The Nines from Todd Rhoades on Vimeo.
Spartan Sounds
I was asked to write a short essay about my hearing aids to my disabilities adviser this year. He wanted it for a presentation for incoming students with disabilities. Somehow I qualify as spokesperson material! It was meant to be witty and personal...so here are bits and pieces of it.
Knowledge is power, and most people don't know anyone with significant hearing loss!
No, I Can't Hear You: Yes, I wear Hearing Aids.
Dear Teachers,
Talking at the board is not effective for anyone including someone who partially reads lips. Using slow and quality English is helpful, and yes, please do post the notes on Angel...They are needed for those times when you speak soft and monotonous. Not only can't I hear you, but I am bored. Those bubble answers: A-B-C-D, just in case you didn't know, B/C/D all sound the same to me. Unless, of course, I can see your mouth which takes my eyes off my bubble sheet, which takes my eyes off correcting the answers, and then takes my eyes back to the sheet and away from your mouth. Do you think I knew what the correct answers were? It's as easy as B for Boy, C for Cat, and D for Dog. Give it a go.
Dear fellow friends,
For me, self-Pep talks are in need prior to attending large engagements where the sounds of music and other loud noises are present. Especially in in bars, around large tables, and when you might find yourself on my right side.... I simply cannot make out what you are saying unless you annunciation very well and talk like you are in slow motion running through a wind tunnel. I love nodding and smiling, but if I do that it is a great cue to you that I have no clue what you are saying and just want to be polite.
Please don't feel awkward out by my need to stand close with my ear right up to your mouth. Actually, it is a great flirtation technique...but in all honesty I just want to know what you are saying and not feel like you could start nibbling at my ear at any moment. So, if you really want to hold a conversation, let's make a date, shoot some pool, and stay away from the loud areas...or just dance it out on the dance floor.
Dear Me, the one with hearing aids,
Accept your hearing loss, understand that you need to take a stand for your needs. People with normal hearing do not know that we struggle and they have no idea what it means for us when learning, socializing, and in our daily lives. And that is okay. They are not supposed to. It is our responsibility to tell them. With confidence, with boldness, and with a simple grace that gets everyone on the same page. Talk to your teachers, your professors, your friends - they might forget from time to time, but they will do their best to help you.
Knowledge is power, and most people don't know anyone with significant hearing loss!
No, I Can't Hear You: Yes, I wear Hearing Aids.
Dear Teachers,
Talking at the board is not effective for anyone including someone who partially reads lips. Using slow and quality English is helpful, and yes, please do post the notes on Angel...They are needed for those times when you speak soft and monotonous. Not only can't I hear you, but I am bored. Those bubble answers: A-B-C-D, just in case you didn't know, B/C/D all sound the same to me. Unless, of course, I can see your mouth which takes my eyes off my bubble sheet, which takes my eyes off correcting the answers, and then takes my eyes back to the sheet and away from your mouth. Do you think I knew what the correct answers were? It's as easy as B for Boy, C for Cat, and D for Dog. Give it a go.
Dear fellow friends,
For me, self-Pep talks are in need prior to attending large engagements where the sounds of music and other loud noises are present. Especially in in bars, around large tables, and when you might find yourself on my right side.... I simply cannot make out what you are saying unless you annunciation very well and talk like you are in slow motion running through a wind tunnel. I love nodding and smiling, but if I do that it is a great cue to you that I have no clue what you are saying and just want to be polite.
Please don't feel awkward out by my need to stand close with my ear right up to your mouth. Actually, it is a great flirtation technique...but in all honesty I just want to know what you are saying and not feel like you could start nibbling at my ear at any moment. So, if you really want to hold a conversation, let's make a date, shoot some pool, and stay away from the loud areas...or just dance it out on the dance floor.
Dear Me, the one with hearing aids,
Accept your hearing loss, understand that you need to take a stand for your needs. People with normal hearing do not know that we struggle and they have no idea what it means for us when learning, socializing, and in our daily lives. And that is okay. They are not supposed to. It is our responsibility to tell them. With confidence, with boldness, and with a simple grace that gets everyone on the same page. Talk to your teachers, your professors, your friends - they might forget from time to time, but they will do their best to help you.
convicted.
RELEVANT
Been on my mind for a long time and have very similar thoughts and convictions. Sharing not to spread the conviction but to share the awareness.
Love to all.
Been on my mind for a long time and have very similar thoughts and convictions. Sharing not to spread the conviction but to share the awareness.
Love to all.
laughter.
Laughing is so great for the soul, glad God gave people a sense of humor. Cheers to the funny people in our lives :]
BURSTING WITH JOY!
If you notice, this blog was typed long before it was posted. I can't spill the details to the whole world until Mamma Burley gets to it, but I had to type it out to get my excitement out of me!Meriel Burley
8 lbs. and 21 inches
I was texting with Katie until 8:55 p.m. on Saturday August 15th.8 lbs. and 21 inches
I blogged.
Watched a little bit of Mary Poppins.
Went to Sleep.
Woke up and showered.
Only to discover a text on August 16th at 8:05 am from Katie saying... "It's a Girl!"
In not even eleven hours, of which I did NOTHING, my beautiful friends, Mark and Katie, had their second child.
Is that flabbergasting to anyone but me? I couldn't stop saying, "Awwww" all day, and I found myself just being incredibly smiley.
Then, we were invited to stop by the hospital...so my mom and I ditched church and headed towards hospital land. We tried finding a Meijer to stop and get flowers, but got lost, and I just couldn't contain my excitement so we went straight there!
Meriel was BEAUTIFUL and Katie looked phenomenal, Mark was awestruck and so smiley too. Then, I got to hold Meriel for what seemed like an hour. She was so peaceful, so content, and so nestled in her burrito of a bundle and under her mop of dark hair.
I just couldn't believe it. It (the whole scenario) seemed so perfect, so miraculous, it was an incredible moment for me to understand just how great God is.
And that friends is all I can put into words. Congrats to the Burley's, a sweet Coventry Lane family of four, I'm glad I get to be an honorary big sister for the next year. I've never gotten to be the big sister...hopefully Hazel and I will share the title well :]
Love to you all as you peacefully abide by the 24 hour hospital rule...even though that is almost 120% more time then you actually spent giving birth!
*Katie and Mark both revealed all details on facebook :] i'm good to post now!
david: from boy to king
When God wants to drill a man
and thrill a man, and skill a man
When God wants to mold a man
to play the nobelest part
When God yearns with all his heart
to create so great and bold a man
That the whole world may be amazed
Watch God's methods, watch his ways
How he ruthlessly perfects whom he royaly elects
How he hammers him and hurts him
and with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay, that only God understand,
While his tortured heart is crying
and he lifts besetching hands
How God bends but never breaks
When his good he undertakes
How God uses whom he chooses
and with every purpose fuses him
With mighty acts induces him
to try his spender out
God knows what he's about"
and thrill a man, and skill a man
When God wants to mold a man
to play the nobelest part
When God yearns with all his heart
to create so great and bold a man
That the whole world may be amazed
Watch God's methods, watch his ways
How he ruthlessly perfects whom he royaly elects
How he hammers him and hurts him
and with mighty blows converts him
Into trial shapes of clay, that only God understand,
While his tortured heart is crying
and he lifts besetching hands
How God bends but never breaks
When his good he undertakes
How God uses whom he chooses
and with every purpose fuses him
With mighty acts induces him
to try his spender out
God knows what he's about"
all this chit chat
comfort vs. dicomfort
Had a great conversation last night with a great friend about the level of comfort one should have while serving. Although we both agreed that "comfortable" might not be the best word, the discussion led to some hard but honest points.
I've always felt that if I am experiencing discomfort in my ministry, then I am challenging my comfort zone and stretching towards the harder to reach corners of God's ministry in my life. You've heard me write that God doesn't call us to do easy (comfortable) things, but things that are hard (= discomfort).
The other point I had was that when I start getting comfortable, I start taking control. It becomes Lauren Wojcik's ministry and not God's. I am a firm believer in leaps of faith and going to the limb when it comes to my walk.
Although these are all valid points, my friend put a spin on my comfort vs. discomfort theory that I hadn't yet thought about.
My thoughts were challenged. If the strong will of Christ has you serving where you are, then shouldn't you be comforted knowing you are doing Christ work? Well, yes.
If you are serving in hard ways, shouldn't you still be comforted knowing that Christ brought you to that work specifically?
No matter what limits are being stretched, the comfort of Christ should still be there.
But maybe this is a contentment issue. Contentment in ministry and serving has to be there, or you will burn out...but contentment is also dangerous...right?
the wheels are turning. thanks telephone friend.
Had a great conversation last night with a great friend about the level of comfort one should have while serving. Although we both agreed that "comfortable" might not be the best word, the discussion led to some hard but honest points.
I've always felt that if I am experiencing discomfort in my ministry, then I am challenging my comfort zone and stretching towards the harder to reach corners of God's ministry in my life. You've heard me write that God doesn't call us to do easy (comfortable) things, but things that are hard (= discomfort).
The other point I had was that when I start getting comfortable, I start taking control. It becomes Lauren Wojcik's ministry and not God's. I am a firm believer in leaps of faith and going to the limb when it comes to my walk.
Although these are all valid points, my friend put a spin on my comfort vs. discomfort theory that I hadn't yet thought about.
My thoughts were challenged. If the strong will of Christ has you serving where you are, then shouldn't you be comforted knowing you are doing Christ work? Well, yes.
If you are serving in hard ways, shouldn't you still be comforted knowing that Christ brought you to that work specifically?
No matter what limits are being stretched, the comfort of Christ should still be there.
But maybe this is a contentment issue. Contentment in ministry and serving has to be there, or you will burn out...but contentment is also dangerous...right?
the wheels are turning. thanks telephone friend.
- I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:11-13 (The Message)
- I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Version)
- Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (New Living Translation)
hop. jump. leap.
Life always brings me back to the Gospel of Matthew.
What is known about this gospel? Matthew depended on Mark during authorship, it was written in Greek, relies heavily on the Old Testament, and is similar to the construction of the Pentateuch. It's validity is also questioned by scholars since it is so close to John-Mark's gospel.
But what really strikes me is the way NIV and the Message both end the Gospel according to Matthew. Some disciples are holding back, doubting, weary, afraid, uncertain...etc.
THEY JUST SAW THE SON OF GOD be CRUCIFIED, DIE, BURIED, and RISEN AGAIN!
Selfishly I say, "Atleast they got a visual to base their beliefs on, a tangible experience."
Unselfishly, I understand that doubt, that hesitation, that fear. But again all I hear is that my God is not a God of comfort, but a God of challenges. My God is not a God of this world, but of eternity...of the NEW world.
And that my God calls me to GO, to HOP, JUMP, LEAP, SKIP, DIVE without fear.
Am I doubting too? Am I holding back from worship because of fear?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
8-10The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples. Then Jesus met them, stopping them in their tracks. "Good morning!" he said. They fell to their knees, embraced his feet, and worshiped him. Jesus said, "You're holding on to me for dear life! Don't be frightened like that. Go tell my brothers that they are to go to Galilee, and that I'll meet them there."
11-15Meanwhile, the guards had scattered, but a few of them went into the city and told the high priests everything that had happened. They called a meeting of the religious leaders and came up with a plan: They took a large sum of money and gave it to the soldiers, bribing them to say, "His disciples came in the night and stole the body while we were sleeping." They assured them, "If the governor hears about your sleeping on duty, we will make sure you don't get blamed." The soldiers took the bribe and did as they were told. That story, cooked up in the Jewish High Council, is still going around.
16-17Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
18-20Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age."
building that library.
Just Finished: Crazy Love by Francis ChanStarting Tonight: SPARK by John J Ratey, MD with Eric Hagerman
STILL ON THE LIST
Professional Reads:
The First Days of School
Letters To a Young Teacher
LEISURE READS
The Timetraveler's Wife
POINTS OF VIEW/RECOMMENDATIONS
The Science of God
Redeeming Love
Anymore suggestions? I'm running out of time....but I could build my amazon wish list a little more! :]
Here was the first page to SPARK:
"In order for a man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. With these two means, man can attain perfection." [Plato]
I'm hooked.
august.
It's here. The month I am so excited for and so nervous for that the same time. Praise God that I believe in His plan for me, because if I was without faith in the hopes that God places in my heart, I'm sure I would have ran by now.
My future career is not one of comfort and familiarity, it is something that challenges me daily to face the things that are hardest to me. I have to wake up and say, "You are in control God," and trust that he will protect me from the loud voices of my insecurities.
I can't wait to be living in Mason surrounded by people who are real in their own struggles, I can't wait to meet all those middle schoolers and love them to the core, and I can't wait for the beautiful ladies of WMS to enter high school. I can't wait to play with Hazel, chat with Katie and Mark, and snuggle with Baby Burley on the denim couches.
I can't wait to combine life with progress, if that makes sense.
I have zero expectations for everything, except the expectation that God will show up in whatever way His will has planned.
And with that, I am completely content.
My future career is not one of comfort and familiarity, it is something that challenges me daily to face the things that are hardest to me. I have to wake up and say, "You are in control God," and trust that he will protect me from the loud voices of my insecurities.
I can't wait to be living in Mason surrounded by people who are real in their own struggles, I can't wait to meet all those middle schoolers and love them to the core, and I can't wait for the beautiful ladies of WMS to enter high school. I can't wait to play with Hazel, chat with Katie and Mark, and snuggle with Baby Burley on the denim couches.
I can't wait to combine life with progress, if that makes sense.
I have zero expectations for everything, except the expectation that God will show up in whatever way His will has planned.
And with that, I am completely content.
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