This video is extremely powerful. I know 30 minutes seems like an impossible amount of time to sit down and watch, but what would have happened if people during WWII took 30 minutes to learn about the holocaust happening around them? Would so many have lost their lives? Our our holocaust is happening right here in our midst--it must be stopped.
If you've read my blog for any amount of time, or if you know me at all, you'll know that I find myself in an interesting place in life--a land between (or a chapter unknown as written about here).
I know I'm not the only one in this place, so I'd like to share a bit of encouragement with those in difficult or trying transitions in life.
First off, Hillsong's "Desert Song" has some incredible truths and has been a huge encouragement to me. Here's the video (complete with lyrics).
I've heard this song a number of times--it's one that has often woken me up in the morning--but we sang it again at church last Sunday and I can't stop repeating this line to myself:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
I knew that I needed to be reminded of this truth many times a day, so I put it in a frame and cleared a place for it on my desk:
Secondly, someone whom I deeply care for and respect recommended this book:
I just got it in the mail today, so I obviously haven't read it yet, but I can't wait to dive into it. The back reads, "FEAR OF AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE. UNEMPLOYMENT. FORECLOSURE. ILLNESS. FAMILY CRISIS. Welcome to the land between: where life is not as it once was, where the future is in question."
I'll keep you all posted on what I learn. For those who are interested, check it out here on Amazon.
God is sovereign. He has a plan and His timing is perfect; however, it's not always easy. I hope this brings a bit of encouragement to you as it has for me.
As I glanced to the right of my Facebook page this evening, I see a status update from this day in 2009:
I get to work every day this week! Thank you Lord!!!
I was subbing, as I had yet to be hired by Bakersfield City. It's amazing to pause and think about all that has changed in two short years:
* I got hired by Bakersfield City and taught 6th grade English and History.
* I experienced my first and last (so far) relationship.
* I had foot surgery and discovered my complete hatred for casts.
* I spent months and months in physical therapy, hoping to walk normally again.
* I went to Puerto Vallarta.
* I got hired by PBVUSD and taught 7th and 8th grade at Thompson.
* I turned a quarter of a century old.
* I finished BTSA.
* I found out I'd had to leave Thompson and I was crushed.
* I went to Europe and the UK.
* I cruised to Mexico.
* I flew in a helicopter to the Grand Canyon.
* I packed up a classroom and moved to Warren.
* I started my third year of teaching at my third school.
* I bought a car.
It's hard to believe all that has happened in two short years. Some of it has been amazing, some of it has been crushing, but God has remained my rock through it all. Thanks for the reminder, Facebook. I'm excited to see what's ahead. It can be difficult waiting in this unknown chapter of life, but I must trust in God's perfect and sovereign plan.
Ten years ago today I stayed home sick from school.
My mom called shortly after getting to work and woke me up. She wanted me to hear the news from her, rather than waking up and turning on the TV myself. She didn't want me to be afraid.
We're under attack--the World Trade Center has been hit. In my sleepy, sick state, I had no idea the gravity of the situation. I really had no idea what she was talking about. I can't even honestly say that I knew what the Twin Towers were at the age of fifteen.
I turned on the TV after I hung up the phone and watched in silent horror; I'm sure with tears streaming down my face. I watched the live reports as the second plane hit--I couldn't believe I witnessed such a horrific thing. I watched as people jumped from the buildings. I watched as the towers fell. I'm pretty sure I sat riveted to the TV all day. I was in shock with the rest of America. I was angry. I was sad. I was brokenhearted.
Now, ten years later, I still can't watch the footage without tears filling my eyes. I can't think of the massive loss without my heart sinking. This morning as I watched CNN, I fought to put my makeup on as I got ready for church because my eyes wouldn't dry up. How can you look at the raw, real pain of those that lost family and loved ones and not be affected? How can we so easily forget that we were so brutally attacked? How can we not continue to fight back and protect our freedom?
So, I take a moment to thank the men and women who gave their lives this day ten years ago, and the men and women who continue to sacrifice their lives day in and day out for our country.
You will never be forgotten. I will always remember...
Alrighty, folks. The post about the new car reached #1 in the most popular posts column on the right. BUT, none of you are commenting! I know you're here.... I can see you! I'd LOVE some more name suggestions. They can be cute or ridiculous or awesome. All I know is that she's a girl and she's beautiful! COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT. It's not that hard... ;)
Ok folks, my new car needs a name. Take a look at the pictures and submit your vote by leaving a comment. The name that I like the most will win....because it's my car of course.
Let's meet nameless car:
She's a BEAUTY!
Perfect cell phone cubbie!
No more noisy tape deck adapter!!!
She has the same color headlights! (unlike the last car)
CHECK IT OUT! A CHAPSTICK cubbie. This car was so made for me.
I can sit up high!!!
Awesome console with two compartments!
OH " " handles!
Look at all that room!!
And finally, a gas cap that opens on its own--unlike the Camry who took two people to open it for a time . :)
That's about all, folks! READY......NAME.....GO!!!
Well, I finally made my first "big girl" purchase--a new (used) car. It's currently being detailed, so I'll pick it up tomorrow.
For now, I'd like to dedicate this post to my Ole Faithful.
Thanks Ole Faithful--you've served me well. Throughout the years, this dear car has gone through a few names--BUMmobile, BUD, and finally Ole Faithful. It's still truckin', but it was time for me to move on.
Here are some things I'll miss about my dear old car....
It's solid--even though it has two different front lights (thanks lady who hit me in LB).
The "characteristic" door handle that Jessie so easily ripped to shreds. :)
The console that was slowly tearing itself apart in the heat.
My beloved sticker that got me out of a speeding ticket once.
The fact that it refused to die.
Here's to hoping that someone else will get some good use out of this BUMBUDOLDFAITHFUL Mobile.
We've had some amazing memories in this rig. Come on friends, what was your favorite memory? Please leave a comment below!!!
