I love Siri.
Siri is the "voice" of Apple products that serves to answer questions, be a "knowledge navigator", and be a source of entertainment.
One of my students has "taught" Siri to call her "Beyonce". Her given name is Morgan, but her favorite singer inspires her so that she wants the digital personal assistant to call her by the star's moniker.
Although Siri addresses her correctly, when Morgan asks Siri "What is my name?", Siri says, "your name is Morgan, but you wish for me to call you Beyonce".
We can pretend we are someone we are not.
We can pretend that we are a famous singer, or a mom who has it all together, or part of a perfect marriage. We can pretend and possibly fool others, but we cannot fool God.
He knows. He knows our name. He knows our desires. He knows our disappointments. He knows our struggles.
And He loves us anyway.
I need to be reminded of that today.
I have called myself many names today: defeated, overeater, disappointment.
But He calls me "beloved daughter".
That is better than anything I could train Siri to call me.
Amberly
Monday, January 27, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Scone Gusto
There are homemade scones in the staff room today.
Homemade. Scones. Did I mention that they are homemade?
Does the baker not know that I am trying to abide by my resolutions? Do they not know how much I enjoy scones with a cup of coffee? Are they TRYING to tempt me?
No. They are trying to be a blessing.
This is yet another realization that life is not about me. Never has been. Never will be.
The person who bakes that was no more thinking about me when they baked that plate of amazing goodness than fly, but somehow, I am a little grumpy about the whole thing.
Sometimes, when things in life go awry, people are quick to blame God, judge others, and grow bitter. Sometimes, dare I say MOST of the time, it is not about them (or me).
It may be that God is allowing things in their life to make them stronger. (James 1:2-4)
It may be that God is using the choices of others to draw them to Him. (James 1 :2-4)
It may be that God is placing that trial in their path to help them learn to trust in Him more and in the scone less (James 1:2-4).
I am walking away from the plate of scones now...
And praying that the staff will come and eat them ALL soon (and lick the frosting off the plate as well) before I return...
Amberly
Homemade. Scones. Did I mention that they are homemade?
Does the baker not know that I am trying to abide by my resolutions? Do they not know how much I enjoy scones with a cup of coffee? Are they TRYING to tempt me?
No. They are trying to be a blessing.
This is yet another realization that life is not about me. Never has been. Never will be.
The person who bakes that was no more thinking about me when they baked that plate of amazing goodness than fly, but somehow, I am a little grumpy about the whole thing.
Sometimes, when things in life go awry, people are quick to blame God, judge others, and grow bitter. Sometimes, dare I say MOST of the time, it is not about them (or me).
It may be that God is allowing things in their life to make them stronger. (James 1:2-4)
It may be that God is using the choices of others to draw them to Him. (James 1 :2-4)
It may be that God is placing that trial in their path to help them learn to trust in Him more and in the scone less (James 1:2-4).
I am walking away from the plate of scones now...
And praying that the staff will come and eat them ALL soon (and lick the frosting off the plate as well) before I return...
Amberly
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Science Not-So-Fair
Our daughter, Judah, completed her Science Fair project this week.
After much nagging, eye-rolling, scrapbook paper, cajoling, a trip to Home Depot, reminders, 3 glue sticks, two trips to Costco photo department, tears, and finally pride in watching her finish, the project was submitted yesterday.
Her project had a great premise: what type of music makes plants grow most quickly: jazz, classical, worship, silence, 80's, and Broadway tunes.
The plants were given equal amounts of sun, water, and time.
The result? Worship and silence were the two highest achievers.
Now, no one from "Science Fair Daily" called for an interview, but it turned out to be quite a project...and a lesson for me.
I grow most when I am listening to God's Word in music AND when I take time to just "be". I do the first one well, but the second one is more painful than I can imagine.
If I try to be still, I TRY REALLY HARD to listen to God (I last about 6 minutes). I then make a laundry list, start thinking of all the grading I have to do, fall asleep, and/or feel guilty that I do not sit still well.
I am a terrible listener and I am no better with God. Ugh.
If I am going to "Unleash Joy", I should take more time to just "be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10).
God's blessings on your day. And on your stillness.
Amberly
After much nagging, eye-rolling, scrapbook paper, cajoling, a trip to Home Depot, reminders, 3 glue sticks, two trips to Costco photo department, tears, and finally pride in watching her finish, the project was submitted yesterday.
Her project had a great premise: what type of music makes plants grow most quickly: jazz, classical, worship, silence, 80's, and Broadway tunes.
The plants were given equal amounts of sun, water, and time.
The result? Worship and silence were the two highest achievers.
Now, no one from "Science Fair Daily" called for an interview, but it turned out to be quite a project...and a lesson for me.
I grow most when I am listening to God's Word in music AND when I take time to just "be". I do the first one well, but the second one is more painful than I can imagine.
If I try to be still, I TRY REALLY HARD to listen to God (I last about 6 minutes). I then make a laundry list, start thinking of all the grading I have to do, fall asleep, and/or feel guilty that I do not sit still well.
I am a terrible listener and I am no better with God. Ugh.
If I am going to "Unleash Joy", I should take more time to just "be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10).
God's blessings on your day. And on your stillness.
Amberly
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Java Minute?
I got a new coffeemaker.
I actually received it months ago, but my inner cheapskate could not cast my old one aside because it still works. But my family cajoled me into giving the new one a try.
My old machine makes 12 cups of coffee at a time. Since I usually only drink one cup each morning, I would drink old coffee each afternoon and the subsequent days thereafter. I would make iced coffee out of the "old coffee". It might gross some out, especially java snobs, but I have been doing it this way for years.
My new maker makes one cup of coffee at a time. I use the reusable filters so that I am not spending my kids' college fund in K-cups and I truly enjoy the fresh coffee (especially because I have started drinking coffee sans creamer).
I had grown accustomed to old coffee. Unfresh coffee. Yesterday's (or the day before's) coffee.
I do the same thing with time with God.
I rely on memories, old lessons, worn-out sermon notes, and experiences from days gone by when fresh and exciting time with Him is just a prayer away.
God prompts me in Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
In order to "Unleash Joy" in 2014, I need to remember to stay thirsty for God and not settle for yesterday's portion.
Have a great week!
Amberly
I actually received it months ago, but my inner cheapskate could not cast my old one aside because it still works. But my family cajoled me into giving the new one a try.
My old machine makes 12 cups of coffee at a time. Since I usually only drink one cup each morning, I would drink old coffee each afternoon and the subsequent days thereafter. I would make iced coffee out of the "old coffee". It might gross some out, especially java snobs, but I have been doing it this way for years.
My new maker makes one cup of coffee at a time. I use the reusable filters so that I am not spending my kids' college fund in K-cups and I truly enjoy the fresh coffee (especially because I have started drinking coffee sans creamer).
I had grown accustomed to old coffee. Unfresh coffee. Yesterday's (or the day before's) coffee.
I do the same thing with time with God.
I rely on memories, old lessons, worn-out sermon notes, and experiences from days gone by when fresh and exciting time with Him is just a prayer away.
God prompts me in Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
In order to "Unleash Joy" in 2014, I need to remember to stay thirsty for God and not settle for yesterday's portion.
Have a great week!
Amberly
Monday, January 6, 2014
Muscle Memory
Today is a big day. My teaching schedule is in full swing: 8 Spanish classes, 1 Algebra class, and two University English classes.
But the class I am dreading is my Friday exercise class. At 5:30 a.m.. about 15 women flock to the gym to betortured humiliated strengthened. We work on our abs, backsides, quads, shoulders, and core strength. The strain of the early morning is eclipsed only by the strain of my body as it attempts to look coordinated. Epic fail.
I have eaten loaves of bread that weigh more than most of the women in the class. I provide the comic relief in hopes that the instructor does not notice my inability to perform all the tasks. It never works.
I can feel my sore muscles for the rest of the weekend. Sometimes, the soreness begins before I even make it to my car. I often look like Yoda as I toddle to my vehicle. Sore I Am. Ridiculous I feel.
According to Elizabeth Quinn, exercise expert, such soreness is called "Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)... (which) is a normal response to unusual exertion and leads to greater stamina and strength as the muscles recover and build hypertrophy."
Soreness is a normal, natural response to the development of strength. We recognize it when discussing exercise, but why does it surprise us so in life?
When most people make resolutions, they fail to anticipate the DOMS of carrying new things, stretching budgets and calendars, and pushing back old habits.
I am hoping that someday, I will not feel the pangs of soreness on Saturday mornings. I hope my body grows accustomed to the class and does not wail in protest. Or maybe not. If I stop stretching myself, I may stop getting stronger. As I strive to "Unleash Joy" in 2014, I must embrace the idea that struggle is an ally.
And speaking of struggles, happy Monday. :)
Amberly
But the class I am dreading is my Friday exercise class. At 5:30 a.m.. about 15 women flock to the gym to be
I have eaten loaves of bread that weigh more than most of the women in the class. I provide the comic relief in hopes that the instructor does not notice my inability to perform all the tasks. It never works.
I can feel my sore muscles for the rest of the weekend. Sometimes, the soreness begins before I even make it to my car. I often look like Yoda as I toddle to my vehicle. Sore I Am. Ridiculous I feel.
According to Elizabeth Quinn, exercise expert, such soreness is called "Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)... (which) is a normal response to unusual exertion and leads to greater stamina and strength as the muscles recover and build hypertrophy."
Soreness is a normal, natural response to the development of strength. We recognize it when discussing exercise, but why does it surprise us so in life?
When most people make resolutions, they fail to anticipate the DOMS of carrying new things, stretching budgets and calendars, and pushing back old habits.
I am hoping that someday, I will not feel the pangs of soreness on Saturday mornings. I hope my body grows accustomed to the class and does not wail in protest. Or maybe not. If I stop stretching myself, I may stop getting stronger. As I strive to "Unleash Joy" in 2014, I must embrace the idea that struggle is an ally.
And speaking of struggles, happy Monday. :)
Amberly
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Year's MESSolutions
I think it interesting that on January 1st, the day I pre-chose to kick off the year "Unleashing Joy", I rang in the new year cleaning vomit off off Legos. Yep. You read it right. My life is officially awesome.
Our son has a virus that has plagued him with a cough that won't quit. In fact, thrice now, it only "quits" after he throws up. Bless his heart.
Scott and I are blessed. Both of our kids are quite healthy. Nausea is SO rare in our house, neither kid knows how to handle it. Josiah just sits there and gets sick. ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE. AND. ALL. OVER. HIMSELF. He gets paralyzed and chooses to soil himself and everything around him.
At the risk of grossing all my readers out, many of us struggle with a similar malady.
We often get paralyzed when we are surprised by the "ick" of life. Broken hearts, hurt feelings, disappointment, websites that don't work according to deadline, disappointing personal choices, and unstable finances can overcome us if we choose to stay put and not put our faith into action...
January 1st is the PERFECT time to decide to not get paralyzed when life gets dirty, nasty, smelly, and gross. It is the perfect day to choose to make 2014 one of action and to truly "unleash joy"!
Will you join me???
God's richest blessings on your 2014!
Amberly
Our son has a virus that has plagued him with a cough that won't quit. In fact, thrice now, it only "quits" after he throws up. Bless his heart.
Scott and I are blessed. Both of our kids are quite healthy. Nausea is SO rare in our house, neither kid knows how to handle it. Josiah just sits there and gets sick. ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE. AND. ALL. OVER. HIMSELF. He gets paralyzed and chooses to soil himself and everything around him.
At the risk of grossing all my readers out, many of us struggle with a similar malady.
We often get paralyzed when we are surprised by the "ick" of life. Broken hearts, hurt feelings, disappointment, websites that don't work according to deadline, disappointing personal choices, and unstable finances can overcome us if we choose to stay put and not put our faith into action...
January 1st is the PERFECT time to decide to not get paralyzed when life gets dirty, nasty, smelly, and gross. It is the perfect day to choose to make 2014 one of action and to truly "unleash joy"!
Will you join me???
God's richest blessings on your 2014!
Amberly
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Candy Striker
This time of year, the abundance of candy can be overwhelming to my self-control. I thought I would share this tool to help give you some alternatives to devouring 417 Snack Size Snickers...
50 Things To Do Instead of Eating Your Kids' Halloween Candy
1. Go for a walk. I do my best to get in 10,000 steps or more each day.
2. Lift weights.
3. Go swimming.
4. Read a book. (Best if you can listen to an audiobook while you walk or exercise or garden.)
5. Work. (If you tend to eat at your desk, institute a new rule that you can only eat when you’re not working.)
6. Take a bubble bath. This is a great habit to get into at night, instead of sitting in front of the TV, where you are likely to be tempted to snack.)
7. Go rollerblading.
8. Ride a bike.
9. Take a yoga class.
10. Swing the kettlebell.
11. Clean out your closet. If you’re losing weight, it’s a good idea to box up some clothes you won’t be needing anymore.
12. Go for a jog. I never thought I’d enjoy running, but I’m starting this week to learn how to do barefoot running.
13. Listen to an audiobook while you do something else (do the dishes, organize your closet, or what-have-you).
14. Take a dance class.
15. Take a language class — learn Spanish or French or Chinese. If you can’t afford a class, join a local Meetup.com group.
16. Do a jigsaw puzzle — this is a fun thing to do with kids.
17. Go for a hike.
18. Go camping for the weekend. It’s not so easy to overeat while camping — since you can control what you pack and what you prepare (and food preparation takes some effort).
19. Go see a movie. Skip the popcorn — bring a bottle of water only.
20. Start a garden. Not only does gardening burn a lot of calories, but it’s a great feeling to grow your own food. If you don’t have a place to garden at home, look into joining a community garden.
21. Work on your tan. I love the feeling of being tan, and it’s great for getting vitamin D. I’m committed to taking 10-30 minutes every day in the summer to sitting outside and getting sunshine (this can also be done while gardening).
22. Volunteer. There are lots of volunteer opportunities online.
23. Raise chickens.
24. Play with your kids. Throw a ball, play Barbies, go swimming, read them stories.
25. Go to the library.
26. Plan a trip. Maybe you can’t afford to go for another year or two, but you can start planning and saving now.
27. Buy a rental property. Instead of spending your weekends lounging around in front of the TV and snacking, go to open houses. Maybe you can’t afford to buy a property right now, but you could start looking around and saving your money to invest.
28. Finish your degree. Maybe you never got your college degree, or you want to get an advanced degree.
29. Shop for new clothes. You don’t have to buy anything — just look and think about what you will get when you lose weight.
30. Play chess.
31. Do crossword puzzles.
32. Learn to knit.
33. Take up photography.
34. Learn to program computers.
35. Stain some furniture or paint a room.
36. Plan a kitchen remodel. Again, maybe you can’t afford it right now, but you can start dreaming and planning.
37. Plan a family reunion.
38. Take up quilting or sewing.
39. Do sudoku.
40. Clean out the garage.
41. Have a garage sale.
42. Take a spinning class.
43. Work with a trainer at a gym.
44. Take up surfing.
45. Get a part-time job doing something you enjoy or want to learn more about. Maybe you can work at a nursery and learn about plants or teach a yoga class.
46. Start a home business. You could teach piano or be a tutor, or start an Etsy shop. You can use the extra money you earn to do on vacation or save it to invest in real estate.
47. Read all the classics. Work your way through all the classic literature you missed in high school and college. (Again, best if you can listen to the audiobooks while you do something else.)
48. Get a rebounder. Burn calories while you watch TV or listen to audiobooks.
49. Take a martial arts class. Nothing like getting a black belt to get your self esteem up!
50. Take up rock climbing.
2. Lift weights.
3. Go swimming.
4. Read a book. (Best if you can listen to an audiobook while you walk or exercise or garden.)
5. Work. (If you tend to eat at your desk, institute a new rule that you can only eat when you’re not working.)
6. Take a bubble bath. This is a great habit to get into at night, instead of sitting in front of the TV, where you are likely to be tempted to snack.)
7. Go rollerblading.
8. Ride a bike.
9. Take a yoga class.
10. Swing the kettlebell.
11. Clean out your closet. If you’re losing weight, it’s a good idea to box up some clothes you won’t be needing anymore.
12. Go for a jog. I never thought I’d enjoy running, but I’m starting this week to learn how to do barefoot running.
13. Listen to an audiobook while you do something else (do the dishes, organize your closet, or what-have-you).
14. Take a dance class.
15. Take a language class — learn Spanish or French or Chinese. If you can’t afford a class, join a local Meetup.com group.
16. Do a jigsaw puzzle — this is a fun thing to do with kids.
17. Go for a hike.
18. Go camping for the weekend. It’s not so easy to overeat while camping — since you can control what you pack and what you prepare (and food preparation takes some effort).
19. Go see a movie. Skip the popcorn — bring a bottle of water only.
20. Start a garden. Not only does gardening burn a lot of calories, but it’s a great feeling to grow your own food. If you don’t have a place to garden at home, look into joining a community garden.
21. Work on your tan. I love the feeling of being tan, and it’s great for getting vitamin D. I’m committed to taking 10-30 minutes every day in the summer to sitting outside and getting sunshine (this can also be done while gardening).
22. Volunteer. There are lots of volunteer opportunities online.
23. Raise chickens.
24. Play with your kids. Throw a ball, play Barbies, go swimming, read them stories.
25. Go to the library.
26. Plan a trip. Maybe you can’t afford to go for another year or two, but you can start planning and saving now.
27. Buy a rental property. Instead of spending your weekends lounging around in front of the TV and snacking, go to open houses. Maybe you can’t afford to buy a property right now, but you could start looking around and saving your money to invest.
28. Finish your degree. Maybe you never got your college degree, or you want to get an advanced degree.
29. Shop for new clothes. You don’t have to buy anything — just look and think about what you will get when you lose weight.
30. Play chess.
31. Do crossword puzzles.
32. Learn to knit.
33. Take up photography.
34. Learn to program computers.
35. Stain some furniture or paint a room.
36. Plan a kitchen remodel. Again, maybe you can’t afford it right now, but you can start dreaming and planning.
37. Plan a family reunion.
38. Take up quilting or sewing.
39. Do sudoku.
40. Clean out the garage.
41. Have a garage sale.
42. Take a spinning class.
43. Work with a trainer at a gym.
44. Take up surfing.
45. Get a part-time job doing something you enjoy or want to learn more about. Maybe you can work at a nursery and learn about plants or teach a yoga class.
46. Start a home business. You could teach piano or be a tutor, or start an Etsy shop. You can use the extra money you earn to do on vacation or save it to invest in real estate.
47. Read all the classics. Work your way through all the classic literature you missed in high school and college. (Again, best if you can listen to the audiobooks while you do something else.)
48. Get a rebounder. Burn calories while you watch TV or listen to audiobooks.
49. Take a martial arts class. Nothing like getting a black belt to get your self esteem up!
50. Take up rock climbing.
from www.cheeseslave.com
Some more from my personal list:
1) Pray for others.
2) Make a list of 12 service projects; do one a month until the next time Halloween comes around.
3) Listen to the music from your youth for awhile. It is fun to reminisce!
4) Actually make a bucket list and make the plans to do one, and then DO IT!
5) Ask 27 friends to sign up for my blog.
Let me know how this goes...
Amberly
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