3:39 A.M. Sunday, June 7, 2009-
I still sit and wonder how I have the life which I live? Where did my heart come from and how did it get to the place in which I sit? My hunch is this heart within me is not just from two stellar individuals in Painesville, Ohio. (props to them, nonetheless)
Where am I, you ask, at 3:39 in the morning? Most my age, in the wee hours of the morning, would be stumbling home intoxicated or quite possibly passed out on a couch, floor or who-knows-where. Quite the contrary, I find myself sitting in a sanctuary in La Paz, Bolivia. Somehow, not so contrastingly, I am amongst people seeking after the answers others seek after who are "out" at this time of night/morning. As living beings, we all seek the same mysterious and eluding answers, yet fortunately, I am not in the state in which others are in consequence to the dire search. How blessed I am. We are all curious of much which will elude us our entire lives, yet this does not minimize the search or abounding numbers of those who venture out upon this meaningful journey of life. No, it is precisely this that intrigues us all to venture out, panting for truth. Something so lofty seems to render itself out of reach, yet nothing could be farther from the truth. The simplicity of each day and the abounding beauty which adorns each one is all that we search for: The encompassing beauty, the beauty that lies within, the beauty in which only a loving father and creator can bestow. And His most cherished creation, his "cherry on the top" of all, each one of us. Each one unique and precious, specifically and uniquely bearing a beauty which only that individual has to offer to the rest of us. So the question, " Why me? Who am I?
The Answer: "You are the beloved and the the beloved is mine." You are the daughter, the son, of the one and only Loving and Magnificent Creator of the world. And if each of us chooses to rest in that truth and live in that beauty, the world can only shine more radiantly than it does in its most simplistic truth and beauty- sunrise and sunset.
La veridad esta en la busequeda. And there is always another attempt, another chance. God demonstrates his redeeming love and grace so poignantly to his people each day, beginning and end. We all have a chance to see the beauty of a sunrise and sunset; we all have the same opportunity to see and experience His Grace; beauty that words can not express.
It's now 4:30; it seems as though I may have that breathtaking chance to experience one more of His great wonders, reminding me of what that sunrise truly means.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Truth
I have been blessed abundantly throughout life and the blessings continue richly. I look forward to an amazing summer of adventure and renewal.
You have placed upon me, within me a burden for this world, a burden for your people, yet what I am to do?
Here I am send me?
Where and when? Here and now?
I listen.
You are the God of this world, creator of our souls and surroundings. And you have made them good. Adversely, we have chosen a different course.
You have not forgotten, you have not forsaken:
Here I am, choose Me.
Here I am, Choose Life.
Here I am, be renewed.
For here I am, for you.
Each day.
Every day.
For you.
You have placed upon me, within me a burden for this world, a burden for your people, yet what I am to do?
Here I am send me?
Where and when? Here and now?
I listen.
You are the God of this world, creator of our souls and surroundings. And you have made them good. Adversely, we have chosen a different course.
You have not forgotten, you have not forsaken:
Here I am, choose Me.
Here I am, Choose Life.
Here I am, be renewed.
For here I am, for you.
Each day.
Every day.
For you.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
I was shaking....
When the announcement was made on Friday, I was shaking...
VOICES OF OUR YOUTH UPDATE:
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”
After two months of vigilance and hard work, the seventh and eighth grade students of ACS saw their efforts come to life in an amazing Evening of the Arts, March 5. Last Thursday evening, the elementary auditorium was full of sincere honesty and generosity as the ACS community gathered to hear the hearts and minds of the Class of 2013 and 2014. Audience members were entertained, challenged and moved by the “Voices of Our Youth” and their desire to improve the lives of the children of Virgen de Fatima Orphanage in Obrajes. Because of the hard work of our seventh and eighth grade students and the generosity of many throughout the Zona Sur, over $2,300 was raised and over 5,500 diapers were donated to improve children’s lives in our local community.
If you would like to continue supporting the seventh and eighth graders in their quest to aid the children of Virgen de Fatima, you can purchase a Voices of Our Youth T-shirt for 70bs or make a donation by emailing Lyndsey Deane at ldeane@acslp.org. If you would like to relive the evening, you can also purchase a VOOY DVD for 50bs by contacting Ms. Deane.
Thank you goes out to our 40 local sponsors as well as the ACS community for supporting this very worthy cause.
VOICES OF OUR YOUTH UPDATE:
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”
After two months of vigilance and hard work, the seventh and eighth grade students of ACS saw their efforts come to life in an amazing Evening of the Arts, March 5. Last Thursday evening, the elementary auditorium was full of sincere honesty and generosity as the ACS community gathered to hear the hearts and minds of the Class of 2013 and 2014. Audience members were entertained, challenged and moved by the “Voices of Our Youth” and their desire to improve the lives of the children of Virgen de Fatima Orphanage in Obrajes. Because of the hard work of our seventh and eighth grade students and the generosity of many throughout the Zona Sur, over $2,300 was raised and over 5,500 diapers were donated to improve children’s lives in our local community.
If you would like to continue supporting the seventh and eighth graders in their quest to aid the children of Virgen de Fatima, you can purchase a Voices of Our Youth T-shirt for 70bs or make a donation by emailing Lyndsey Deane at ldeane@acslp.org. If you would like to relive the evening, you can also purchase a VOOY DVD for 50bs by contacting Ms. Deane.
Thank you goes out to our 40 local sponsors as well as the ACS community for supporting this very worthy cause.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Meaning of VOOY
The Meaning of VOOY
Have you ever heard of kids who aren’t taken seriously and truly these kids are right? I am one of those kids/teenagers. This is why VOOY is so important to me, and it should be to my classmates. VOOY stands for “Voices of Our Youth” and the reason it’s important to me is because it’s the only time that I’m taken very seriously.
In this event, all of the kids in 7th and 8th grade present our opinions on matters of life and the world. We all work for a reason: helping Virgen de Fatma orphanage and Para Los Niños. Last year we were able to help build another house for the orphans and they were very thankful. We visited the orphans and we saw how much they appreciated what they had, so we donate all the money raised to help make the orphanage better. I know the people who come to VOOY will be entertained and they will see how our opinions on matters can make a difference.
If you would like to help us make a difference by purchasing a ticket or making a donation, please contact: Jessica Delgado, School Counselor 279-2302 ext. 219 or jdelgado@acslp.org
-8th grade student
Voices of Our Youth.
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”
March 5, 2009.
ACS
19:00 P.M.
Have you ever heard of kids who aren’t taken seriously and truly these kids are right? I am one of those kids/teenagers. This is why VOOY is so important to me, and it should be to my classmates. VOOY stands for “Voices of Our Youth” and the reason it’s important to me is because it’s the only time that I’m taken very seriously.
In this event, all of the kids in 7th and 8th grade present our opinions on matters of life and the world. We all work for a reason: helping Virgen de Fatma orphanage and Para Los Niños. Last year we were able to help build another house for the orphans and they were very thankful. We visited the orphans and we saw how much they appreciated what they had, so we donate all the money raised to help make the orphanage better. I know the people who come to VOOY will be entertained and they will see how our opinions on matters can make a difference.
If you would like to help us make a difference by purchasing a ticket or making a donation, please contact: Jessica Delgado, School Counselor 279-2302 ext. 219 or jdelgado@acslp.org
-8th grade student
Voices of Our Youth.
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”
March 5, 2009.
ACS
19:00 P.M.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
A Different Voice
So this is what is happening, but instead of me telling you about it secondhand, I'll let you hear it straight from the "horse's mouth".
Voices Of Our Youth.
VOOY, yes we did do it last year and yes it was fun.
VOOY, Voices of Our Youth, is a way for us, middle schoolers, to express what we think or what we feel. This is an opportunity for parents or any adult to hear and see what is going on in our heads and how every single one of us has a different way of looking at the world and people.
To me VOOY means being able to say and present what I really believe in without people laughing at me. It’s a great way to express yourself because it doesn’t have to be a written paper, you can present you thoughts in any way you want. Anything creative is fine because that is expressing yourself.
VOOY also means helping children and people. The money that we make goes Para Los Niños and Virgen de Fatima orphanage to help those children who are not as fortunate as we are. They build new “casitas” and buy new playground equipment.
-ACS, 8th grade student.
Do you want to help us help these children? Make a donation or buy tickets from: Jessica Delgado, School Counselor 279-2302 ext. 219 or jdelgado@acslp.org
Voices of Our Youth.
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”
March 5, 2009.
ACS
19:00 P.M.
Voices Of Our Youth.
VOOY, yes we did do it last year and yes it was fun.
VOOY, Voices of Our Youth, is a way for us, middle schoolers, to express what we think or what we feel. This is an opportunity for parents or any adult to hear and see what is going on in our heads and how every single one of us has a different way of looking at the world and people.
To me VOOY means being able to say and present what I really believe in without people laughing at me. It’s a great way to express yourself because it doesn’t have to be a written paper, you can present you thoughts in any way you want. Anything creative is fine because that is expressing yourself.
VOOY also means helping children and people. The money that we make goes Para Los Niños and Virgen de Fatima orphanage to help those children who are not as fortunate as we are. They build new “casitas” and buy new playground equipment.
-ACS, 8th grade student.
Do you want to help us help these children? Make a donation or buy tickets from: Jessica Delgado, School Counselor 279-2302 ext. 219 or jdelgado@acslp.org
Voices of Our Youth.
“I am the one whose voice can change the world.”
March 5, 2009.
ACS
19:00 P.M.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Again We Begin.
Here's to another year and to all the blessings which have been bestowed. Holiday travel was priceless; time with friends and family, irreplaceable. Ok, well the travel, maybe priceless is not the word, but the quality time, definitely irreplaceable.
As I look back at the time that has passed, I am thankful for more than words can say. I pray that as time continues to pass, my heart is and always will be in a state of gratitude. My holiday readings have lead me to believe that one has to look back to move forward, or possibly just around. It's hard to not be cliche this time of the year and for all the talk of new beginnings and fresh outlooks, it seems as though not much change or simply the new year's "refreshment" is short-lived. Maybe each month we should have such a benchmark to evaluate the quality of life? But does life truly allow a person the time to do such?
What a shame. Oh, did I answer that question?
Where are we in life that we can't live? There are so many coulda, woulda, shouldas. And with examining each one it seems as though a person is not in a place of improvement or growth, but lingering to some extent, indefinitely. Again, is that where we are to be? "To be or not to be?" To linger or live?
My brother aggravatingly noted over a holiday meal that most "cutting edge art" these days is saying the same things it always has...we have problems. Sounds cutting edge to me. But how about state something we don't already know, suggestions for truly something cutting edge, new, successful, even disastrous. We don't dare do that though. Lingering comfortably in our fear and concern for the state of the world and the inevitable crisis approaching is a much better state in which to live. Now, I apologize to him for my lacking and possibly somewhat skewed summary of his comments, yet honestly, what would this world look like if we stopped dwelling and wallowing in the hurts of the world? I am not suggesting ignorance or apathy, living beyond our means or putting our heads under a pillow. But I place before you the opposite, life. Conversely living aware, open to what is currently transpiring within our communities and beyond what our flat screen, plasma box of emotion or articles of fear (online or paper) lead us to believe. Have we stopped thinking and coming to our own conclusions entirely? Do we question if possibly the box could be wrong?
Now I understand that opinions may differ and people will clash, but is not firsthand experience and application two of the best practices of learning? Does learning not aid growth? Is not growth a part of life?
I hate the stereotypical technology debate. Is Technology helping or harming our world? I feel as though the subject of the question is incorrect. I believe it would be better if stated as, Is the user of technology helping or harming the world? Is the user/operator of _________________ helping or harming the world? We as humans have power and choice. We were all given minds and talents. We are living in a world of "endless opportunities". Such things are unfortunately not accessible to all people, yet the truth still lies in not what, but who and how. Who is acting how, with what intentions?
People have been witness to unimaginable travesty throughout history, and sadly, more of those times are imminent. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that joyous times are here and will continue to come. Who and how. Who are we and how are we spending our time, using our talents?
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
To what are we committed? To the greater good, which we too will benefit, or the small sphere in which we operate everyday? We desire our lives to be fruitful and joyous, however we lose sight that the life we live in not just a small community, but a larger world. There are intimately tied, eternally effecting the other. There is no escaping the world, people, culture, life. At times we try so desperately, yet is that not what we are earnestly seeking?
"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things shall be given unto you." All people have life; we all seek to love, be loved and live in that love. Why is it that we fight when what we seek is love? Again, who and how? Gandhi was a smart man. "Be the change you wish to see in world." A young man I ran with in high school said, "Don't talk about it, BE about it." If we want love, we need to be love. All Jesus did was love. And if you love him or hate him, he loved. Enough to die to show and share his love with anyone who is willing to recognize it. You don't have to like him, but there is no denying, He was and still is the ultimate exemplar of what we all so desperately seem to be seeking. In His kingdom there is no fire and brimstone, no alienation, no sword, just life. He promises Life. A life. God brought it here openly to share with the world.
I pray that each of us live openly sharing what we seek to find in this new year.
As I look back at the time that has passed, I am thankful for more than words can say. I pray that as time continues to pass, my heart is and always will be in a state of gratitude. My holiday readings have lead me to believe that one has to look back to move forward, or possibly just around. It's hard to not be cliche this time of the year and for all the talk of new beginnings and fresh outlooks, it seems as though not much change or simply the new year's "refreshment" is short-lived. Maybe each month we should have such a benchmark to evaluate the quality of life? But does life truly allow a person the time to do such?
What a shame. Oh, did I answer that question?
Where are we in life that we can't live? There are so many coulda, woulda, shouldas. And with examining each one it seems as though a person is not in a place of improvement or growth, but lingering to some extent, indefinitely. Again, is that where we are to be? "To be or not to be?" To linger or live?
My brother aggravatingly noted over a holiday meal that most "cutting edge art" these days is saying the same things it always has...we have problems. Sounds cutting edge to me. But how about state something we don't already know, suggestions for truly something cutting edge, new, successful, even disastrous. We don't dare do that though. Lingering comfortably in our fear and concern for the state of the world and the inevitable crisis approaching is a much better state in which to live. Now, I apologize to him for my lacking and possibly somewhat skewed summary of his comments, yet honestly, what would this world look like if we stopped dwelling and wallowing in the hurts of the world? I am not suggesting ignorance or apathy, living beyond our means or putting our heads under a pillow. But I place before you the opposite, life. Conversely living aware, open to what is currently transpiring within our communities and beyond what our flat screen, plasma box of emotion or articles of fear (online or paper) lead us to believe. Have we stopped thinking and coming to our own conclusions entirely? Do we question if possibly the box could be wrong?
Now I understand that opinions may differ and people will clash, but is not firsthand experience and application two of the best practices of learning? Does learning not aid growth? Is not growth a part of life?
I hate the stereotypical technology debate. Is Technology helping or harming our world? I feel as though the subject of the question is incorrect. I believe it would be better if stated as, Is the user of technology helping or harming the world? Is the user/operator of _________________ helping or harming the world? We as humans have power and choice. We were all given minds and talents. We are living in a world of "endless opportunities". Such things are unfortunately not accessible to all people, yet the truth still lies in not what, but who and how. Who is acting how, with what intentions?
People have been witness to unimaginable travesty throughout history, and sadly, more of those times are imminent. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that joyous times are here and will continue to come. Who and how. Who are we and how are we spending our time, using our talents?
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
To what are we committed? To the greater good, which we too will benefit, or the small sphere in which we operate everyday? We desire our lives to be fruitful and joyous, however we lose sight that the life we live in not just a small community, but a larger world. There are intimately tied, eternally effecting the other. There is no escaping the world, people, culture, life. At times we try so desperately, yet is that not what we are earnestly seeking?
"Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things shall be given unto you." All people have life; we all seek to love, be loved and live in that love. Why is it that we fight when what we seek is love? Again, who and how? Gandhi was a smart man. "Be the change you wish to see in world." A young man I ran with in high school said, "Don't talk about it, BE about it." If we want love, we need to be love. All Jesus did was love. And if you love him or hate him, he loved. Enough to die to show and share his love with anyone who is willing to recognize it. You don't have to like him, but there is no denying, He was and still is the ultimate exemplar of what we all so desperately seem to be seeking. In His kingdom there is no fire and brimstone, no alienation, no sword, just life. He promises Life. A life. God brought it here openly to share with the world.
I pray that each of us live openly sharing what we seek to find in this new year.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Place your VOTE, AGAIN!
Last year I asked you to place your vote on different blogs that my students at ACS created. It is that time of the year again, and if you have any extra time on your hands, it would be great if you could do it again!
This year there are two grade 8 Technology classes and their blogs have just been opened to the world. Now the competition begins and there is pizza going to the winning team! Does this all ring a bell from last year?
Sooooo...with that said would anyone interested take a quick look at the 2 different blogs which the eighth graders created and see which one you think is the "coolest". My definition of "coolest" would be: interesting and clear theme, reader friendly, aesthetically pleasing. The students were pretty psyched about the project so it would be great to have your opinions. Don't worry about being too picky or not picky enough. The students are aware that this is simply the competition portion of the project and that they were to meet clear requirements given to them on a rubric beforehand and I will be giving them their grades.
Thanks for helping out, the kids will love it. I am going to tell them on Monday who has won. Again, thanks for taking the time.
Here are the blogs They are both the same, except for the class name. Below, use the below url, but to see the other site imput techeightb
http://techeighta.blogspot.com
This year there are two grade 8 Technology classes and their blogs have just been opened to the world. Now the competition begins and there is pizza going to the winning team! Does this all ring a bell from last year?
Sooooo...with that said would anyone interested take a quick look at the 2 different blogs which the eighth graders created and see which one you think is the "coolest". My definition of "coolest" would be: interesting and clear theme, reader friendly, aesthetically pleasing. The students were pretty psyched about the project so it would be great to have your opinions. Don't worry about being too picky or not picky enough. The students are aware that this is simply the competition portion of the project and that they were to meet clear requirements given to them on a rubric beforehand and I will be giving them their grades.
Thanks for helping out, the kids will love it. I am going to tell them on Monday who has won. Again, thanks for taking the time.
Here are the blogs They are both the same, except for the class name. Below, use the below url, but to see the other site imput techeightb
http://techeighta.blogspot.com
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