As I sit here, waiting for President Obama to come on TV and talk about our economy, I learned that not only will Craig & his fellow teachers NOT be getting a pay raise next year (not all that shocking), but they will be taking a pay cut!
Cutting the pay of TEACHERS while these fat-cat morons on Wall Street get a bailout from our illustrious el Presidente. NICE. Want to know why this country has such problems... the wrong people are making all the money!
Teachers deserve a LOT more than they get paid - heck, they deserve even more of our respect than they actually get. Yet, here we are, 2009, and instead of them being paid what they're worth, they're having money taken AWAY and class sizes enlarged.
Want to know why our education system sucks? Because they get treated like garbage!! 2nd class citizens...
I pray that Obama wakes up and rethinks this $13/week increase for us and starts throwing MORE money into education. Our children are the future of this country - without education, we won't have much of a future.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Calling all parents
I grew up in an abusive family. Let's face it - there was abuse. No physical abuse, but sometimes I think that the mental/emotional leaves the worst scars. Thankfully, things have come full circle for me & my family. I've broken the cycle of abuse. Yet tonight I met a dad who brought it all flooding back
We were at baseball practice tonight... I noticed him at our 1st practice, he made a comment about his 'fat' son. Have I mentioned that these boys are only 7 & 8 years old? But tonight - tonight I had to show restraint. He had the nerve to tell me that he calls his son 'fat' at least 3 times a day. That his son LIKES it! Then to get his son ready to play, he throws a ball at his face. His son isn't fat. He's a short 7 year old boy who has yet to have a growth spurt. And to throw a ball at his face - disgusting!!
I wanted to jump down this guy's throat for the way he's treating his son. He's breaking his spirit. This poor little guy is going to grow up with such a complex. All because his father is trying to 'make him a man'.
Here's a hint - THAT crap does not make anyone a man. In fact, it makes you look like a jackass and it makes your child look like a victim.
We are called to LOVE our children... last I checked, mentally abusing them does not equal love.
As much as I am excited to watch Jusitn play baseball this season, I am NOT looking forward to having to deal with this father. It's going to take everything I have to NOT say something to him. I know it's not my place, but someone has to stand up for this kid. Grrr....
Many blessings,
Allison
We were at baseball practice tonight... I noticed him at our 1st practice, he made a comment about his 'fat' son. Have I mentioned that these boys are only 7 & 8 years old? But tonight - tonight I had to show restraint. He had the nerve to tell me that he calls his son 'fat' at least 3 times a day. That his son LIKES it! Then to get his son ready to play, he throws a ball at his face. His son isn't fat. He's a short 7 year old boy who has yet to have a growth spurt. And to throw a ball at his face - disgusting!!
I wanted to jump down this guy's throat for the way he's treating his son. He's breaking his spirit. This poor little guy is going to grow up with such a complex. All because his father is trying to 'make him a man'.
Here's a hint - THAT crap does not make anyone a man. In fact, it makes you look like a jackass and it makes your child look like a victim.
We are called to LOVE our children... last I checked, mentally abusing them does not equal love.
As much as I am excited to watch Jusitn play baseball this season, I am NOT looking forward to having to deal with this father. It's going to take everything I have to NOT say something to him. I know it's not my place, but someone has to stand up for this kid. Grrr....
Many blessings,
Allison
Monday, February 16, 2009
Not sure how I feel
My heart is broken.
Last week, the big news at the Grammy's wasn't really about who won, it was more about who didn't show and why.
You see, two young performers were scheduled to be at the Grammy's and I THINK they were supposed to perform together however they didn't go. Later, we learned that there was an incident. Chris Brown either threatened or actually hit Rhianna. These are young adults at the height of their careers.
We'll probably never learn the full story of what occurred, especially since the media is playing it by so many different angles. Yet I am saddened by what this young woman has gone through. Saddened that yet another woman had to endure abuse. However, this high profile case COULD bring awareness to a rapidly growing problem that our society faces.
I pray for those involved, that they get the help that they need. I also pray that our teens take heed to this story and realize the potential danger that they could be in.
Many blessings,
Allison
Last week, the big news at the Grammy's wasn't really about who won, it was more about who didn't show and why.
You see, two young performers were scheduled to be at the Grammy's and I THINK they were supposed to perform together however they didn't go. Later, we learned that there was an incident. Chris Brown either threatened or actually hit Rhianna. These are young adults at the height of their careers.
We'll probably never learn the full story of what occurred, especially since the media is playing it by so many different angles. Yet I am saddened by what this young woman has gone through. Saddened that yet another woman had to endure abuse. However, this high profile case COULD bring awareness to a rapidly growing problem that our society faces.
I pray for those involved, that they get the help that they need. I also pray that our teens take heed to this story and realize the potential danger that they could be in.
Many blessings,
Allison
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Listening to God
"Be still and know that I am God" ~ Psalm 46:10
For quite some time I've been volunteering in different children ministries at church and LOVING every minute of it. Yet, lately I've been feeling that it's time to move on to another area. Something different. God is leading me in a new direction. Moving on to something new isn't what scares me - it's leaving something that I've been SO involved in. Would there be someone who I could 'trust' to take over?
Two weeks ago, I got my answer. I finally told someone that I was considering leaving one of the ministries. Not an hour later, they came to me with a new volunteer and someone who was willing to be captain. God provided someone who loves that ministry just as much as I do. This change in my life is God ordained. On to stage 2.
Volunteering with the rape crisis center - WOW!! Exactly where I'm supposed to be. Again, the only thing that would make this perfect would be if it was a paying gig. Being a victim advocate - my dream job!! Or is it? Today I had the opportunity to meet with a SANE nurse (sexual assault nurse examiner) and I think I just might want to go that route... I'd have to work in the ER for at least 2 years before I could be assigned to rape cases, but the thought of doing forensic investigation really peaks my interest. We'll see.... for now, I'm ready to volunteer.
I have to say God has really been speaking to Craig & I a lot lately, confirming decisions in our lives. It's been amazing! I am a no one, but to God I am SOMEONE. He's taken the time to speak to me... to use me to do His work. It reminds me that God uses anyone!! Rahab, Mary Magdelene, tax collectors, fishermen. You don't have to be perfect for God to use you... in fact, He has a tendency to use 'less-than-perfect' people to do His work & further His kingdom.
Many blessings,
Allison
For quite some time I've been volunteering in different children ministries at church and LOVING every minute of it. Yet, lately I've been feeling that it's time to move on to another area. Something different. God is leading me in a new direction. Moving on to something new isn't what scares me - it's leaving something that I've been SO involved in. Would there be someone who I could 'trust' to take over?
Two weeks ago, I got my answer. I finally told someone that I was considering leaving one of the ministries. Not an hour later, they came to me with a new volunteer and someone who was willing to be captain. God provided someone who loves that ministry just as much as I do. This change in my life is God ordained. On to stage 2.
Volunteering with the rape crisis center - WOW!! Exactly where I'm supposed to be. Again, the only thing that would make this perfect would be if it was a paying gig. Being a victim advocate - my dream job!! Or is it? Today I had the opportunity to meet with a SANE nurse (sexual assault nurse examiner) and I think I just might want to go that route... I'd have to work in the ER for at least 2 years before I could be assigned to rape cases, but the thought of doing forensic investigation really peaks my interest. We'll see.... for now, I'm ready to volunteer.
I have to say God has really been speaking to Craig & I a lot lately, confirming decisions in our lives. It's been amazing! I am a no one, but to God I am SOMEONE. He's taken the time to speak to me... to use me to do His work. It reminds me that God uses anyone!! Rahab, Mary Magdelene, tax collectors, fishermen. You don't have to be perfect for God to use you... in fact, He has a tendency to use 'less-than-perfect' people to do His work & further His kingdom.
Many blessings,
Allison
Sunday, February 8, 2009
I watched the Grammy's....
....and hated it!
Ok, I'll admit, I DID love seeing the Jo Bros. jamming with Stevie Wonder. They were great! The announcement of Blink 182 reuniting is very cool. But listening to a young girl being PRAISED for being bi-curious & then singing a song about it while dressed like she should be dancing at Moulin Rouge crossed the line!
This is the music that our kids are listening to Moms!!! With lyrics like: "I kissed a girl & I liked it", "Oh You're a Womanizer Baby" and whatnot. Our young girls are looking up to these singers for inspiration & with adoration. What happened to young girls wanting to be like their mom when they grew up? Now they want to bare it all (or most of it), jiggling their butts on stage, singing about crap.
Purity is a joke on Mtv. A punchline to a joke. Modesty is none existent. Even the other day I read a statistic that said 75% of adults will have at LEAST 13 sexual partners before they settle down! No wonder! We've got music & people constantly encouraging our kids.
I'm angered & disgusted! The innocence of childhood is quickly fading... society is making them grow up too fast. Become little adults. Yet I feel helpless. I am only responsible for my own children, but I hate that there are SO many other kids that are suseptible to this garbage. (I'm starting to sound like my father - UGH).
I pray for each of you that you hold strong to your values as you go against what society teaches as the 'norm'.
Many blessings,
Allison
Ok, I'll admit, I DID love seeing the Jo Bros. jamming with Stevie Wonder. They were great! The announcement of Blink 182 reuniting is very cool. But listening to a young girl being PRAISED for being bi-curious & then singing a song about it while dressed like she should be dancing at Moulin Rouge crossed the line!
This is the music that our kids are listening to Moms!!! With lyrics like: "I kissed a girl & I liked it", "Oh You're a Womanizer Baby" and whatnot. Our young girls are looking up to these singers for inspiration & with adoration. What happened to young girls wanting to be like their mom when they grew up? Now they want to bare it all (or most of it), jiggling their butts on stage, singing about crap.
Purity is a joke on Mtv. A punchline to a joke. Modesty is none existent. Even the other day I read a statistic that said 75% of adults will have at LEAST 13 sexual partners before they settle down! No wonder! We've got music & people constantly encouraging our kids.
I'm angered & disgusted! The innocence of childhood is quickly fading... society is making them grow up too fast. Become little adults. Yet I feel helpless. I am only responsible for my own children, but I hate that there are SO many other kids that are suseptible to this garbage. (I'm starting to sound like my father - UGH).
I pray for each of you that you hold strong to your values as you go against what society teaches as the 'norm'.
Many blessings,
Allison
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Words of a soldier
Damn Scared
written 2/4/09
written 2/4/09
So young I was when I took the call
To honor my country and give my all.
They ran me ‘round and trained me hard
Just to qualify to be sent afar.
Strange people, strange time, strange smells, strange land
And it was so damn hot and no chance for a fan.
Days go by so mundane so blank
But ever had to be aware the enemy’s pranks.
Had to look ahead, look down, all around
So tricky were the pranks and so hard to be found.
A crack, a pop, and then confusing clatter
The longer I’ve been exposed the more I knew what was the matter.
Bodies falling, bodies flying chucks of meat and matter here and there
The cracking and popping in my ears all added to the fear.
It seemed so long ago was my youth
Snowball fights, skipping school and girls I'd pursue.
Here I crawl in the dirt and the weeds
Just trying to keep myself from being seen.
I did what I had to do and I say that with pride
But it cost me so much and what I lost makes me cry.
And years gone by and how well I faired
But I tell you straight up, I was God damn scared.
This poem could have been written by any number of our American soldiers, however it was written by someone very special to me - my father, Robert.
You see, my father's enlisted in the Army during the VietNam war. He served 2 tours. I can only imagine the horror that he saw over there. His experience has shaped my life - not for the good unfortunately. It has only been in the last few years that he has begun opening up a little more about his tours.
He read me this poem over the phone & I could hear him crying. It warmed my heart to know that he was sharing with me, yet broke it knowing how he's carried this pain for so long.
Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with war, we must support our troops. They are doing the job that WE are not willing to do.
Many blessings,
Allison
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Confirmation from God
A few years ago, I had my dream job. I worked for my church in the IT department. Granted, I wasn't exactly using my knowledge to its fullest, I was still really happy. I LOVED getting up in the morning to go to work. I was a contractor, but it was something that could turn into a permanent position.
Then my world came crashing down. I was told that not only was the position not going to be permanent, but the contract was ending early. The reason? There was just something about my personality that they didn't like. They couldn't put their finger on it.
I can take constructive criticism. It may take me a few to absorb it & move on, but I still listen. In fact, during my whole time employed there, I was 'spoken to' a few times about changes I needed to make (wardrobe, volume, etc). Each time they spoke to me, I listened & did what was asked. But how do you work on something when they are so vague about it.
I'll admit it, I was angry. Pissed to be exact! This destroyed my already fragile ego. I wanted to stop going to church, but I realized that it wasn't church that did anything to me. It was people. I tried really hard to not let that ruin my walk with God & the friendships I had made at church.
It has bothered me since. But today.... today I learned that it wasn't really about me. It wasn't that there was something wrong with MY personality. I met a person today who was hired after me. They let her go for the SAME reason!!!!
A weight has been lifted off of me! There's nothing wrong with MY personality! I just didn't gel with the person I was working for... quite frankly, I'm not sure if there is someone out there who would. The woman I talked with today is a great person. Sweet, hard working. To know that she was given the same reasons, well, I realized that it just wasn't me. Something my friends & family have been trying to tell me, but I needed that confirmation from God.
There's nothing wrong with my personality. I am me! The me that God designed. Yeah, I may talk loud and be a little sarcastic at the wrong time, but that is me. Those who matter most accept that.
Thank you God for that realization. I needed it. Even after 2 years.
Many blessings,
Allison
Then my world came crashing down. I was told that not only was the position not going to be permanent, but the contract was ending early. The reason? There was just something about my personality that they didn't like. They couldn't put their finger on it.
I can take constructive criticism. It may take me a few to absorb it & move on, but I still listen. In fact, during my whole time employed there, I was 'spoken to' a few times about changes I needed to make (wardrobe, volume, etc). Each time they spoke to me, I listened & did what was asked. But how do you work on something when they are so vague about it.
I'll admit it, I was angry. Pissed to be exact! This destroyed my already fragile ego. I wanted to stop going to church, but I realized that it wasn't church that did anything to me. It was people. I tried really hard to not let that ruin my walk with God & the friendships I had made at church.
It has bothered me since. But today.... today I learned that it wasn't really about me. It wasn't that there was something wrong with MY personality. I met a person today who was hired after me. They let her go for the SAME reason!!!!
A weight has been lifted off of me! There's nothing wrong with MY personality! I just didn't gel with the person I was working for... quite frankly, I'm not sure if there is someone out there who would. The woman I talked with today is a great person. Sweet, hard working. To know that she was given the same reasons, well, I realized that it just wasn't me. Something my friends & family have been trying to tell me, but I needed that confirmation from God.
There's nothing wrong with my personality. I am me! The me that God designed. Yeah, I may talk loud and be a little sarcastic at the wrong time, but that is me. Those who matter most accept that.
Thank you God for that realization. I needed it. Even after 2 years.
Many blessings,
Allison
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