Have you ever given any thought to who or what controls your thinking? Does it matter to you who or what controls your thinking? Is it important to you to be an independent thinker? Do you think when Heavenly Father allowed us to come to earth and gave us our free agency to choose he expected us to do our own thinking? Do you ever accept someone else's conclusions about something only to have it bother you later because it is not what you truly believe or it is not how you really see or interpret an issue? Are you afraid to express your feelings because others might not accept them?
I wrote about this in my blog last year only to erase the entry when I erased every entry for 2009. So why I am I here again? Must be because this subject really bothers me or is it because I have a fear of someone controlling my thinking. I want never to take "things" for granted.
I "think" this issue bothers me because I am acquainted with folks who do not think!! They put no effort or time into studying issues, their scaffolding or details, and then accept the word of others as the very "gospel" and give full support with no knowledge of their very own.
I know individuals who do this about people. Whatever someone else says about you becomes truth in their minds. How unfortunate! What others think could sometimes just be gossip or total untruths.
It is truly important for each of us to use your own minds when forming opinions and even when learning. That is why we have been given the ability to think, learn, and choose. Ever heard that advertisement that says something about a mind being a terrible thing to waste. So is our agency -- don't give it away to others.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Serendipity
Once again in need of words of inspiration on a Monday morning I turn to the inspirational words of Lloyd Newell and the Tabernacle Choir broadcast.
I love his message entitled simply Serendipity. Read it and give it some thought---
Serendipity Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
The story is told of a young boy building a tree house with his father. For months they planned and prepared; they purchased supplies and mapped out details, and then with great anticipation and excitement they began building. Working side by side, they laid boards and hammered nails as the tree house slowly took shape.
After months of preparation and hard work, they basked in the sense of accomplishment that came from their father-son project. But it turned out that the boy didn’t spend much time in the tree house once it was built. Greater satisfaction seemed to have come from working, laughing, and learning alongside his father.
When they began the project, the father thought they were simply building a place for his son to play. But in reality they were building much more than that. It wasn’t only about lumber and nails, sawing wood, or laying shingles; it was also about spending time together. As the tree house took shape, so did their relationship.
Sometimes our well-laid plans lead to a deeper, more meaningful joy than we ever expected. Serendipity is a word that means “the accidental discovery of something pleasant, valuable, or useful.” While the boy may not have spent much time in the tree house once it was built, both father and son would do it all over again for the serendipitous blessings that came from it.
As we learn a skill, gain knowledge, and spend time with someone, we may discover something far more important than what we intended. So open your heart to the unexpected blessings that come your way, and bask in their discovery.
I love his message entitled simply Serendipity. Read it and give it some thought---
Serendipity Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
The story is told of a young boy building a tree house with his father. For months they planned and prepared; they purchased supplies and mapped out details, and then with great anticipation and excitement they began building. Working side by side, they laid boards and hammered nails as the tree house slowly took shape.
After months of preparation and hard work, they basked in the sense of accomplishment that came from their father-son project. But it turned out that the boy didn’t spend much time in the tree house once it was built. Greater satisfaction seemed to have come from working, laughing, and learning alongside his father.
When they began the project, the father thought they were simply building a place for his son to play. But in reality they were building much more than that. It wasn’t only about lumber and nails, sawing wood, or laying shingles; it was also about spending time together. As the tree house took shape, so did their relationship.
Sometimes our well-laid plans lead to a deeper, more meaningful joy than we ever expected. Serendipity is a word that means “the accidental discovery of something pleasant, valuable, or useful.” While the boy may not have spent much time in the tree house once it was built, both father and son would do it all over again for the serendipitous blessings that came from it.
As we learn a skill, gain knowledge, and spend time with someone, we may discover something far more important than what we intended. So open your heart to the unexpected blessings that come your way, and bask in their discovery.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Educational Politics vs Political Education Part I
Whew, in our fine city we certainly "have it going on!" The "IT" is either educational politics or political education. How interesting to be able to sit back and watch this comedy and tragedy unfold! Unfortunately, the receivers of the result of this fiasco are/or will be the children in our county. So often as an educator I listened to "we are all about the children", "we are here for the children." The events of these days makes one ask, "What about the children now?"
In the fall elections certain areas of Wake County elected school board members with an agenda to dismantle practices they personally opposed without concern for the remainder of the districts in the county. The majority of these newly elected members have no knowledge of the history of this school system.
To briefly summarize how this school system comes to be organized as it is one must go back to the mid seventies. Two forces were at work at that time as it pertained to school districts. One factor (at that time) was that school districts In North Carolina were strongly urged to merge where there was a county unit and city unit within that county. That worked for Wake County and Raleigh City because the city system had become victim of what is often called white flight. The triangle area was growing and as it did Cary was blooming. Other areas around Raleigh were growing but Cary's proximity to RTP made it attractive to the transplants coming from all over the country but mainly from the north -- IBM having settled in RTP. Along with that population, many people started to move out of the older sections of Raleigh (city) into the suburbs to live. Areas outside Raleigh were a part of the Wake County School System. The result was that Raleigh City Schools became minority heavy while the county had a majority
of the caucasian population. Merger (in 1976 and opposed by many) was needed to solve the situation. As Raleigh and Wake County have continued to grow the school system has become quite large -- perhaps 14th in the nation.
Because of its size management is difficult. Perhaps because I am an educator who has worked in a position that required me to always look at the big picture and how all pieces fit into the puzzle I can analyze this situation from afar --- and guess what??? Lots of other people think they can do the same. More later.
In the fall elections certain areas of Wake County elected school board members with an agenda to dismantle practices they personally opposed without concern for the remainder of the districts in the county. The majority of these newly elected members have no knowledge of the history of this school system.
To briefly summarize how this school system comes to be organized as it is one must go back to the mid seventies. Two forces were at work at that time as it pertained to school districts. One factor (at that time) was that school districts In North Carolina were strongly urged to merge where there was a county unit and city unit within that county. That worked for Wake County and Raleigh City because the city system had become victim of what is often called white flight. The triangle area was growing and as it did Cary was blooming. Other areas around Raleigh were growing but Cary's proximity to RTP made it attractive to the transplants coming from all over the country but mainly from the north -- IBM having settled in RTP. Along with that population, many people started to move out of the older sections of Raleigh (city) into the suburbs to live. Areas outside Raleigh were a part of the Wake County School System. The result was that Raleigh City Schools became minority heavy while the county had a majority
of the caucasian population. Merger (in 1976 and opposed by many) was needed to solve the situation. As Raleigh and Wake County have continued to grow the school system has become quite large -- perhaps 14th in the nation.
Because of its size management is difficult. Perhaps because I am an educator who has worked in a position that required me to always look at the big picture and how all pieces fit into the puzzle I can analyze this situation from afar --- and guess what??? Lots of other people think they can do the same. More later.
Monday, February 8, 2010
WHY???
I have always been a question box. If my parents were around they would verify that statement enthusiastically! Always questioning and needing to know what makes things and people tick. In addition, I am a people watcher. Often never saying a word I am one who takes in a lot of details while never admitting to myself how much I record. Then again there are times when I just zone out to my own train of thought and block out the world. What is it with me?
Anyhoo, (be that a word??) I sometimes ponder why folks blog. Ever wondered that?? Probably a lot of different reasons. Some of us just enjoy writing --- never admitting to that either -- it is a silent way of saying what you think. After all there is no one there to slap you back with their contradicting opinion(s). I wonder if we realize that blogging reveals a lot about us as individuals -- our interests, our idiosyncrasies, personality traits, etc., etc., etc. Now that may not be very important to you but I have never really wanted people to know a lot about me -- so why am I writing a blog. I must be plain ole stupid.
Enough of that one -- why do people have My Space and Facebook sites??
I know there are reasons listed on the site about what you are looking for men, friendship, blah, blah, blah. But what is the REAL reason. Networking, trying to find old friends?? Just being nosey?? I can only conclude that for some reason these tech applications seem to fulfill something in our list of needs that must be rewarding. But there again I have a question, what could it be?? WHY?
Anyhoo, (be that a word??) I sometimes ponder why folks blog. Ever wondered that?? Probably a lot of different reasons. Some of us just enjoy writing --- never admitting to that either -- it is a silent way of saying what you think. After all there is no one there to slap you back with their contradicting opinion(s). I wonder if we realize that blogging reveals a lot about us as individuals -- our interests, our idiosyncrasies, personality traits, etc., etc., etc. Now that may not be very important to you but I have never really wanted people to know a lot about me -- so why am I writing a blog. I must be plain ole stupid.
Enough of that one -- why do people have My Space and Facebook sites??
I know there are reasons listed on the site about what you are looking for men, friendship, blah, blah, blah. But what is the REAL reason. Networking, trying to find old friends?? Just being nosey?? I can only conclude that for some reason these tech applications seem to fulfill something in our list of needs that must be rewarding. But there again I have a question, what could it be?? WHY?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Being Southern
What does it mean to be a southerner? Are there people on this continent who aren't southerners?? Of course, you say. Is your head working right, woman?? Being a southerner and living in the south I marvel that we have been and are even now being invaded by folks from "foreign lands" some states away -- won't say where directionally!! They come in search of work. Among the flaws and faults of the "lands" from which they come is a lack of employment -- in fact that is usually number one on the "homeland" flaw list.
Once they arrive in the true south and get settled they immediately start comparing our goodly land to the one from which they came -- never once remembering why they came or being grateful enough for what they have found here to keep their mouths shut about the differences in the south and their homeland .
As a people true southerners are very hospitable welcoming people. But do not insult us or you will feel our wrath in ways you perhaps are not prepared to handle.
We have had snow recently. In the south it occurs so infrequently and so few times within a winter season that the purchase of snow removal equipment is costly and not practical when in some seasons it may not be used once. Salt and sand is kept in abundance and SOME snow removal equipment is found here but not a lot. How do we customarily handle snow accumulations? Well, you can bet it is not in a way that pleases the transplants. What do they do?? Complain and whine about their inconveniences due to the lack of prompt snow removal. The next most often heard complaint is about drivers. I am always astounded that it never dawns on those complaining about folks here not being able to drive in snow and ice that a great many of those out there "trying" to drive on those surfaces are not southerners. Rather they seem to be folks who moved here in a hurry -- passing and speeding! Putting the lives of all of us in danger -- could you call that self-centered selfishness??
Well, I guess I have a little suggestion that might be appropriate. You are in the south -- accept our way of life and our seemingly strange ways -- don't try to change us -- neither whine nor complain. If we are too much for ya .... you can probably read between the lines the rest of the message.
Once they arrive in the true south and get settled they immediately start comparing our goodly land to the one from which they came -- never once remembering why they came or being grateful enough for what they have found here to keep their mouths shut about the differences in the south and their homeland .
As a people true southerners are very hospitable welcoming people. But do not insult us or you will feel our wrath in ways you perhaps are not prepared to handle.
We have had snow recently. In the south it occurs so infrequently and so few times within a winter season that the purchase of snow removal equipment is costly and not practical when in some seasons it may not be used once. Salt and sand is kept in abundance and SOME snow removal equipment is found here but not a lot. How do we customarily handle snow accumulations? Well, you can bet it is not in a way that pleases the transplants. What do they do?? Complain and whine about their inconveniences due to the lack of prompt snow removal. The next most often heard complaint is about drivers. I am always astounded that it never dawns on those complaining about folks here not being able to drive in snow and ice that a great many of those out there "trying" to drive on those surfaces are not southerners. Rather they seem to be folks who moved here in a hurry -- passing and speeding! Putting the lives of all of us in danger -- could you call that self-centered selfishness??
Well, I guess I have a little suggestion that might be appropriate. You are in the south -- accept our way of life and our seemingly strange ways -- don't try to change us -- neither whine nor complain. If we are too much for ya .... you can probably read between the lines the rest of the message.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Savor Each Moment
Have you ever heard an acquaintance or friend say, "It seems the hurrier I go the behinder I get?"
Do you always seem to be in a hurry but wish you could slow down and smell the roses? Probably this happens in lives more often that we imagine. It can be extremely frustrating to feel the need to slow down and enjoy each day more fully when our inner clocks keep pushing us to just get this one more thing done before we rest. There needs to be a balance in our day to accomplish what needs to be done, enjoy it in the process, and not be behind when we start anew. We need to be able to enjoy life's endeavors and to live without regret.
David L. Weatherford’s poem “Slow Dance” reminds us to slow down a bit and savor life’s simple moments. I like the very last verse the best.
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
Or listened to rain slapping the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight,
Or gazed at the sun fading into the night?
You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
Time is short, the music won’t last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask “How are you?” do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
Time is short, the music won’t last.
Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow,
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,
’Cause you never had time to call and say hi?
You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
Time is short, the music won’t last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere,
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It’s like an unopened gift thrown away.
Life isn’t a race, so take it slower,
Hear the music before your song is over.
Do you always seem to be in a hurry but wish you could slow down and smell the roses? Probably this happens in lives more often that we imagine. It can be extremely frustrating to feel the need to slow down and enjoy each day more fully when our inner clocks keep pushing us to just get this one more thing done before we rest. There needs to be a balance in our day to accomplish what needs to be done, enjoy it in the process, and not be behind when we start anew. We need to be able to enjoy life's endeavors and to live without regret.
David L. Weatherford’s poem “Slow Dance” reminds us to slow down a bit and savor life’s simple moments. I like the very last verse the best.
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round,
Or listened to rain slapping the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight,
Or gazed at the sun fading into the night?
You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
Time is short, the music won’t last.
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask “How are you?” do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed,
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
Time is short, the music won’t last.
Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow,
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a friendship die,
’Cause you never had time to call and say hi?
You better slow down, don’t dance so fast,
Time is short, the music won’t last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere,
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It’s like an unopened gift thrown away.
Life isn’t a race, so take it slower,
Hear the music before your song is over.
The Boomerang Principle
I loved this inspiring message given by Lloyd Newell as the Spoken Word with the Tabernacle Choir Broadcast last summer (2009). Because I keep going back to the choir website to read it I have moved it to my blog to share and to enjoy. I hope that others will enjoy its inspiring message as much as I have.
Last year was an exceptionally troubling school year for me on the site where I worked. I felt as if I was treading "troubled waters" each day. Perhaps the problem was all mine or my perception(s). I loved the people with whom I worked -- or at least the majority of them. It was hard to put your finger on the pulse or source of contention. I must have read this piece about the boomerang a hundred times because it gave me some kind of peace about the "issue" with which I was dealing.
The Boomerang Principle Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
Boomerangs have been used for generations both as a weapon and for sport. Most of us are familiar with how these wooden, angular objects, when thrown correctly, fly right back to the thrower. But boomerangs aren’t the only things in life that behave this way.
One of Aesop’s fables tells of an ant who falls into a fountain and is about to drown when a dove, watching from a tree above, drops a leaf into the water. The grateful ant climbs on it and floats to safety.
Just then the ant sees a hunter approaching with a net to catch the unsuspecting dove. The ant quickly bites the hunter on the ankle, causing him to drop the net and allowing the dove to escape.
Good deeds, like boomerangs, come back to us. This truth, which has been called the boomerang principle, is evident throughout our daily experience. We witness it on playgrounds and in corporate offices, in schools and stores and streets. When you interact with someone and strive to extend respect and friendliness, most respond in kind.
Of course, the opposite is also true: rudeness usually generates rudeness; anger tends to lead to more anger. More often than not, we find that our thoughts, attitudes, and actions are stamped with “return to sender.”
It may not happen immediately or directly. And it’s true that some people choose to hate even those who love them, just as some people continue to patiently love even those who despitefully use them. But eventually and overall, we will get back what we give out.
If we want kindness, we extend kindness. If we want more love, we give love more freely. If we want friendliness, forgiveness, and compassion, we offer the same to others. What we send out will come back to us, just like a boomerang.
Last year was an exceptionally troubling school year for me on the site where I worked. I felt as if I was treading "troubled waters" each day. Perhaps the problem was all mine or my perception(s). I loved the people with whom I worked -- or at least the majority of them. It was hard to put your finger on the pulse or source of contention. I must have read this piece about the boomerang a hundred times because it gave me some kind of peace about the "issue" with which I was dealing.
The Boomerang Principle Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell
Boomerangs have been used for generations both as a weapon and for sport. Most of us are familiar with how these wooden, angular objects, when thrown correctly, fly right back to the thrower. But boomerangs aren’t the only things in life that behave this way.
One of Aesop’s fables tells of an ant who falls into a fountain and is about to drown when a dove, watching from a tree above, drops a leaf into the water. The grateful ant climbs on it and floats to safety.
Just then the ant sees a hunter approaching with a net to catch the unsuspecting dove. The ant quickly bites the hunter on the ankle, causing him to drop the net and allowing the dove to escape.
Good deeds, like boomerangs, come back to us. This truth, which has been called the boomerang principle, is evident throughout our daily experience. We witness it on playgrounds and in corporate offices, in schools and stores and streets. When you interact with someone and strive to extend respect and friendliness, most respond in kind.
Of course, the opposite is also true: rudeness usually generates rudeness; anger tends to lead to more anger. More often than not, we find that our thoughts, attitudes, and actions are stamped with “return to sender.”
It may not happen immediately or directly. And it’s true that some people choose to hate even those who love them, just as some people continue to patiently love even those who despitefully use them. But eventually and overall, we will get back what we give out.
If we want kindness, we extend kindness. If we want more love, we give love more freely. If we want friendliness, forgiveness, and compassion, we offer the same to others. What we send out will come back to us, just like a boomerang.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Learning to Stay at Home
All of my adult life I have worked out of the home. I started with a few little part time jobs as a teenager and then a more regular job checking groceries at Kroger to earn money for college expenses. After that it was teaching school for all of my years. Learning to be a "stay at home mom" has been a new experience for me. My Mom was a stay at home mom but neither of her daughters have been. We loved having Mom at home when we came home from school and she loved being there for us and Daddy.
After Ken died I worked full time one school year and decided to retire and work part time. Beginning in 2000 I started to work half time until this school year began. A broken shoulder complicated by school budget cuts kept me at home as the school year started this fall and I must admit I am not sorry. Can you believe that after all of those years I do not miss going to school each day? Oh, it still runs in my blood -- don't get me wrong. Perhaps I am just learning what it might have been like had I had little ones and stayed at home as they grew.
I have lived a life organized around long range and short range goals. I really can't say it has been any different since I have been staying at home. I have been working steadily to prepare my second home to be sold. Now that it is almost ready comes the time to give some thought to the next phase of my life. What do I plan to accomplish and where do I plan to do it? The jury is still out on this one -- meaning the choices still bug me -- I am having a tough time deciding. Don't want to make a mistake on something this important. Is there more work in my future?? Wouldn't rule that out either but for now I am learning to stay at home -- and you know what?? It ain't half bad!!
After Ken died I worked full time one school year and decided to retire and work part time. Beginning in 2000 I started to work half time until this school year began. A broken shoulder complicated by school budget cuts kept me at home as the school year started this fall and I must admit I am not sorry. Can you believe that after all of those years I do not miss going to school each day? Oh, it still runs in my blood -- don't get me wrong. Perhaps I am just learning what it might have been like had I had little ones and stayed at home as they grew.
I have lived a life organized around long range and short range goals. I really can't say it has been any different since I have been staying at home. I have been working steadily to prepare my second home to be sold. Now that it is almost ready comes the time to give some thought to the next phase of my life. What do I plan to accomplish and where do I plan to do it? The jury is still out on this one -- meaning the choices still bug me -- I am having a tough time deciding. Don't want to make a mistake on something this important. Is there more work in my future?? Wouldn't rule that out either but for now I am learning to stay at home -- and you know what?? It ain't half bad!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Thoughts of February's Arrival
At last January has vanished for another year. February has but four weeks and twenty eight days this year. February the birth month of my favorite uncle. One who died far too young many, many years ago. He was my father's younger brother and my grandmother's baby. Granny lived ninety three years but never got over his death. Tomorrow is the anniversary of his birth, February second. It is also the date of the whimsical GroundHog Day. Will he or will he not see his shadow? If he does see his shadow we are doomed to six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow then what?? Probably six more weeks of winter anyway. Pauxatawny Phil up in State College, Pennsylvania -- does he really foretell the weeks left of winter??? Of course, we tease and all pretend to believe -- all in fun.
But back to my Uncle David who was born on the day of Phil's fictional predictions. One always wonders what he would have been like as a father and as he grew old. We never had the chance to know as he gave his life defending our freedom on foreign soil.
More about February now. This short month always brings with it the surety that Spring can not be far away which helps one to get through whatever cold weather Mother Nature stirs up. As it ends in comes windy wild March dancing and tripping its way along stirring up and moving whatever reminders of fall that were left behind. March winds clean the land and prepare for all of the new growth soon to arrive and adorn the landscape. February's days are for lovers and presidents.
But back to my Uncle David who was born on the day of Phil's fictional predictions. One always wonders what he would have been like as a father and as he grew old. We never had the chance to know as he gave his life defending our freedom on foreign soil.
More about February now. This short month always brings with it the surety that Spring can not be far away which helps one to get through whatever cold weather Mother Nature stirs up. As it ends in comes windy wild March dancing and tripping its way along stirring up and moving whatever reminders of fall that were left behind. March winds clean the land and prepare for all of the new growth soon to arrive and adorn the landscape. February's days are for lovers and presidents.
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