A School Bus is NOT Yellow!

As I was taking my little ones to daycare this morning, we stopped next a large school bus at the light.  My son, who surprises me every day with his 2-year old knowledge, looks over and says, "Mama, bus...bus...yellow...bus."  Here lies my dilemma.

THE SCHOOL BUS IS NOT YELLOW!  What have we been told from the time that we could walk?  The school bus is yellow.  It is yellow in books.  It is yellow in drawings, but it is not yellow in person.  It is orange.

Now you may be wondering why I'm stressing over this small life detail.  Because how often are we expected to go along with something simply because society tells us that it is the right thing to do.  What if it is not true?  Are we still expected to accept the non-truth, so that no one gets uncomfortable?

There are certain lifestyles I don't agree with, and there are ways that people raise their children that I don't agree with.  There are ways that people dress and things that people say that I don't agree with.  There are ways that people treat each other that I don't agree with.  There are certain beliefs that I don't agree with.

I have a basis (the bible, I know for some of you that is another post entirely, but please read on...) for all these things that I don't agree with...they are not because I'm trying to be difficult.  But if I were to speak against these things in a loud way, some would call me intolerant.  They would say I'm being mean or rude.  This is not true.

I can love people and not like what they do.  I can serve and care for those whose lifestyles I don't agree with.  I can befriend those people who don't raise their children in a way I believe is right or who live their life through a set of beliefs I don't agree with. 

I can love these people, but I don't have to agree with them, and if they love me in return, I don't have to fake it.

So, look people, I'm tired of calling the school bus yellow because it isn't, and I told my son that it was orange today and I'm happy I did....

Hope ... Loudly

Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=851

So, the other day I watched a DVD by Louie Giglio.  It was a 2-part message that I thought was amazing.  So amazing...I'm going to share it with you. 

There should be no argument that life is full of trouble.  Real Trouble.  The kind that has you look around and wonder how you got to that place.  The kind of trouble that we don't have an answer or a quick fix for.  The kind of trouble that hurts. 

If you are inclined to believe what the Bible says like I do then this is confirmed in John when it says that trouble is coming to ALL of us.  That sucks.  I know, but the question is how should this trouble be dealt with.

Louie made a great point in this message.  He said that we speak the loudest to world in the midst of our suffering.  He said that Jesus spoke the loudest to the world in midst of His suffering.  If what happened at the cross never took place...would we remember Him?  Probably not.  It was the ultimate sacrifice and the most painful way to die at that time in history.  They even went the extra mile for Him because he claimed to be God...

When I'm suffering, I try to speak the message that I truly believe in my heart:

• God is good, even if my definition of good doesn't make sense for the situation. 
• Suffering is my servant; I'm not a servant of suffering.  I will use my pain to further my message which is ultimately God's message to love people through it and grow more like Him.  I will use it; it will not use me.  I will be stronger after it and prepared for the next stage of my life.
• I will test what is truly in my heart by noting my response to trouble.  Do I crumble?  Do I trust?  Do I love?  Do I push away?  What do I do even when people are not watching me?

The love that I experience on a daily basis from my family is amazing, but the provision, love and joy that I receive from Jesus, even if I don't always immediately recognize it, is so much more.

What do you do when trouble comes?  How can you make suffering your servent and not the other way around?

It Takes A Lot of Faith

Motivation for a Better World

Teaching in today's public schools gives you a real sense of where the world is headed.  Don't get me wrong, some students eventually blossom into mature people with real goals and good heads, but there are so many that don't. 

A LARGE number of my students have parents that had them when they were students and either didn't finish or barely finished high school.  These are parents that can't help their kids with their homework on subjects that they possibly never made it to. 

Not only that, but I have had students that have told me their parents actually made fun of them for getting up and coming to school every morning.  How long do you think this young person will last? 

This is the burden that I carry.  I'm good at my job.  I connect with the students.  I teach them what I know, but I'm soooo tired of it.  I'm torn between staying, helping, and leaving for something that will be more comfortable, but make less of an impact.

How do you know what the right move is?  Where is the satisfaction in helping when you are so tired of seeing the same stuff and feeling like you are getting nowhere with a confused generation.  Where is the guidance for them outside of school?  How will I prepare my children for a world that is set out to corrupt and discourage them? 

I really don't know.

This is where faith comes in. 

I could go on, but I want to hear your thoughts on this.  What are some of your answers to these questions?

So I Was Called A Willow Tree...

Last week, I decided to go to a service for women at a church that is near my house.  It is not my church, but they have an awesome women's service and my husband was helping to lead worship.  (I'm setting this up so the rest of this post doesn't seem odd. 

As I was leaving, a woman stopped me and asked if I had a minute.  I did, and she asked me if I was familiar with the scripture about the tree planted next to the water.  For your reference, it says,  "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." Psalm 1:3.

She then told me that the bible often refers to oaks, but that I was a willow tree.  At first I didn't know how to take it and I'm still figuring it out, but, after some research, I found out a few things about willows:

• roots are known for their toughness, size, and drive to live and find moisture
• at full maturity, they are larger than most oaks
• their trunks have different "strands" that intertwine and wrap around each other
• they can be gorgeous
• without attention, the leaves can overwhelm the rest of the tree

How does this relate? 

I long to have deep roots, to not be moved by whatever comes along, but, instead, be planted and solid. 

I long to grow and mature into a woman that loves life, her family, God, and people.  I want to make a difference in the world, but first, in my own backyard.

There are many complex parts to me and that can seem overwhelming, but they work together and "intertwine" to make up who I was created to be.

I'll take gorgeous any day.

I have to be careful to not just pay attention to others, but take time for myself.  Trim my branches and tend to my overall well-being.

This really encouraged me and I would suggest that you take the time to figure out what tree represents who you are or who you want to be.  OOOH! and I have an idea...tell me about it!

When There's Nothing to Write About...

Generally, I try to end the day with writing.  Usually this means writing an article for one of the companies that I freelance for or writing a poem.  Tonight...I can't think of anything to write.

Because I think it is important to write anyway, I'm going to talk to you bloggers and readers of blogs.  I read today in a blog titled "The Mr. Rogers Guide to Blogging from the Heart" that blog followers read your blog because they sense that you care about them on some level.  Not just because you are teaching them something. 

After thinking about this for a bit, and agreeing to a certain extent, I asked myself how the reader would ever be able to tell that you cared.  I think the answer to that is making sure their voice is heard.  Their thoughts and opinions are especially imporatnt...

I blog because a friend told me I should.  There I said it.  I have never had much confidence in my writing ability even though I was always a strong editor, but a friend of mine believed in me enough to say that she would read a blog that I wrote...so I did.  I read blogs to become a better blogger.  Then, as I read, I start to get to know my blogging community and find myself genuinely interested in what's happening in their lives.  I also, just want to be entertained some of the time.  I appreciate an honestly entertaining blog like Where Sky Meets Ground, a blog I recently began following.

Here are your questions:

1. Why do you or don't your blog?
2. Why do you take the time to read blogs?
3. What information do you find most helpful from a blog that you've followed?
4. Any other thoughts or comments?

Embrace the Unexpected: A Nice Break in a Snowless Winter

OK, so this post isn't really about snow.  Now don't get me wrong, it definitely was inspired by snow, and I even included pictures of our fun, expected snow to keep the theme going.

The winters of your life can get mighty cold.  Unfortunately those winters can come suddenly and without warning.  (This may seem odd to some of you because winter is a non-stop season, but in Austin, TX, it feels like winter one day and, the next, you are putting sun block on your cheeks and avoiding layers because they are too hot!)  At times, these winters can be dull, confining and relentless, but then...it snows. 

All of a sudden, your cold is accompanied by unexpected beauty and fun...the kind that only comes every 2 to 3 years. (Once again this may seem odd to people who have not experienced Austin weather, but we really only see real snow that sticks every 2 to 3 years...if that.)

My point is that a break in the ongoing stresses of your life is not only wanted, but needed.  The real beauty is that you have more control over your 'snow day' than you think.

The keys is to truly distract yourself, even for a few hours, allowing time for your mind and body to refuel and face the hard things once again.  If you can't think of anything (probably because you are stressed) try some of these:

• Spend undistracted time with your family (if your family is the source of your issues, I would advise against this).  Allow yourself to be totally present and have fun.  They probably have not seen that side of you in a while.
• Have a friend date or a self date.  Go with your girls or guys and do something fun.  Don't talk about your stresses, simply go.  If finances are part of your stressors, then take the time to plan something cheap and fun.
• Work Out.  I know many of you are saying to me that you barely have the energy to get up and go to work...much less work out.  Well, you would be surprised what happens when you make your body happy.  More energy, more confidence, and more relaxation.
• Pray.  Maybe you don't have faith in something greater than yourself, but I would strongly suggest that you try praying.  God particularly likes to wow those who don't believe in Him...as long as you give Him a chance.

If you are due for a snow day like me, take it.  Your winter may still be cold when its over, but your new found energy will make the difference in your attitude and outlook.

What do you do to get you breaks in life (snow days)? 

 

(Did anyone but me notice that this car was driving on the sidewalk?)

To Freelance or Not to Freelance...That is My Question At Least!

Photo Credit: Umbrella by Salvatore Vuono

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Money_g61-Umbrella_p12310.html

You may be content where you are.  I think that is awesome.  I'm not so content...career wise of course.  Don't get me wrong...my family is wonderful.  Just the other day my husband willingly canceled his plans with the guys.  He set me on the couch, turned on 24 (currently on season six) and threatened that if I got up, I would have to deal with him.  I let him believe that was a viable threat that produced such fear that I wouldn't dare defy him...that's how you make a marriage work! :)

Anyway, my point is that I want to write...period.  But freelancing is a scary thing.  Unless you are in a place of no worries (i.e.  spouse makes great money so that your money is just icing), a steady income is a reasonable request. 

Well I'm doing my research, and even though I'm not at a place where I can make this happen or make a real decision, I wanted to share some of my research with you in case you have questions and concerns like me. 

Breaking Into The Business

The websites that give me the most information about really getting my feet wet are:

Copyblogger - Full of great information about copywriting, but also just writing in general.  I subscribe to have these emailed so I'm sure not to miss them.  Regardless, you are usually trying to promote or sell some sort of idea in your writing, so copywriting is a valuable skill.

Freelance Writing - This woman takes you on her journey of transitioning to freelance, but provides sound, valuable information on every aspect of freelance writing.  (I subscribe to this one too).

I know there other great ones out there, so please tell me about them in the comments.

Freelancing in the Meantime

In the meantime, when I'm not amazed at the deterioration of our world as seen through my ninth graders (morbid I know...it's been a looooong day), I'm doing some freelancing on the side.

Demand Studios - You have to apply, but they provide a never-ending supply of articles that get you a flat fee of $15/article.  May not seem like much, but you quickly learn how to crank out an article ever 45 minutes which is a nice time/money exchange rate.  To date, I have published well over 45 articles in my spare time over three months. 

Suite101 - This is an online magazine that allows you to write about whatever you want, and you make income as people go to those articles.  It isn't much for a while because it is more of a long term gig.  The more articles you get up, using the right keywords and techniques, the more views you'll get.  It's not for everyone, but it allows you to write!  Also they have very good tutorials on keywords and SEO optimization for your articles.  Check out my writer's profile if you want a better idea.

Associated Content - Very similar to Suite101 except you can either get paid by page views or submit the article for upfront payment.  I haven't been contributing to AC as much because I like the Suite101 set up better, but it is still a viable writing outlet. 

Branding and Business

One of the best blogs I have read to date about the arts, business and branding is Regina Rhythm.  She explains art of creative entrepreneuership and has great tips on setting yourself apart and getting your name out there.

Reading Great Blogs

Reading great blogs helps you become a better writer and allows you to make real connections online.  A quick list of some great blogs that I read are:

When My Heart Leaks, My Pen Speaks - So witty and fun...I'm just waiting on this blogger to write a book!

Jill Kemerer - Great insights on writing in general, but specifically she focuses on romance and the use of it in your writing.  Everybody needs a little romance.

Steph in the City -  Fun looks at life's realities as well as good writing information are provided in this blog. 

Through My Eyes - This blog soothes my deeply creative and poetic side.  She offers wonderful poems and deep thoughts with every post.

The Write Worship - Beautifully written every time I read it, this blog is positive and inspiring.

Please give me feedback on what you've read, and I always appreciate more resources.  What do you think and feel about freelancing?

Writing Because I Love It...

Currently, my day to day consists of getting cursed out by teenagers, babysitting adults and juggling state requirements with district preferences...A.K.A...I teach public high school.  Although I know that there are students there that connect with me and have seen me as a mentor for years, trying to explain to a 16 year old in the ninth grade why "I" failed him instead of a 38 being the grade he earned on his own is not my first career choice.

It is writing.  It is writing that drove me to start my editing business.  It is writing that drives me to write my editing blog.  It is writing that keeps me up past midnight after my children have gone to bed, ignoring the full time job beckoning me that same day, to release my need to string words together in a way that makes sense and print them on a page.

If you could do what your heart desired as a career right now...what would it be?

Do You Have The Valentine's Day Reds?

I don't want to call it the blues because it is definitely not!  It's the Reds.  It's the warm fuzzies for those you love.  It's the appreciation for all those people that genuinely care about you in your life. 

Do You Have The Reds?

You know you have the Reds when your son finally chooses you over his daddy (and not because he wants something)!

(JayJay - Almost 2 Years)

You know you have the Reds when your daughter sleeps through the night and in her own crib...ALL NIGHT!

Don't Let the Cute Fool Ya!

(London - 6 Months)

You know you have the Reds when your husband takes out the trash and cleans the kitchen with absolutely no prompting.

(Yeah, He's Cute Too!)

Sill I Ask, Do You Have The Reds?

If you are not expecting the world to bend at the knees and hand you its splendor on February 14, but you do expect to smile and spend some time with the ones you love...you have the Valentine's Day Reds

...And I'm so grateful for them.

Is It Hormones or am I Crazy? How to Deal with Your Emotions

You know when it feels like something is dancing all over the very thing in your body that's keeping you sane?  It could be because I'm a mom and a wife with a lot on her plate, but there are distinct times when my top is about to blow and I don't even understand why!

When times like this occur, I'm in a state of constant confusion about what to do.  Do I take it out on my unsuspecting, undeserving husband?  Honestly I do sometimes, and it usually feels good because that insatiable need to act out my emotions is getting fed, but it isn't right.  Do I take it out on my sweet children?  That is half of what is wrong with most parents today. 

Those are the easy ways out...I avoid easy because it is usually wrong.

It is hard to face your own ugliness and easy to succumb to the emotions flying through your body like a bullet speeding until something forces it to stop.  Sometimes I use certain methods to stop the bullets before they hurt anybody like prayer and distraction.  Most of the time, the barrier I build is enough, but there have been times that the force is so great, the bullet shoots straight through it and someone else stops it.  Just like a real bullet, that usually hurts; at times, it has been fatal.  I like to call those relationship shredders. 

The best thing to do when those moments are upon you is to:

• stop, clear your head, and seriously consider the impact of your actions
• try to consider all of the amazing things you have to be grateful for 
• pray for peace 
• physically say that you are calm and OK out of your mouth
• until you are ready to say something productive, don't say anything

Don't allow a moment of emotion to tear down any relationships in your life.  What do you do when you are overwhelmed with emotion?