You Are Mountain Dew

Ultra hyper and full of energy, you're on a permanent sugar high. Some people complain about your taste, but the do appreciate your power. Your best soda match: Mt Dew Stay away from: Diet

What Kind of Soda Are You?

I Believe

Tonight on my way to the roller skating rink, I heard this song on Air1 radio network (air1.com) that really blessed me. It's called Belive by Mainstay. It really shows how I am reflecting right now as we face a new year.

"I don't know if I still have the strength to get up again
I don't know if I can face my own reflection
Jesus, take this heart that feels so cold again and make it new

I hold this hope inside that you'll never leave me

Chorus:
When all around me starts to fall and when my faith it seems so small
Even in my darkest hour, I will believe
Even if the sun begins to fall, even when I feel nothing at all
Even if I'm all alone, I will believe

I don't know how I could turn my back and walk away
All I really want is for your love to hold me
Jesus, take this heart and make it whole again

Chorus:

I know you'll never leave me"

Label: Chordant (EMI)

Tonight, my sister, cousin and I went to see "PS, I Love You". It was a pretty good movie, better than I thought it would be.

Merry Christmas

Is 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Tonight, my cousin and I went to see the movie "I am Legend".

Forgiveness

Consider these lyrics by Casting Crowns in their song "East to West"

"Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other"

Today, my sister, my cousin and I went to see the new "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" movie. It was incredible, very good movie.

What is faith?

I was listening to a radio program and this lady was praying for faith to overcome some challenges. I know that God gives each one of a measure of faith. Without that measure of faith, we could not pray for salvation. Faith in a sense is a spiritual muscle and must be exercised to grow. I believe that the more you trust God with your life, your heart, your desires, your wants and needs, and even with the unseen (the stuff that you don't want anyone else to know about you), that your faith will increase. The hard part is turning over each area of your life to God. If it were easy, it wouldn't require faith.

I'm thinking that forgiveness also comes by faith.

I've been hearing this lyric on the radio a lot and I thought it was a great way to express faith. It's from the Barlowgirl song "I believe in love".

"I believe in the sun even when it's not shining
I believe in love even when I don't fell it
And I believe in God even when he's silent"

Today I saw a lady in Wal-Mart wearing a T-Shirt that said "Got Jesus? It's hell without Him." There is a lot of truth in that saying. Not only does faith in Jesus ensure life in Heaven and not Hell. Faith in Jesus can also battle the hell that we face here on Earth in our daily lives.

Wal-Mart also has a TGIF shirt - "Thank God I'm Forgiven" Amen to that!!

Pi Tree

This is the Christmas tree that I had on my desk at school this year. Yes, that is the pi symbol used in math classes. After all, I am a math teacher.

Wise Men (and Women) Still Seek Him

This year, I'm most thankful for the Christ. I am also thankful for my family, friends, and Air1 radio station. Jonah 33 in the song 'God of My Life' sings these words 'I will seek you till I find you'. It's not a Christmas song, but upon reflection I think of the wise men that followed the star and came to Bethlehem seeking the Jesus. I think of how much of my life do I really spend 'seeking' Jesus. Some days I'm really not proud of the answer. This year I'd like to encourage you to journey with me in 'seeking' Jesus. What does that mean to you?

Forgiveness

Isaiah 1:18 (Amplified) Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.

Check out this Christmas tree

Now whoever did this really knows how to recycle that Mt. Dew. I thought it was great...of course that's probably because I drink Mt. Dew.

Forgiveness

How does one forgive himself?

Forgiveness

Tonight at church, I recognized that even if my church, my family, and my friends don't forgive me, God is faithful and He will always forgive me. His forgiveness is eternal and it's what really matters.

What colour of Christmas tree are you?

You Should Have a Blue Christmas Tree

For you, the holidays represent a time of calm, understanding, and peace. You avoid family fights, and you don't get too stressed out - even when things are crazy! You like to make Christmas about making everyone's life a little bit better. You don't get caught up in greed or commercialism. You're too sincere for that. Your blue tree would look great with: Lots of silver tinsel You should spend Christmas Eve watching: It's a Wonderful Life What you should bake for Santa: Chocolate chip cookies

What Color Christmas Tree Should You Have?

Circle or Pi

As a math teacher I get lots of cool email. This last week, I received an email that asks the question, "Which came first, the circle or the pi?" I thought it was pretty clever. Check out the website

What is your elf name?

Your Elf Name Is...

Ditzy Mc Mini

What's Your Elf Name?

What do the holidays mean to you?

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are a very spiritual time. You have as much holiday fun as everyone else - but you never forget what you're celebrating. You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items. During the holidays, you feel happily busy. There's so much do to and not a lot of time to do it. But you enjoy every minute of your holiday chores. You think the holidays should be comforting and relaxing. You don't like the holiday rush... you just like the simple pleasure of the holidays. Your best holiday memories are warm and intimate. You remember special moments more than gifts or parties.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

How much do you know about Christmas?

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 9/10 correct You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: Thomas Edison has the first Christmas lights, three years after he invented the electric lightbulb.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

Which American city best fits you?

American Cities That Best Fit You:

75% Washington, DC 70% Chicago 65% New York City 65% Philadelphia 60% Boston

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

Christmas Shopping

Although I've already bought all my Christmas presents, I went today with my mom, sister, neice and nephew to go shopping. Traffic on 71st was bad, even though the mall wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be for a Saturday 17 days before Christmas.

Cards

If there is one thing that I manage to do pretty good, its sending cards. I try to remember as many birthdays and holidays as I can with cards to those I love and dear friends. I'm not fanatical. I don't send 4th of July cards, but I do try to send the major holidays. Today I sent my Christmas cards.

Christmas

Not too many are reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas this year it seems like. Shopping centers had their Christmas wares out for sale even before halloween was over. Cities put up their "holiday" lights before Thanksgiving arrived. Hopefully the true meaning of Christmas won't be overshadowed in the hearts and minds of people as the day approaches. Christmas comes from the Old English Crīstes mæsse, Christ's festival. We should be celebrating Christ's birth. The best place to do that I think is in your heart. Truly believe that He is and that He is a rich rewarder of those who diligently seek him. Not only is Christ the rewarder, He is the reward.

Today I did most of my Christmas shopping. I only have one person left to buy for. I didn't even leave until 4pm. And amazingly traffic wasn't that bad. I guess everyone was already home from being out at 4am for store openings.

A time to be thankful

Today is Thanksgiving and we are heading over to my aunt Wanda's house for dinner. This year, I am so thankful for the many friends and family that have stood by me this past year. I'm still battling the depression, and my bankruptcy is final, but things are really positive in my life thanks to those I have around me. I also want to thank Air1 for being such an inspiration to me. I listen to this station during my commute to and from work. Air1 is such a blessing.

Fall Break trip

Today my mom, sister, neice, nephew, and I went to Robber's Cave to go hiking and explore the cave. It's not really a big cave, but it has the reputation of being a hideout from the law during the wild west days.

Tulsa State Fair

Today my mom and I took my neice and nephew to the Tulsa State Fair. It was their first time at the fair and both of them really loved it. I'd say the swings was their favorite ride. I of course went along for the food. My mom's favorite part was the Johnny Rivers concert.

Homecoming

Tonight was Okmulgee's homecoming against Glenpool. Glenpool is where I attended high school and they won the game. I'm a junior class sponsor and the juniors won the float competition. They had a Mario theme. We spent many hours working on the float this week.

OHS

Today was the first day of classes. Not that exciting really, but I'm glad to be teaching closer to home.

First Day at Okmulgee

Today was my first day at Okmulgee High School. I spent last Friday at new teacher orientation. I'll be teaching math (which I love) and an elective class called Native American Studies.

60 miles and counting

As of today, I have 60 miles on the treadmill at the Northeastern Tribal Health Center in Miami, OK and rode the stationary bike 80+ miles.

Devil's Den State Park

Today, I traveled to Devil's Den state park 20 miles sw of Fayetteville, AR. This place has some incredible hiking trails, breathtaking views, caves to explore, and even offers camping. I'm gonna put some pictures up later that I took. I needed a trip like this. The last two weeks have been kinda dark as I face the reality that life at Afton High School is over. I have faith that the job that God wants me to have is just on the horizon.

Will Rogers Museum

Today, my mom, sister, neice, nephew and my 2 youngest cousins all went to Claremore to see the Will Rogers Museum. It's changed a lot since I was last there (probably my neices age). I remeber a tiny building, they have definately added on to it a lot. I think the world today could use another Will Rogers.

Spring Break

I kicked off spring break with a men's breakfast at Trinity Baptist Church this morning. A great time of fellowship. I am really liking this church.

Facing the Giants

"Facing the Giants" is an incredible movie. If you haven't seen it, you need to go rent it. The church I'm going to here in Afton hosted a community showing of it sponsored by the ministerial alliance. I can't even begin to tell you how much this movie ministered to me personally. The story is about facing giants in your life and letting go of your fears. I can't say much more without giving away the plot. Oh, and it is a football movie too!

it's official

I went to see the doctor today. First time I've seen this particular doctor, but he seems to be very cool and has a great bedside manner. I was diagnosed with major depression, had some lab work done and received an RX. I am looking forward to the changes/improvements that should be coming to fruition in my life now.

counseling

I've decided I really need some counseling. I've got an appointment with a medical doctor, but I'm also looking at talking to someone from my church here in Afton. I'm tired of being anxious and depressed, most of which I know is caused by my work environment. Then there's the bankruptcy. Today was probably the least stress free day in 2 1/2 weeks, but somehow I think that something is wrong with my life, when I am constantly mentally exhausted.

God's encouragement

God never ceases to pour out His love and blessings on us. In church this morning, Pastor Bill preached from Dueteronomy 28. It was such an encouraging sermon and very much needed since I don't seem to be doing much of anything correctly these days.

happy day

Today we threw my sister a birthday party. She's turning 40. Although she did get a few gag gifts, her gifts were pretty much practical ones. My neice and nephew really make me look forward to the times when I go to Tulsa to visit.

Ice Storm

Sometimes it's kind of amazing how the spiritual life can parallel the natural life. This past week I've gone through an "ice storm" of sorts which like the trees in northeast Oklahoma has left me weighed down and about to snap. I'm depressed and unfortunately chocolate and Mountain Dew (both great gifts from God) are not working this time. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not perfect and therefore I don't have a perfect classroom, but sometimes I'd like for someone to tell me that I am doing something right, rather than pointing out everything I'm doing wrong. And to top it off, the future of my employment seems to be dependent on how perfect things can go from here on out. Thank God He is above impossible tasks. I can't remember if I heard it on the radio station I listen to (Air1) or if I read it in my Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional email, but I did hear something about trues being pruned and how necessary pruning is to making them stronger to face future storms. Seems that's a spiritual principle as well. I know that God will weather me through this storm and bring me safe passage to a harbor of His choosing. I know that, but I don't "feel it". If you are a regular reader of my ramblings, I would appreciate your prayers, as I don't want to be depressed, but I am.

Trinity Baptist

When I was in elementary school, I went to this church called Trinity Baptist Church at 41st and Union Ave in Tulsa. So it's kinda special that the church I have started attending here in Afton is called Trinity Baptist Church. Everyone is really friendly and today I went to Sunday School and I really think that this church is where God wants me while I am here. I'll still go to Guts Church in Tulsa when I am in Tulsa, but this will be my home church.

FCA Game Day

Today I had the privilege of taking three students to Stillwater for FCA Game Day. OSU vs. OU in wrestling and of course OSU won. After the competition, we met for pizza and some of OSU's athletes spoke to us. One in particular spoke of the law of reaping and sowing. He said you always reap what you sow, you always reap more than you sow, and you always reap after you sow. Pretty incredible when you think about it.

Snow Day 10

Well, we celebrated February 1st with a snow day. I can't remember ever getting out of school this many times. With all the weather phenomenon going on (earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, drought, floods, etc), I think David Letterman said it best when he said that things have gone terribly wrong since Pluto was kicked out of the solar system and is no longer a planet.

Snow Day 9

Well, I've driven into town several times this past week and the roads are not that bad. Yesterday the school parking lot was free of ice. Yet today we are on our 6th snow day in a row. The weather forcast seems to be getting better as this week progresses. Those families who live down on Grand Lake must really be stuck and the roads must really be bad for school to be canceled this long.

Snow Day No 6

Praying for a quick thaw. So far this school year, we've had 6 snow days. Three this week and three in December. Now we have to make up days in May.

Cabin Fever

Electricity is still off in town (Afton), but water is back on. The main highway is clear but the roads are pretty bad from all the sleet and freezing rain we got. At least two inches of sleet and who knows how much freezing rain. The parking lot at the high school (and my driveway for that matter) could easily be mistaken for an ice skating rink. Trees, power lines, everything is covered in ice.