God Will Take Care of You

One of my substitute jobs last week was in a local high school, in a classroom of ELL (English Language Learners) students. There were only two sudents in one of the classes and neither of them was too intent on doing the lesson. The younger of the two, a freshman, told me that his friend, a senior girl, was sick. When I asked her what was wrong, she reluctantly told me that she had just been diagnosed with cervical cancer. And, that she was scared.
I told her God had wanted me, a cancer survivor, to be in that classroom today so that I could talk to her. We talked about being strong and how she needed to have a fierce mental attitude in order to fight the disease. I tried to be very positive, but it was obvious that she was a very frightened young lady.
Then, I told her that I would ask all of my friends, everywhere, to pray for her. I said I knew a lot of prayer warriors, in a whole lot of places, who would pray for her, even if they didn't know her. She liked the thought of that and it made her smile.
So, I am asking you to pray for Olga. She needs healing of her body and the strength to fight this battle.

Dear God. Where you lead me, I will follow. Give me the words to help others see your strength and goodness. Grab onto Olga and hold her tight in your healing arms. Give her faith and courage. She's going to need it.

"For a Few Dollars More"

After a full day in the classroom today, I attended a meeting on classroom management. I must admit, I wasn't too excited about going. Usually, these meetings consist of a twenty-something chicky telling me, "Okay, like you guys like really need to like focus on like being positive, like okay????" The last time I went to one of these meetings, the young presenter used the word OKAY, 73 times! That was NOT okay.
But, today, I am actually taking away some positive information and will attempt to use it in the classroom tomorrow.
Two video clips were used, as examples, at the presentation. One was Clint Eastwood, the tough spaghetti western gunfighter and the other was Sheriff Andy's deputy, Barney Fife.
Now, before you call the cops to report Mrs. Kincaid for packing a Colt 45, reflect on this. While Barney was hyper, over bearing, and screechy, Clint was calm, cool, controlled and stated clear choices. Albeit, it was make the right choice or your dead, but the choices were clear.
That's what I want to do. Be calm, cool, in control, and give the kids clear choices.

Understanding God. You really make my day. I think about my blessings and rejoice. Your love surrounds me as I try follow your commandments. Help me to make the right choices as I deal with your children of all ages.

Will You Still Need Me?

Well , just like the Beatles song, it is for me ....."many years from now". Surely, not. I can't be that old. What's that quote..... age is "truly just a number"? But this birthday, it happens to be a pretty big number. Historical.
Seven of my fellow high school classmates have emailed to wish me a very happy #46! Hysterical.
Reflection isn't my forte. I hate crying over spilled milk. I try to force myself to look forward.
The best is yet to be. Aging sure beats the alternative.
Yesterday, we spent the afternoon, not with "Vera, Chuck and Dave" but with Linnea and Leo. They are mobile now and chewing on everything in sight....even the granddogs! It was really fun.
Grandchildren are one of God's greatest gifts.

Gracious and giving Lord. We thank you for life itself and all of the things that it hands us. Help us to remember that through you, all things are possible. You are good all the time.

Labor Day Lament

I didn't labor much today. Well, I cooked some eggs, loaded the dishwasher and dusted the piano, but that was about it. I like the idea of naming a holiday about something that you don't do on that day.
After all, on Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ. On Memorial Day, we honor the deceased and decorate graves. Independence Day is for celebrating the Fourth of July, 1776. But, on Labor Day, we don't labor.
The concept of Labor Day is unique and quite refreshing, but perhaps we could tweak it a little. I'm going to propose a couple more of these NON-traditional holidays.
How about Politician's Day? That will be the day that no candidate will run an ad or "misspeak" about anyone or anything. The newspapers just wouldn't report on anything political.
Then we could celebrate a Healthy Foods Day. Candy, fried foods, red meat, sugar, chocolate and white bread would be the menu for the day. Oh, and of course we won't be counting calories or cholesterol on Healthy Foods Day
My personal favorite NON-traditional holiday would be Housework Day. On that day, there would be no cooking, no ironing, no dusting, no vacuuming, or yard work. Hooray for Housework Day!

Lord. We are thankful for every day that you have given us. Our blessings are many and our burdens are few.