i love the rain.
just love it.
love
love
love
that rain.
when it's pouring outside
and i'm inside
pressing my nose against the window pane
like a little girl again
just watching it.
somehow it inspires me
gives me hope
encouragement
a sense of wonder about life
and smiles
rain always brings a smile to my lips
gosh i just love the rain....
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
tired
its only monday and i'm completely exhausted. it was a good day, to be sure, but i am physically and mentally worn out. this morning i had the privilege of going to chapel at The Master's College, since observations are cancelled this week and it's the one time all semester that i'll have the chance to go....plus Abner Chou was speaking and of course i wasnt going to miss it. it was awesome, or rather i should say, God is awesome. psalm 71 hit home to me as a passage of encouragment...quite applicable even tonight i should say. a message of hope and the reminder that God is my "masada"--my fortress, my strong tower. reminds me of the long, strenuous hike up Masada that i climbed in Israel, and it makes it more real to me. like Abner said, the Romans had a really hard time conquering Masada from the Jews during the revolts in the first century, but how much greater strength does God have than this rock fortress that eventually was taken over.
leaving chapel, i headed to class, during which we all laughed together and shared funny teaching stories in the midst of class and group work...i love those girls. :)
after that, straight to work, teaching 2 back-to-back "American Girls" classes for 1st-4th grade girls. today i read while they painted, which worked out fairly well, though my voice was tired by the end of the 2 hours.
immediately after that, headed to my other job of tutoring, working with an 8th grade boy...[how do you motivate an 8th grade, school-hating boy to work hard and put his best into his schoolwork?!?] got out a little late, around 8:15pm, then drove home.
ate dinner at 9pm.
and now, catching up on emails and the little stuff, i start homework. i'm thankful i only have 1 assignment to work on this week, though it's a pretty big one and i have to submit it to the state by thursday.
all is good, but i won't lie. i'm really worn out tonight. very sore back from carrying a lot of stuff, and overall fatigue, but it's okay i suppose. i have psalm 71 on my mind. gives me another great reason to go to the Lord in prayer. :)
leaving chapel, i headed to class, during which we all laughed together and shared funny teaching stories in the midst of class and group work...i love those girls. :)
after that, straight to work, teaching 2 back-to-back "American Girls" classes for 1st-4th grade girls. today i read while they painted, which worked out fairly well, though my voice was tired by the end of the 2 hours.
immediately after that, headed to my other job of tutoring, working with an 8th grade boy...[how do you motivate an 8th grade, school-hating boy to work hard and put his best into his schoolwork?!?] got out a little late, around 8:15pm, then drove home.
ate dinner at 9pm.
and now, catching up on emails and the little stuff, i start homework. i'm thankful i only have 1 assignment to work on this week, though it's a pretty big one and i have to submit it to the state by thursday.
all is good, but i won't lie. i'm really worn out tonight. very sore back from carrying a lot of stuff, and overall fatigue, but it's okay i suppose. i have psalm 71 on my mind. gives me another great reason to go to the Lord in prayer. :)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
cold
the weather's getting colder
and i love it
unpack the sweaters
and scarves
and hoodies
hot cups of apple cider and cocoa
warm blankets
and cozy fireplaces
it's one of the times of the year
when i feel safe, protected
when i can look out the wet windows
at the beautiful rain
and watch it fall fall fall
down down down
to make life grow grow grow
we dont always see the growth in the fall
but it comes
sure and steady
by the following springtime
and knowing this makes my heart want to burst
i cant express my joy tonight
knowing i'm safe and protected
knowing i can unwind and breathe out
and that there's One who listens
and speaks
....
waiting for me to listen back.
and i love it
unpack the sweaters
and scarves
and hoodies
hot cups of apple cider and cocoa
warm blankets
and cozy fireplaces
it's one of the times of the year
when i feel safe, protected
when i can look out the wet windows
at the beautiful rain
and watch it fall fall fall
down down down
to make life grow grow grow
we dont always see the growth in the fall
but it comes
sure and steady
by the following springtime
and knowing this makes my heart want to burst
i cant express my joy tonight
knowing i'm safe and protected
knowing i can unwind and breathe out
and that there's One who listens
and speaks
....
waiting for me to listen back.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
slow down
life...
the fast and furious
racing and speeding down the road
swerving around bends and corners
nonstop
moving
always
on
the
go.
where's the break pedal?
wont let it get outta control, which it isnt yet
but nevertheless
roll the window down
hair flying in your face
with shades on
and lipstick
headed down that road
and soaking in the view
of the world passing by.
watch out life, here i come.
the fast and furious
racing and speeding down the road
swerving around bends and corners
nonstop
moving
always
on
the
go.
where's the break pedal?
wont let it get outta control, which it isnt yet
but nevertheless
roll the window down
hair flying in your face
with shades on
and lipstick
headed down that road
and soaking in the view
of the world passing by.
watch out life, here i come.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
thanks God
so, to keep myself from complaining about today and the negative things that went on--which i'm sorely tempted to explain but won't--i decided to start listing all the positive things that went on or just things i'm thankful for today.
the sun, being able to pray, being able to express myself through tears at times, pictures and video clips of my adorable nephew Isaac, 2 year-old Alicia i live with and our new "hello" game, baby Abby's smiles when i say her name, being 2/3 done teaching unit lessons for the week, God's forgiveness of me, a loving text from Leanne, the Velveteen Rabbit book that Gramma Glenda gave to me to borrow, a working/reliable car, drinkable water with a straw, soup for dinner, my 2 new part-time jobs, the fact that i dont have to teach high school math, the fact that i finished homework before 10pm tonight, comfy jeans, the note sitting on my desk from little 2nd grade Cristina, a 100% on a lesson plan i wrote for class, Nicole Nordeman's album "This Mystery," the anticipation of autumn, thoughts about my family, a tall nonfat iced white mocha from starbucks between classes today, a new study to go through on missions and thought-provoking questions about that, a short facebook post from Adrienne saying she's praying for me, being able to laugh with my professors, peanut M&Ms that were passed around in class, the encouragement of having given a non-believing family in my life a flyer for a church bbq/community day, a short conversation with a caf worker in the bathroom, the fact that i dont have to take my heavy computer to school tomorrow, 4 pillows to prop up against while studying, the healing that God's been doing in my heart both from pain and bitterness, a catchy song from Disney's "Anastasia", the fact that i didnt get sick from the people i live with who were sick yesterday, saying hi to the librarian, the thought of some dear friends of mine even though i havent talked to them in a while, the way the flickering lightbulb in my room stayed on while i was reading instead of turning off randomly, the ability to sit and rest my body physically, the way Terah did my dinner dishes for me, my name which i love, the knowledge that i'm going to call my mom tomorrow and see how she's doing, a solid education, the ability to take contacts out at night to give my eyes a break, God's intense love for me, a marked-up and note-filled Bible that i love and want to keep studying, the fact that i got to talk about the book of Job with the non-Christian boy i tutor, an air-conditioned house,
and i'm pretty sure i could keep going.
but for now i'm going to pack a lunch for tomorrow
and go to bed. :)
the sun, being able to pray, being able to express myself through tears at times, pictures and video clips of my adorable nephew Isaac, 2 year-old Alicia i live with and our new "hello" game, baby Abby's smiles when i say her name, being 2/3 done teaching unit lessons for the week, God's forgiveness of me, a loving text from Leanne, the Velveteen Rabbit book that Gramma Glenda gave to me to borrow, a working/reliable car, drinkable water with a straw, soup for dinner, my 2 new part-time jobs, the fact that i dont have to teach high school math, the fact that i finished homework before 10pm tonight, comfy jeans, the note sitting on my desk from little 2nd grade Cristina, a 100% on a lesson plan i wrote for class, Nicole Nordeman's album "This Mystery," the anticipation of autumn, thoughts about my family, a tall nonfat iced white mocha from starbucks between classes today, a new study to go through on missions and thought-provoking questions about that, a short facebook post from Adrienne saying she's praying for me, being able to laugh with my professors, peanut M&Ms that were passed around in class, the encouragement of having given a non-believing family in my life a flyer for a church bbq/community day, a short conversation with a caf worker in the bathroom, the fact that i dont have to take my heavy computer to school tomorrow, 4 pillows to prop up against while studying, the healing that God's been doing in my heart both from pain and bitterness, a catchy song from Disney's "Anastasia", the fact that i didnt get sick from the people i live with who were sick yesterday, saying hi to the librarian, the thought of some dear friends of mine even though i havent talked to them in a while, the way the flickering lightbulb in my room stayed on while i was reading instead of turning off randomly, the ability to sit and rest my body physically, the way Terah did my dinner dishes for me, my name which i love, the knowledge that i'm going to call my mom tomorrow and see how she's doing, a solid education, the ability to take contacts out at night to give my eyes a break, God's intense love for me, a marked-up and note-filled Bible that i love and want to keep studying, the fact that i got to talk about the book of Job with the non-Christian boy i tutor, an air-conditioned house,
and i'm pretty sure i could keep going.
but for now i'm going to pack a lunch for tomorrow
and go to bed. :)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
lots to do but no complaints
many things--some important, some urgent, some aggravating
pressing for my time and interest
but what i want to do most
in this moment
is to grab my bible and journal
and head out to a quiet park
and pour out all the thoughts swirling in my head
missions
family
teaching
traveling
emotions
work
church
classes
friends
prayer
each having so much to talk about, so much to fill the pages with
but it must wait for now
perhaps til the weekend
when i can write to my heart's content
and not be thinking of 8 other things at the same time
mmm.....come soon, bright morning
i'm waiting to meet you
and tell you about my little life here on earth. :)
pressing for my time and interest
but what i want to do most
in this moment
is to grab my bible and journal
and head out to a quiet park
and pour out all the thoughts swirling in my head
missions
family
teaching
traveling
emotions
work
church
classes
friends
prayer
each having so much to talk about, so much to fill the pages with
but it must wait for now
perhaps til the weekend
when i can write to my heart's content
and not be thinking of 8 other things at the same time
mmm.....come soon, bright morning
i'm waiting to meet you
and tell you about my little life here on earth. :)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
real joy
some days you're filled with happiness
not the kind that depends on circumstances
because nothing out of the ordinary happened today
but the kind that comes from inside
the kind that's thankful for pink roses and little ladybugs
the kind that makes you want to smile at the checkout lady at the grocery store
and ask her how her day was
joy that gives you energy to keep going
and enjoy the journey, not just survive it
i love the days
when you can go on and on about the blessings in life
like a new baby nephew
caring, genuine friends who call at 8:26pm to set up a lunch date
or who will chat with you online
though you're both supposed to be doing hw
goodnight hugs and big squinty smiles from a 2 year old
or a book on prayer
and the realization that life is short
and each day is a gift that shouldnt be wasted
on worrying or stressing
there's enough of that in the world
but for me, well....i'd rather laugh and smile tonight.
not the kind that depends on circumstances
because nothing out of the ordinary happened today
but the kind that comes from inside
the kind that's thankful for pink roses and little ladybugs
the kind that makes you want to smile at the checkout lady at the grocery store
and ask her how her day was
joy that gives you energy to keep going
and enjoy the journey, not just survive it
i love the days
when you can go on and on about the blessings in life
like a new baby nephew
caring, genuine friends who call at 8:26pm to set up a lunch date
or who will chat with you online
though you're both supposed to be doing hw
goodnight hugs and big squinty smiles from a 2 year old
or a book on prayer
and the realization that life is short
and each day is a gift that shouldnt be wasted
on worrying or stressing
there's enough of that in the world
but for me, well....i'd rather laugh and smile tonight.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
one kiss
Welcome boys and girls to the first day of Second Grade!
I smiled as twenty little six- and seven-year-olds filed in the classroom and found the desks with their names on them.
I am your teacher this year...My name is Mrs. M--- and this is my assistant Miss Olewiler who will be helping in our class for several weeks....
To watch their adorable little faces was so precious. Some more confidant than others, knowing they were now in 2nd grade, not first, others still a little timid of the new situation, and a few just taking in all the colorful posters, decorations, and materials around the room.
I love elementary grade classrooms. And someday soon I hope to have my own (kinda strange that the teacher standing at the front of the room could potentially be me next year, if I can get a job immediately after this year of credentialing--imagine...1 year from now!). Being with the second graders today reminded me how much I love children and teaching. I know people who do not have a passion for either of these and that's okay, but I'm so thankful God has blessed and encouraged me in my love for teaching kids. It is such a beautiful joy to be able to contribute to the learning processes of helping these little ones grow and mature to someday be future world leaders and world changers...to know that God humbly allowed me to be a part of their character development. Sure, the classroom's not a perfect place, and teaching sure isn't a perfect job--ask any teacher you know! Sure it's a huge responsibility and at times quite intimidating, but the hard days and long nights of lesson planning and preparation are so worth the little smiles they flash back at you, the knowledge that you did your best to positively influence them towards a life of integrity and learning.
But even more than wanting to be a teacher, I can't wait to be Mommy.
Arriving home this evening and not having any homework to do yet, I spent some time playing with the 2 year old and 4 month old--such precious little girls, full of vibrancy and life, even when Alicia disobeys and gets punished or when Abby cries her little eyes out. ;)
Despite the darling second graders this morning and playing with the girls this evening, nothing made my heart long for motherhood more than Alicia's comment to her mom...
"But Mommy wait, I gotta give Heather a g'nite kiss!" And she pitter-pattered her little feet over to my chair, planting a big (somewhat slobbery) kiss on my cheek.
Just one little kiss...a genuine, loving kiss from a 2 year old girl who has barely known me a week and yet can't forget to give me a goodnight kiss before bedtime. Gosh, that tugs at my heartstrings like nothing else...
No I'm not coveting what other women have that I don't have, though I admit I've been at that point before in my life. But it truly excites me to look forward to being Mommy and training my own little ones...to read them Bible stories and sing with them and pray before bedtime, as Alicia does each night with her parents.
Thank you Lord for making me a woman and for cultivating that love for the beautiful little ones you've made....with your guidance in my life, let me be someone who loves them as you do so I can ultimately point them to you.
I smiled as twenty little six- and seven-year-olds filed in the classroom and found the desks with their names on them.
I am your teacher this year...My name is Mrs. M--- and this is my assistant Miss Olewiler who will be helping in our class for several weeks....
To watch their adorable little faces was so precious. Some more confidant than others, knowing they were now in 2nd grade, not first, others still a little timid of the new situation, and a few just taking in all the colorful posters, decorations, and materials around the room.
I love elementary grade classrooms. And someday soon I hope to have my own (kinda strange that the teacher standing at the front of the room could potentially be me next year, if I can get a job immediately after this year of credentialing--imagine...1 year from now!). Being with the second graders today reminded me how much I love children and teaching. I know people who do not have a passion for either of these and that's okay, but I'm so thankful God has blessed and encouraged me in my love for teaching kids. It is such a beautiful joy to be able to contribute to the learning processes of helping these little ones grow and mature to someday be future world leaders and world changers...to know that God humbly allowed me to be a part of their character development. Sure, the classroom's not a perfect place, and teaching sure isn't a perfect job--ask any teacher you know! Sure it's a huge responsibility and at times quite intimidating, but the hard days and long nights of lesson planning and preparation are so worth the little smiles they flash back at you, the knowledge that you did your best to positively influence them towards a life of integrity and learning.
But even more than wanting to be a teacher, I can't wait to be Mommy.
Arriving home this evening and not having any homework to do yet, I spent some time playing with the 2 year old and 4 month old--such precious little girls, full of vibrancy and life, even when Alicia disobeys and gets punished or when Abby cries her little eyes out. ;)
Despite the darling second graders this morning and playing with the girls this evening, nothing made my heart long for motherhood more than Alicia's comment to her mom...
"But Mommy wait, I gotta give Heather a g'nite kiss!" And she pitter-pattered her little feet over to my chair, planting a big (somewhat slobbery) kiss on my cheek.
Just one little kiss...a genuine, loving kiss from a 2 year old girl who has barely known me a week and yet can't forget to give me a goodnight kiss before bedtime. Gosh, that tugs at my heartstrings like nothing else...
No I'm not coveting what other women have that I don't have, though I admit I've been at that point before in my life. But it truly excites me to look forward to being Mommy and training my own little ones...to read them Bible stories and sing with them and pray before bedtime, as Alicia does each night with her parents.
Thank you Lord for making me a woman and for cultivating that love for the beautiful little ones you've made....with your guidance in my life, let me be someone who loves them as you do so I can ultimately point them to you.
Monday, August 10, 2009
2 year old alicia
...sitting at the dinner table tonight....
mark: alicia, what's your full name?
alicia: alicia madrid!
mark: and who's that?
alicia: abby madrid!
mark: and who's that?
alicia: mommy madrid!
mark: and who am i?
alicia: daddy madrid!
mark: and who's sitting next to you?
[alicia looks at me and tilts her head sideways]
me: is my name joe?
alicia: noo.....
me: is it fred?
alicia: noo....
me: is it steve?
alicia: uh....[tilts her head again, looking very serious] is it steve?
me: no! what is it?
alicia: uh....heather madrid!
mark: alicia, what's your full name?
alicia: alicia madrid!
mark: and who's that?
alicia: abby madrid!
mark: and who's that?
alicia: mommy madrid!
mark: and who am i?
alicia: daddy madrid!
mark: and who's sitting next to you?
[alicia looks at me and tilts her head sideways]
me: is my name joe?
alicia: noo.....
me: is it fred?
alicia: noo....
me: is it steve?
alicia: uh....[tilts her head again, looking very serious] is it steve?
me: no! what is it?
alicia: uh....heather madrid!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
barnabus
a sweet friend told me that i've been her "barnabus" this week.
so i think i'm going to study him and see what he was all about. i have an idea, but i want to learn more.
so i shall. and i'll write about him when i've learned more. :)
so i think i'm going to study him and see what he was all about. i have an idea, but i want to learn more.
so i shall. and i'll write about him when i've learned more. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)