Today I was supply teaching for a grade 6 class for the learning centre that I work at on Saturdays. I wish I had this class. It probably is because of the numbers, but these kids were actually well behaved because of Hallowe'en and all, but the three that I had for each class were well behaved. I do not believe that my classroom management skills are top notch, but sometimes some of the kids in my class get to me to no end, and I have to rely on the skills that I acquired to calm myself down and think of a strategy to calm the kids down. The material I was teaching was not that bad, helping verbs for English and decimals/fractions/percents for math.
My experiences with these kids and my tutoring of kids of a wide age range has solidified the fact that I can not handle kids under Grade 4 - and that grade is even pushing it! =p
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Decimals
When I was tutoring yesterday, we were working on decimals, multiplying and dividing decimals to be precise. While in teacher's college we went through the theory behind all of this, but when looking at it yesterday, I had a mini panic attack in my mind because I had forgotten it all and was not able to effectively communicate the theory to my student. However, thank God for textbooks because I opened it up and it provided a wonderful example and everything came flooding back!
When looking at my student's questions yesterday and when I learned the theory behind multiplying and dividing decimals, I reflected back upon my own learning of this material and realized that I never really learned the theory behind it, but I just did it, mostly by rote. Although I know many of our careers and jobs do not really need us to multiply or divide decimals, I wonder if any one in the working world now actually understands the theory behind it.
The question my student had to answer was (paraphrased because I can't really remember):
How come when you multiply 0.4 and 0.7, it will equal a smaller number/decimal?
Learning about this in particular was very enlightening when I was in teacher's college and was glad kids were able to learn how this actually worked, versus doing just everything by rote. However, there were some things that I also learned in teachers college especially in math and numeracy that was to a point disturbing. I say this because one of my students is in Grade 7 and is still having difficulties with her 4 times tables at times, and I am thinking back to my days in Grade 7 and I would think that I had a better grasp of the times tables and long division. For me, I find that as teachers we go so far to accommodate for some students but sometimes might be more detrimental than helping them. I feel that there are times for rote memorization and times for new strategies as well. It also could be because of my background as a CBC where my Chinese parents drilled the times table into my head after I could grasp the concept of multiplication. However, I think when I have kids I will do the same, because watching my student struggle yesterday with long division questions and sometimes even simple addition was frustrating and sad to me at the same time. It will be interesting to see how my tune will change when I actually get into the classroom myself.
When looking at my student's questions yesterday and when I learned the theory behind multiplying and dividing decimals, I reflected back upon my own learning of this material and realized that I never really learned the theory behind it, but I just did it, mostly by rote. Although I know many of our careers and jobs do not really need us to multiply or divide decimals, I wonder if any one in the working world now actually understands the theory behind it.
The question my student had to answer was (paraphrased because I can't really remember):
How come when you multiply 0.4 and 0.7, it will equal a smaller number/decimal?
Learning about this in particular was very enlightening when I was in teacher's college and was glad kids were able to learn how this actually worked, versus doing just everything by rote. However, there were some things that I also learned in teachers college especially in math and numeracy that was to a point disturbing. I say this because one of my students is in Grade 7 and is still having difficulties with her 4 times tables at times, and I am thinking back to my days in Grade 7 and I would think that I had a better grasp of the times tables and long division. For me, I find that as teachers we go so far to accommodate for some students but sometimes might be more detrimental than helping them. I feel that there are times for rote memorization and times for new strategies as well. It also could be because of my background as a CBC where my Chinese parents drilled the times table into my head after I could grasp the concept of multiplication. However, I think when I have kids I will do the same, because watching my student struggle yesterday with long division questions and sometimes even simple addition was frustrating and sad to me at the same time. It will be interesting to see how my tune will change when I actually get into the classroom myself.
Thankful
Meeting with Jessy tonight was good. We are like on the same wavelength I find. We were able to talk about a number of things and I truly thank God that he has provided me this relationship where I am able to be so incredibly open with her, sharing without reservation, no fear of judgment about the things I tell her, and feeling genuinely cared for and loved. Sometimes, I feel the things that I share with her I actually can not tell anyone else, which is crazy to think, since our relationship only officially started about two months ago. Thus, it is definitely because of God working and providing me with that ease and assurance to share about whatever is on my mind, and to share openly and honestly with her about my feelings, struggles, fears, and anxieties. I can not thank God for a better plan than his, that has been unfolding since last summer! There really are no words to express...
Something came up today that I thought of and we talked about was our dealings with socially awkward people. I need to put this to prayer as I know that I am still unable to deal with certain people in my life, however, I need to be reminded everyday and every time I see them to see them through God's eyes and to love them like he does.
Something came up today that I thought of and we talked about was our dealings with socially awkward people. I need to put this to prayer as I know that I am still unable to deal with certain people in my life, however, I need to be reminded everyday and every time I see them to see them through God's eyes and to love them like he does.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Reminders
Yesterday's message was a good reminder of how to live my life.
Yes, it is easy to acknowledge that Jesus is our Saviour because he died on the cross for our sins and that we are no longer condemned and that we can have eternal life if we accept him. However, it is another thing to acknowledge and live out a life where God is the Lord of our lives. Yesterday, Pastor Simon's message really rung true to me - have I given everything, 100%, to God? Or am I still holding on to things, and preventing him from having lordship in my life? And of course, I am dumb, and there are certain things that I am still holding on to. There is one thing in particular, but I am slowly learning to let go of it, and it's been a few years coming, and I am already seeing God work in that aspect of my life.
The response songs were good as well!! From the Inside Out really reminded me that I have to give full control to God, because he is everlasting and never ending! And another song, Joy, reminded me to always be a shining light for God and to demonstrate his joy always!
Sunday school was also a good reminder of discipleship and the need to make disciples from Matthew and the Great Commission. Paul emphasized one part - teaching, and I have not have confirmation from God yet about that, so maybe talking with Jessy tonight and others may confirm it or that door may be closed.
Yes, it is easy to acknowledge that Jesus is our Saviour because he died on the cross for our sins and that we are no longer condemned and that we can have eternal life if we accept him. However, it is another thing to acknowledge and live out a life where God is the Lord of our lives. Yesterday, Pastor Simon's message really rung true to me - have I given everything, 100%, to God? Or am I still holding on to things, and preventing him from having lordship in my life? And of course, I am dumb, and there are certain things that I am still holding on to. There is one thing in particular, but I am slowly learning to let go of it, and it's been a few years coming, and I am already seeing God work in that aspect of my life.
The response songs were good as well!! From the Inside Out really reminded me that I have to give full control to God, because he is everlasting and never ending! And another song, Joy, reminded me to always be a shining light for God and to demonstrate his joy always!
Sunday school was also a good reminder of discipleship and the need to make disciples from Matthew and the Great Commission. Paul emphasized one part - teaching, and I have not have confirmation from God yet about that, so maybe talking with Jessy tonight and others may confirm it or that door may be closed.
Highlights of the Day/Night
This weekend was fun and full of love!
Friday night was with the WWJD kids and gym night and I got to see Eleasa after she got back from being out west. Playing with them is so much more fun that having to teach Sunday School to them. When I taught them Sunday School it was like pulling teeth, but here you can joke with them and have fun with them, and having opportunities to build deeper relationships with them. I still haven't really found my role yet, but hopefully the meeting with Pastor John will help to make things more clearer. I need to remember that in my prayers.
Richard had planned for us to celebrate Kelly's end of exams and Eleasa's homecoming with some bbt with people. BR was totally full by the time Richard, KevY and Kelly got there, so we had to go to Tea Shop 168. We played Poo-Bag and Crazy 8 Countdown and didn't leave until 12:30ish, after some loitering, where Richard almost took out some people leaving 168 with his massively huge umbrella, which was actually not necessary at the time as we were not in the rain talking and loitering. The bbt was definitely strong, as 4 out of 5 us did not go to sleep until 3am.
Some highlights from Saturday:
- Watching the boys set up a ridiculously large net for volleyball
- Being very confused by the lines
- Our keep-ups warm-up to 20 took longer than expected =p
- Blocking Aaron while playing volleyball with Zoe and Emmanuel
- Making a tip over the net! *yay! I can jump & my skills are improving!*
- Pastor Pauline's thank-you apple note
- Rewatching Grey's Anatomy from the past two weeks because Eleasa had missed them while out west
- Richard fixed my MSN problem (his degree did teach him something! =p)
- Watching a YouTube video that Eleasa shared...
- Playing poo-bag again (Eleasa is quite good at this game!)
- Playing Monopoly and the Game of Life (we came to the conclusion that Monopoly ruins friendships and stopped playing, hahaha, and moved on to the game of life where I was a teacher, with an income of $100,000, and a "split-level" house)
- Richard's mad dash to mess up his pile before Kat could see the properties he owned to cover his net worth! LOL!
- The Chan sisters rolling and whenever they land on your property, "I'll buy it from you!" was always the phrase that followed
- All of us not noticing that Kelly is in the passenger side of the van the entire time until she marries her "husband" and he gets put into the driver's seat - she had moved her car by sheer willpower up until that point!
- Kat's "husband" sat in the back seat the entire game!
- My discovery of a blue male on the board: "uh... is that anyone's person?" hahahaha, it's like he was dead
- Kelly lived a lonnnnnng, rich life =)
When talking with Kelly in the car today about what we do with our time, it is funny to think that we are approaching mid-life *eeek!* and we still play board games on a Saturday night. Some people may say we are boring or geeky or sad, but I would definitely not trade it for the world to spend time with these people!
Friday night was with the WWJD kids and gym night and I got to see Eleasa after she got back from being out west. Playing with them is so much more fun that having to teach Sunday School to them. When I taught them Sunday School it was like pulling teeth, but here you can joke with them and have fun with them, and having opportunities to build deeper relationships with them. I still haven't really found my role yet, but hopefully the meeting with Pastor John will help to make things more clearer. I need to remember that in my prayers.
Richard had planned for us to celebrate Kelly's end of exams and Eleasa's homecoming with some bbt with people. BR was totally full by the time Richard, KevY and Kelly got there, so we had to go to Tea Shop 168. We played Poo-Bag and Crazy 8 Countdown and didn't leave until 12:30ish, after some loitering, where Richard almost took out some people leaving 168 with his massively huge umbrella, which was actually not necessary at the time as we were not in the rain talking and loitering. The bbt was definitely strong, as 4 out of 5 us did not go to sleep until 3am.
Some highlights from Saturday:
- Watching the boys set up a ridiculously large net for volleyball
- Being very confused by the lines
- Our keep-ups warm-up to 20 took longer than expected =p
- Blocking Aaron while playing volleyball with Zoe and Emmanuel
- Making a tip over the net! *yay! I can jump & my skills are improving!*
- Pastor Pauline's thank-you apple note
- Rewatching Grey's Anatomy from the past two weeks because Eleasa had missed them while out west
- Richard fixed my MSN problem (his degree did teach him something! =p)
- Watching a YouTube video that Eleasa shared...
- Playing poo-bag again (Eleasa is quite good at this game!)
- Playing Monopoly and the Game of Life (we came to the conclusion that Monopoly ruins friendships and stopped playing, hahaha, and moved on to the game of life where I was a teacher, with an income of $100,000, and a "split-level" house)
- Richard's mad dash to mess up his pile before Kat could see the properties he owned to cover his net worth! LOL!
- The Chan sisters rolling and whenever they land on your property, "I'll buy it from you!" was always the phrase that followed
- All of us not noticing that Kelly is in the passenger side of the van the entire time until she marries her "husband" and he gets put into the driver's seat - she had moved her car by sheer willpower up until that point!
- Kat's "husband" sat in the back seat the entire game!
- My discovery of a blue male on the board: "uh... is that anyone's person?" hahahaha, it's like he was dead
- Kelly lived a lonnnnnng, rich life =)
When talking with Kelly in the car today about what we do with our time, it is funny to think that we are approaching mid-life *eeek!* and we still play board games on a Saturday night. Some people may say we are boring or geeky or sad, but I would definitely not trade it for the world to spend time with these people!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Keen
UGH! I hate keeners! So I am going through my online course tonight after Grey's Anatomy (which was pretty good!!) and my instructor has opened the "room" for the case study discussions, and I open it only to be overwhelmed by the amount of posting that has already happened! Like seriously people, it has only been a few hours. So I closed it. haha!
I go to the discussion room and reply back to some posts, and thought I have to post in the case study anyways, maybe I'll just plod through it and see what some people have already said. And as I was meticulously going through the crazy notes/answers people have already posted online, I come to discover that it is one idiot that has posted like a crap load of stuff. Like seriously, AND to make matters worse, she didn't even do it properly!!! UGH!!!
I am quite frustrated right now, she has overwhelmed for no reason, and you can tell she is a keener because she has posted a number of text quotes that are obviously not that necessary in a case study as opposed to answering the discussion questions!!! Why do people have to be keen?!
I go to the discussion room and reply back to some posts, and thought I have to post in the case study anyways, maybe I'll just plod through it and see what some people have already said. And as I was meticulously going through the crazy notes/answers people have already posted online, I come to discover that it is one idiot that has posted like a crap load of stuff. Like seriously, AND to make matters worse, she didn't even do it properly!!! UGH!!!
I am quite frustrated right now, she has overwhelmed for no reason, and you can tell she is a keener because she has posted a number of text quotes that are obviously not that necessary in a case study as opposed to answering the discussion questions!!! Why do people have to be keen?!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Structure
I need it.
I realized this when taking some time to reflect upon the course I am taking right now online. This is my second online course, and even though it is with the same university, the instructor is different and how she has set up the learning environment online is much different from the course I took in the summer. It is definitely less structured and I don't know what made me realize this, but this lack of structure is what is overwhelming me in terms of this course as opposed to the one I took in the summer.
Thus, I reflected back upon what structure has meant in my life. I saw that I excelled in classes where there was enough structure, but enough room for me to explore, and I faltered in courses where the profs/teachers did not care so much to prepare the material and provide us with the necessary learning tools and materials. I distinctly remember a prof in university - he was definitely hardcore in terms of preparation, but he presented the material so well and when it came down to his tests and exams, although there was a lot of material because of how his course had been set up I always did well on his tests/exams. I actually enjoyed studying and learning in his classes. Yes, I am a geek of geography - it is quite interesting to me.
So, the morale of this post is, I excel with structure, and have to work a bit harder when there is a lack of it. Thus, I am going to have to dig a little deeper and work a little harder to not be overwhelmed by this course and learn what I need to learn.
I realized this when taking some time to reflect upon the course I am taking right now online. This is my second online course, and even though it is with the same university, the instructor is different and how she has set up the learning environment online is much different from the course I took in the summer. It is definitely less structured and I don't know what made me realize this, but this lack of structure is what is overwhelming me in terms of this course as opposed to the one I took in the summer.
Thus, I reflected back upon what structure has meant in my life. I saw that I excelled in classes where there was enough structure, but enough room for me to explore, and I faltered in courses where the profs/teachers did not care so much to prepare the material and provide us with the necessary learning tools and materials. I distinctly remember a prof in university - he was definitely hardcore in terms of preparation, but he presented the material so well and when it came down to his tests and exams, although there was a lot of material because of how his course had been set up I always did well on his tests/exams. I actually enjoyed studying and learning in his classes. Yes, I am a geek of geography - it is quite interesting to me.
So, the morale of this post is, I excel with structure, and have to work a bit harder when there is a lack of it. Thus, I am going to have to dig a little deeper and work a little harder to not be overwhelmed by this course and learn what I need to learn.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Sickness
So clearly I am still sick. I never recovered 100%, and I know that - but now it's gotten a little worse I think.
My body is starting to feel sore and tired, my nose runs or is stuffed intermittently, I feel like I am developing a slight cough, and my throat is still incredibly sore. I have tried a bunch of things now to get myself better. I have befriended Fisherman's Friend, I had some Buckley's to ease the throat, lots of hot water and tea (of all sorts!), however I am still not feeling any better. I think I really just need to rest, but I fear getting behind in my course. Maybe I'll actually go see my family doctor tomorrow. Please continue to pray for healing!
My body is starting to feel sore and tired, my nose runs or is stuffed intermittently, I feel like I am developing a slight cough, and my throat is still incredibly sore. I have tried a bunch of things now to get myself better. I have befriended Fisherman's Friend, I had some Buckley's to ease the throat, lots of hot water and tea (of all sorts!), however I am still not feeling any better. I think I really just need to rest, but I fear getting behind in my course. Maybe I'll actually go see my family doctor tomorrow. Please continue to pray for healing!
Geek
Today was a good day.
We went apple-picking today for Zoe, and even though not a lot of people showed up, it was still fun times. Got to spend time with Pastor John & Cindy, Uncle Joe & family, and Elvin. Even though there were concerns that there wouldn't be many apples left we were pleasantly greeted with many Mutsu and Ida Red apples to be picked to be eaten and used for pie, respectively. We picked apples until about 12 and then went for dim sum at a Chinese restaurant in Brampton. Food was good, restaurant was clean, and the fellowship time was worth the extra dollars =D
Then we got down to be geeks for the afternoon. Well mainly Richard because he was helping me format my laptop. He did a great job because my laptop is now running so fast and smoothly now - I guess that's what you get for 3 years of stuff accumulating on your HD and such. And then after formatting my computer he proceeded to help format Kev Yee's computer and my brother's computer as well! This all the while when Kev Yee and I were making apple crumbles in the kitchen. It was almost like our little factory - it sort of reminded of the time when I enlisted Kelly to help for the CCF EM and we had our little sweatshop making sausage rolls, mini-sandwiches, and egg salad - just great times slaving over the oven =) We made 6 apple crumbles for our pastors and will distribute accordingly tomorrow. We also made a special delivery to Kelly who was studying hard for her exams this upcoming week.
The rest of the night was filled with the boys playing Mario Strikers while I was making my brain grow playing Big Brain Academy on Richard's DS. All in all, a very good day indeed.
We went apple-picking today for Zoe, and even though not a lot of people showed up, it was still fun times. Got to spend time with Pastor John & Cindy, Uncle Joe & family, and Elvin. Even though there were concerns that there wouldn't be many apples left we were pleasantly greeted with many Mutsu and Ida Red apples to be picked to be eaten and used for pie, respectively. We picked apples until about 12 and then went for dim sum at a Chinese restaurant in Brampton. Food was good, restaurant was clean, and the fellowship time was worth the extra dollars =D
Then we got down to be geeks for the afternoon. Well mainly Richard because he was helping me format my laptop. He did a great job because my laptop is now running so fast and smoothly now - I guess that's what you get for 3 years of stuff accumulating on your HD and such. And then after formatting my computer he proceeded to help format Kev Yee's computer and my brother's computer as well! This all the while when Kev Yee and I were making apple crumbles in the kitchen. It was almost like our little factory - it sort of reminded of the time when I enlisted Kelly to help for the CCF EM and we had our little sweatshop making sausage rolls, mini-sandwiches, and egg salad - just great times slaving over the oven =) We made 6 apple crumbles for our pastors and will distribute accordingly tomorrow. We also made a special delivery to Kelly who was studying hard for her exams this upcoming week.
The rest of the night was filled with the boys playing Mario Strikers while I was making my brain grow playing Big Brain Academy on Richard's DS. All in all, a very good day indeed.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Fisherman's Friend
Has become my friend the last three days.
Update on the sickness - headache being controlled by Tylenol, body is no longer achy, throat is still a bit sore, and I have developed a runny nose AND I feel congested.
Still have to tutor - maybe I'll get all my kids sick and have a week off. Just joking! =p
Update on the sickness - headache being controlled by Tylenol, body is no longer achy, throat is still a bit sore, and I have developed a runny nose AND I feel congested.
Still have to tutor - maybe I'll get all my kids sick and have a week off. Just joking! =p
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sick
Yesterday was an interesting day - learning out voting, elections, and polling. It was also interesting to come home and watch the results. It was a tight race in my riding, with the Conservatives coming up on top by less than 250 votes. Voting does count as I experienced this past election, this election made me realize that we are all growing up and talking about "grown-up" stuff.
When I went to bed the night before the election, I wasn't feeling 100% and when I got up in the morning I had a sore throat. When I got to Woodlands I felt a headache coming on. Throughout the day I felt I was running a slight fever. And by the end of the night my back was killing from sitting in a chair all day.
Today I felt a little better, but I must still rest and catch up on some course work. Please pray for healing.
When I went to bed the night before the election, I wasn't feeling 100% and when I got up in the morning I had a sore throat. When I got to Woodlands I felt a headache coming on. Throughout the day I felt I was running a slight fever. And by the end of the night my back was killing from sitting in a chair all day.
Today I felt a little better, but I must still rest and catch up on some course work. Please pray for healing.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Question
While I was in the car with a friend yesterday she posed this question:
I believe God has blessed me with talents to use in the classroom and it was also a reminder to wait upon him, because he hasn't provided me these skills for nothing.
"If money or talent were not an issue, what would you want to be?"This question elicited some silly responses like a professional athlete and rockstar - but it was a really thought-provoking question. And this question reaffirmed my yearning to be a teacher - to mould the minds of the youth today who are immersed in a culture that is so depraved at times, but they are also some of the most informed kids and critical thinkers that I have met.
I believe God has blessed me with talents to use in the classroom and it was also a reminder to wait upon him, because he hasn't provided me these skills for nothing.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
I Stand Amazed
This morning at Zoe we did a praise and prayer. I always love P&Ps because I enjoy singing praises to God and taking time to pray and reflect.
Today I was convicted near the end of the program after we sang the song Amazed.
You dance over me
While I am unaware
You sing all around
But I never hear the sound
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
How You love me
How wide
How deep
How great
Is Your love for me
This song reminded me of another song, I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous), because of the chorus.
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
Chorus:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!
He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.
The last time I think I sang I Stand Amazed was last Thanksgiving. And how far I have come since then. I remember distinctly talking with Kevin Y last year during the P&P that I led and how thankful I was at the time for being placed with a wonderful AT and how I was learning so much. I also shared about the worries of my dad losing his job because of outsourcing to Mexico. Right now, I don't have a job, but that is okay - I am still learning everyday to become a better teacher in the jobs that God has bestowed upon me. And the good news is that my dad still has his job. And God-willing, he will keep it until the entire factory shuts down next year. God has definitely been good!
After we sung Amazed, there was a time of prayer - to reflect upon the songs and the passages that were sung today. I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to pray aloud as I was reminded of how AMAZING God had been to me the last year. Even though I was a sinner, condemned, unclean and so incredibly dirty, God has covered me white as snow. He completely broke me and convicted me of how sinful I am, but I was also encouraged by the fact that He has forgiven me and I am now striving to become better each day. I still am so incredibly amazed by what God has done for me this past year and may I continue to rely on him for ALL things!
Today I was convicted near the end of the program after we sang the song Amazed.
You dance over me
While I am unaware
You sing all around
But I never hear the sound
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
How You love me
How wide
How deep
How great
Is Your love for me
This song reminded me of another song, I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous), because of the chorus.
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.
Chorus:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!
He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.
The last time I think I sang I Stand Amazed was last Thanksgiving. And how far I have come since then. I remember distinctly talking with Kevin Y last year during the P&P that I led and how thankful I was at the time for being placed with a wonderful AT and how I was learning so much. I also shared about the worries of my dad losing his job because of outsourcing to Mexico. Right now, I don't have a job, but that is okay - I am still learning everyday to become a better teacher in the jobs that God has bestowed upon me. And the good news is that my dad still has his job. And God-willing, he will keep it until the entire factory shuts down next year. God has definitely been good!
After we sung Amazed, there was a time of prayer - to reflect upon the songs and the passages that were sung today. I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to pray aloud as I was reminded of how AMAZING God had been to me the last year. Even though I was a sinner, condemned, unclean and so incredibly dirty, God has covered me white as snow. He completely broke me and convicted me of how sinful I am, but I was also encouraged by the fact that He has forgiven me and I am now striving to become better each day. I still am so incredibly amazed by what God has done for me this past year and may I continue to rely on him for ALL things!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Grey's Fondue
Last night I decided to get some people together to watch Grey's Anatomy over some fondue. This has been 2 weeks in the making as I was disappointed last week that Grey's had been pre-empted by the vice-presidential and leaders debates in the US and Canada, respectively.
It was definitely tons of fun despite the episode being less than high quality - there were some good parts - but the fondue made up for the not so great episode. I think the season premiere set the bar quite high this season.
The fellowship with one another was very fun and enjoyable.
- fondue etiquette quote
- everyone needing water
- devouring the plate of bananas (good call by Ruby & Rita)
- Kelly's surprise! (biscotti & marshmallows)
- making frozen marshmallows and fruit gummies dipped in chocolate (picture below)
- everyone watching ER afterwards and commenting how their interns don't know anything, but Grey's interns do! haha
- awkward political smear campaign commercials
There was a lot of apples and pears left over, so I made an apple & pear crisp for my family to enjoy!
It was definitely tons of fun despite the episode being less than high quality - there were some good parts - but the fondue made up for the not so great episode. I think the season premiere set the bar quite high this season.
The fellowship with one another was very fun and enjoyable.
(we actually had 3 bowls of chocolate going)
(bananas, apples, strawberries & marshmallows! oh my!)
Some highlights of the night:- fondue etiquette quote
- everyone needing water
- devouring the plate of bananas (good call by Ruby & Rita)
- Kelly's surprise! (biscotti & marshmallows)
- making frozen marshmallows and fruit gummies dipped in chocolate (picture below)
- everyone watching ER afterwards and commenting how their interns don't know anything, but Grey's interns do! haha
- awkward political smear campaign commercials
There was a lot of apples and pears left over, so I made an apple & pear crisp for my family to enjoy!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
BR Convos
Last night after prayer meeting, Kelly was having the craving to go to BR for BBT and who am I to resist?!
Let me tell you, when it gets past 10pm - it seems like we get extremely silly and have bouts of deafness! Here are some of the conversations we had.
J - "I have a Sudoku trainer"
K - "We should play tomorrow!"
K - "I taught Cliff how to play Sudoku"
K - "You taught me?"
K - "I taught you?"
K - "You taught me?"
K - "I taught you?"
K - "You taught me?"
K - "I taught you?"
K - "You taught me?"
K - "I taught you?"
J - "You know where I could buy a fat clamp?"
V - "A what?"
J - "A fat clamp."
K - "Why don't you just buy a BMI machine?"
J - "I have all these books about how to eat properly to lose weight and calculating calories"
V - "Did those dumplings you just ate fit into your equation?"
J - "Dumb things?"
V - "Dumplings"
J - "What?! Dumb things?!"
J - "DUMB THINGS?!" (eyes grow wide)
K - laughing hysterically
K - trying not to spit out any bbt
Fun times indeed. This is what happens when you get old - you lose your hearing and you know you should be in bed by 11pm. =p
Let me tell you, when it gets past 10pm - it seems like we get extremely silly and have bouts of deafness! Here are some of the conversations we had.
J - "I have a Sudoku trainer"
K - "We should play tomorrow!"
K - "I taught Cliff how to play Sudoku"
K - "You taught me?"
K - "I taught you?"
K - "You taught me?"
K - "I taught you?"
K - "You taught me?"
K - "I taught you?"
K - "You taught me?"
K - "I taught you?"
J - "You know where I could buy a fat clamp?"
V - "A what?"
J - "A fat clamp."
K - "Why don't you just buy a BMI machine?"
J - "I have all these books about how to eat properly to lose weight and calculating calories"
V - "Did those dumplings you just ate fit into your equation?"
J - "Dumb things?"
V - "Dumplings"
J - "What?! Dumb things?!"
J - "DUMB THINGS?!" (eyes grow wide)
K - laughing hysterically
K - trying not to spit out any bbt
Fun times indeed. This is what happens when you get old - you lose your hearing and you know you should be in bed by 11pm. =p
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Look what I found!
Do not worry, I am now finished both assignments! *yay* for me!
But while I was procrastinating, I found another way to zap up my time, and another procrastination tool. Since I missed John & Kate Plus 8 last night, I wanted to see if TLC has them on their website, or else I'm going to have to wait until they replay it sometime. Alas, there were no episodes online, but there are John & Kate Plus 8 webisodes online, behind-the-scenes and never-before-seen scenes! So now I'm excited! =D
But while I was procrastinating, I found another way to zap up my time, and another procrastination tool. Since I missed John & Kate Plus 8 last night, I wanted to see if TLC has them on their website, or else I'm going to have to wait until they replay it sometime. Alas, there were no episodes online, but there are John & Kate Plus 8 webisodes online, behind-the-scenes and never-before-seen scenes! So now I'm excited! =D
SOTM
This song kept running through my head while I was walking the dogs today. During these walks, I usually take time to pray for people - with my eyes open of course! - and often times worship songs will also spring into my head as I am walking.
Everlasting God ~ Chris Tomlin
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God You reign forever
Our hope, Our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint, You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Our God You reign forever
Our hope, Our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint, You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
God, You are everlasting
This song rang especially true to me with all that has been happening in recent days. My strength will definitely rise as I wait to see what God has in store for my life and I will wait upon him! He is my deliverer and strength through this tough time. And he is definitely my comfort right now - even with all the love that has abounded in the last few days, there are times when I can't be around those that love me, but God is ALWAYS there, in my times of worry and self-doubting, he is there comforting me!
Everlasting God ~ Chris Tomlin
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God You reign forever
Our hope, Our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint, You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
Our God You reign forever
Our hope, Our strong deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint, You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
God, You are everlasting
This song rang especially true to me with all that has been happening in recent days. My strength will definitely rise as I wait to see what God has in store for my life and I will wait upon him! He is my deliverer and strength through this tough time. And he is definitely my comfort right now - even with all the love that has abounded in the last few days, there are times when I can't be around those that love me, but God is ALWAYS there, in my times of worry and self-doubting, he is there comforting me!
Assignments
I really don't want to do these assignments right now. There is absolutely no motivation to do them, yet they are both due on Thursday. Thankfully they are pretty easy, but they still got to get done. Ugh.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Loved
Yesterday, my emotions and burdens got the best of me and they opened like floodgates while we (Richard, Felix, Kelly, Kat & Eleasa) were in the prayer room. It is hard for me at times to really open up but God was convicting me and to feel their love surround me and for their prayers was truly awesome.
This is what true fellowship is. This is what real love between brothers and sisters is.
I am so thankful that they are here, supporting me, praying for me, and just being there for me. I know that I am loved.
This is what true fellowship is. This is what real love between brothers and sisters is.
I am so thankful that they are here, supporting me, praying for me, and just being there for me. I know that I am loved.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Spoken Word
So yesterday was again a little frustrating. I understand their concern as they are parents and all, but hearing it over and over again will not change the situation that I do not have a job - and it's not like I'm not doing anything to rectify this situation. But yes, I got the "lectures" again last night from various sources, and I was just getting fed up.
I feel that some of them should understand where I am coming from as they are Christians as well, but with my parents it is a little hard for them to understand that I am awaiting God's provision and timing for my life. Again, I do understand where they are coming - they want the best for me, they are looking out for me, blah blah blah... But what is so wrong with just WAITING?! I know that God has a plan for me, it's not like I am just a bum right now at home doing nothing - I have gotten myself involved in a number of things already, things that have in a way are overwhelming in themselves, see last post here, and on the plus side it is supplying me with an income of sorts. So why can't I just WAIT for God to provide - I have done all that I can so far, applications on VIP, speaking with ATs from last year, arranging opportunities to volunteer - and now I place it into the hands of the one that I know will deliver something for me. I was just so frustrated and upset last night - hearing, listening and reading that, it just brought me to tears. Like it's not like I don't know I have a teaching job yet, thanks for the reminder - it's my life and I want to live it as God has planned it! Just thinking and typing about it makes me upset and frustrated once again!
So, I turned to my Bible, because it is the only way I know that I can calm down and to speak to God through prayer. The Holy Spirit led me to 1 John. As I was reading through it, I got to 1 John 2:15-17, and it was just a confirmation from God that I need to wait for him to bless me and to disregard what others are saying, ignore the fact that other friends are getting jobs, and to RELY FULLY on the will of God.
I feel that some of them should understand where I am coming from as they are Christians as well, but with my parents it is a little hard for them to understand that I am awaiting God's provision and timing for my life. Again, I do understand where they are coming - they want the best for me, they are looking out for me, blah blah blah... But what is so wrong with just WAITING?! I know that God has a plan for me, it's not like I am just a bum right now at home doing nothing - I have gotten myself involved in a number of things already, things that have in a way are overwhelming in themselves, see last post here, and on the plus side it is supplying me with an income of sorts. So why can't I just WAIT for God to provide - I have done all that I can so far, applications on VIP, speaking with ATs from last year, arranging opportunities to volunteer - and now I place it into the hands of the one that I know will deliver something for me. I was just so frustrated and upset last night - hearing, listening and reading that, it just brought me to tears. Like it's not like I don't know I have a teaching job yet, thanks for the reminder - it's my life and I want to live it as God has planned it! Just thinking and typing about it makes me upset and frustrated once again!
So, I turned to my Bible, because it is the only way I know that I can calm down and to speak to God through prayer. The Holy Spirit led me to 1 John. As I was reading through it, I got to 1 John 2:15-17, and it was just a confirmation from God that I need to wait for him to bless me and to disregard what others are saying, ignore the fact that other friends are getting jobs, and to RELY FULLY on the will of God.
15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.I was much calmer after that, and was content with what I have, and am waiting upon what God has in store for me next. I meditated on the last few words "but the man who does the will of God lives forever." AMEN! I was then able to fall asleep with a heart that was not burdened and a mind that was clear.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Overwhelmed
So yesterday after tutoring and prayer meeting, I was still feeling overwhelmed with just stuff. I don't really know why, but I feel like I am being blessed by God with so many students to tutor, but now I'm just doing it as it comes - there is no passion in my teaching. I want that passion once again! I love to teach, but it could be that my student got less than great on an assignment we worked on together and I feel the indirect pressure from the mom as to why this happened - she is a lovely woman, but she is still paying for her son to do well in school, which is why I am there and yeah...
Then I get news (via FB) that another friend from teacher's college got on the supply list in Peel. I am happy for her, but at the same time a little jealous and frustrated that I have been unable to do so myself. I know I have to hold on to God's promises and trust in his timing, but it is just difficult again - just like how it was during the summer. I keep telling myself it is still rather earlier - it is only the beginnings of October - but I just see all my failed attempts since June when the postings started going up on VIP, it just gets depressing after a while. But at the same time I also know that I should be content with what I have been blessed with but for some reason I can not find that peace at the moment. I hate going on this rollercoaster.
Then I get news (via FB) that another friend from teacher's college got on the supply list in Peel. I am happy for her, but at the same time a little jealous and frustrated that I have been unable to do so myself. I know I have to hold on to God's promises and trust in his timing, but it is just difficult again - just like how it was during the summer. I keep telling myself it is still rather earlier - it is only the beginnings of October - but I just see all my failed attempts since June when the postings started going up on VIP, it just gets depressing after a while. But at the same time I also know that I should be content with what I have been blessed with but for some reason I can not find that peace at the moment. I hate going on this rollercoaster.
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