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Showing posts from 2006

Tagged: Five Unknowns

Well a fellow blogger, Brian LePort , tagged me and yelled "You're It!" So you all get the pleasure of learning 5 new things about me. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if these unknowns will truly be unknown or if they will be worth knowing, but here it goes.... When I was in four year old kindergarten, I ran away from school. I walked out of the classroom and began walking down the highway and was picked up by some lady that recognized me as a student from my school. Unlike many little girls who daydream of being a wife and mommy one day, I always wanted to be the first lady President of the US. I've always been career and goal oriented. Drama finds me although I wouldn't consider myself a drama queen. It started with the first (and only so far) love of my life's parents were wanted by the FBI for embezzling money, or something weird like that. My love life has been extremely splotchy and issue filled since then. I want to travel the whole world. I

Blue, Blue, Blue Christmas

I feel a little like Elvis....It's a bit of a blue Christmas for me. I'm not depressed just a bit bummed. Christmas just isn't exciting anymore. When my Nanna was alive, all of my mom's family would get together. I would get to spend the whole day eating and goofing off with my cousins. Now with no common bond to bring us together and everyone getting older and having their own Christmas traditions, our family celebration has dwindled. Most likely it will just be me, my brother and the rents. I am glad to still have my few, don't get me wrong. I do realize there are many people who don't have anyone. So I still count myself blessed, but for me it's still a bit of a let down. Plus I, myself, am getting older. I'm not as excited to see what is left under the tree for me. I'm at that age where Christmas doesn't have any excitement ; it's just another day. All these people are getting married, having kids, or at least spending the hol

Roll Out the Red Carpet

Sometimes it's not what you know but who you know. And as a result of knowing the right people I get to see the newest Rocky film, ROCKY BALBOA! Several students from school work at the local theater. Tomorrow after the theater closes, the employees are allowed to bring a guest and watch the new movie for free before anyone else. Thankfully, I'm in pretty tight with the kids. So me and three of the coaches talked all the students who work there into bringing us as their guest. In order to get into the mood I've been watching all the old Rocky movies. I'm currently in the middle of the 3rd one. It's been years and years since I've seen them, so I'm refreshing my memory of the fights and the great accent..."Yo Adrian, I did it!" **Cue Eye of the Tiger theme music as I jog across my room punching the air**

The Pain of Leading

Dealing with young people is so much harder than I ever thought it would be. I feel so worthless after spending time with them. It's as if nothing I do is right. I'm either too lame, too mean, too lenient, too serious, too goofy. I never win. I can accept not being the kids friend, but I would like to feel appreciated or respected. When something goes wrong, I feel responsible, even when it's not my fault. If the kids do something wrong, I feel bad for it happening even if I couldn't control it. Then the other kids say, why does it matter, it's not your fault. Yet they can't understand that I'm a leader and therefore it reflects on me. Being in charge is tough. You aren't just watching out for yourself but for so many others. You have to make decisions that are best for everyone even if that means being tough. And being a young single girl in leadership is even harder. It's as if the only time I get respect is because a guy thinks I'm

Bah Humbug!

I'm being a Grinch today, so prepare for a rant. Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year. It's not holly and jolly. I'm not rocking around the Christmas tree. I'm tired, worn out, and could care less! I realize that Christmas is suppose to be all about the birth of Christ, but come on. Spare me! What does Christmas presents, Christmas trees, and Christmas parties have to do with Jesus....NOTHING! So why do we pretend it does?? This has been my schedule lately. Practice for winter worship service at church. Go to a Christmas banquet at church. Get ready for 9 weeks test. Get ready for semester exams. Practice for Winter Worship service at church. Get food for a Christmas party at church. Buy Christmas presents for people. When do I have time to sit down and concentrate on "The reason for the season?" When do I have time to spend time with friends and family? I'm too busy preparing for this and running around for this, that

What You've Missed....

My life is so hectic I can't blog on a regular basis. I don't know if you miss it, but I do. Almost everyday I have something come up that I think to myself "I need to blog about that!" Unfortunately , when I actually get home to do it, I just can't muster up the strength to sit down and collect my thoughts. Oh well, enough excuses. Here's what's been going on lately! Mr. Quick and Easy has not been heard from too much lately. ly got the hint that I wasn't interested in a relationship like he had in mind, and I think I've blown him off enough times for him to realize I'm just extremely busy right now. Honestly, if I really did like this guy, I wouldn't have time for him. I'm in one of my "I'm much better off without a guy" moods as of now. More "Christlike" opportunities have been arising lately. I've been having meaningful conversations with students, and another one of my students came to chur

Being Christ Like

Today I felt the most Christ-like I ever have. I felt more Christ like today than anytime I've attended church or any church function. More than anytime I've spoken in tongues, more than any time I've wept and cried and prayed at an altar. Today I experienced Christ in a whole new way. One of the other youth leaders I work withat church has a job with a medical supply company. I don't know the extent of his job, but he delivers wheelchairs and oxygen stuff to people. On his job he came in contact with a Holy Ghost filled lady who is paralyzed. She hasn't been able to attend church often, so he suggested that he would bring some of the youth to her home, and we could sing and pray with her. What started out as a mission to minister and encourage this woman turned into her ministering and encouraging us. She told us her story of how 2 years ago a limb fell on her as she was helping a neighbor trim her tree. As a result she has become paralyzed and placed on d

I Feel Dirty!

Maybe I took the whole conversation the wrong way. Maybe I'm the one that took a little joking too far. Either way, I still feel dirty! Let me fill you in on the conversation: Him: Goodnight. Me: Night. Sleep Tight. Him: Only if you're here with me. Me: I guess it's going to be a long night for you. Him: Well I can dream can't I? Me: As long as it's not rated over PG. Him: You realize that means we need parental guidance. Not going to be so great with mom and dad with us. Me: You are a mess! You working tomorrow? Him: No, why? You going to come see me? Me: No. Just making conversation. Him: Well you could come by and we could watch a movie or something. Me: I don't even know where you live. Him: I could tell you if you're interested. Me: I may could come by that way as long as we keep it just friends. Him: Well you don't say? I won't bug you anymore. Goodnight. Me: Huh? Did I make you mad? Him: Nope, we're just friends

A Different Type of Thankful!

So here's a different type of counting my blessings list. Forgive any underlying satire or cynicism. I just thought it was time for a laugh! I'm thankful that the MS Public School System gives us the whole week off for Thanksgiving because without it, my students would surely perish! (Or maybe I would be the one perishing) I'm thankful that for an entire week I don't have to hear some underage kid holler out "Hey Sexy", "I love you Ms. Rigney ", or "I'll call you tonight" all while being molested with his eyes as I walk down the hall. (Wait, I did see that student at the movies last night that desperately wanted me to save him a seat.) I'm thankful that Mr. Right hasn't entered my life because I don't really have time for him, or if I did, he would probably be chased away by all the under aged kids (and way over aged men) molesting me with their eyes. I'm also thankful that Mr. Right hasn't entered my life becaus

The Classic Novel!

I took this quiz about what type of Literary Work I am. Here's how I scored! You scored as A classic novel . Almost everyone showers praise upon you for your depth and enduring relevance. According to your acolytes, everything you say is timeless, erudite and meaingful. Of course, none of them actually listen to you. Nobody listens to you at all, but it's fashionable to claim you as a friend. Fond of obscure words, antiquated notions and libraries, you never have a problem finding someone to hang out with. The fact that they end up using you to balance their kitchen tables is an unfortunate side effect, but you're used to being used for others' benefit. Oh the burden of being Great. A classic novel 64% A college textbook 57% A paperback romance novel 57% Poetry 43% A coloring book 36% The back of a froot loops box 36% An electronics user's manual 25% Your Literary Personality created with QuizFarm.com

Prove it!

Lots of stuff has been going through my mind, but there's just not enough time for me to get it down. Here's the latest thoughts.... Why do we as Holy Ghost filled Christians feel the need to prove everyone wrong? We think because we have the spirit of God living within us that we have an edge over everyone else. It's not even spiritual matters that we are always harping on, it's as if our every action is justified by God because we have the Holy Spirit . Last time I checked, we were still imperfect. If I'm right about something, I don't have to beat others over the head. If they refuse to see my side, and come to what I believe is the truth, it's OK . The world won't end. It's much easier to let them believe what they want to believe. Arguing back and forth never solved anything. Today was a prime example of this action. A student has been questioning me about my religion. He's admitted that he's hit rock bottom in his life, but he

Can I move past this already???

So I didn't meet the one . If I did, it was unannounced to me. I've never been sappy about it before, but the whole trip I kept thinking, Man I wish I had a boyfriend. Which then only made me feel worse for dwelling on something that I don't have much control over . I hate not having control, and so adds to one of the many reasons I try not to dwell on the "guy situation." I don't believe the girl should be the one doing all the chasing, and so therefore, the guy in my life is going to have to approach me and do all the asking. Which leaves me with no control. Now, once we establish a relationship, I will definitely do my part and give my 50%, even more at times. However, I'm not going to be the one initiating the whole thing. Sorry, I just don't think God designed it that way. But other than the lack of a man, the conference went well. The speakers were not "shout 'em up" preachers. They were more, sit back, listen to this, ta

God, Corn, and a Movie! All I need's the guy!?

There are major details I would like to divulge to the blogosphere concerning a certain situation at school. However, in doing so, I could hurt someones feelings and his reputation if it ever got back around to that person. Also, I have not heard the truth straight from the horse's mouth; I've only been left to assume, and therefore, it could be interpreted as gossip. Since I'm not sure just exactly who does read this blog, I will keep things as discrete as possible. I'll try not to confuse you, but I think God may have intervened on my behalf in a big, huge way. Now of course, if what I think is true is not really true, then maybe God didn't intervene. I want to think that this person is really a good person, and what I am left to believe happened, really in fact didn't happen. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure I'm right, and in that case, God really deserves a great big praise from me! Confused yet? Even though I never felt threatened by th

Wrong Again....

It's not like I thought he was Superman or that I was holding out for him to be the love of my life. Yet, I did think he was different. I held him in a bit higher regard than other normal men. I honestly thought he had morals and standards. I had hope that maybe, just maybe there was a few good men left in this world. But then again, it's not the first time I've been wrong. I thought he was more spiritual than most. I knew he didn't drink, didn't cuss, and seemed to have his head on straight. (Please don't take this judgementally, but for a "non-Pentecostal guy" and trust me I realize pentecostals are just as bad as everyone else.) For some reason I was naive to think he knew how to treat women. Then when I heard what he thought about that girl and how he treated her in public verses private, well it all went out the window. It's not that I judge him. I'm not saying, What a horrible Christian. I just feel let down. I had put faith

Um, Next Door Please??

I just can't get around to blogging on a regular basis anymore. I'm so busy all the time now. I get stressed and frustrated, and one way I deal with that is blogging. However, because I'm so busy and don't have time to blog, I have to find other ways to vent. Oh, well! Homecoming was this past weekend at school. I was on the homecoming committee so I had to get the field all ready for the half-time presentation. Then I stayed and chaperoned the dance! On top of all of that our church is having a Healing and Deliverance Crusade this weekend. The drama team had to perform Friday night, so even though I wasn't at church I had to get that all ready. Then tonight the Youth (or more like the Youth leaders) sold BBQ Chicken plates for a fundraiser. So as you can see, my blog has had to take a back seat to all the other things. I don't mind being busy. I've always enjoyed getting things done and staying on top of the game. But lately, I've been so moo

A Sense of Accomplishment

It's a BE-autiful rainy, Monday afternoon! I'm in such a good mood because I feel like I've finally got something accomplished! Today was Parent/Teacher Day. Parents had to come to the school and get their student's report cards. First period teachers passed out the report cards, and then parents could go by and visit with the teachers and check on their child's progress. Being the lucky one with first period free, I didn't have to deal with many parents. Instead I got to work in my room and get some things done. I graded papers, worked on some projects, swept the floor, moved furniture around, and sent out emails. I also wrote out "missed you" postcards to some students who weren't at Sunday School this week. I took care of some Youth situations, etc. Friday I went to a teacher conference and learned SO much. The speaker gave me so many great, useful ideas on how to better manage my class. So I got supplies and got ready to implement the

To the Woman .... At the Lake House

I just got finished watching the movie The Lake House. I was a bit nervous that I was going to be extremely angry with the ending, but for a complete -no way it could happen in real life- movie, things turned out well. I actually feel much better about waiting for something better to come around the corner! Good things come to those who wait! With all that said, a great poem was posted on ninetyandnine.net this week. To The Girl Who By Lorraine Orozco To the girl who didn’t get asked to the Christmas Banquet or did not get a rose on Valentine’s Day, To the girl who won't settle for second best but keeps praying for the right guy to come and sweep her away, To the girl that watches the “spiritual guys” flirt with the girls that wear their clothes too tight, To the girl who refuses to wear the short skirts to get attention because she knows it isn’t right, To the girl who won't lower herself to stalking and chasing a guy, To the girl who passes on being the center of attent

My King Came!

I've really felt spiritually lacking lately. Ever since my walk down the cold, dark road, my prayer life has been non-existent. Even after my epiphany , I was still not where I needed to be when it came to prayer. I was very aware of God's presence and His blessings at times, but I still felt unable to really get a hold of him. So for a while I've been back and forth with blaming myself and blaming God. Well last night the spirit of God was really moving in the praise and worship service at church. I was sitting on the platform on the computer running the projection system. Things were picking up and several people had gotten out of their pews and were really worshipping. Mentally a huge argument was going on for me. At first I thought..." Man, I remember the good old days where I would be right out there. Worship service would last for hours. Now it just seems that once things may start to get going, it gets cut off. " Then the other voice in my head

Try to Connect the Dots of My Mind....

REMIX went great! We had about 25 young people there, including 8 new faces. Lives were touched; several kids prayed for quite a while. God really stepped in and blessed our efforts. I feel much more at ease now about everything. I honestly knew God's hand was in it. I guess I just needed his reassurance about the whole situation. ************ Last night I went to a Third Day concert! I had such a blast. The music was great; the lighting was phenomenal. I was the only girl on the trip --7 boys and me! Somehow it usually works that way. There were times I had to shout out "I'm still in the van!" But since I've been raised with all boys, it was nothing I haven't experienced before. ************* I'm really exhausted of this phase in my life. It's so surreal at times. Tonight I was driving home and it hit me that I was a teacher, an adult, a tax-paying citizen. I'm by no means grown, but legally I can do whatever I want to do within rea

In the Beginning....

...there was huge change! For the past month or so I've been referring to changes going on my life, mainly at church, with a promise to explain it all later. Well finally I feel like I can explain it all. The reason for my hesitation in blogging about the whole situation was fear. In the past year, this blog has become my reality. The inner beings of my mind are recorded here, for the most part, and when I hit the "publish post" button, I am releasing my brutal honesty out into the open. These new changes have stretched me and required more responsibility than ever before that writing about them would only make it more real. But like it or not, the time is upon me, and so in order to prepare myself for the extremely near future, I'm going to let it all out. As our Associate Pastor has stepped into the full-time Pastoral role, a total revamp of our church services has taken place. Beginning tomorrow morning, our church will offer Sunday School from 9:30 - 10:30

The Trouble With Love Is...

Well my friend Country Gal got married this weekend. I drove down to Hattiesburg for the wedding and stayed with a friend, Kountry Boy . And for any of you that know me, the problem with the story starts here. I had a wonderful time down in South Mississippi hanging out with Kountry Boy and his family and friends. They are just simple, country folks. I sat and laughed for hours at their banter and accents. Imagine me, a southern girl laughing at another southerner's accent...it was bad, trust me! (Think Larry the Cable Guy) Anyways, I had a good time. We went horseback riding and sat around and talked. It was a good time. Nothing happened between us; there is absolutely no regrets. No one took things to far or assumed anything. We were just friends. It was very nice. The problem arose on my way home. I'm thinking that I could possibly like this guy. But then I go back to the same ordeal. He's a great guy, but I'm just not sure I can get past the extreme c

Diary of a Woman During PMS

I got to church tonight at 7 to practice for Praise and Worship. I sang and then I had to get the computer working for my pastor to use the powerpoint for his bible lesson. I was the only one there to work the computer. I don't ever mind doing it, but tonight it was just too much. The computer acts so dumb so times and you have to restart it to work. I couldn't deal with it if it broke. I set everything up and hoped it would make it through the sermon. I was about to break out in tears; I just couldn't deal with anything else tonight. So I got up and left. I got in my car and cried. I drove home crying. I got home and took a shower, all the time crying. I finished making out a test for my 7th graders, fighting back tears. I'm sitting here blogging trying not to short circuit the laptop with my tears. I realize that this is mostly hormones and that in 5-7 days I should be just fine, but I'm so stressed out I can't stand to be in my own skin. I'm

Head for the Hills!

They're invading the whole area! Get out while you can! It's like one of the plagues from Egypt! There is NO escaping! What use to be color is now covered in black. I suspect will lose sight of the sun in a few more days. I'm safely blogging from inside my classroom, but I don't know how long I'll be safe here. Soon the whole place may be overtaken! Crickets! They are everywhere!!! Living in a rural area is not always the best scenario, especially during harvesting season. All the bugs living in the crops invade human territory when the reapers come out! Now the whole school which is practically located between some cotton fields is invested with crickets. Literally, you cannot even walk through the doorways going outside because they are full of crickets. They are even coming into the building. Thankfully they are in the high school hall and not the junior high all where I'm located!

Getting in Harmony with Your Talent

I'm really trying to accept people for who they are. Yet some people just seem unlikeable. I realize that it's not necessarily their fault for being who they are, but someone needs to tell them they're dirty so they can go get cleaned up! Just because you accept someone for who they are, does it mean that you have to like them? Some people just make it impossible for you to like them. It doesn't matter what you do or how much you stick your neck out for them, they find a reason to turn on ya. It just doesn't make any sense. Also, while I'm all about acceptance and honesty, let's clarify something else. Why do we as Pentecostals force everyone into the music ministry. Some folks just ain't got musical talent. I can carry a tune, harmonize a bit, and even play a tiny bit of piano. I love music, and I love to sing. However, I realize that music isn't my ministry. I will never be the music director of some big church. I came to grips with tha

The Music of Broken People

I had a parent conference the other day about one of my students. The boy is honestly not too bad in my class, occasionally I correct him but he's an angel compared to some. However, his grade is one of my worst. He doesn't take notes; he doesn't study. His step-mom came to the conference. The step-mom and his dad are in the middle of getting a divorce. Even though this woman is not his biological mom, she's been his mom for the past 6 years. The step-mom broke down crying in the meeting because she cares for this boy so much. However, after the divorce is final, she won't have any say in this boy's education. I couldn't help but get a little teary-eyed myself. It's so sad that this boy is hurting, and there are countless others broken just like him. I just want to take that poor boy and hug him. *************************** Today the Guitar Man sent me a link to a free download . It should be my theme song as I try to change who I am . Read

Taking Responsibility for Being Dirty!

Acceptance is so important. It's vital to growth. People have to know that you accept them for who they are. It doesn't mean that you have to agree with them, just agree to disagree in a civilized way. Those were some of the main ideas we discussed in last week's leadership class. I'm learning that sometimes things just aren't your fault. It's not always someone's fault that they have certain character flaws. It's a result of their surroundings and their childhood development. That is why we must accept them for who they are, faults and all. Now, on the flip side, although it may not be your fault, you are responsible for yourself. Does that sound like a contradiction?? Then please let me explain. My Pastor gave this analogy. He's dressed for church, Sunday suit. He walks out to the mailbox before service and while he's at the road, an 18-wheeler drives by and splashes mud/water all over him. He's filthy. It's not his fault

This and That

I've discovered a new talent! I have this inane ability to pick the wrong checkout line at Wal-mart! It never fails, the line I get in will need a price check or have a bad check, etc. I'm not too sure why God has shown down His great blessings in my life and given me this gift, but I certainly believe that I am not worthy for such great an honor! ************* I received an extremely random text message today. It said "I'm getting married September 23rd." I replied "What!? Where!? Why!?" She replied back, "In Hattiesburg because I love him!" I chuckled. Pretty good answer. I was going for, "why so suddenly", but that will work! A friend of mine has been dating this guy for several months or more. He's going to be sent back to Iraq pretty soon, so they decided to go ahead and get married before he leaves. I'm wishing the best for both of them.

Honesty from the Old Maid

In this week's installment of my leadership class, my pastor talked about seeing ourselves in honest light. Sometimes we see reflections of ourselves that aren't true because we are looking through mirrors that are distorted, reflecting an unhonest light. However when we look through a regular mirror, we see our true reflection. It is the same in life. People tell us who we are because they are seeing us through unhonest light. However, when God looks at us--He is the truth! We are seeing our true ourselves when we look through the eyes of Jesus. Really, really good stuff there! That's why we should pray to have the mind of Christ and see people as Jesus sees them. So with all this honesty going around, I thought it would be best to just get real with God, myself, and why not the blogosphere! So to be completely predictable, I'm going to go with the topic that everyone assumes I'm "fronting" about anywayz, guys! I dated a guy, who I thought was th

Proving God!

My Pastor has been seriously hammering on paying tithes and giving offerings. He has been praying for us every service that we would prosper financially, etc. He has also talked about us given a seed offering and to wait and watch God restore it back to us many times over again. A month ago I applied for a grant called REACH for first year teachers. If I was accepted I could receive $5000 just for teaching for one year. I completed the application and asked a few people to help me pray that God would reward me. Well a few weeks ago a man was at our church from Venezuela. He is native to that area, Holy Ghost filled, and is working with extremely poor people. With absolutely no extra money to my name, I wrote a check for $50. I knew that somehow I would work my budget out, but this man needed the money way more that I did. Today, I got a letter in the mail stating that I have been chosen as a REACH Recipient! I will receive $2000 at the end of December and $3000 at the end of the school

Character Flaws??

As a result of new leadership positions I'm stepping into, I'm getting some leadership training from my pastor. Being as though I share almost everything possible with my blog and its readers, it seems only right that I go through all of this with you! My first homework assignment is to come up with 5 personal character flaws. At a risk of sounding extremely cocky, I will say that this is not an easy task. Now wait a minute before you start gagging, and let me explain. I will be the FIRST to admit that I am not perfect and that I have tons of issues. But I've always looked at a lot of my personality traits as just some big, all combined issues. To directly pinpoint them out and give them a name seems pretty difficult. Plus some of my biggest flaws are what I would consider some of my greatest strengths. For example, I'm an opinionated person, but I wouldn't characterize that as a character flaw. I don't force my opinions on others, but if someone asks m

Real Talk

I wish I could come back and post that I've gotten all the answers to all my questions. I can actually say that I may not have all the answers, but I do have one important answer! That answer is trust in Jesus . Most of my questions are justified, but the only thing I can do is wait, pray, and trust in God that it will work out accordingly. In the meantime I must serve God to the best of my abilities, while keeping a watchful eye out. As long as I am sincere before God, He will take care of me! Surprisingly I am at peace with leaving it all in God's hands, and I must say what an awesome feeling that is! While facing all these new transitions in my life, I'm very glad there is someone giving me honesty. I met with some colleagues tonight, and it was so refreshing to hear straight talk. No beating around the bush. "Here's the situation, let's not pretend it doesn't exist. Let's deal with it head on!" I'm very comfortable with that type

Got Questions. Need Answers!

Wow. I got home tonight with tons of questions and no answers. I'm trying my best to be patient, to go with the flow for now. Yet far in the recesses of my heart, or maybe it's just my mind, I have a lingering doubt. Am I compromising what I believe for a position? Is the opportunity of this position worth compromising a few things. Are certain beliefs really not that important that I can push them aside for the greater good? Or will pushing my beliefs aside be selling my soul? I've had a burden for a while and it seems as though doors are opening for me to minister in that specific area. However I'm being bombarded with all these changes at the same time and not all of them I agree with. There are things I'm not comfortable with. It's nothing I'm being forced to do, yet it things that I would be supporting and by default a part of. I'm not too sure I want my name associated with that? Yet I could be making more of it than I should. It cert

A Happy Birthday To Me!

I'm not normally a big celebratory person when it comes to brithdays, but this year was pretty decent. A few friends from church gave me some nice gifts, I got some money, and a couple of gift certificates. I got several texts and even more messages left on myspace. Even though it was a day late, SD sent me yet another tree ! Now all my co-workers are really talking about me. Most of my students wished me a happy birthday and one class even sang to me! Overall it's been a good few days. As recently reported, I had plans to hear Matt Maddox preach on my birthday. However, Bro. Maddox's flight was delayed and wasn't able to make it to the conference. Instead, a preacher with the same initials, Bro. Mark Morgan, took the pulpit. I'll be honest and admit that I was a bit bummed out. I thought, I drove 2 hours to hear Maddox preach, not Morgan . I was ready to call it an early night and head back home. However, it was church and you go there for God, not who&

Change is Good...right?

I would consider myself to be very open minded. It's why I can embrace change on most occasions. I'm usually looking for a new/better way to do things. I'm ok with moving things around or switching things up. There is a lot of changing going on right now, and for the most part I'm ok with it all. Yet somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind or perhaps my soul, I'm a bit nervous about it all. There are some things I'm ready to run with, but there are a few other things that are holding me back. I'm just jogging along with it right now, waiting for the moment to pick up the pace or stop dead in my tracks. I'm always willing to compromise on most things. Although, there are certain beliefs that I cannot compromise, no matter what results may come from it. I think there is a middle ground that can be reached. We can get results without compromising the very thing we were built on! Can't we?? ****** In other news, tomorrow is my 23rd birthday.

The New AA Group! Attitudes Anonymous

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. There are times when I'm not as friendly as I should be. I've been called a snob when people first meet me because I'm not a small talker. I have to make myself walk up to someone I don't know and introduce myself. Not because I'm scared of rejection or shy. I just don't like the awkwardness of small talk. It's something that I'm working on. A friend of mine even gave me some pointers on how to beat the awkwardness. Overall, however, I'd consider myself a friendly person. I can hang out with just about anyone, anytime. I'm active in ministries at my church, my school, and I try to make time for anyone else in between. I do things I don't want to do a lot because I know it's the right thing to do. I make it a point to hang out with people even when I'd rather be at home by myself because I want them to

Meet the Parents!

No I'm not talking about the Ben Stiller movie or a potential boyfriend. I'm talking about the parents of my students! What a role reversal! I remember sending my mom and dad off to PTA night with my class schedule so they could meet all my teachers. Never had I actually attended one. Yet there I was last night, shaking parents hands, introducing myself not as Kimberly but Ms. Rigney. When did I become old?? I dressed up, took my contacts out, and put my glasses on. I had to compensate for my age, so I tried my best to look older. I didn't want these parents thinking their child's teacher was as young as them. A couple of parents asked if I was new, but for the most part nothing was said about my age! Many of the parents said their child was enjoying my class. A few even said I was their child's favorite teacher! YES! Score a few points for me! My principal commented on how professional I looked, and several of my co-workers told me that I looked very ni

Terrorists, School, and God's Beauty!

A co-worker and I were discussing the attempted Terrorist attack halted in London this week. I was sharing how I had just returned from England a month ago, and she had a daughter who just flew out of Heathrow Airport on Sunday! How blessed we were to arrive home safely! We also discussed the fact that authorities have probably been aware that something was about to take place far in advance. How far in advance? Is that the reason why my passport was checked not once but twice? Is that the reason for the more than usual strict questioning?? Probably so! ************ The first week of school has been ok. I've been working my tail off, writing lesson plans, continuing to decorate my room, memorize names, do paper work. The list goes on and on! I've decided that I should buy a cot and live here at school. It would be a lot easier! I've also come to the realization that I don't mind all the extra work because I love my job. Now, don't get me wrong, there are

It's Not Easy Being Green....

I'm definitely feeling Kermit the Frog right now! Although our definitions of the term green differ, I know exactly how he feels. As a new teacher, it seems I have SOO much work to do and not enough time to do it in. As I said earlier, I was not prepared for anything when I got to school the first day. And Sunday night lying in bed, I thought of everything I needed to do but it was too late. Students reported to school Monday morning. So I may be a little late, but I'm getting things done. Do you remember all the things your teacher had lined up for you. Handouts on classroom procedures, grading scales, project lists, etc. I didn't have any of that. I've never taught before. I don't know how I want things to run. I'm more of an off the cuff kind of person, but students need structure. So here I am last night trying to put rules and regulations together for students. I teach 4-seventh grade classes and another coach teaches 2 periods of the same sub

Simply Awestruck!

Awestruck Wonder! I don't know how else to explain my feelings right now. I'm just completely in awe of God and how great He really is. I've been in church my whole life, but I don't think I've ever experienced what I'm experiencing now. I can honestly look back over the past 5-6 years of my life and see why certain things took place and how God used those times to bring me to this exact moment. I am living Romans 8:28..."all things work together for good to them that love God..." I turned down the opportunity to go back to college to get my Master's degree. Many people thought I was stupid for walking away from such an opportunity. I struggled with making the decision, but in the end, I knew it wasn't the right thing for me to do at the time. I took a not so great paying job at a local high school, hoping it would get my foot in the door to teach. It did that! Thankfully, it did so much more! This past school year I was able to talk