TBSI

Part of being a teacher includes training. Lots and lots of training. But every once and awhile a graphic designer slips in a stock photo that makes the training much more enjoyable.

Please for you to enjoy a typical Texas student:

What's in a name?

I never really understood why parents name their kids "John" if their last name is "Johnson," or "Tom" with "Thompson," and so on. But after watching the Opening Ceremonies last night, I see we're not the only country that does it.

Kappa Rappa Jamma

My friend Katy has this video on her blog and I couldn't resist re-posting. Some people are surprised to learn that I was in a sorority, and the same goes with Junior League now. But I was, and I am proud of it! Even though I couldn't be that involved because I was a studio art major, Kappa was a blast. Good, good girls and good, good times. Here's a glimpse into being a Baylor Kappa 11 years after I pledged. (yikes.)

Sparrows

So I have this fun little anxiety disorder. Actually, it's not fun at all. And at times it is not little, either. This week is one of those times.

Earlier tonight I was talking with my boyfriend and explaining that there are actually many Bible verses about anxiety. I was explaining that God knows every hair on our heads and that he cares for the birds and the flowers, so of course he will care for us. I couldn't remember the exact verses verbatim, but I told him about how I shouldn't worry about anything - what I am going to wear or what I am going to eat the next day. I told him God takes care of the sparrows.

Then he said maybe God sent me the sparrows to eat.

Your father knows what you need before you ask him. So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:8b, 31-34)

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)

Terrified

Get ready for a very honest post.

I said something out loud a few days ago that stopped me in my tracks. I have always known it, but I have never said it out loud.

Sometimes I don't do what I want to do because I am terrified of what my Christian friends' reaction will be.

While to some this may sound wise, to others (or most) it sounds superficial. We live in a world that tells us not to care what others think, to be true to "yourself,"and to do what makes you happy. But as Christians we are taught to seek Christian counsel, be true to God, and do what makes God happy. Sometimes as a Christian doing what makes God happy doesn't make you happy at all... but you know it's right.

Then there are the gray areas; the areas where you aren't sure of God's will, or when your friends disagree with your interpretation. This is when I get terrified because, in all honesty, I think some of my friends are "better" than me... or "better Christians" than me.

Yep, I said it. Let's stop this down.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "BETTER" PERSON OR A "BETTER CHRISTIAN!" We are all sinners, and God loves us all the same no matter what. So to compare myself to others is just ridiculous. Yet I do it all the time.

With that said, I love and respect my friends very much. And I value my Christian friends' advice. They are called to hold me accountable - to remind me of God's Word - or if necessary, to tell me when they think I am making a mistake. This is what crushes me, because I never want to disappoint them. I want to make everyone happy all the time...

I think you can see where this is going. I am focusing on people instead of the Lord!

At the end of my life it's only going to be me and God. The same rule applies for every decision I make... my choices are between me and God and no. one. else. Like Sara Groves sings, "When I stand before the Lord I'll be standing alone. This journey is my own. Still, I want man's advice, and I need man's approval. But this journey is my own."

Christians, listen to your friends. But listen to your heart as well. Jesus is in there. :)

I bet this is just how James Cameron imagined it.

By the way, AMC, your free passes don't make up for the fact that 15 minutes was tacked onto this already outrageously long movie while you changed bulbs.

Top Ten of the Last Ten

I am totally copying my friend Elizabeth (who copied her friend) in posting these. I'm really hoping this decade will bring those life-changing events like, oh, I don't know... getting married and having kids. :)

In chronological order:

10. 2000 - Graduated with a BFA in Studio Art from Baylor

9. 2001-2002 - Spent a year teaching art and English in Tisovec, Slovakia, and traveling around Europe

8. 2003 - Moved to Lewisville and began working for animal health company as a graphic design coordinator

7. 2005 - Moved to Irving

6. 2005 - Spent two weeks in Slovakia with a stop through London

5. 2007 - Moved to Addison and started working downtown for an architecture firm

4. 2008 - Took a leap of faith, quit my job, and began substitute teaching

3. 2009 - Started graduate school at Texas Woman's University towards an MA in Art Education

2. 2009 - Completed a body of work (paintings) that have been shown in Dallas and Frisco

1. 2009 - Landed an art teaching position at a brand-new high school and moved to Frisco

It's been good... but I'm ready to move on. I like my 30's. :)