Christmas is in the air...

The students are wild and the teachers are ready to send them home to "Momma." This is a sure sign that it is time for the Christmas Break. I will not use the term "Winter Break" because I am not celebrating winter! I am celebrating "Christmas." That said...Jay put up our Christmas tree on Saturday. I am so proud of my son! It helped me begin "feeling" the Christmas spirit - I haven't gotten there totally, but I do have a Christmas cd playing in the car. No gifts have been purchased...Yet, everywhere I look I see evidence of the Season. The neighbors' yards are overflowing with Santas and sleighs and boughs of holly! At my house, we do not do the "Santa" thing. It is all "Joy to the World" and Nativity scenes. I call that "keeping it real." Of course, my son's "Santa" has never been traditional. His is a five foot tall, African American female and there is no way she will fit down a chimney! Hopefully, I will be full fledge into the Spirit of the Season before Decemeber 25th. Maybe if the Browns win Sunday, I will get a big boost!

I am thankful for 2007. I have lost loved ones and friends. I have had disappointments by the score. I am still here though and so far, I have survived. This year has been a year of character building and spiritual pruning. I suppose I will adopt the mantra for 2008 that I developed for 2007 - What's to come is better than what's been...my change will come. Be blessed

I am still here...by the Grace of God!

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Psalm 39: 7

Hello to all of my faithful friends! I haven't blogged for a while. Life has been hectic, but I am blessed, better than blessed! I shared a wonderful Thanksgiving break with my family...literally with my family. I was babysitter to no less than five children everyday of my break. I enjoyed every minute of it! I cooked a full breakfast everyday - pancakes, sausage, eggs, grits and I threw in cinnamon toast for fun. I was also responsible for lunch...in the midst of that, I (the youngest of the family) cooked a full Thanksgiving meal on my own. This was a first...I usually contribute a dish or my assistance. I was given the task all alone this year. I am thankful for the ability and health to do it. I am thankful for being tired after my break. I am thankful for a family to be there for...I am thankful for all things - large, small, good and bad. I am thankful for you...Be blessed!

So much to be thankful for....

Luke 23: 4
4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

As the Thanksgiving Holidays approach, I think about Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. He gave His life for me - a wretch undone, unworthy from birth! Not just me, but for "all" -

Being or representing the entire or total number, amount, or quantity:
Constituting, being, or representing the total extent or the whole:
Being the utmost possible of:
Every:
Any whatsoever: beyond all doubt. (www.dictionary.com)

He did not leave out a soul regardless of race, creed, color, etc. and there was no fault in Him! He never did any wrong. Even Pilate was forced to admit that there was no fault in Him. He could have said - "Okay, Father, I'll go up on the cross, but only for so-and-so..." Some of us would get rid of famly members we do not agree with, church members who do not always go with the flow, people who have not attained the level of success we feel they should, etc...But He died and rose again for us all! Even those of us who have been washed in His blood had to be washed because we were not blameless. Even if our sins were not in "deed", they were in attitude, disobedience, mistreatment of our brothers/sisters, etc. He was "Not Guilty", but received your and my death sentence...and He did not grumble, mumble or pout. He did not insist on His innocence, nor did He protest the undeserved punishment. He willingly stretched out His arms and died, so that we would not have to...for our sins, not His. He gave us the gift of eternal life that we can take or leave freely. I pray for those who do not accept His precious gift. I am glad that He loves me that much. He loves you, too...It is already done! Receive the love of Jesus...When you do not feel good enough in people's eyes, remember you are good enough in Jesus' eyes! Be blessed and be thankful!

T. G. I. F.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

It is FRIDAY! We are all ready for the weekend. Most people got paid for all their wonderful efforts this week and are considering going out to eat, to a movie, etc. As you ponder these thoughts...think on the following:

Are you hungry...for love, peace, joy? You have been to various buffets seeking these three very important, yet missing items - the buffets come in the form of men, women, jobs, alcohol, drugs, etc...but you are still hungry? I dare you to try Jesus. O taste and see...He is better than Coke! Like Campbell's soup, He's "hmmm, hmmm good!" He's "good 'til the last drop" and you will not need Alka-Seltzer when you sit at His table. Go ahead, try Him...I dare ya!

An end...or a new beginning...(Last Class Blog)

This is my last official assignment before the "Survey." I have enjoyed my journey through the Web 2.0 tools with all of my classmates. Many of you have shared your stress and frustrations, but you have also shared your knowledge and wonderful ideas for using wikis, blogs, podcasts, etc. Thank you for your humor and openness. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone because in MS - we are all in this together!

Blogs and wikis will be a mainstay in my classes simply because they are condusive to Language Arts. This will permit my students to venture into areas of writing that are not traditional, and all along I can guide them and encourage the use of correct grammar and punctuation. I will use podcasts and videostreaming as my units permit. I will also use RSS and social bookmarking sites for research.

Don't forget to stop by my blog every now and then. I will keep this blog as a way to vent and share with my friends and fellow teachers. This has been wonderful therapy! I look forward to hearing from you all every now and then. I can't wait to see what comes out on the web next...Be encouraged and be blessed!

I am still here...

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Psalm 39: 7

Hello to all of my friends. I have been blessed with a good job that I absolutely love, a new home within walking distance of my job (gas saver!) and wonderful new friends. My mom is out of the hospital and recuperating at home. She is in good spirits and feeling better. I am still unpacking, but without complaint. My son and I love our new home. I am striving to continue in the walk God has placed before me. By His grace, I am encouraged to continue on my journey. The road is rocky and curvy sometimes, but I know "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." For those who are facing tough times, remember to keep your eyes on God, trust in Him and He will see us through! Be thankful today and be blessed!

That's what friends (& family) are for...

Proverbs 17: 17 reads:

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity .

I have pondered over this scripture often. The first part is really self-explanatory. Most of us have friends who love us in spite of our shortcomings. When we are down and out, depressed - we call our friends. But what happens when the friend tires of answering the phone at 2 AM or taking you to the grocery store when your car is down...The second portion of this scripture states that "a brother is born for adversity." Adversity is defined as "a state of hardship or affliction; misfortune; a calamitous event." We are assigned to our biological brothers and sisters, as well as our spiritual siblings, to come to their rescue. Hmm...We were born for that purpose according to that scripture. We are to assume the role of rescuer when our "brothers and sisters" are in trouble. How many times have said-"I feel sorry for so and so..." but never made the effort to see what "I" could do? We call them our brothers and sisters. Our purpose has been given. Have you checked on your natural and spiritual siblings today?

I am having fun with Wendy's!

Hello everyone!

I needed to do something fun today, so I stumbled onto the Wendy's site and decided to join the march for Hot Juicy Burgers. Please visit me there and vote for me.

http://www.hotjuicyburger.com/Suzee


I think all teachers deserve Hot Juicy Burgers (and more) for cultivating the doctors, lawyers, graphic artists, etc. of tomorrow! Be encouraged - It's Hump Day!

Obedience is better than sacrifice.

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deuteronomy 7:9
Hello all! I want to encourage everyone to enjoy each and every day of your life. Remember that God loves us all. He is faithful and keeps every one of His promises. We also must keep our promises and walk in obedience to His Word. We are given the promise, a plan, challenged with the process and ordained to fullfill His purpose. Trust in Him and acknowledge Him in all that you do! I am encouraged to stay on the journey He has ordained for me...Be blessed!

What's to come...

Greetings to all! Today, I have had to revisit my motto -"What's to come is better than what's been..." I have had to revisit it many times in the past couple of weeks. The enemy often attacks us through the people we care about the most and recently I have been under attack in the area of relationships. I lost my youngest brother - 39 yrs of age - to pancreatitis on July 30, 2007. This was really rough because we were born 11 months apart and for years we were together like twins! Today - due to circumstances beyond our control - my marriage to my sweetheart has been postponed indefinitely. Yes, I have cried and felt sorry for myself. I have also felt like using some ugly words that I have never used. I have also felt like wrapping my hands around some necks and slowly wringing them. In the midst of all, I had to realize that this is just a test...and none of this is about ME! I am not here for "my" or any other human's -not mother, father, sister, brother, child, etc.-purpose. I am called to God's purpose. I am His vessel. It is not about what I want. It is about "Jesus" and Him being crucified, dying and rising again! So what - if I feel old and really want to be married and really want to have another child - SO WHAT!...I am God's vessel, here to do a work. I have a calling that I must fulfill. We all have different physical, psychological and emotional make-ups in order to fulfill God's purpose for our lives and God has to prune and shape us to prepare us for our work. It is not about "US"! I am a member of the "royal priesthood". I have been "picked out to be picked on"! BUT in the midst of this revelation, God has said "I accept you as you are, love who you are..." - your selfishness, brokeness, bitterness and all. When He gets through with me, I will be what He has called me to be. I hope that we all can look inside ourselves, see our flaws and realize that God loves us anyway. The best is yet to be...Be blessed.

Tolerating and appreciating diversity...

Sometimes in this wonderful world, we need to remember that God did not make us all alike for a reason. It takes many different personalities, ethnicities, physical make-ups, etc. to make this world go around...I am glad God made you just like you are!

"BECAUSE" by TD Jakes

Just because no one has been fortunate enough to

realize what a gold mine you are,

Doesn't mean you shine any less.

Just because no one has been smart enough to figure out

that you can't be topped,

Doesn't stop you from being the best.

Just because no one has come along to share your life,

Doesn't mean that day isn't coming.

Just because no one has made this race worthwhile,

Doesn't give you permission to stop running.

Just because no one has realized how much of an

awesome woman you are,

Doesn't mean they can affect your femininity.

Just because no one has shown up who can love you on

your level, Doesn't mean you have to sink to theirs.

Just because you deserve the very best there is,

Doesn't mean that life is always fair.

Just because God is still preparing your king,

Doesn't mean that you're not already a Queen.

Just because your situation doesn't seem to be progressing

right now, Doesn't mean you need to change a thing.

Keep shining, keep running, Keep hoping, and keep praying,

Keep being exactly what you are already. COMPLETE!!

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Courage can be defined as the state of mind or spirit that enables us to face danger and/or fear with self-possession, confidence, and resolution. But the Psalmist David admonished us to be of "good" courage. Good being the operative word meaning free from defect, decay or damage. Sound courage - do not waiver in your faith. In other words, DON'T GIVE UP. No matter what the situation looks like, do not give up on God. He promised to keep us and never leave us...remember, we can leave Him - but He will not leave us. As long as we keep our trust and faith in Him, He will bring us through.

I often think of the tunnel when I get down and out...disheartened. When one enters the tunnel, you move towards darkness - that darkness may be your job, family/life issues, etc. As you progress through the tunnel, it gets darker and in the middle of the tunnel there is generally no natural light. This is where you have to "visualize" the light at the end of the tunnel...you "know" it's there...you know that you are walking towards the light, even though it's really dark. Just keep walking towards the light...it's there...God promised.

Food for thought...

It is a beautiful day here in South Mississippi! I am thankful for life, family and friends. Today, I am just glad to be alive. Bills are due, assignments pressing, papers to grade - but, I am just thankful for being able to experience these things. What are you thankful for today?