Monday, March 30, 2009

Mondays

Just a Monday morning post to say I am thankful things have leveled out in the past week so that life is more "normal" now.  Been spending as much time as possible focusing on the things that are within my control and less time on those that are not.  Circumstances haven't changed a bit, but it helps perspective to think properly, duh!

SO, here's to Monday - an opportunity to start the week as effectively as possible, staying focused on being who I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to do, where I am supposed to do it.  Sounds pretty simple when you put it that way, doesn't it?

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Fond Memories

Spring is sprung
The grass is riz
I wonder where the flowers is?

Used to quote that poem the first day of the last quarter of school each year. Along with it came the assignment to do instrument cleaning. Once a year, I required that all the band students clean their instruments and submit to an inspection. Yes, it really should be done monthly, but I figured this way it at least got it once a year.

Another memory - winter firedrills. These were private affairs, for the HS band only - the first incredible day in January or February when we got our isolated 70 degree day, I would send all the students out for quick one trip around the trailer, first thing in the morning. Worked much better around the trailer than around the other building. :-) One year it was nothing but mud outside.... Oh, well... Sorry, Steve Martz!

Fond memories. Thanks, Katherine, for reminding me!!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Amazing

Sometimes it is the littlest things that can provide the biggest encouragements.  Last night I had a conversation with a friend from the past...  the last time we talked was probably 27 years ago.  What a gift I received last night!

First, it is interesting to try to summarize the key points of life that have taken place in so many years.  Second, it is amazing to look back and see the Providence of God in way more details than I could list here to bring some of those key points to pass.

I am thankful for God's hand putting the pieces of my life together.  I am thankful for those God has placed in my life today.  And thankful for re-connections from the past.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Today's focus

Psalm 145:1 - David's deliberate choices

I will exalt you, my God the King; 
       I will praise your name for ever and ever.

I figure that is more than enough to keep me busy. :-)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Something to say

I am in the process of deciding whether or not to formally abandon this blog.  Too many days when I am not sure there is anything worth writing or anything anyone else would care to read.  We'll see.

Today, I will say I am looking at discouragement and the causes.  Most often for me, it is focusing on circumstances, rather than deep reality.  So, today, I am saying out loud that I choose to focus past my circumstances.  The hardest part is that short-sightedness and needing direct, incremental steps is how I am wired, so I know I need to keep short-term goals in sight.  BUT, it is also time to lift my eyes to some longer-term goals and get them clearly in view.  If you happen to run into me regularly, please hold me to that.

Vague enough for you? :-)  More will come out in time, I am sure.