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News from the doctor

I had my surgery on Tuesday, June 26. It was scheduled as an outpatient surgery. It was decided Tuesday night, that I would be admitted to the hospital until Friday. Friday, 29th was the day to have my dressings changed. We had fun getting me into the house Friday afternoon. I couldn't put any weight on my leg. I had to use a walker with wheels and hop. One lymph node was taken out. My mom has had to change the dressing on my leg and she says it looks ugly. My right leg hurts at times and my left leg burns, stings, hurts. The skin transplant came from my left thigh.

Went to the doctor this morning to have my right leg looked at. No more splint!!!!! I can now put weight on my right leg!!!!!!!!! Both yeahs!!!!!!!! Now after the good news, comes the bad news. That is right, bad news. The lymph node that was taken out is cancerous. I will be seeing an oncologist (cancer specialist). I will know more about course of action after seeing him.

This means I am not moving to AZ next month. I will just sub. I dont' understand why. I dont' understand why God opened one door and then turned around and closed that same door. It doesn't make any sense to me.

Wonderful Weekend in TX

I left early Thursday morning for TX. My plane was scheduled to leave at 5:55 am. I flew out of Hopkins, but normally fly out of CAK. I told dad that we couldn't cut it close, but guess what, we did. I arrived at the airport at 5:05 am. Guess what! There was a line at the American Airlines ticket counter at 5 am. I wasn't expecting that. I had to end up cutting in line, so I could check my bag, and get my boarding pass. There was even a line at security. I made it ontime to my gate, and the plane took off on time. Usually, when I fly, I have some kind of delay. This time, no delay.

Arrive at DFW around 7:30 am, and got to my destination in Garland around 9:30 am. I took about a 2 hour nap, did my devotions and got ready for the bridesmaid luncheon. I was not bridesmaid, but I was able to go. Left with K from the luncheon, went to a Verizon Plus store and got my new cell phone. It is so cool, I keep playing with it. We went to Biblestudy that evening.

Friday, went to lunch with L at Gengris Grill. She dropped me off at the church where they were still decorating the autruim for the reception. Went back to Garland to get ready for rehersal and dinner. I took pics during rehersal. We ate at Humperdinks, and left there with K, because I spent the rest of the weekend at her house. Stayed up late with S, talked to here while she finished packing for her honeymoon.

Yesterday, we did some errands. We bought some stuff for decorating the car. White shoe polish, confetti, car flag, leis, and water guns. We made a mess of the car. I have taken over 100 pics this weekend. I took pics before the wedding.

S, was a gorgeous bride. Beautiful wedding. I had tears at different times. After the message, I went up to read I John 4:7-12. After the vows and exchaning of the rings, they walked over to do unity sand, instead of the unity candle. W sang a song during that time. A sring quartet was the music.

I took pics at the reception. I saw a few people that I hadn't seen in a few months to a year ago. I took pics of the cakes, friends, drinking the punch, St getting the garter belt and throwing it. I didn't get any pics of them cutting the cake. I wanted pics of that. I also didn't get to eat any cake.

The Lord blessed S and St by bringing them together. Yesterday was also my parent's 40th wedding anniversary.

This morning went to church and got to hear the pastor preach. I have missed
The Heights so much these past four months. It was so good to hear the pastor preach. I so enjoy hearing him preach.

I leave tomorrow morning to head back home to OH. Tuesday, is my surgery day.

Still Applying

I have applied to two more school districts since last Friday. My parents went to three graduation open houses on Saturday. My dad called from the third one telling me to apply to Greenville, SC. Later that evening, I applied to the state of South Carolina. I emailed a few principals from Greenville that evening also.

This morning, I filled out and faxed an application to Casa Grande Elementary School District in Casa Grande, AZ. This morning, I recieved a phone call from a principal in Marion, SC. Marion is a small town close to Myrtle Beach. This prinicpal has an opening for sixth grade at a middle school. He is putting out feelers and wanted to know if I would be interested. He said that he would turn in my name to Human Resources, and they would contact me for a screening interview. He would like for me to travel down there to see the area, check out the school. I told him, that I can't come down until after July 2. I am assuming, that the cast will come off around that time. The cast is from the surgery I will have next week.

This application I filled out Saturday evening, is for the whole state of SC. One application for all of the school districts. All states needs that.

Disappointment

I made my decision about the job offers from Yuma, AZ. Before I went out this morning, I recieved a phone call, saying that the 6th grade position was filled. When I came home, I called Yuma, and said that I was interested in accepting the 8th grade position at Castledome Middle School. I was told that she interviewed somebody yesterday, and was waiting for a phonecall by somebody at 3pm (PST) today. Then they would make their decision on Monday. I called the other school and found out that the AP was out. I am now waiting for him to call me back. I was told to accept the other job if I wanted to. The first phone call I made was the one I was leaning towards.

I had the right to think and pray about this. I didn't just want to make my decision half-heartedly. I needed to know this is what I was supposed to do. I prayed, I thought about it, and I talked about it. I looked up some verses in the Bible about making decisions.

Mom said that God would be honored because I prayed about it. I have prayed about my disappointment and have given it over to him. I have had quite a few people praying for me. The Lord's will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. God has plans to prosper me, not to harm me. (Jeremiah 29:11) I am going to leave this in God's hands. What he wants, he will allow to happen. The Lord knows I want to be teaching somewhere.

Moving to Yuma, AZ

In about six weeks, I will be moving to Yuma, AZ. With 5 phone interviews and 3 job offers, it really seemed to be the Lord is leading me to AZ. Mom would rather have me stay here in OH. I told the Lord, I didn't want to be a Gideon (Judges 6). Where Gideon, doubted (didnt' have faith), asked God to leave the fleece dry and the ground wet. God did exactly that. The next morning, Gideon, wanted the fleece wet and the ground dry. God did exactly that again. Then Gideon believed that God was calling him to lead the Israelite army. I was just asking for comfirmation that God was leading me to AZ.

Now, I am deciding between the three job offers. One is to teach self-cotained sixth grade. The other two, for teaching 8th grade science. One of those positions, the following year, I would teach 7th grade science, then move with the same kids up to 8th grade. I like that idea. There is one I am leading towards.

Once I know what my salary would be then I will know if I can rent a furnished or an unfurnished apartment. M&D are not going with me in moving to AZ. Everthing I take will have to fit in my car. I have been praying.

I call Yuma, AZ tomorrow afternoon to give them my decision.

The states I have been to

I was reading Robin Lee Hatcher's blog, and in a post, she had this map showing which states she has visited. I liked and made one of my own. The states in red show where I have been to. I like it. Click on the link below to make your own map.


create your own personalized map of the USA

Decisions

This afternoon, I was offered a teaching position in Yuma, AZ. The position is to teach 8th grade science. I asked if I could have a few days to think and pray about it. I said I would like to say yes, but I need to know for sure if this is something to do. I have to let them know this Friday. I won't know until then what my salary would be. I would have to be down there by August 8, when new teachers start.

It looks like the Lord has opened the door. Is this what the Lord wants, or what I want? I am happy. This would be a good challenge for me. I love teaching science. Lord, I need wisdom in knowing what to do.

If you click on the link below, you will see a map as to where Yuma, AZ is located.
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-map-473991-map_of_yuma_az-i

Yuma, AZ

I first met with somebody from Yuma, AZ back in March at the Akron U teacher job fair. Last week, an AP from a middle school called while I was at Biblestudy. We talked for a bit of time. The next night, after supper, I filled out the application and faxed it to the Human Resources department and called this lady back.

This afternoon, two principals called me from two different middle schools. I have a phone interview this evening at 6 pm and another one Monday afternoon at 1 pm.

Yuma is located on the border of AZ and CA. Yuma is 3 hours away from Phoenix and 2 1/2 hours away from San Diego, CA. One would have to drive to either one of those cities to fly out, because the Yuma airport is small and makes tickets expensive.

My mom does not want me to move to AZ. I think that is about a 4 day drive, compare to a 2 day drive to Dallas, TX. Mom is saying that she is answering for God by saying that I can't go. I say whatever God wants will happen.

Today, I filled out an online application for the system of OH, that other principals will see.

Sports

We are two months into the baseball season. The Cleveland Indians have the best home record of all of baseball. They have only lost 6 games at home this season. What is their record? 34-21 What is their home record? 19-6 More good news, the Indians are in first place in the Central Division. They are 2 1/2 games ahead of the Detroit Tigers. I really do hope they can keep this up. They do need to work on pitching. They have three, count it, three really bad pitchers, one starting and two in the bull pen. They need to go!

The Cleveland Cavs are in the NBA Finals! This is a first for the team. They have been a team since 1970. This is the first time they have made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. They were good 15 years ago, when we had Mark Price, Craig Ehlo, Nance, and Danny Ferry. Back then, Michael Jordan was playing, and he basically stopped the Cavs from going too far in the playoffs. We now hav LeBron James and a few other good players. They start playing the San Antonio Spurs. Go Cavs! Beat the Spurs!

Sugery has been set

Tuesday, June 26, I will have a biopsy at 8 am, and the actual surgery at 10 am. I will have to go in for some pre-surgery testing on the 13th.

At first, the tentative date was for the 12th, but the biopsy and the surgery couldn't been on the same date, and the doctor wants me to have the biopsy first.

We had it moved back a week from the 19th to the 26th, because, I am leaving the 21st to go down to TX for the weekend. (Yeah!!!!!!!!!)

I am so looking forward to my visit to TX later this month.

8 I AMs

This comes from the book of John. There are eight times, where Jesus says, " I Am..." After each statement, in parenthises will be the chapter and verse the statement is found.

1. I am the Bread of Life (6:35)
2. I am the Light of the world (8:12)
3. I am the gate for the sheep (10:7)
4. I am the Good Shepherd (10:11)
5. I am the Resurrection and the Life (11:25)
6. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6)
7. I am the true vine (15:1)
8. Therefore, I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I AM (8:58)

If you notice, for 1-7, after the "I am" there is the word "the". Jesus is the only one of each of those statements.

Uncertain Future

No official surgery date, only a tentive one. The tentive date is Tuesday, June 12. Susposedly I will find out the complete details next Wednesday, when the doctor goes back into the office and the nurse who does the scheduling can talk to him, and finalize everything.

I can't start preparing for the sugery until I know when it is. I need to mentally prepare myself.

It talks in Proverbs about making plans. I've been making plans to go to FL, NC, and VA to check out school districts, try to get interviews. Because of being diagnosed with melanoma, I've had to scratch my plans, and make new plans. Guess what, they are not being scratched. Okay, Lord, what are you trying to tell me. Is the Lord closing doors? Does He want me to teach or do something else? Where does the Lord want me to live and work? Right now, it is in OH? I've put my life on old for now, which I don't like. I guess I need to quit making plans. Lord, I still want to go to Jamestown, VA this summer. Please let that be possible.

Deaths in the family

In the past two weeks, there have been two deaths in the family. First, my grandmother's niece, her brother's daughter, died of cancer. She was in her fifties. My great-uncle died Monday of a heart attack. My uncle was my grandmother's brother-in-law, my late grandfather's brother. Going to calling hours tomorrow night. If I am not called to sub on Friday, I will go to the funeral on Friday morning.

What did the doctor say?

I saw the plastic surgeon today. My appointment was for 10:15 am, I didn't get in to see him until around noon or slightly before. I will be having surgery in two weeks. (It is not next week, because they are out of the office next week.) The doctor will be injecting radioactive dye into area will the melanoma is on my right calf. They will use this dye to see where the melanoma is draining to. They want to see if it goes to the lymph nodes in my groin area. They want to see if there is any cancer in my lymph nodes. The results of that test will take about a week.

Also in surgery, the doctor will make 2 cm incisions on both sides of the melanoma to take it out of my leg. Then a skin graft from my thigh will be made to cover the hole they make. I will be in a cast for about 4-5 days, because I will not be able to move my leg. The surgery will be out-patient and take about 3 hours.

This means mom and I will not be going down to FL that week so I could attend a job fair and go check out other school districts in FL and NC. Mom said we might go a couple of weeks later into June. I hope this will not stop me from going to TX later in June for SV's wedding.

Mom and I both know that God has a plan and his reasoning for all of this to be happening. We just don't see it. I think and pray about this, but so far, it hasn't compeltely settled in. It probably won't until after the surgery and I know more.

Anxiety and Fear

Tomorrow is D-day. I try not to think too much about tomorrow. My parents and my great-aunt and uncle (even though I never use aunt and uncle before their names) will be at my doctor's appointment in the morning. I will be seeing a retired plastic surgeon (from what I have been told). What will he do? What will he say? Has it really been caught early? I had that thing since September of last year. When you think too much about something, it can start to controll you, and I do not want to be controll about the unknown about tomorrow. I talk to the Lord about this. I am a little worried and scared.

I keep telling myself, that I need to go down to the basement and look for my angel doll I packed away back in February. I have so many people praying for me, of which I am very thankful and grateful for. I want the Lord to be glorified through this whole thing. As I said before, He has a reason for this.

After tomorrow, I will know exactly what kind of cancer it is. Where it is seems strange to me. True, I am blonde hair, blue-eyed, very fair skinned person who burns. I do not lay out, laying on my stomach. When I do sit outside, I might or might not use sunscreen, but I sit or I am in the water. The back of my legs don't see the sun.

I want to ask why, but exactly what good will it do? It still is kinda shocking to know that I have cancer. All I can still say, "Father, your will be done here on earth as it is in Heaven."

Cancer

Cancer is something you wished you never have to hear. I found a brown spot on the back of my right leg last September. Since I do not have health insurance I didn't do anything about it. Since January, it has bled off and on. I went to the doctor last Thursday afternoon to see the doctor. He took it off, and sent it to pathology to have it tested. He called this morning with the results. Came back cancerous. I have cancer. I will say it again. I have cancer. It is probably just skin cancer, but still the same cancer.

Next Wednesday morning, I have an appointment at 10:15 am (EST) with a specialist. Both of my parents will be there. Because of work, my sissy can't be there. She gets to tell my niece. How do I tell my handicap brother? How much will he understand? I haven't see him in almost three weeks. Business of life and then I was sick with a bad head cold.

The Lord has his reasons for things. Mom said he knew by me coming home, I would have my family support through this. It is very shocking to hear the words. Hold me in your arms, Father. Use me to bring glory to your name. I am going to need to feel your prescence during this time.

How is things going to affect looking for a new job? How is this going to affect getting health insurance again, after I get a job. How much will this cost me? How will I pay for this? Please do not let this drive me nuts Father Lord. Lord, you know how I have been trying to lean on you in the past month. How I have been trying to wait upon you. I do not know your plans or reasoning for this. All I can say, Your will be done here on Earth as it is in heaven. You are in charge, I am not.

Living Hope

This past Saturday, April 21, was the Living Hope conference for women at Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls, OH. I went with my mom and some ladies from her church. (Yes, I attend a different church than my parents do.) This conference was put on by Moody.

The speakers were Liz Curtis Higgs (Bad Girls of the Bible and The Very Bad Girsl of the Bible), Lisa Whelchel ("Blair" on Facts of Life), Jennifer Rothchild. Worship was with Alecia Williamson. The speakers were funny. I did take some notes. I am glad I went.

I bought Lisa's autobiography, and a 8x11 pic of her and had her sign it. I had Liz sign my ticket. I also had my pic taken with Lisa Whelchel.

EMU Teacher Job Fair

Tuesday, April 17, was the 20th annunal Teacher job fair at Eastern Michigan University. I went up to MI the afternoon before, after subbing. I spent a few hours with my best friend and her 3 sons. We hadn't seen each other since New Year's Eve 2005.

My first EMU job fair was in 1994, and that is when I first became interested in TX. I went back in 1995, and made my first two trips to TX that summer. Nothing came of those trips. I looked in OH and went to the Akron U job fair. I went back up to MI in 1998. I made a trip to MI at the end of May that year, and moved down to Houston that August.

This year, there were school districts from MI (duh!), MN, OR, CA, AZ, AK, KS, IL, IN, LA, TX, KY, OH, TN, NY, AL, MD, FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MD, NY, and a couple of International recruiters. I visited recruiters from AZ, KS, VA, MD, FL, SC, and NC. I tell them all that I am interested in 4th or 5th, but I am flexible. FL, SC, VA, NC, and MD sounds interesting to me. A school district from MD gave me a letter of interest for ESOL. It is not a contract, but a letter saying that we are both interested in each other, and if I fulfill all the requirements, I will be offered a job. This district is just outside of D.C. Another district, this one from SC is also interested in me. I was told that they were interested in offering me a letter of intent. I said that I wanted to check out the website first. I sent them an email, saying I was interested in the letter of intent. Will see...

Trying to talk my mom into making a road trip to check out some different school districts and their areas. I am hoping to move to a different state later this summer. I have applications to fill out. I have to request more copies of my transcripts, which cost $, for these different school districts, because they will not accept copies. They want orginial copies sent to them.

I thanked the Lord on Tuesday for the interest I recieved from these different school districts. I have already been praying about Tuesday, and asking the Father for his will and not for mine. I am asking for him for his will about where I will work.

Sight and Sound Theatre

I went to Lancaster, PA for a couple of days this week. I went with my mom and three other ladies from her Thursday morning Bible study that meets here at the house. I went with them last time, June 2005. If you don't' already know, Lancaster is home to the Amish and Mennonites. Last time I was there, I found out how the Amish started.

The Amish broke away from the Mennonites. The Mennonites started by a Catholic Dutch Bishop in Switzerland in the mid 1500's. They believed in a complete separation of church and state. Both groups came over to PA in the 1700's. The Amish fascinate me, but I could never live like they do.

Sight and Sound has two theatres in Lancaster. It is a Christian theatre company. They put on four shows a year. Two in the spring and summer and two at Christmas. I have seen three shows so far: Ruth, Psalms of David, and In the Beginning. They are really good. They are all musicals. In the Beginning premiered March 30 of this year. They will be premiering a new Christmas show this year.

Sight and Sound is currently building a new theatre in Branson, MO to open next year. Their first show in Branson, will be Noah. If you ever have a chance you need to go and see one of their shows. Tickets can be pricey, but it is worth it.

We also saw a replica of the Tabernacle. This is located at the Mennonite Historical Society, there in Lancaster. Everything there is to the exact size that God said it should be. I took pictures and bought some postcards.

Playing baseball

The Indians and the Angels played their series at the Brewers field Tuesday through Thursday. The Indians won two of the games. In today's paper, it said in total amount of snow taken from the Indians field this past week was 33 inches.

The White Sox are in town for a three game series. The Sox won last night and the Indians won this afternoon. The Sox did get on base today, but nobody made it home, so we won our first shutout of the season. The Indians record is now 6-3, and we have only played 2 different teams.

We will have to make up the Seattle series by playing two different days of double-headers on the same off days. They have not yet decided which days they will be. They are thinking of the first one will be in June.

It is currently snowing.

Still no baseball

It is now Monday, and there is still no Cleveland Indians baseball games to watch. I am going through baseball withdrawl. My mom came home from work this afternoon, and first thing she told me was that today's double headers was cancelled. The Indians and the Mariners have been trying to play baseball since Friday and just can't play.

10 inches of snow has fallen at Jacob's Field. The groundscrew now has three more days to get the field ready for this weekend's series against the White Sox. Why three days you ask? The Angels and the Indians are moving their three game set to Milwakee to play. The Brewers have a retractable dome, and since they are not home this week, they agreed to let the Indians and the Angels to play there. This is only the second time since 1961, a series was moved to a different location due to weather.

The Indians and Seattle has to make up the four missed games. There are only 6 common off days between the two teams. I am upset that there is no baseball. I want to watch baseball!

Carrying Each Other's Burdens

Galations 6:2 (NIV) "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Have you ever thought where the above verse comes from? Besides God telling Paul to write it.

Yesterday, was Good Friday. My parent's church had communion service last night. The special music was "Watch the Lamb". I was listening to the words of the song, and picturing it in my head. You get to the part of the guy who was pulled from the crowd and told to carry Christ's cross. That guy was Simon of Cyrene. He carried the cross for Jesus to Golgotha. He carried his burden for him, just like it says to do in Galations 6:2. I never thought of it like that before. I thought it was a very interesting thought.

Home Opener Postponed

Yesterday, Good Friday, April 6, was Home Opener for the Cleveland Indians. It was postponed due to snow!

Woke up Thursday morning to snow. Woke up Good Friday to more snow. Festivities started 2 hours in advance yesterday. First pitch was scheduled for 4:05 pm. It was snowing. The grounds crew used leaf blowers to get rid the snow from the outfield. They even shoveled snow from the infield, after taking the tarp off. The start of the game was delayed by an hour.

They had two snow delays in the first inning alone. We arrived at church around 6:45, and they were only in the second inning. When we left church around 8 pm, they were in the top of the fifth inning, two outs, bases loaded, and the count at 1-2. The Indians were winning 4-0. We were one strike a way from winning the game, when another snow delay was called. Finally, around 8:45 pm, the game was called. Get this, just a few minutes later, the snow stopped! We could've won! The irony of it all.

The game was rescheduled for 1:05 pm today to play a day night double header. Around 10 am this morning, both games were postponed due to snow and cold temperatures. If you dont' know, Cleveland sits on the banks of Lake Erie, and we have a thing called Lake Effect Snow. Some areas received up to a foot of snow yesterday and Thursday night.

Now, the Indians have a double header tomorrow on Easter. They are also scheduled to play on Monday (already on the schedule.) This is the only time all season, that Seattle will be here. I wonder how we will make up any of these lost games.

What this all means, no baseball for me to watch or to listen to. I have been so looking forward to the start of baseball, that this is hard for me.

Ready for some Baseball

Today, was game two of the new baseball season. I have been so ready for baseball. The Indians have won both games!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!! Monday, Grady Seizemore hit a homerun on the second ball thrown to him in the first inning of the game. They even batted around that inning. They also batted around today in an inning. Monday's final was 12-5, and today's final was 8-7. Today was one of their edge on your seat kind of game, where I yell and get all mad at them.

Westbrook walked the two guys before Thome. He knows better than doing that. Thome is good at hitting homeruns. You dont' even give him a chance to hit a homerun. He's a former Indian.

One good thing about being home, is that I can watch them every day on tv, compared to only when ESPN decided to air the game or when they played the Rangers.

So they are now 2-0. Good going guys. Keep it up.

Easy day

Today, was my first day of subbing in the Akron schools. I pulled out students and gave them some one on one teaching time. We did different worksheets and they read to me.

The last two days, I got up with my alarm at 5:30 to do my devotions and wait to see if I get called or not. I got called on Tuesday, but they called back around 8 am to cancell it. Tuesday was for a half day in the pm. I didn't get called yesterday. I didn't think I would get called today, so , I didn't go to bed until after 11 pm last night. Lo and behold, I did get called. My dad called me about a quarter after 6 this morning. I left about 7:30 to head to the school. School here is from 8 am til 2:30 pm.

I have made myself unavailable for tomorrow, since I am picking up my sis and niece from the airport very late tonight.

Subbing in OH

Yesterday, was Wednesday (some of you are thinking, and so...), after BSF, I dropped off three subbing applications at three different school districts. Norton, won't start till a month from now, because I have to wait until the next Board's monthly meeting to vote and agree for me to be a sub. Copley-Fairlawn and Akron. (For those of you who live in North TX, Akron is an equivelant to DISD.) The latter two, I will be able to start subbing with them next week. Akron, on Monday. Copley, after Monday night's Board meeting. Both of them I will be paid between $80-95 a day.

Copley only has 2-3 elementary schools, and they are close to where I live. Akron is different, but they are also going through a building phase. Let me share with you about this building phase. First, certain schools have been set for closure, for good, if they haven't yet closed. A number of schools are either being renovated or getting brand new buildings. While this is being done, either, they are staying put in their school building, or they are being shuttled off to some other school or building somewhere else in town.

I do not know how for sure when Copley will start calling me to sub. Akron has a phone system, and since it is not possible to have a phone in my bedroom, I have to teach my dad how to use the subfinder system so that he can accept jobs for me early in the morning. The system starts calling at 5:30 am. A good deal of the time, he is already up, so it won't be hard for him to answer the phone and write down the info I need. I am going to make sure my dad knows to only accept jobs between second and sixth grades.

First Job Fair of the Year

Today was the first Teacher Job Fair of the year. It was held at Akron U. I just got registered this week. People were able to sign up for interviews in advance and because of that, some districts had no openings today for interviews. There were 57 districts from 11 states.

There was a meet and greet from 9-9:45, where you talk to as many school districts as possible and try to get as many interviews as possible for the rest of the day. I was able to get three for before lunch and two for after lunch. After my fourth interview, I had an hour and half before my last one was scheduled. I sat/stood close to the person who was giving announcements during the day, and was able to get three more interviews. I ended up with a total of eight interviews for the day. I had four with in state districts and four from out of state districts. Two of my out of state districts I had already applied with. One in the fall and one last week.

One of the in state schools was a Catholic school from my hometown, and the principal seemed to like me.

My next teacher job fair is next month in MI, at the school I got my Bachelor's from. Will see what happens from today.

Job hunting in OH

My troubles haven't changed since I moved back home to OH. I still do not have a job. I changed my info on careerbuilder and monster. I look in the want ads of the paper, and so does my dad. I have gotten a few emails/cals from my resume being on careerbuilder and monster. I am checking into an agency in Canada that finds teachers to teach English in the different Asian countries.

I keep telling my parents that I can not teach here in OH, without my OH teaching certificate. I mailed in my application the week of February 5. I haven't received it yet. I have two applications for subbing, one coming in the mail, and I will pick up one next week, when I head back into downtown. I have to have a tb test, cost of $10. I have to be fingerprinted and have a background check done both by FBI and the state. The first one costs $40 and the second one around $15. Where is that money going to come from? I am hoping that what one district does will be accepted by the others.

I am registered for a teacher career fair next month up at EMU. I am trying to find out if I can go to Akron U's later this month. I have filled out so far, two applications for school districts in AZ. I am going to try to apply to as many school districts that will be at the fair up at EMU before hand. Each one takes time, and it gets boring sitting at the computer for hours.

Still can't understand why I couldn't find a job in TX. There are jobs in TX, so why couldn't I find one. Not completely sure what all I was doing wrong. It is harder yet to find one up here in OH. People leave OH for jobs. The Lord has something, I just wish his timetable in one coming about would happen soon. I am tired of not being without a job.

I can't sub without my OH teaching certificate, except for maybe in Akron Public Schools. My mom said something about taking inventory. I applied with the Dallas office, and they wouldn't call me or anything. I know people in the Akron office, so I know I will be put on the schedule. It has been 4 1/2 years since I took inventory of stores. They do have a new machine to use. Last week, I signed up with a temp agency here in town. It is actually the one, my sister used.

Church hunting

I've been home now for 11 days. I have attended three different churches. On the third I went to The Chapel, which is where I had my membership until I transferred it back in May 2001 to The Heights. I have said that The Chapel would be my default church. Yesterday, I attended Northside Christian Church in Wadsworth. The only singles class they have, are for those in their 20's and meet during the first hour. The church wasn't too bad. Had communion, and they started a new sermon series, as well. I called them today, and found out there is an ABF (adult bible fellowship/sunday school) that is both singles and married folks. They have a social this Saturday night. I will probably attend, and see what I think of them. Last night, I took grandma to Crusade Baptist Church. My grandparents went there in the evenings last winter. Before church starts, saw my brother. Will go there on Sunday nights, when grandma wants to go.

I have been praying about where to go to church. I have asked the Lord where he wants me to go. I want to feel welcome, I need/want a good singles class, and good Bible preaching. Those are my three requirements I am looking for in a church. I do miss The Heights, though.

Snow

I woke up this morning to one of my two favorite scenes...the morning after a snowfall. What a beautiful sight it was! There was about 3 inches on the ground. The snow on the tree limbs. Was gorgeous! Plus, to top it off, I saw 2-3 deer this morning. All of this, was viewed from my bedroom window.

This evening, before supper, we saw 13-20 deer along the treeline and heading into the field next door. Twice in one day, I was able to see deer! I just thanked the Lord both times.

Three times since Sunday, I have had to clean off my car before going anywhere.

Old Ways

There is only one person who knows how to hit my buttons with ease. The littlest thing that this person says, and I will get mad and loose it. There is no reason for me to get that upset. This person is my father. Suprise, suprise... it is not my mom, but my dad. I have spent most of the day mad at myself for this. This is one of the reasons why I didn't want to move back home to OH.

I have said for the last few years, that there is like a pink elephant in my dad and mine's relationship. There are problems. I pray about it, and about my attitude. I have talked to my mom about it. I have tried talking to my dad about it. All he says is that there is nothing wrong. There is, how come nobody can see it? How come, I can see a problem and he can not?

I thought I had gotten better, but no, first thing this morning, I lost it for no good reason.

I came to another realization today, my self-esteem has dropped, and it is due to not being able to find a job. Dallas is way bigger that Akron, so how come I couldn't find a job in Dallas?

I read the ads, and I see needs a degree in this area (which I don't have), must have knowledge with different software that I have never heard of, and must have so many years of experience of which I don't have. That knocks me out of the running for any of those openings. I am not afraid to learn new things, if they are willing to train me. I am so tired of this. When will things turn around?

Made it to Ohio

Packed the trailer and my dad's van Tuesday night. All three of us slept on the floor in different rooms of my apartment Tuesday night. I had to miss BSF, and I wanted to go so badly. I barely slept Tuesday night. It is very uncomfortable sleeping on the floor. I only got a few minutes of sleep here and there throughout the night. My dad woke me up slightly before 4 am. We were on the road by ten of 5. (A family friend drove down with my dad Sunday/Monday.) I got to start off sleeping Wednesday morning. I took over driving around 7:30 am. We stopped for breakfast in AK around 8 am. Stopped at a rest area around 10:30 am. A trucker put air into my dad's tire, and we found a tire place to fix something on the back rear tire, because it was cut in half, and the air was leaking out. We spend Wednesday night in Goodlestville, TN. (The usual goal was Bowling Green, KY, but didn't make it.)

We started back up again Thursday morning a little after 7 am to rain and lightning. The funny event of the morning, is that my dad through away his extra keys, and had to go through the trash looking for his keys. We made it to Wadsworth, OH around 4:45 pm on Thursday.

Unloaded the van yesterday morning, and the trailer was unloaded this morning. Dad made his pancakes yesterday morning, when we had finished unloading the van.

There is still snow on the ground. This is the same snow that they got Valentine's Day. It has been melting very slowly.

More on moving

On Monday, my dad talked about flying down and renting a trailer and try to see about connecting it to my car. Then he also talked about getting a moving company to move me home. He didnt' like the estimates they were giving, so on Wednesday, he started talking about driving down and renting a trailer to connect to his van. I found out last night, that is what he is going to do. He is brining a family friend down to help, I have to try and sell my furniture, except for my bed, since that is only a 1 1/2 years old.

If I can sell my furniture, like I have been told to do, what if in a few months, I get a job, and have to move again. What am I supposed to do for furniture? I do not think they thought about that.

On the way home, we are supposed to stop in Branson. I haven't been there before.

Spiritual Insights

I have been praying about hearing the voice of God in my life. To me it seems like he has been quiet. I keep asking what in my heart has become a wall between God and myself. I really want to know what is God's will. I have been going through the process of grief in this aspect of moving back to OH. I am starting to accept it, even though it is not my desire. I pray that God will make his desires my desires.

Last Wednesday evening, I sat doing day 5 of my homework for my Beth Moore Biblestudy that I had that night. While working on my homework, King Hesekiah kept coming into my mind. When I finished with my homework, I started flipping through Chronicles and II Kings. In II Kings, I found the passage I wanted. I was looking for the passage that talked about when King Hezekiah was very ill, and God sent a prophet to tell Hezekiah that he was going to die. The prophet left the room, and Hezekiah started praying. You see, King Hezekiah didn't want to die, he wanted to live. God heard his prayer, and before the prophet could leave the palace, God spoke to him, and told him to turn around. This prophet went back to King Hezekiah to tell him what God said. God heard Hezekiah's prayer, and decided to answer it. King Hezekiah was given 15 more years to live. Do you know what happened during those 15 years? King Hezekiah had another son. This son became king, when Hezekiah died. King Manassah, was one of the most evil kings Israel ever had. Manassah was the exact opposite of his father. We wonder why and ask why Hezekiah could not accept God's plan for his life. If he had, wonder what who would've been the next king, and if he would've been good or bad.

This got me to thinking about what would happen, if God decided to give me my desire, and allow me to stay here in Dallas. Would something evil happen? Would I not recieve God's best? Towards the end of the video session last night, I had this following thought: "Why am I fighting God about moving back home to OH?" I can't really answer that question.

I saw two other cool things in the Bible this past week. They both deal with Moses. Numbers 24: 4-9 is when the Israelites were grumbling and whining about God. (When weren't they doing that in the desert?) God became angry with them. He sent snakes, who bit the Israelites, as punishment for their sin. The Israelites called out and aplogized. God told Moses to make a bronze snake and put it high on a pole, all those who looked at the bronze snake would live. Skim forward to John 3:14-15, where it says like how Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, Jesus would be lifted up and those who believe would be saved. The passage in Numbers is like either a foreshadow or a phrophecy of what Jesus would do for us on the cross.

Yesterday, I worked on my BSF homework (all of it, since I hadn't touched it yet), in Romans 11:2-6 it is talking about Elijah. I was send back to I Kings 19 to read about Elijah who ran away for his life, after Jezebel says that she is going to kill him. This occurred after the high on the mountaintop. Elijah runs over 200 miles away to Mt. Horeb. Did you know that Mt. Horeb is another name for Mt. Sinai. That is the exact same place, that God spoke face to face to Moses and where he gave Moses the Ten Commandments. Elijah came face to face with God on that exact mountain hundreds of years later. I wonder if that is why God had both Moses and Elijah with Jesus when Jesus was transfigured before three of his disciples. Isn't that so cool?

Moving

It is official, I am moving back to OH. I am moving next week. Looks like, I am going to hire a moving company to move all of my junk back to OH. I will have to pack my car with I think I can not live without for a ful week. (That is a joke.) I have already decided my scrapbooking tools will be in my car, not on the moving company's van. To top all of this off, I spill water on my laptop over the weekend. Now, I get to get it fixed after going home.

This is not my desire, but it is what the Lord is leading me to do. What I keep saying is that I have the same problem that is being moved to a new setting. The only aspect is that my expenses will drop. I have applied to get my OH teaching license, and that will help in finding a job in the area that I will be living. I will be looking for jobs out of the state of OH. I will continue praying for the Lord's will and where He is leading me in this area of my life.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

I subbed yesterday, first grade (oh my, oh my). After I got home, and had just settle down to watch some tv/vcr. The phone rang, about a possible job opporunity as a nanny. I was told two children, 10 month old and a 9 year old. Full-time as a live-in or part-time in the evevnings. I called her last night after getting on the computer, because I said to email me the info. We talked on the phone, and said that I would meet with her if I didn't have to sub today. I did not get called to sub. She called me around 9 am, and said not to meet today, but to go to her house tomorrow morning instead. I have now made myself unavailable for Then she called later this morning, and asked me to come and see her at work after all.

We talked for an hour an half this afternoon. I found out that there are actually 3 kids. The middle child is a boy, age 5 and is in daycare all day long. She asked me a bunch of questions and I asked her some questions. The hours are basically 7 am to 8-8:30 at night. While the 10 month old is taking her second nap, I would be working with the 9 year old withe her homework, and then tutor her, working on more math problems, spelling words, reading outloud, and a TAKS reading passage. That will last til about 5 pm or a little later. Help with dinner and baths. Two nights a week, I go to Biblestudy and really do not want to give that up, and I wouldn't have to. She is off for 8 weeks in the summer, which means OH for me.

Part-time just in the evenings. I need to work during the day. Another alternative was given, I could move-in, change my subbing area to the North East area of Richardson ISD, apply to sub in Plano ISD. As soon as I am time, pick up the baby from daycare, and the 9 year old from school-after school care, come home, and work with the older child with school work, and help in the evenings til 8-8:30 pm. That way, don't know for sure about going to my two Biblestudies.

I got home this afternoon to find out that I might have a possible tutoring job with SLC, over in far east Irving, close to Dallas, between 20-22 miles one way, three times a week.

What do I do. Is this from the Lord. Should I go for it. If I do, should I still look for a teaching position. What is the Lord leading me to do? I do not know what to do.

Do I want to spend all day with a 10 month old? I haven't watched a baby since I was in high school, 20 years ago. I have to make my decision by the end of the week.

Snow Day

Today is a Snow Day, or down south is called a bad weather/inclement weather day. As I know of, only two districts stayed open today. That means the makority of the schools will be in session on Good Friday come April.

We have been receiving some type of precipitation since Friday. The rain became ice Sunday/Monday. Woke up to snow this morning. There isn't much snow, but the tempeatures are just below freezing, and there is some ice.

The bad part about being a sub, and having snow days, is that we subs, are not on some phone list to tell us. We have to find out by listening to the radio or watching tv. I was supposed to sub today. I still went out, because I didn't hear anything on the radio or see anything on the tv this morning. I go out, and the parking lots of the school I passes, and the one I was supposed to be at were empty. I turned around and came home. Couldn't go back to bed, was already up and awake.

For not getting any snow over Christmas break, it was nice to see some snow today.

He Breaks Us To Make Us

Read Genesis 32:22-32

THERE'S A GOOD REASON God calls his people sheep. Sometimes they act ba-a-a-ad and wander away from the paths he has mapped out for them.

A good shepherd will relentlessly search for a wayward sheep. Sometimes, if the sheep refuses to follow his master, the shepherd takes drastic action. He breaks the sheep's leg, places it upon his shoulders and carries the sheep until it learns total dependence. This is tough love-teh shepherd breaks the sheep to make sure the sheep always follow the shepherd.

Jacob had always been a wanderer. He fled his home in Beersheba to escape his brother's wrath and find a wife in Haran. On his journey, he encountered God at a place called Bethel and saw a stairway leading to heaven. Years later, Jacob left Haran along with his wives, children, and property. One night he found himself at Jabbok, utterly alone. At this solitary place God, in the form of "a man," sought out Jacob. God wanted to make Jacob into a different person, so he took drastic action. He initiated a wrestling match that lasted from dusk till dawn. Jacob's willfulness would not allow him to give up. So the man "broke" Jacob, touching his hip so that he walked with a limp for the rest of his life. Many people might become bitter and turn away from God for breaking them. But Jacob had just he opposite response. He clung to God saying, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

We may think that a God of love would never allow his children to feel any pain. But sometimes God breaks us to make us better. He may break our hearts so we will make room for him there. He may break our will so we can discover his will for us. He may break our physical strength so we discover that God's strength is make perfect in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Like Jacob, the best response to God's tough love is to cling to him and earnestly pray, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

If you've been acting like a ba-a-a-ad sheep and have wandered off the path, climb up on the shepherd's shoulders and let him carry you home to healing.

Genesis 32: 24-26 " So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man saw, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me.' "

Reflection

1. Describe the times you have wandered from God and how you sensed him relentlessly seeking you.

2. How has God broken you physically, emotionally or spiritually? What was the result?

3. God is a good shepherd; thank him for his care for you even when you don't always understand his methods.

Related Readings
Psalms 23; 51:15-17; James 1:2-5; 1 Peter 4:12-14

This was today's devotional from the New Woman's Devotional Bible NIV version. I recieved this for Christmas from my parents.

Trusting God's Will

"I know the plans I have fro you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT


Do you sometime wonder where all the pieces of your life fit together in God's plan for your life? You may get anxious or impatient in trying to see the whole picture. Ther will be times when a fragment of your life doesn't quite seem to fit what your'd envisioned or hoped it could be.

Learning to trust God's will for your life is a little like finding a plain brown box filled with pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. As you sort through countless pieces, you find yourself asking just what God's picture and will for you is. The answer doesn't always come immediately. It's only when you pick up each piece, hold it up to God, and ask Him toshow you where it fits that you finally catch a partial glimpse of His plans and will.

Don't lose heart if you don't see the whole picture. God is always working and conforming your will to His. His directions and confirmations will assure He is carefully placing each piece of your life's puzzle into place. He already knows the end result. Your job is to simply trust Him to complete the puzzle. He knows exactly where every piece of the puzzle fits.

There is no greater peace than being in the center of God's will. Give Him your dreams adn goals and let Him sort out all the pieces. Seeking Him and His direction places you in the very center of His perfect will. You can trust the mountainous view of God's perspective and plan for your life-a view of completeness and eternal glory that far surpasses the jagged pieces of your life's puzzle.

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GRACE FOR TODAY

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We can trust God's perspective and will for our lives even when what we see makes no sense.

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This was today's devotion from the following devotional book of mine: Daily Grace for Women Devotional reflections to nourish your soul.

"One Another" commands

The following list was in the bulletin yesterday at church. I liked it so much, that I wanted to put it here on my blog. They are all "One Another" commands, along with the scripture where it is found.

• Accept one another-Romans 15:7
• Admonish one another-Colossians 3:16
• Bear one another's burdens-Galations 6:2
• Bear with one another-Ephesians 4:20
• Build up one another-Romans 4:19
• Care for one another-I Corinthians 12:25
• Comfort one another-I Thessalonians 4:18
• Confess faults to one another-James 5:16
• Be Devoted to one another-Romans 12:10a
• Encourage one another-I Thessalonians 5:11
• Foegive one another-Ephesians 4:32
• Greet one another-Romans 16:16
• Be Honest with one another-Colossians 3:9
• Honer one another-Romans 12:10b
• Be hospitable to one another-I Peter 4:9
• Be Kind to one another-Ephesians 4:32
• Love one another-Romans 12:8
• Members one of another-Romans 12:5
• Pray for one another-James 5:16
• Be of the Same Mind with one another-Romans 15:5
• Serve one another-Galations 5:13
• Spur one another on-Hebrews 10:24
• Submit to one another-Ephesians 5:21

If you are interested in learning more about theheights.org then click on the link. I love The Heights.

Romans 8:24-25 (Living)

"We are saved by trusting. And trusting means looking forward to getting something we don't yet have-for a man who already has something doesn't need to hope and trust that he will get it. But if we must keep trusting God for something that hasn't happened yet, it teaches us to wait patiently and confidently."

I have been reading Romans 8:18-27 every morning since Thursday in two or three different versions, so that it would be familar with me, since BSF starts back up tomorrow night. These two verses stuck out at me this morning. There are a couple of things that I am hoping/waiting for in my life. Full-time job, and the other I am not saying here. Certain people know what the other one is. I keep praying about it, and trusting God, that he will lead me in the right direction in both areas of my life that I am waiting for.

Football

College football is almost over with. In my opinion, pro football is overwith. (I know playoffs are starting today, but I don't care about the playoffs.) The MAC (Mid-American Conference) has four bowl games. Their current record this bowl season is 1-2. N. Illinois lost to TCU at the Poinsetta Bowl, Central MI won the GMAC bowl, and Western MI lost this afternoon to Cinci in the International Bowl. The only way the MAC would get the respect that they deserve is to win these big games, but they don't seem to do that very well. Ohio U plays tomorrow night. Ohio State plays for the Championship Monday night. That will be a good game.

The Steelers are done for the season, finishing with a 8-8 record. The coach, Bill Cowher resigned yesterday to spend more time with his family. I am happy for him, but sad for my team. I hope, he doesn't move to the Yucky Browns, when he goes back to coaching!!!!!!!!!!

First interviews of the year

I started off the new year with two, count it, two interviews. The first one was on Tuesday, back home in Akron, OH. I interviewed for a junior high science teacher position at a charter school. It is a type of school that has students who do not fit in very well in the regular public schools. I have to get my Ohio teaching certificate again. I have found out how. I have to get a copy of my teaching certificate from UTA and send it in, along with my application and a check for $60 to Columbus, OH, and about 4 weeks later, I will have my teaching certificate again. I also have to get copies of two other things for who I interviewed with. By doing all of this, I will be kept in mind for next school year. At some point, I did want to get my OH teaching certificate again.

My second interview was yesterday, here in the Dallas area. I interviewed for a recruiter position for this college. This school has campuses in 21 different states. It was like a pre-interview, to decide if I will be chosen for the next level of interviews. The position I interviewed for would to talk to high school students who might be interested in going to this school. You are building a relationship with these students, and are with them in every step of the way in applying, getting accepted, to their first day of classes at the school.

I have thought about wanting to become a recruiter for a school district or a school, and going to job fairs. Even if I end up taking a break from teaching, I would like to somehow stay in the education field in some way. I need to start looking on monster.com again.

How to have a happy New Year

I went to church with my parents on New Year's Eve for the evening service. The sermon came from Psalms 128:1-4 and below are my notes I took from the sermon.

1. Right relationship with God
2. Right relationship with others
3. Have realistic expectations
- Don't expect everything to go smoothly
4. Accept God's will
5. Financial Blessings
- instead of buying what I want, ask God to help me be content (satisfied) with out it
6. Be a year of giving
- share with others who don't have

Interviews starts the New Year off right

Monday is New Year's Day! I'm starting off the new year with two interviews. One is in OH and the other one is in TX. Inbetween the two interviews, I am traveling back down to Dallas.
Side bar....did not have a whtie christmas, basically no snow at all while I am home. I wanted my snow.
Tuesday, at 9 am, I have an interview at a charter school here in the Akron area. I do not have my OH teaching certificate, it expired back in 2003. I have to get two different transcripts (one is for the school I am applying to), fill out an application, and pay $60 to get my OH teaching certificate. Back in October, when I was on the website for this school, I did read that they teach ADAHD students, and others who have a harder time in the regular environment. I know it is teaching math and science, but not sure what grade. I do prefer my intermediate grades.
Thursday, in the afternoon, I am interviewing for a recruiter position at a college in the area. This position recruits high school students to go to this school. Actually, in the past, I thought it would be fun to travel to the different job fairs and talk about the school district or school and recruit prospective teachers to that district or school.
This morning in my devotions, I read from John where Jesus talks (about himself) how a seed will only grow and produce new seed once it has died and is buried. That got me to thinking and praying about my dreams/desires. One of my heart's desires was given to me. I did have my classroom and taught at one school for a few years. I am not sure what my dream is now. But it has died and has been buried. I wrote about this in my diary this morning.

The Teachers' Days Before Christmas

'Twas the days before Christmas

And all through the school,

The teachers were trying

To just keep their cool.

The hallways were hung

With Christmas art

(Some made in November

to get a head start!)

The children were bouncing

Off ceilings and walls,

And seemed to forget

How to walk in the halls.

When out of the teacher's lounge

With "holiday shirts"

And "jingle bell jewels,"

The teachers looked festive

Enforcing the rules.

Suddenly, from down the hallway

There came such a chatter,

The principal went in

To see what was the matter.

The teachers were hiding

And trying to refuel,

On coffee and cookies

And treats from the Yule,

When what do their wondering

Ears do they hear,

But the ringing of school bells

-It's the children they fear!

More rapid than reindeer

The little ones came,

And the teachers all shouted

And called them by name;

Walk, Vincent! Walk, Tanner!

Walk, Tyler and Sammy!

Sit, Jamie! Sit, Laura!

Sit, Tara and Tammy!

To your desks in the room!

To your spots in the line!

Now walk to them! Walk to them!

No running this time!

So straight to their places

The children all went.

With fear of detention

Where they could be sent.

With manuals of lessons

Cradled in arms,

The techers began

To use all their charms.

But the lessons presented

All fell on deaf ears.

The children were thinking

Of Santa's reindeer!

With a toss of their hands

They put manuals aside,

Went straight to the cupboards

Where videos hide.

And laying their finger

Ont he TV remote

They sat back to write

Their last Christmas note.

But you could hear them exclaim

At the enf of the day-

Have a wonderful, happy and

L-O-O-O-O-O-O-NG HOLIDAY!!!

Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

I found this poem when I was in college. This is one of my favorite poems.

Informal Interviews

Where am I in my job search? Actually, I do not know. I am subbing! Which is good. Teacher job fairs start back up in March. I will get to go through that again. I think this time I will be better prepared. I have been doing some research, finding different people to mail them a contact letter to let them know that I will be calling them. Will either have an interview over the phone or in person, or find out that is not a place for me to be checking out at all. I will ask questions about how a person with my experiences and skills could fit into a place of business similar to where this peson works. I am trying to expand my boundaries of where I can work.
I love teaching, but I want to be teaching somewhere, where the behavior is basically undercontrol, and that it is possible for learning to take place. I wouldn't mind teaching adults, especially about elementary science.
These informal interviews can lead to other interviews. Something will happen, and I hope soon.

Daniel Rhyme

Daniel's Book: Just a Quick Look
Daniel One: Carried off to Babylon
Daniel Two: Neb's Dream Statue
Daniel Three: From a Fiery Furnace Free
Daniel Four: I'll Humble Neb Some More
Daniel Five: Says the Handwriting, "You die!"
Daniel Six: The Lions' Jaws Fixed
Daniel Seven: There's a Judge in Heaven
Daniel Eight: Antiochus Spreads Hate
Daniel Nine: Seveny "Sevens" in Time
Daniel Ten: Where's the Angel Been?
Daniel Eleven: A Vile King's Succession
Daniel Twelve: Shine Bright Till All is Well
Daniel's Done: Now, Didn't We Have Fun?

Blessings

MY BLESSINGS
1. My relationship with Jesus Christ
2. Being able to read my Bible
3. My church
4. Family
5. Friends
6. My former co-workers
7. My former students
8. I am subbing!!!!!!!!
9. My health
10. The biblestudies I am involved in.
11. My skills
12. What the Lord is doing in my life.

To name a few of my many blessings. I got this feeling at BSF last week, asking myself how often do I think about the many blessings God has given me. Since then, I have been wanting to write an entry here on my blog, listing some of my blessings.

Subbing

I am working!!!!! I went in on Halloween for my subbing interview at RISD. I recieved my badge that morning, and was inputed into the system that same time. I received a call little before 6 am the next day, November 1, to sub. I worked the rest of the week. I chose an area that has 10 elementary schools in the feeder plan for the high school. Ten schools should be enough to keep me busy. I am only going to sub grades 2-6. I've been to two different schools. Those schools are different from each other. The first school is a complete 180 degree turn from where I used to teach at. That is the school, I hope to be at a lot. We'll see.

The last time I subbed was the 1997-1998 school year back home in OH. Sub pay then was between $50-$70 a day. Eight years later, sub pay isn't much higher than it was eight years ago. Today it is between $60-$80. Teacher pay has increased in the past eight years. Cost of living as increased in the past eight years. In my opinion, the following salaries need to decrease, actors, sports players, politicans, and supertendients of school districts. Teachers, police officers, and fire fighters need to make more.

Update

I saw two specialists this week. The orthopedic on Wednesday and the podiatrist yesterday. Turns out, I didnt' break my right foot, it is just a bad sprain. Where the doctor thought was an old fracture in the bad is bone spurs. My right foot was still getting bruises over last weekend, which scared me, and I found out was normal. The orginal bruises are fading. Thr bruising has gone from the bottom of my leg all the way down to my toes. I was given a new brace to wear on my right foot, but I think it increases the swelling and either is cutting off the circulation or is adding new bruising. My right foot is still swollen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did a real number to myself.

I had an interview on Tuesday. Will find out 3-4 weeks if I get a second interview or not. This coming Tuesday (Halloween) I am interviewing with RISD to be able to be a substitute teacher with them.

We did something on the YP retreat last weekend that I have done with my students, but differently. It is harder to get students to give compliments outloud, than it is adults to do. We drew names from a hat, and had to say something nice about that person. For some people it was hard, because about half of the group has been there for six months or less.

The Lord has something special planned for my life. I am not sure how spraining my foot feeds into it. I have no idea if it is God's will for me to stay here in Dallas or to move back home to OH. I keep praying, "Your will be done here on Earth as it is in Heaven." I do mean that prayer. That goes with the job hunt as well with the guy that I like and wish I could see more often. Have a I truely given this over to the Lord, or am I still being selfish in some way? It is hard being patient and waiting upon the Lord to work in his ways. God's timing is better than my timing. I need to wait upon the Lord, and not try to push him to act. I praise the Lord for all he has been doing in my life. I love you, Lord.

Update on my bad day

I iced my right foot Monday evening, Tuesday evening, and again Wednesday afternoon and evening. I didn't go to BSF Tuesday evening, because I was out too long on Tuesday. I did go to church Wednesday night for Biblestudy, was able to stay in one place for basically two hours with my foot up. I've only iced my left knee a couple of times.

I was debating or not to go to the doctor. I decided to go yesterday. Turns out, I did a real number to myself. I had X-rays done on my left knee, right foot and right ankle. The doctor said I have a bone chip fracture on my right foot, and an old fracture at the back of my foot. (That explains why my heel has bothered me in the past.) I was given a walking boot to wear, and an ACE bandage for my left knee. I also have to go see a Podiatrist and an Orthopedic doctor.

Lord, you have a reason for everything. I do not understand why I get to go through this. I want you to be glorified through this all. I know you are using this to stregnthen my trust in you.

My bad day

Today was an awful day for me. I went to a career fair, a national one, too boot. Had maybe 20 companies there, and mostly sales. I was able to sign up with my temp agency. Going to take the tests tomorrow afternoon. I only stayed about 30 minutes. Sales is not what I want. Left there to get some lunch, since I hadn't eated yet today. On the way home, my cell phone rang, a company in downtown Dallas called to want to set up an interview. He didn't give a name of the comapny. I was given directions, and set it up for in an hour. I found the area, and had a hard time finding a place to park. Once a I did, I fell. I stepped in a pothole with some water. I hurt my right ankle. It swelled up fast. My ankle hurts. I hurt my left knew, it is slightly swollen, and bruised. My right hand is also a little sore. I had a hard time getting up. Went to the wrong building, called and went to the right building. The job is totally not what I want. Came home and found out the temp job, I was waiting to hear about, didn't materialized. The company decided to fill from within, since it was only for a few days instead of going the temp route. Sitting here at the computer, my ankle hurts and it is uncomfortable. It hurts to get up, can go up the stairs easier than go down them. I have put ice on my ankle, but it hurts!

Holy Vessel

We are all holy vessels! Says in I Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are a holy temple of God. Did you know that Satan loves to use our holy vessels to toast unholy causes? That makes you think? How are encroached are you in the Babylonia thinking, living? That made me think last night? What aspect of my life is being used in an unholy way? Do the clothes I wear treat my vessell as holy?

October 12, 539 B.C., King Belshazzar (it is amazing they know exactly the day this happened), Daniel 5, declared to have the holy vessels of God brought forth to the banquet hall so that they may drink from the gold goblets. This was misusing the holy vessels of God. God did not take to this very lightly. He wrote a message to the king in front of the king on the wall. Daniel was called in say what was written and what it meant. God told King Belshazzar that He wasn't happy with him, basically found him guilty, said his days were numbered. That very night, his life was ended, and King Darius of the Medes and Persians became the king.

From Daniel 2, the Medes and Persians were the second kingdom, the silver kingdom of the statue in the King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Whatever God says to happen, will happen.

It can be so hard to trust God, because we do not think what he has in store for us is the best thing for us. Keeping my vessel holy is something God wants me to do. Trusting in his plan for my life is something else I have to do. As it says in the Lord's Prayer, "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven".

The Pumpkin Prayer

Resumes

Did you know there are two different types of resumes? I sure didn't. And they are different. There is the Functionial and the Chronological Resumes. I have always used the latter one, and the style has been the same since I got out of college about 12 years ago. It did get changed a bit back in the spring and again this fall. The Functional onSe is hard. On that one, you do not list your work experiences at all. It includes your profile, highlights of qualifications, selected achievements, technical applications (aka...hard skills), and a quick listing of your education.

What are selected achievements you ask? You take a few key action words and describe some of the things you completed/did at your previous jobs, and giving the result of what happened. You do not even name where you worked. You can talk about a few of the projects you worked on, and other highlights, how you were successful for your company. You give both resumes to prospective employers. I had to write a functional resume this week, and it was hard.

I am learning about different types of interviews. Not all interviews are job interviews, but are researching interviews, referral interviews. You go in with questions that progress along Bloom's Taxonomy type of questions. None are to be yes/no type questions, all need to be open-ended (essay type) questions. The first ones can be knowledge, but you want to progess to application, anyalsis, and evaluation type questions. The last question one asks, especially if it is a referral/research interview, is who else do you recommend I speak with?

All of this is quite though provoking, really makes you think. It is harder for me, because I have to think outside of education/teaching, and more into the business world. My experiences outside of teaching, are inventory, retail for my dad-working our booth in the middle of the mall...craft shows, and 3 semesters at the cafeteria in college. Right now my questions I am thinking of are on the topics I know of, but I need to start expanding out onto other topics.

These are all skills I can use later on in my career after I get a new job. I can use them when going for a promotion, a different job later on. These are type of skills that are not taught to you in college or in high school, and should be. Interviewing skills need to be taught in high school and college.

Johari Window

This is actually quite interesting. I received an email today from a friend about this. When you click on the link below, a new window pops up and you will need to choose five adjectives that you think describes me. It links the adjectives and it compares them to what others say. You can even start one for yourself. Check it out.

http://Kevan.org/johari?name=ohtxpanda

Daniel 4

Tonight, was my Biblestudy, for the series on Daniel by Beth Moore. I am really enjoying this study. Tonight's session and this week's homework is on chapter 4. This chapter is about King Nebuchadnezzar's second dream, and basically it is written in first person by King Nebuchadnezzar. He looses his kingdom for some years, until he recognizes who God is, and that he is the ruler of the world. But what is so good, is what Beth Moore shares about this chapter, it speaks to me.

The following are my notes that I wrote in the margarins of the two pages covering the video teaching session. Some are things Beth Moore says, and others are questions or comments I write about myself.

Nebuchadnezzar stopped ruling Babylon, he allowed Babylon to rule him. I have asked myself before, what part of Babylon do I allow to rule me? You are probably asking, what do you mean what part of Babylon is ruling you? Today's Babylon is basically the trappings of the world. How beauty and self-image is important. Body size. How much money am I making? Things like that. How self-absorbed am I? I can get self-absorbed. We all can at times. Am I content with what I have, or do I need more to be happy? How often do I show mercy to the poor? Here is the Babylon mentality" "I am, and there is none besides me." That is found in Isaiah 47.

To help us change this thinking, we are chastised by God. Discipline by God. We are pruned by God. We will suffer, go through trials to learn a lesson, for God to be glorified. Here are some things I wrote about this. My areas of chatisement will only go so far, because God cares. That is why he prunes me. The idea of cutting back, is so that Iwill grow back and produce fruit. God allows satan to sift us, because we need something, in our life, to be sifted. This sifting brings us back to God. I am not better than anybody I have taught or worked with. Is there anything in my life that God needs to work on in my life? The following quote is from Charles Swindoll from a book he wrote about Daniel: "God's patience is geared toward our repentance."

Both of God's patience and discipline sets limits. I am so thankful to what God has been doing in my heart this year, and for the things he is showing me about him. More reasons for me to praise and glorify God.

God Answers Prayers

No job, yet! The title might make one think I have a job, but sorry, no. We all have things we have been praying about to God. We can get any of the three answers he gives, "Yes", "No", or "Wait". Some answers come immediately as a "Yes" or "No". Otherwise, they are all "Wait", or acutally it seems like he isn't answering at all. Like, God is having me to wait for the job that I need.

I have requests that I have been praying about off and on for years, and I mean years. Just in the past week, I received an answer of "Yes" and "Wait". My cousin is open and willing to have the Lord work in her heart, and she has started attending church again. Those are both yes. The wait, is that God is still working in her heart on other issues. I am very happy to get this news. This is something I have been praying about off and on for over twenty years.

The Lord has been working in my heart this past year. I know, because I have become more open to certain things, and willing to look at things in a different way. That is an aswer to some people's prayers.

We are told to pray, which builds our faith and trust in God. but waiting for his answers can be very hart, but so is being opened to the answer that is not what we are expecting to receive. I was not expecting to still be not be working come the end of September. I was expecting to be teaching somewhere in the DFW area, but I am not. It has been hard to accept the Lord's plan and answer to my request. Truthfully, I do not miss all of the aspect of teaching as I thought I would. I do not miss the bad behavior, but I do miss the ineraction with my students, the actual teaching part, and seeing the growth in my students' lives.

Father,
I thank you and praise you for what you are doing in my life and in the lives of all of my family and friends. You are awesome! You know so much better than we do. We do not know as much as we think we do. In your time, I know you will reveal the plans for my life and for the lives of all I know, plans to prosper us, not to harm us, plans to glorify you. Thank you for walking beside me during this rough time in my life. Thank you for the people who are praying for me. Please bless them in what they are doing for you. I love you father.
AMEN

Firey Furnance

My Wednesday night Biblestudy is the Beth Moore study on the book of Daniel. Last night's session and this week's homework is on the third chapter. Beth Moore states three scenarios for when we go through our own firey furnance. Choice A: God delivers us from it. Our faith is built, because we pray and ask people to pray with us, and God answers yes. Choice B: God delievers us through it. We walks along side of us. We pray and God basically answers wait. Our faith is refined. We pray and pray, and it is hard to understand why we are going through this. At the end there is a miracle, and when we look back, we see small miracles that happened along the way. Choice C: We can be delivered by the fire straight into his arms. Our faith is perfected. (Dying and going up to Heaven).

We will never escape trials entirely. We will always be given some type of trail at different times during our life. The question is, what is our heart attitude and where is our faith being placed. God's plans are not to harm us, but the exact opposite of that. God allows us to go through the firey furnance, os that our bonds will be burned off/away, to be freed from that bondage of sin. What is it that God is working on in my heart? I do not know. All I do know is that through this firey furnance I am walking through, He will be glorified!

How is my faith in all of this? I know God has a job out there for me. In his time, he will reveal it to me, and open that door. I do hope it is here in Dallas, TX. I have asked him to work on my heart attitude to be accepting of his answer when he gives it to me. Is there something I need to learn from this whole experience? I do not know. I do not know why God is allowing me to endure months without a job. It is fustrating at times, and discouraging at times. I just need to keep my eyes on him, the perfecter and author of my faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2) According to Hebrews 11:1, faith is the substance of things not seen. I have faith in the Lord, that he will lead me to the new job that is right for me. One where I will be the salt and light for him in the workplace. Until it happens, I just need to wait upon him, and have faith, that what he is doing is for my own good. God will answer my prayer in his time, not in my time, but in his time. Praise God for that!

A Deadline has been set

Monday, was my first meeting with my campaign manager at Chandler Hill Partners. I have another one Thursday afternoon. I do know we are going to work on interviewing skills, since I have a phone interview next with Clark County School District, one of the largest school districts in the country. This interview is to see if I make it into the selection process, for further interviews for possible jobs. The homework I have to do for CHP is easy and doesn't take me long to do. Plus I do it on the hard copy I have been given, before I do it online.

A deadline has been set. If I have not found something to support me, either an actual job, or a part time job, by the end of October, my dad will come down to move me back home to OH. Moving back home is not what I want to do. I love home, and look forward to my visit, I just do not want to live there. I want to be living in Dallas, TX. Maybe, the Lord wants me back home. I have no idea why the Lord is allowing me to go through this. Am I supposed to be learning a lesson, is it for his glory, is it for a consequence, what is God's will for me in this. I have lots and lots of people praying for me. God's will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. I mean that.

I am hurting inside, and cried a lot last night. I do not have a thankful heart for this. I told God that. Someday, I will have a thankful heart for what I am going through, right now, I do not. The Lord has plans to prosper me, not to harm me. I wish I knew what his plans were. Someday, I will look back and see his hand in all of this, and say how stupid I could be during this whole period.

Job hunting help

I have been looking for a job for six months, and unemployed for a little over 3 months. I've been doing some thinking, over the past ten years of different times looking for a job, I've had a hard time doing so. I'm finally going to get some help! I've become a client of Chandler Hill Partners. Check out their website at www.chandlerhill.com.

They will be working with me on my interviewing skills, helping me to market myself better, showing me areas that I should think about applying to, etc. Plus, they have contacts that I do not have. I will be given homework assignments that I will have to do. The more I put into it, the more I will get from this. I need help, plus I am not afraid to work. I am so ready to go back to work! I have been bored!!!!!!!!!

The best thing, is that after I get hired, they will still stay in touch, and help me to maybe get a raise come review time, see what I can do for getting a promotion, etc. Plus, it gives them another contact. If I hear of openings, I could let them know, and they can always send people my way to that company.

My first homework assignment is finished. I have my first meeting with my campaign manager Monday afternoon. I hope there is only a couple of more months being unemployed.

If I do not teach again for awhile, I am okay about that. I love teaching! I want to be able to use my teaching skills somehow.

I have a phone interview with Clark County School District on the 22nd. That interview will determine if I get put into the selection process for a job. By the way, Clark County is the county of the residence of Las Vegas. One of the top five school districts in the U.S.

The World Trade Center

Five years from next Monday, September 11, is the five year anniversary of what happened that day in NYC, PA, and D.C. The United States was attacked, and we went to war. There are a lot of people out there who do not agree with President Bush, but he is the President that our good Lord has given to run our country.
Sometime last month, a new movie premiered that is directed by Oliver Stone and stars Nicholas Cage. The movie is titled The World Trade Center. The movie is about what happened that day, but mostly about two NYC Port Authority Police Officers who got trapped in the rubble of the towers after they collapsed. Only 20 people were pulled out alive from the rubble. These two police officers were numbers 18 and 19. Seeing the line of world's finest lined up, passing the baskets of each of these two officers was unblievable and moving.
I saw the movie this afternoon. It does bring tears to your eyes. Whenever you see it, make sure you have kleenex to wipe away the tears.
I believe our country is ready for this movie. I hope a huge number of people go see it and remember why we went to war. Especially those who are against President Bush. They need a reminder as to why we are at war. Go see this movie, and remember why we are fighting over there in the Middle East. We are fighting for Freedom!!!!!!!!!!!

Spiritual Gifts

Been talking about spiritual gifts and love languages since the spring. I do not know what my love language is, but will learn what it is in the next couple of months. Sunday school class, both girls and guys are doing The Five Love Languages for Singles, by Gary Smally. I even recieved that book for my birthday. I asked my best friend for the Five Love Languages book, and she gave me one.
I always said my spiritual gift is Encouragement. (From doing the Song of Solomon study in the spring, was told you need to know your spiritual gift and your love language, besides also your boyfriend/future mate's as well. Will help you in communicating and with your relationship.
Rob wasn't sure what his was. He found a test on Saturday, took it and emailed me the link. His spiritual gift is Service. I took the test Monday evening. The results said, my spiritual gift is Intercession. That was very interesting. Encouragement was tied for third with a few others. I have been working on praying for other people all summer, not just at devotions, but also when they come to mind during the day. Here is the link to that spiritual gifts test: http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/

Fianlly a pic of me

I tried to up load a pic of me way back in June, and it wouldn't work. Thought I would try it. It worked.

New direction in my life

I have been debating or not to write this post. Basically, I started to write about my job search and my feelings about it. Then I wrote about grandpa dying and doing home to OH for three weeks.
I have been looking and not trying to look at the same time. Praying for the Lord's will. Going back and forth about wether or not looking for a boyfriend/future mate is a sin or not a sin. I have been looking online (I have had no luck from meeting people from other ways). Last year, I went back to www.eharmony.com for a second time. I did have one date with one guy, nothing happened from that. October 2005, I was matched with a guy, and we started emailing each other on eharmony. January of this year, we exchanged personal email addresses. March, we started talking on the phone. In April and May, there were nights, I was up till midnight or 1 am talking on the phone. Phone conversations could last 2-3 hours easy. Before you know, an hour as passed, and still can today.
Last weekend, we met for the first time, and it was a great weekend. I liked him before we met, still do, and have been missing him all week. I have been praying about this a lot. I want the Lord's will in this. All of this is in my diary,pages and pages of my thoughts, things we have talked about, etc. I am glad we have taken our time to get to know one another, we are friends. I just haven't been sure if I wanted to write about this here in my blog or not.
Father your will be done here on earth, as it is in heaven.

Next step

After I got back from OH, I uploaded my resume with Monster.com. I have also signed up with teachers-teachers.com. No bites from there. I check out the want ads in Sunday and Wednedsay's papers. I have sent out a few faxes, and have applied to about 3 jobs from there. I will find out tomorrow, if I have made it to the next step of interviews.
Last week, I started talking with somebody from Chandler Hill Partners. They are a company (a service) that costs money to become a client, who will work with you to find a job. I need help! They coach you, open your eyes to new ideas on where to look, how to market yourself, negotitate the right salary, etc. I am impress, and a decision will be made within the next few days if I am going to sign up with them. I have had problems over the last 11 years in looking for a jobs. I am doing something wrong, but not sure what I am doing wrong.
I have been praying, and know that God is in control. I have told the Lord, I am getting fustrated and discouraged about finding a job. I thought I would have one by now. The Lord knows what is best for me. As of now, I am looking outside of teaching. Someday I plan on going back to teaching, Lord willing, and if it is part of his plan for my life.

Still no job!

I started looking for a job five months ago, way back in March! I never thought or expected to still be without one five months later. School started last week for most school districts here in the Dallas area. Wierd not being there. My friends tell me how things are going. I listen and help in anyway I can, wishing I was teaching.
I have been looking for jobs outside of the teaching profession. I skills for other jobs, just not the experience that they are looking for. If they are willing to train, and can over look the area of experience for the specific position they are hirig for, they could probably find exactly who they need.
I am looking online, and in the want ads in the newspaper. I applied in person, online, and faxed my resume to people last week.
Can't understand why I do not have a job, or what I have been doing wrong all of this time. The Lord has something, I believe it. I am starting to get a little impatient, anxious, and worried. It is like when are you going to answer me in this painful are of my life. I want to keep Christ in charge of my life.

How I see myself

I am a child of the King. But, that is not what this post is about. Ever since I was a little girl, I said I wanted to a teacher, later for awhile, I said Iwanted to become the first woman President of the United States. My dream came true in 1998, when I moved to TX. For the past 5 1/2 years I taught in Dallas. I love teaching. I call myself a teacher. That is how I see myself, as a teacher. I can't imagine doing anything else. My dad always told I have a college degree, then I would turn around and say, but I am a teacher. I have been looking for a job since March, and have not found one. I have been without a job since the end of May. I am looking for other types of jobs besides teaching. It is a slow process, to see myself as anything other than a teacher, but I am doing it. Sometimes I think, what can I do, but teach. I do have clerical skills, I know there are other skills, but what are they. What can I do. I want to enjoy what I do, grow as a person, learn new skills, advance in the skills I do have. The Lord knows what I will be doing. He knows what I can do. I wish he would show me what it is He has for me. I am basically desparate, I need a job! I need one now, like last week. I am looking. I know I do not to do retail or inventory. Other than that, I have no idea. I am willing to learn, if they are willing to train me. Please Lord, bring a job my way very, very, very soon.