysis of the procedure, the members of the Confederacy dispersed to their assigned positions.

Once again, the deer would win against the dull-witted human.


*Remember I wrote this as freshman. All grammar and plot critiques will be ignored. lol
** Inspired by my brother's many "almost" stories during deer season.

And how does that make you feel?

As I sit at my computer on this dark, dismal day a poem came to mind. I hope it warms your heart as it did mine.

Homework! Oh, Homework!
I hate you! You stink!
I wish I could wash you away in the sink,
if only a bomb
would explode you to bits.
Homework! Oh, homework!
You're giving me fits.

I'd rather take baths
with a man-eating shark,
or wrestle a lion
alone in the dark,
eat spinach and liver,
pet ten porcupines,
than tackle the homework,
my teacher assigns.

Homework! Oh, homework!
you're last on my list,
I simple can't see
why you even exist,
if you just disappeared
it would tickle me pink.
Homework! Oh, homework!
I hate you! You stink!

Expertly written by Jack Prelutsky

Kaiden Wesley

Almost 3 1/2 months ago Ethan Michael received a little brother. I have yet to hold the little guy that I named, but the Lord is helping me deal with that!

At Last....

I will spare you the reasons and excuses for not blogging.

My life is currently very full of school and work. I did so much homework over Thanksgiving break that my mother banned me from it for an evening. My father responded with, "You yell at her if she doesn't and you yell if she does!" I laughed.

Work. Really it is not hard. I love working for this particular family. I babysit for a 3 1/2 year old named Vipul. The kid is a genius. He loves to read! This afternoon I gave him a book, one of those golden series books, and he read it to me! I am going to test him, but I am pretty sure this kid is on a 1st or 2nd grade reading level! The picture is of him at the computer with his reading glasses.

Vipulisms:
Oh, Tarter Sauce! (Working on a table leg with a plastic screwdriver and it doesn't go his way)

Come on...don't be shy...you can do it...TURN GREEN! (After I expressed my frustrations at a slow stop light.)

I will buy you a 2nd car. (He thinks everyone should have two.) I have at least $100!

Highlights

Just a few quick highlights of my life.

Another school year has started and so far it has turned into a rather light semester. Another big plus is the fact that I no longer live in the girls' dorm. I have two room mates and we rein terror on campus from our campus apartment. It is great. Bittersweet though. Bitter because it signifies the end of a chapter in my life. Sweet because it signifies the beginning of another. I am so very excited about what God has planned for me.

I work off campus too. My three year old charge is amazing. I love hanging out with him.

The electricity was out for a week so the school shut down. It was beautiful (for those of us that were FORCED to find lodging elsewhere! lol) I am very ready to go back to campus though. I am pretty much a home body and I love the comfort of my own room and my routine.

Lots has happened and I even have pictures for some of the events. For example, the night Lauren and I got locked, the demolition of the guest bathroom, Vipul, and pictures of the new edition to my "sister's" family-Kaiden. But for now I am going to end this very unorganized post! The sentence structure and grammatical errors are the result of my exhaustion after a church spaghetti dinner. Until next time.....