Silent, Innocent and Condemned
At church today, Robin Boisvert continued the series, “The Path to the Cross: Why did Jesus Die on the Cross?” During his message, Robin preached from Matthew 27:1-2, 11-26, focusing on 3 statements:
· Jesus was silent
· Jesus was innocent
· Jesus was condemned
and 1 question:
· Who is to blame?
Jesus is silent.
For the most part, Jesus kept a silent dignity before his accusers. In the face of such composure, Pilate was “greatly amazed” (v. 14). 2. But Jesus was not entirely silent. Some questions were legitimate and deserved to be answered. When the High Priest, the religious leader, demanded to know if Jesus was the Messiah, Jesus answered, “You have said so.” When Pilate asked Jesus if He was the King of the Jews, Jesus answered, “You have said so.” The High Priest Caiaphas and Pilate had legitimate questions according to their positions as leaders in the religious and political spheres. It was important and appropriate for Jesus to answer them. But for the false accusations, Jesus refused to dignify them with a reply.
Jesus is innocent.
Judas knew that Jesus was innocent. He brought back the 30 pieces of silver he was paid for betraying Jesus and told the chief priests and elders, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood” (v. 4). Pilateʼs wife knew Jesus was innocent. Because of a disturbing dream, she sent Pilate an urgent message while he was sitting on the judgment seat, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man” (v. 19). Pilate knew Jesus was innocent. From his questioning, Pilate found nothing in Jesus worthy of death. Even after the crowd shouted for Jesusʼ death, Pilate asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” (v. 23).
Jesus is condemned.
Knowing his innocence, Pilate tried to release Jesus by asking the crowd to pick which prisoner to release, Jesus or Barabbas. Because Jesus was popular, Pilate thought they would select Jesus. He was wrong. The crowd roared for the release of Barabbas.
Along with the religious leaders, the crowd added their voice to the chorus of cries to release Barabbas and to condemn Jesus to death. It is the crowd that first uttered the words, “Let him be crucified!” The crowd’s choice perfectly illustrates the doctrine of substitutionary atonement— that Christ took the place of the sinner, substituting himself, the just for the unjust, to bring forgiveness and salvation to those who would believe in him.
“So it is in the salvation of our souls. We are all by nature like Barabbas and deserve Godʼs wrath and condemnation; yet he was accounted righteous and set free. The Lord Jesus Christ is perfectly innocent, and yet he is counted a sinner and put to death that we may live. Christ suffers though guiltless, that we may be pardoned. We are pardoned though guilty, because of what Christ does for us. We are sinners and yet counted righteous. Christ is righteous yet counted a sinner. Happy is that man who understands this doctrine and has laid hold on it by faith for the salvation of his soul.” —J.C. Ryle
Pilate was a weak, unprincipled leader. He never found or pronounced Jesus guilty and never officially condemned him. Still, he delivered Jesus over to the soldiers to be flogged and crucified.
Who is to blame?
Certainly the Jewish religious leaders and their partners in the crowd that called for Jesus to be crucified share blame. And even though Pilate symbolically washed his hands of Jesusʼ blood, he is also to blame. And then there were the Roman soldiers who carried out the flogging and crucifixion. They were guilty, too.
But when you consider all that Scripture says about His death, you must conclude that it was your sin and my sin that nailed Him to the cross. If He was wounded for our transgressions, if He was crushed for our iniquities, if the suffering and death that fell upon Him was for our salvation, forgiveness and peace, then we are to blame.
“I nailed him to the tree;
I crucified the Christ of God;
I joined the mockery
Of all that shouting multitude
I feel that I am one;
And in that din of voices rude
I recognize my own
Around the cross the throng I see,
Mocking the Suffererʼs groan;
Yet still my voice it seems to be
As if I mocked alone.”
—Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)
Monday, March 29, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Happy Birthday, Kevin!
Tonight we celebrated Kevin's 22nd birthday, for which he came home from college for the weekend. His actual birthday was Thursday, March 25, but we had everyone over for dinner and cake and ice cream on Saturday. Dennis made this absolutely delicious flank steak and some yummy roasted potatoes. To round things off, I made a the vegetable (peas) and a green salad.
Kevin wanted a lemon cake, so I made one for him on Friday. As usual for the last 7 or 8 times I have baked a cake, neither of the two layers would come out of the pans; they were stuck like cement. I banged and banged on the first pan until finally of the cake came out -- in pieces. The second one fared no better.
I had always been able to make perfect cakes, and I didn't know why I had had this problem for the past 2 years. I thought perhaps it was the pans, so I bought new ones, but my cakes still stuck to the pan. I thought maybe it was the location of the oven racks, so I tried moving them up. No cigar! Could it be the brand of cake I was buying? Nope!
Finally, after my failure with Kevin's cake, it hit me! Could it be the shortening I was using? After all, it was probably 5 or 6 years old. I sent Dennis out to buy new shortening, along with a new box of cake mix.
As it turned out, it was the shortening. I made a new cake Saturday morning, and it turned out PERFECTLY! And, it was DELICIOUS!!
Kevin is 22 years old!
Siblings Kevin (22), Christy (25) and Kathleen (30)
Finally, delicious lemon cake!
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Kevin,
Tonight we celebrated Kevin's 22nd birthday, for which he came home from college for the weekend. His actual birthday was Thursday, March 25, but we had everyone over for dinner and cake and ice cream on Saturday. Dennis made this absolutely delicious flank steak and some yummy roasted potatoes. To round things off, I made a the vegetable (peas) and a green salad.
Kevin wanted a lemon cake, so I made one for him on Friday. As usual for the last 7 or 8 times I have baked a cake, neither of the two layers would come out of the pans; they were stuck like cement. I banged and banged on the first pan until finally of the cake came out -- in pieces. The second one fared no better.
I had always been able to make perfect cakes, and I didn't know why I had had this problem for the past 2 years. I thought perhaps it was the pans, so I bought new ones, but my cakes still stuck to the pan. I thought maybe it was the location of the oven racks, so I tried moving them up. No cigar! Could it be the brand of cake I was buying? Nope!
Finally, after my failure with Kevin's cake, it hit me! Could it be the shortening I was using? After all, it was probably 5 or 6 years old. I sent Dennis out to buy new shortening, along with a new box of cake mix.
As it turned out, it was the shortening. I made a new cake Saturday morning, and it turned out PERFECTLY! And, it was DELICIOUS!!
Kevin is 22 years old!
Siblings Kevin (22), Christy (25) and Kathleen (30)
Finally, delicious lemon cake!
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Kevin,Happy Birthday to you!
Contemplating all those candles
Getting ready to blow out the candles
It only took one breath!
Birthday present from Christy and Brian
Birthday card from me and Dennis
Kevin got an iPod Touch from me and Dennis
Party-goers Pop-Pop (my dad) and Steve
My sister, Jackie; my sister, Susan (don't ask me why she is making the goofy face);
Contemplating all those candles
Getting ready to blow out the candles
It only took one breath!
Birthday present from Christy and Brian
Birthday card from me and Dennis
Kevin got an iPod Touch from me and Dennis
Party-goers Pop-Pop (my dad) and Steve
My sister, Jackie; my sister, Susan (don't ask me why she is making the goofy face);me; and my mom
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
New Do
After having it short for about 18 months, I was letting my hair grow out, and it was just hitting my shoulders. I was liking the way it looked, except for this one section on the right side. This particular section of hair always turns frizzy when it gets long, and that’s exactly what had happened over the past few weeks. No matter how I dried it or what products I put on it, this section looked fried. And, I couldn’t stand it! So, I decided to get it all cut off – real short!
My daughter, Christy, had recently graduated from cosmetology school and had just passed the written part of her state board exams. I had been avoiding getting my hair cut by her because I loved my current hair stylist, Kristin. However, I knew I would have to go to Christy sooner or later; after all, she IS my daughter. It’s not that I didn’t trust Christy. Many of my family members have been having Christy cut their hair for the past year, and Christy has done a great job! It’s just that – I don’t know, when you find someone you really like, you don’t want to let anyone else touch your hair. It’s a “girl” thing, I think. And besides, it’s the only thing I really care about. I don’t get my nails done, I don’t put much effort into clothes, and I wear a minimal amount of makeup. So, my hair is “my thing.”
Anyway, I arrived at Christy’s house at 9 a.m., and we made a quick Starbucks run. (I had to have my morning Caramel Macchiato.) Back at Christy’s, I told her that I wanted my hair “real short.” She was definitely apprehensive about cutting it “real short,” which started to make me a little nervous about my decision to have her touch my hair. “Be supportive of your daughter,” I said to myself. After all, if the haircut turned out bad, I could always go to Kristin and have her fix it.
I couldn’t watch the chunks of hair fall to the floor as Christy started cutting my hair. After a while, Christy asked me if it was short enough. I felt it and said, “Shorter.” The sound of her sucking in her breath almost made me yell, “Stop!” But, I resisted and she continued to cut. After about three-quarters of an hour, she finished cutting and started blow drying. Then she handed me the mirror. I was almost afraid to look.
But I did look. And, I loved my new haircut. It was definitely short, and very sassy. Even my husband, Dennis, liked it.
So now I have to make the next big leap: letting Christy color my hair. That makes me really nervous, way more than having her cut my hair. Oh well, if I have green hair next time you see me, you’ll know that I took the plunge. What we do for our children…
After having it short for about 18 months, I was letting my hair grow out, and it was just hitting my shoulders. I was liking the way it looked, except for this one section on the right side. This particular section of hair always turns frizzy when it gets long, and that’s exactly what had happened over the past few weeks. No matter how I dried it or what products I put on it, this section looked fried. And, I couldn’t stand it! So, I decided to get it all cut off – real short!
My daughter, Christy, had recently graduated from cosmetology school and had just passed the written part of her state board exams. I had been avoiding getting my hair cut by her because I loved my current hair stylist, Kristin. However, I knew I would have to go to Christy sooner or later; after all, she IS my daughter. It’s not that I didn’t trust Christy. Many of my family members have been having Christy cut their hair for the past year, and Christy has done a great job! It’s just that – I don’t know, when you find someone you really like, you don’t want to let anyone else touch your hair. It’s a “girl” thing, I think. And besides, it’s the only thing I really care about. I don’t get my nails done, I don’t put much effort into clothes, and I wear a minimal amount of makeup. So, my hair is “my thing.”
Anyway, I arrived at Christy’s house at 9 a.m., and we made a quick Starbucks run. (I had to have my morning Caramel Macchiato.) Back at Christy’s, I told her that I wanted my hair “real short.” She was definitely apprehensive about cutting it “real short,” which started to make me a little nervous about my decision to have her touch my hair. “Be supportive of your daughter,” I said to myself. After all, if the haircut turned out bad, I could always go to Kristin and have her fix it.
I couldn’t watch the chunks of hair fall to the floor as Christy started cutting my hair. After a while, Christy asked me if it was short enough. I felt it and said, “Shorter.” The sound of her sucking in her breath almost made me yell, “Stop!” But, I resisted and she continued to cut. After about three-quarters of an hour, she finished cutting and started blow drying. Then she handed me the mirror. I was almost afraid to look.
But I did look. And, I loved my new haircut. It was definitely short, and very sassy. Even my husband, Dennis, liked it.
So now I have to make the next big leap: letting Christy color my hair. That makes me really nervous, way more than having her cut my hair. Oh well, if I have green hair next time you see me, you’ll know that I took the plunge. What we do for our children…
Christy cutting Kathleen's hair in cosmetology school
My neice, Madison, and me with my new haircut
Esther
This evening I took myself and my new short hair to see the musical production of “Esther,” presented by the senior high youth of my church, Covenant Life Church. I also brought my niece, Madison, and my mom and dad.
.
The book of Esther, in the Old Testament, is the story of a Jewish orphan girl who becomes the queen of Persia and saves her people from a plot to destroy them by the king’s right-hand man, Haman. As the story goes, King Xerxes held a huge banquet for everyone in his kingdom. When Xerxes was drunk, he ordered his wife, Queen Vashti, to appear at the banquet to parade her beauty for the guests. But Vashti refused. As punishment for Vashti’s disobedience, the king banished her from the palace. To choose a new queen, the king called for a beauty pageant. He chose Esther and married her. She kept her Jewish identity a secret on the advice of Mordecai, her uncle.
.
Meanwhile, two of the king’s ministers plotted to kill the king. Mordecai learned of their plot, told Queen Esther, and Esther reported it to the king. The king ordered the two plotters to be hanged. King Xerxes then chose Haman as his senior minister. Haman demanded complete loyalty of everyone in the king’s service, and ordered all to bow down to him. But Mordecai refused, giving as an excuse that bowing down to another person was forbidden by his Jewish faith. This angered Haman, and he decreed the destruction not only of Mordecai, but of all the Jews of the kingdom.
.
To determine the day for carrying out the decree, Haman cast lots, or “purim.” The lot fell on the 13th of Adar. News of the decree spread throughout the kingdom, and the Jews were greatly distressed. Mordecai urged Esther to plead with the king to save the lives of her people. Queen Esther summoned all of her courage and went before the king. By using her feminine wiles, Esther persuaded the king to offer her the fulfillment of any wish. She told him about the plot against her people and asked that it be stopped. She reminded the king that her uncle, who was a Jew, had saved the king’s life. When the king found out that Haman was behind this and had planned to kill the man who saved his life, the king ordered Haman to be hanged.
.
Unfortunately, law prohibited the king from revoking the decree for the destruction of the Jewish people, so instead he issued another decree that allowed the Jews to defend themselves. So, the Jews were able to defend themselves and destroyed their enemies. On the day intended for their destruction, the Jewish people were saved.
To celebrate their survival, Mordecai declared the 14th and 15th days of Adar to be days of rejoicing, from that time forth and for all the generations to come.
.
King Xerxes and the feast
The king's men telling Queen Vashti that the king requests her presence at the feast
Vashti refuses the king's request to attend the feast
Esther with her baked wares at the well
Beauty school
The wedding of King Xerxes and Esther 
Queen Esther laments the impending destruction of the Jewish people by the king
The arrogant Haman 
Esther's uncle Mordecai observing the king's 7 eunuchs dancing
The Jews celebrating victory at the feast of Purim
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Path to the Cross
At church this morning, pastor Robin Boisvert continued the series “The Path to the Cross” with his message titled, “A Denier Restored; A Betrayer Rejected.” Preaching from Matthew 26:69 – 27:10, Robin explained to the congregation how the gospel offers a clear hope and issues a firm warning.
Peter was the preeminent disciple, the unspoken leader. He was bold, passionate, opinionated, forceful and confident. Peter also dearly loved Jesus. At the Last Supper, Peter argued with Jesus that he would never deny Him, even if he must die. In the Garden, Peter put up a fight and cut off the ear of high priest’s servant. After Jesus’ arrest, Peter, with trepidation and courage, followed Jesus at a distance. But Peter’s boldness soon evaporated. In the courtyard of the high priest, Peter denies Christ three times to two servant girls and some bystanders. Each denial intensified until Peter thoroughly repudiated Jesus by swearing and calling down a curse on himself. Just after Peter denies Jesus for the third time, the roster crows. At that moment, Jesus caught Peter’s eye. Peter remembered Jesus’ prophecy that he would deny the Savior three times before the rooster crowed. Peter realized what he had done. The weight of his sin crashed in on his conscience and he went out and wept bitterly.
Why did Peter fall? Peter was supremely confident in himself. He was not aware of his own weakness. When he was warned, he refused to take the point. He even argued against it. Crisis reveals what is in the heart. In this crisis, there was pride, self-will, and a lack of humility in Peter’s heart. Peter was strong in himself, but weak in the Lord. Peter’s estimate of himself was completely false and needed to change. So God engineered the perfect circumstances for Peter’s ultimate benefit – and for ours.
Peter needed a Savior. But before that could happen, Peter needed to know that he needed a Savior. This entire incident was engineered by the Lord to show Peter that self-confidence and self-trust are entirely at odds with the humility that trusts in Christ. As well, Peter’s restoration, which happened after the resurrection, served as a wonderful demonstration of God’s grace in forgiveness and restoration.
“It is a matter worthy of the deepest consideration, that not only is so very little told us of the Saints of God, but what is recorded is for the most part to their prejudice … we may humbly venture to think that this melancholy failure in one so eminent and favored was permitted to occur to afford us encouragement and hope in similar derelictions and temptations. And that since our Lord could not give us an instance of human infirmity in Himself, He has given it to us in the person of the most exalted of His pastors: that all may fear, and none may presume, and all may hope.” – Isaac Williams
Judas, on the other hand, looked and acted like the other disciples. But he wasn’t. His sin in betraying Christ was intentional and pre-meditated. Peter’s sin was not planned but resulted from his pride and self-confidence.
Judas had betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he turned Jesus over to the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver. When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, Judas experienced feelings of regret and remorse, so he ran back to the chief priests and tried to return the money, but the chief priests ignored Judas. Judas had tried to do something to save Jesus, but he did not repent or have a change of heart. Peter, on the other hand, repented after he denied Jesus three times and ran back to Jesus.
Judas’ remorse led him to “worldly sorrow” (2 Cor. 7:10), despair and ultimately death. Peter’s remorse led him to godly sorrow, repentance and restoration. Judas valued Jesus cheaply. He betrayed Him for the price of a slave. When he realized what he had done, the money meant nothing. Peter valued Jesus differently. Later Peter would write that we have been ransomed “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19).
The message really makes me think about what value I place upon the blood of Jesus and how highly I esteem the ransom price paid for my redemption and forgiveness. That Jesus would die for me, who, before I knew the love of Jesus, was just like Judas – a betrayer, lover of self, hater of justice, chief among sinners – is too amazing for my little mind to grasp. That Jesus would love me enough to die for me! What kind of love is this! That Jesus would sacrifice His own life to save mine. That I am made righteous in the eyes of God by Jesus’ blood. That His blood has washed me clean. When I think on these things, I am brought to my knees and reduced to tears. Thank you, Jesus, that when I was dead, you died to bring me life.
Young Ladies Tea
At church this morning, pastor Robin Boisvert continued the series “The Path to the Cross” with his message titled, “A Denier Restored; A Betrayer Rejected.” Preaching from Matthew 26:69 – 27:10, Robin explained to the congregation how the gospel offers a clear hope and issues a firm warning.
Peter was the preeminent disciple, the unspoken leader. He was bold, passionate, opinionated, forceful and confident. Peter also dearly loved Jesus. At the Last Supper, Peter argued with Jesus that he would never deny Him, even if he must die. In the Garden, Peter put up a fight and cut off the ear of high priest’s servant. After Jesus’ arrest, Peter, with trepidation and courage, followed Jesus at a distance. But Peter’s boldness soon evaporated. In the courtyard of the high priest, Peter denies Christ three times to two servant girls and some bystanders. Each denial intensified until Peter thoroughly repudiated Jesus by swearing and calling down a curse on himself. Just after Peter denies Jesus for the third time, the roster crows. At that moment, Jesus caught Peter’s eye. Peter remembered Jesus’ prophecy that he would deny the Savior three times before the rooster crowed. Peter realized what he had done. The weight of his sin crashed in on his conscience and he went out and wept bitterly.
Why did Peter fall? Peter was supremely confident in himself. He was not aware of his own weakness. When he was warned, he refused to take the point. He even argued against it. Crisis reveals what is in the heart. In this crisis, there was pride, self-will, and a lack of humility in Peter’s heart. Peter was strong in himself, but weak in the Lord. Peter’s estimate of himself was completely false and needed to change. So God engineered the perfect circumstances for Peter’s ultimate benefit – and for ours.
Peter needed a Savior. But before that could happen, Peter needed to know that he needed a Savior. This entire incident was engineered by the Lord to show Peter that self-confidence and self-trust are entirely at odds with the humility that trusts in Christ. As well, Peter’s restoration, which happened after the resurrection, served as a wonderful demonstration of God’s grace in forgiveness and restoration.
“It is a matter worthy of the deepest consideration, that not only is so very little told us of the Saints of God, but what is recorded is for the most part to their prejudice … we may humbly venture to think that this melancholy failure in one so eminent and favored was permitted to occur to afford us encouragement and hope in similar derelictions and temptations. And that since our Lord could not give us an instance of human infirmity in Himself, He has given it to us in the person of the most exalted of His pastors: that all may fear, and none may presume, and all may hope.” – Isaac Williams
Judas, on the other hand, looked and acted like the other disciples. But he wasn’t. His sin in betraying Christ was intentional and pre-meditated. Peter’s sin was not planned but resulted from his pride and self-confidence.
Judas had betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he turned Jesus over to the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver. When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned, Judas experienced feelings of regret and remorse, so he ran back to the chief priests and tried to return the money, but the chief priests ignored Judas. Judas had tried to do something to save Jesus, but he did not repent or have a change of heart. Peter, on the other hand, repented after he denied Jesus three times and ran back to Jesus.
Judas’ remorse led him to “worldly sorrow” (2 Cor. 7:10), despair and ultimately death. Peter’s remorse led him to godly sorrow, repentance and restoration. Judas valued Jesus cheaply. He betrayed Him for the price of a slave. When he realized what he had done, the money meant nothing. Peter valued Jesus differently. Later Peter would write that we have been ransomed “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:19).
The message really makes me think about what value I place upon the blood of Jesus and how highly I esteem the ransom price paid for my redemption and forgiveness. That Jesus would die for me, who, before I knew the love of Jesus, was just like Judas – a betrayer, lover of self, hater of justice, chief among sinners – is too amazing for my little mind to grasp. That Jesus would love me enough to die for me! What kind of love is this! That Jesus would sacrifice His own life to save mine. That I am made righteous in the eyes of God by Jesus’ blood. That His blood has washed me clean. When I think on these things, I am brought to my knees and reduced to tears. Thank you, Jesus, that when I was dead, you died to bring me life.
Young Ladies Tea
After church today, I attended the Young Ladies’ Tea at my sister Susan’s church in Charlestown, W.Va. It was a delightful afternoon of tea, sweets and inspiration spent with my mom, my sisters Susan, Jackie and Betty, and my niece, Madison, as well as two of Susan’s confirmation students, Kim and Renee. Susan was the hostess of our table, and she provided a beautiful setting for us. We had a pot of Darjeeling tea, along with several different types of teabags and hot water. For food, she had cookies, mini muffins, breads, pastries, hard boiled eggs, cheese and crackers, pickles and mints. As part of the program, we heard from 3 young ladies. Julianna Perkowski, a precocious 7-year-old who is making her First Communion this year, gave an uplifting message entitled, “Where is God?” In it, Julianna explores all the places her 7-year-old mind sees the wonder of God, including nature and babies. Eleven-year old Anna Leigh Marino’s speech was, “Loving God is My Choice.” Unfortunately, her voice was so soft that I could not hear anything of what she was saying. Lastly, Molly DiServio, 16, who is in this year’s Confirmation class, spoke on “Love is an Action – Come Fall in Love.” In her presentation, Molly took a look at 5 things facing teenage girls today, including clothing and boys, and how these things affect a girl's behavior and reputation, and can distract her from what should be her first love: God. Overall, I had a wonderful time spending “teatime” with some of the most important ladies in my life.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
On the Road to Fitness – Part 2
On Tuesday, Kathleen and I went back to the gym, this time for a Step I aerobics class. I had done some step years ago when I was working with a personal trainer, and it was pretty fun and fairly easy (emphasis on easy), so I was looking forward to the class at the gym. Thankfully, I was not sore from my Pilates workout the day before.
Kathleen and I arrived at the class about 3 minutes before it started and grabbed a “step.” The room was already packed with women, so we ended up in the very front. Jackie, our instructor, started off slowly with some very basic step moves, all of which were pretty easy. After a few minutes, Jackie added little “twists” (as in “a version differing from that which preceded”), and I was still able to keep up. I was thinking to myself that this wasn’t half bad and that it was infinitely more enjoyable than Pilates. I was just starting to break a sweat when Jackie announced that we were going to put all of the moves together and speed things up a little. Oh, fun, I was going to be just like Ginger Rogers dancing up and down the staircase in the movie “Swing Time,” except my staircase was a 3-inch step and I had sneakers on instead of 3” heels.
Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, basic right, over the top, turn step, mambo cha-cha-cha, mambo cha-cha-cha, Y-step. (So far, so good!) Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, basic right, over the top, turn step, mambo cha-cha-cha, mambo cha-cha-cha, Y-step. (Keep it up!) Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, over the top. (Oops! That’s okay.) Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, basic right, over the top, mambo cha-cha-cha. (Oh, poop! Concentrate.) Basic left, diagonal, basic right. (What the heck!) Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, basic right, turn step. (Oh, crap!)
Well, my run as Ginger Rogers lasted about 30 seconds! For the next 20 minutes, I spent more time trying to figure out what I was doing than actually doing it. I couldn’t believe that I was so incompetent at this, especially since I was a disco queen in the 70s! I kept looking at Kathleen, who was keeping up about 95% of the time, and cracking up. This was just too funny! I’m sure the other gals in the room were looking at me (after all, I was in the very front) and wondering what in the world I was doing in this class. I’m glad that I could provide some additional entertainment. At least I was having fun and getting quite a workout, even if it wasn’t the exact same workout that everyone else was getting.
For the last 20 minutes of class we did some exercises without the step and worked with small weights. I had no trouble doing these and was thankful that there was finally something I felt adept at. In the end, I had a ball working out, but I think next week I’ll join the Beginner Step for Dummies class.
On Tuesday, Kathleen and I went back to the gym, this time for a Step I aerobics class. I had done some step years ago when I was working with a personal trainer, and it was pretty fun and fairly easy (emphasis on easy), so I was looking forward to the class at the gym. Thankfully, I was not sore from my Pilates workout the day before.
Kathleen and I arrived at the class about 3 minutes before it started and grabbed a “step.” The room was already packed with women, so we ended up in the very front. Jackie, our instructor, started off slowly with some very basic step moves, all of which were pretty easy. After a few minutes, Jackie added little “twists” (as in “a version differing from that which preceded”), and I was still able to keep up. I was thinking to myself that this wasn’t half bad and that it was infinitely more enjoyable than Pilates. I was just starting to break a sweat when Jackie announced that we were going to put all of the moves together and speed things up a little. Oh, fun, I was going to be just like Ginger Rogers dancing up and down the staircase in the movie “Swing Time,” except my staircase was a 3-inch step and I had sneakers on instead of 3” heels.
Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, basic right, over the top, turn step, mambo cha-cha-cha, mambo cha-cha-cha, Y-step. (So far, so good!) Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, basic right, over the top, turn step, mambo cha-cha-cha, mambo cha-cha-cha, Y-step. (Keep it up!) Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, over the top. (Oops! That’s okay.) Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, basic right, over the top, mambo cha-cha-cha. (Oh, poop! Concentrate.) Basic left, diagonal, basic right. (What the heck!) Basic left, diagonal, hop turn, basic right, turn step. (Oh, crap!)
Well, my run as Ginger Rogers lasted about 30 seconds! For the next 20 minutes, I spent more time trying to figure out what I was doing than actually doing it. I couldn’t believe that I was so incompetent at this, especially since I was a disco queen in the 70s! I kept looking at Kathleen, who was keeping up about 95% of the time, and cracking up. This was just too funny! I’m sure the other gals in the room were looking at me (after all, I was in the very front) and wondering what in the world I was doing in this class. I’m glad that I could provide some additional entertainment. At least I was having fun and getting quite a workout, even if it wasn’t the exact same workout that everyone else was getting.
For the last 20 minutes of class we did some exercises without the step and worked with small weights. I had no trouble doing these and was thankful that there was finally something I felt adept at. In the end, I had a ball working out, but I think next week I’ll join the Beginner Step for Dummies class.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Mastering the Interview
This morning I attended the career workshop, “Mastering the Interview,” which is the second half of the interview seminar I took on March 4. During this workshop, I learned how to answer the tough questions that interviewers often ask. I learned what to say that will to set me apart from the competition. (There really is a science to this!) I also learned how to discover what an interviewer is really looking for when asking certain questions and how to respond positively to those inevitable inappropriate questions. Normally, I would be happy to share some of these “secrets” with you, but I have a definite hiring advantage over you if I don’t tell you. So, until I get a job, you’ll just have to wait in suspense! (I know you’re on pins and needles right now. LOL!)
One of the neat things about the workshop I attended was the i-View. This is a really nifty online practice tool that helps a person see how well they interview. Simply put, the way it works is that I pull up the program, enter into the computer the type of job(s) I am applying for, and a list of interview questions pops up, from which I choose the questions I would like to be asked. Then, sitting in front of my computer’s camera, I answer the questions as a simulated interview takes place and is recorded online. Afterwards, I can immediately access my recording to assess my communication skills, body language and effectiveness of responses. It then goes to my career coach, who evaluates my recording and provides me with feedback to help me improve. Too cool, huh?
I am still putting together my resume, which is taking a lot longer than I thought it would. I am very behind schedule, and I need to devote a couple days solely to working on it. I have become slightly overwhelmed with everything I have learned during this career transition.
I have become friends with a bunch of folks in the same unemployment boat I am in who I have met through Right Management. A group of about 5 of us has bonded, and we have decided to form a sort-of “support” group to encourage each other in our job search efforts and beyond. I’m always amazed that there are so many wonderful people in the world that I would never have met if it wasn’t for adversity, such as a job loss. My new friends are truly amazing people and seem to be highly gifted in their career fields. I am so blessed to have met them and have them in my life.
This morning I attended the career workshop, “Mastering the Interview,” which is the second half of the interview seminar I took on March 4. During this workshop, I learned how to answer the tough questions that interviewers often ask. I learned what to say that will to set me apart from the competition. (There really is a science to this!) I also learned how to discover what an interviewer is really looking for when asking certain questions and how to respond positively to those inevitable inappropriate questions. Normally, I would be happy to share some of these “secrets” with you, but I have a definite hiring advantage over you if I don’t tell you. So, until I get a job, you’ll just have to wait in suspense! (I know you’re on pins and needles right now. LOL!)
One of the neat things about the workshop I attended was the i-View. This is a really nifty online practice tool that helps a person see how well they interview. Simply put, the way it works is that I pull up the program, enter into the computer the type of job(s) I am applying for, and a list of interview questions pops up, from which I choose the questions I would like to be asked. Then, sitting in front of my computer’s camera, I answer the questions as a simulated interview takes place and is recorded online. Afterwards, I can immediately access my recording to assess my communication skills, body language and effectiveness of responses. It then goes to my career coach, who evaluates my recording and provides me with feedback to help me improve. Too cool, huh?
I am still putting together my resume, which is taking a lot longer than I thought it would. I am very behind schedule, and I need to devote a couple days solely to working on it. I have become slightly overwhelmed with everything I have learned during this career transition.
I have become friends with a bunch of folks in the same unemployment boat I am in who I have met through Right Management. A group of about 5 of us has bonded, and we have decided to form a sort-of “support” group to encourage each other in our job search efforts and beyond. I’m always amazed that there are so many wonderful people in the world that I would never have met if it wasn’t for adversity, such as a job loss. My new friends are truly amazing people and seem to be highly gifted in their career fields. I am so blessed to have met them and have them in my life.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
On the Road to Fitness – Part 1
Okay, so Kathleen and I went to the gym on Monday to workout. Who knew that every treadmill and exercise bike would be in use at 4:30 pm? Don’t these people have jobs they should be at, for cryin’ out loud? So instead, Kat and I reluctantly hopped onto the only free elliptical trainers, one of the most punishing pieces of exercise equipment ever known to mankind. Actually, I used to really enjoy a good, sweaty workout on the elliptical when I was in shape. That was a looooonnnng time ago.
Anyways, my particular elliptical looked like some kind of futuristic torture machine, which explains why it was the only one of its kind in the gym and why no one was using it. Trying not to appear like a complete do do (as if anyone was actually looking at me), I pretended to press a few buttons on the elliptical’s keypad, grabbed the handlebars, and then started running (or is it called pedaling?). I have heard that the elliptical is supposed to be a “low-impact” machine (i.e., easy on the joints), simple to use (yeah, tell that to my body) and burns big calories. Okay, so I will agree that it burns big calories… if you can stand it for more than 30 seconds. I think I lasted 3 minutes, or 50 calories. Kathleen lasted about 8 minutes, or 100 calories. (She weighs a lot less than me.)
Not wanting to give up after less than 10 minutes at the gym, Kat and I looked at the class schedule and noticed that a Pilates class was starting in 15 minutes. So, we passed the time using the inner and outer thigh weight machines, which I have recently read are THE most useless weight machines ever. Why? Because the machines claim to reduce thigh size and tone the legs, but in reality they “create imbalances in the muscles that are responsible for stabilization of the legs during walking and running, causing potential posture problems.” Remember, this is according to what I have read, and you know the old adage, “Don’t believe everything you read.” All I know is that they cause one heck of a thigh burn, and that’s enough evidence for me to believe they work!
At 5:00, Kathleen and I sauntered over to the Pilates class. As we claimed two spots in the back of the room, we told the instructor, Debbie, that we had never before done Pilates. Debbie reassured us that during class we should feel free to modify any of the exercises to our own comfort level. I thought to myself: “This can’t be that hard. After all, it’s just a bunch of exercises on the floor.” WRONG! For those of you who know nothing about Pilates, it is a method of excruciating (my interpretation, not their’s) exercises designed to work on an individual’s core strength and torso stability. If you’re not already in some kind of decent shape, forget it! It’s just going to be way too hard. All I can say about my experience is, thank goodness I was in the rear of the room. After 10 minutes of class, I felt sick: very dizzy and nauseous. Like I was in the back of an exhaust-belching bus careening around hairpin turns through the steepest mountains. “That’s okay,” I thought; Debbie told us we could modify the exercises, and I decided to do just that. So I sat there on my mat. I believe that sitting a form of exercise. It takes at least some effort to sit in an upright position. Did you know that the average woman (5’5”, 130 lbs., 30 years old) burns 59-77 calories an hour doing absolutely nothing? And, meeting none of the requirements of the “average” woman, I actually burn more calories. Wow! After all, that’s why I was taking an exercise class. Not to build my core strength. Who needs dumb Pilates? I can just sit on the floor doing nothing and lose weight!! Except that I felt really stupid just sitting on the floor doing nothing in an exercise class. So, in between bouts of nauseousness, I did what I could, which actually turned out to be more often than when I was doing nothing, but just barely!
Needless to say, I will not be attending next Monday’s Pilates class. Instead, I think I’ll just stay home and sit on the floor.
Okay, so Kathleen and I went to the gym on Monday to workout. Who knew that every treadmill and exercise bike would be in use at 4:30 pm? Don’t these people have jobs they should be at, for cryin’ out loud? So instead, Kat and I reluctantly hopped onto the only free elliptical trainers, one of the most punishing pieces of exercise equipment ever known to mankind. Actually, I used to really enjoy a good, sweaty workout on the elliptical when I was in shape. That was a looooonnnng time ago.
Anyways, my particular elliptical looked like some kind of futuristic torture machine, which explains why it was the only one of its kind in the gym and why no one was using it. Trying not to appear like a complete do do (as if anyone was actually looking at me), I pretended to press a few buttons on the elliptical’s keypad, grabbed the handlebars, and then started running (or is it called pedaling?). I have heard that the elliptical is supposed to be a “low-impact” machine (i.e., easy on the joints), simple to use (yeah, tell that to my body) and burns big calories. Okay, so I will agree that it burns big calories… if you can stand it for more than 30 seconds. I think I lasted 3 minutes, or 50 calories. Kathleen lasted about 8 minutes, or 100 calories. (She weighs a lot less than me.)
Not wanting to give up after less than 10 minutes at the gym, Kat and I looked at the class schedule and noticed that a Pilates class was starting in 15 minutes. So, we passed the time using the inner and outer thigh weight machines, which I have recently read are THE most useless weight machines ever. Why? Because the machines claim to reduce thigh size and tone the legs, but in reality they “create imbalances in the muscles that are responsible for stabilization of the legs during walking and running, causing potential posture problems.” Remember, this is according to what I have read, and you know the old adage, “Don’t believe everything you read.” All I know is that they cause one heck of a thigh burn, and that’s enough evidence for me to believe they work!
At 5:00, Kathleen and I sauntered over to the Pilates class. As we claimed two spots in the back of the room, we told the instructor, Debbie, that we had never before done Pilates. Debbie reassured us that during class we should feel free to modify any of the exercises to our own comfort level. I thought to myself: “This can’t be that hard. After all, it’s just a bunch of exercises on the floor.” WRONG! For those of you who know nothing about Pilates, it is a method of excruciating (my interpretation, not their’s) exercises designed to work on an individual’s core strength and torso stability. If you’re not already in some kind of decent shape, forget it! It’s just going to be way too hard. All I can say about my experience is, thank goodness I was in the rear of the room. After 10 minutes of class, I felt sick: very dizzy and nauseous. Like I was in the back of an exhaust-belching bus careening around hairpin turns through the steepest mountains. “That’s okay,” I thought; Debbie told us we could modify the exercises, and I decided to do just that. So I sat there on my mat. I believe that sitting a form of exercise. It takes at least some effort to sit in an upright position. Did you know that the average woman (5’5”, 130 lbs., 30 years old) burns 59-77 calories an hour doing absolutely nothing? And, meeting none of the requirements of the “average” woman, I actually burn more calories. Wow! After all, that’s why I was taking an exercise class. Not to build my core strength. Who needs dumb Pilates? I can just sit on the floor doing nothing and lose weight!! Except that I felt really stupid just sitting on the floor doing nothing in an exercise class. So, in between bouts of nauseousness, I did what I could, which actually turned out to be more often than when I was doing nothing, but just barely!
Needless to say, I will not be attending next Monday’s Pilates class. Instead, I think I’ll just stay home and sit on the floor.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy St. Patrick's Day
May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you,
Wherever you go.
~ Irish Blessing
Since today is St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be fitting to take a look at the man himself – Mr. Maewyn Succat, aka St. Patrick.
St. Patrick was a Christian missionary and the Apostle of Ireland. He was born around 385 AD near Dumbarton in Scotland, the son of a Roman nobleman. His real name is believed to have been Maewyn Succat; his baptismal name is Patricius. He was just 16 years old when his village was attacked and he was captured. He was sold into slavery in Ireland where he worked as a shepherd. After six years of being beaten and treated poorly, he escaped to Gaul (present day France). He returned to Ireland as a missionary where he is credited for converting the population to Catholicism.
Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.
Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans.
His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.
St. Patrick’s Day Traditions
The color green has been associated with St. Patrick's Day and Ireland for many years, but the truth of the matter is that green was once considered the color most treasured by the faerie folk. Parents wouldn't dare to dress their children in green on St. Patty's day, for fear of attracting the fey. Today, green is one of the colors of the Irish flag, and it is worn with pride.
The shamrock is a symbol often associated with St. Patrick's Day, and has its roots deep in Irish history and culture. It was once considered sacred to the ancient Druids because it had three leaves and three was a sacred number. After St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, the symbol of the shamrock took on a whole new meaning, the three leaves representing the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don't want to press your luck. ~Author Unknown
This evening, Dennis and I went to my parent’s house for our family’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Also joining us were my sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Rick; my sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Steve; and Jackie’s 2 children, Jackson and Madison. While listening to lively Irish music, we enjoyed a dinner of corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes and Irish soda bread. Although corned beef did not originate in Ireland, it has been an integral part of Irish-American culture and is often part of North American celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day. In Ireland, the closest traditional dish is bacon (more like Canadian bacon than American bacon) and cabbage. Corned beef and cabbage became popular in America after Irish immigrants in the eastern U.S. used corned beef instead of pork in their traditional dish.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of St. Patrick behold you.
~ Irish Blessing
May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you,
Wherever you go.
~ Irish Blessing
Since today is St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be fitting to take a look at the man himself – Mr. Maewyn Succat, aka St. Patrick.
St. Patrick was a Christian missionary and the Apostle of Ireland. He was born around 385 AD near Dumbarton in Scotland, the son of a Roman nobleman. His real name is believed to have been Maewyn Succat; his baptismal name is Patricius. He was just 16 years old when his village was attacked and he was captured. He was sold into slavery in Ireland where he worked as a shepherd. After six years of being beaten and treated poorly, he escaped to Gaul (present day France). He returned to Ireland as a missionary where he is credited for converting the population to Catholicism.
Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.
Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans.
His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick's Day ever since.
St. Patrick’s Day Traditions
The color green has been associated with St. Patrick's Day and Ireland for many years, but the truth of the matter is that green was once considered the color most treasured by the faerie folk. Parents wouldn't dare to dress their children in green on St. Patty's day, for fear of attracting the fey. Today, green is one of the colors of the Irish flag, and it is worn with pride.
The shamrock is a symbol often associated with St. Patrick's Day, and has its roots deep in Irish history and culture. It was once considered sacred to the ancient Druids because it had three leaves and three was a sacred number. After St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, the symbol of the shamrock took on a whole new meaning, the three leaves representing the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don't want to press your luck. ~Author Unknown
This evening, Dennis and I went to my parent’s house for our family’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Also joining us were my sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Rick; my sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Steve; and Jackie’s 2 children, Jackson and Madison. While listening to lively Irish music, we enjoyed a dinner of corned beef, cabbage, boiled potatoes and Irish soda bread. Although corned beef did not originate in Ireland, it has been an integral part of Irish-American culture and is often part of North American celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day. In Ireland, the closest traditional dish is bacon (more like Canadian bacon than American bacon) and cabbage. Corned beef and cabbage became popular in America after Irish immigrants in the eastern U.S. used corned beef instead of pork in their traditional dish.
May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of St. Patrick behold you.
~ Irish Blessing
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Job Search Update
My good friend, Rachael, sent me an email this morning asking how my job search is going. My blog today is the answer to her question.
Hi Rachael,
Thanks for thinking of and asking after me. I am still putting together my resume, which seems to be a very long, involved process. I had kept my "old" resume up-to-date, but after going to a seminar/workshop on resume writing, I have found that I need to completely redo it. It seems that nowadays, especially with the nature of today's job market and in the current economic climate, chronological resumes (which is how mine was written) are no longer getting looked at much by potential employers. These days, the best way to write a resume is to make it "functional"; in other words, focus more on recent accomplishments rather than employment history and job responsibilities, which is secondary in today's world. I had many accomplishments with my past employer, but the problem is that I don't have concrete numbers (like percentages, dollars, ratios) to show the impact of my accomplishments, so I'll have to "guestimate."
I have two career workshops this week: one on using LinkedIn as a personal marketing tool and the other on advanced interviewing techniques (I already took the workshop on basic interviewing). Learning all this stuff is fun, but very intense. It's also a little intimidating because I have been out of the job market for so long (12 years!) and things have changed so much since I last looked for a job. Actually, my last job at NAHB was the only one I applied for and I got it through networking... which, according to my career transition counselor, is the way 75% of professional-level jobs are obtained these days. I had worked at NAHB starting in 1980 and had kept in touch with one of my co-workers, Meg, when I left in 1986. In 1998, after selling real estate for a year (what a joke that was!!), Meg told me about a job opening at NAHB that she thought I would be perfect for. I interviewed for it and was hired. My new boss was Leslie and, even though she left NAHB in 2004, she and I remain very good friends to this day.
So..., once I have finished my resume, hopefully the beginning of next week, I will take it to my career counselor for review and tweaking (I'm trusting it won't need a major rewrite!). Then I will start my job search.
This whole process has been such a blessing for me. It has helped me depend more on God and turn to him to find direction for my life, both professionally and personally. I have prayed for wisdom and discernment, and I have learned to listen attentively for and to God's response. Like I mentioned at CG on Friday, for many months (years, even) I appealed to God to open employment doors for me in the international development/humanitarian aid fields, but none were opened. When I changed my prayer for God to lead me where He wanted me, God's plan for my career was made clear to me: Continue in association management, where I have 17 years of experience and can be a witness to God's grace and mercy to unbelievers. In addition, doors were suddenly unlocked in the field I was interested in, not as a paid employee, but rather as a volunteer ambassador. This reminds me so much of what C.J. preached a couple weeks ago when Jesus prayed in Gethsemane. "...[N]ot as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) When I was praying for God to give me what I wanted (a job in the IA field), He did not answer. But when I changed my request for God to do with my life what he wanted, I heard from him immediately. What an amazing God! What a good God!
If you would, please pray that I will continue to seek God's will for my life and not my own. Also pray that I would find suitable employment soon.
Thanks again, Rachael, for your thoughtfulness. You have made my life richer, and I am so grateful to God for you.
In Him,
Janice
My good friend, Rachael, sent me an email this morning asking how my job search is going. My blog today is the answer to her question.
Hi Rachael,
Thanks for thinking of and asking after me. I am still putting together my resume, which seems to be a very long, involved process. I had kept my "old" resume up-to-date, but after going to a seminar/workshop on resume writing, I have found that I need to completely redo it. It seems that nowadays, especially with the nature of today's job market and in the current economic climate, chronological resumes (which is how mine was written) are no longer getting looked at much by potential employers. These days, the best way to write a resume is to make it "functional"; in other words, focus more on recent accomplishments rather than employment history and job responsibilities, which is secondary in today's world. I had many accomplishments with my past employer, but the problem is that I don't have concrete numbers (like percentages, dollars, ratios) to show the impact of my accomplishments, so I'll have to "guestimate."
I have two career workshops this week: one on using LinkedIn as a personal marketing tool and the other on advanced interviewing techniques (I already took the workshop on basic interviewing). Learning all this stuff is fun, but very intense. It's also a little intimidating because I have been out of the job market for so long (12 years!) and things have changed so much since I last looked for a job. Actually, my last job at NAHB was the only one I applied for and I got it through networking... which, according to my career transition counselor, is the way 75% of professional-level jobs are obtained these days. I had worked at NAHB starting in 1980 and had kept in touch with one of my co-workers, Meg, when I left in 1986. In 1998, after selling real estate for a year (what a joke that was!!), Meg told me about a job opening at NAHB that she thought I would be perfect for. I interviewed for it and was hired. My new boss was Leslie and, even though she left NAHB in 2004, she and I remain very good friends to this day.
So..., once I have finished my resume, hopefully the beginning of next week, I will take it to my career counselor for review and tweaking (I'm trusting it won't need a major rewrite!). Then I will start my job search.
This whole process has been such a blessing for me. It has helped me depend more on God and turn to him to find direction for my life, both professionally and personally. I have prayed for wisdom and discernment, and I have learned to listen attentively for and to God's response. Like I mentioned at CG on Friday, for many months (years, even) I appealed to God to open employment doors for me in the international development/humanitarian aid fields, but none were opened. When I changed my prayer for God to lead me where He wanted me, God's plan for my career was made clear to me: Continue in association management, where I have 17 years of experience and can be a witness to God's grace and mercy to unbelievers. In addition, doors were suddenly unlocked in the field I was interested in, not as a paid employee, but rather as a volunteer ambassador. This reminds me so much of what C.J. preached a couple weeks ago when Jesus prayed in Gethsemane. "...[N]ot as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) When I was praying for God to give me what I wanted (a job in the IA field), He did not answer. But when I changed my request for God to do with my life what he wanted, I heard from him immediately. What an amazing God! What a good God!
If you would, please pray that I will continue to seek God's will for my life and not my own. Also pray that I would find suitable employment soon.
Thanks again, Rachael, for your thoughtfulness. You have made my life richer, and I am so grateful to God for you.
In Him,
Janice
Monday, March 15, 2010
Rainy Day Monday
It’s still raining and the high is only going to reach 48⁰ today. Bummer! Actually, rain and chill are good things because I desperately need to clean my house, and this yucky weather will keep me indoors staring at the mess and dirt until I do something about it! So, today is going to be a house cleaning day. Tomorrow the sun is supposed to come out, and by the end of the week the temps will be approaching 70. I can’t wait!! I am sooooo ready for spring.
Kathleen and I are going to the gym this afternoon – the first time for me in several months. (I hope and pray my gym clothes still fit!) I’m not looking forward to the workout – it is sooooo boring – but I am appallingly unfit at this time and feel so unhealthy. Not to mention, my body is so out-of-proportion that it is next to impossible to find clothes that fit. My 3 sisters and I are all cursed with being short-waisted. (We haven’t figured out if this is from my mom’s side of the family or my dad’s.) As a result, we tend to each have a midriff bulge, though mine seems to have extended from my face to my ankles. Being rather small in the – uh – bust, clothes that fit me around the middle are too big in the chest, and, likewise, clothes that fit me across the chest are too tight around the middle. So, it’s back to the gym to try and lose some of the excess.
My cat, Slippers, continues to do very well. In fact, I would say she is 100% recovered. She is back to her old self, and last night she spent most of the night in and out of the covers curled up in my left arm. (This is her normal night-time routine, though it does tend to make it difficult for me to get a good night's sleep.) She is back to eating normally and hasn’t vomited for the past few days. I am so thankful to God that He healed Slippers. I just love that cat!
Well, I hear the clothes dryer signal, which means that the bathroom rugs are finished drying. Time for another load of laundry. A woman’s work is never done.
It’s still raining and the high is only going to reach 48⁰ today. Bummer! Actually, rain and chill are good things because I desperately need to clean my house, and this yucky weather will keep me indoors staring at the mess and dirt until I do something about it! So, today is going to be a house cleaning day. Tomorrow the sun is supposed to come out, and by the end of the week the temps will be approaching 70. I can’t wait!! I am sooooo ready for spring.
Kathleen and I are going to the gym this afternoon – the first time for me in several months. (I hope and pray my gym clothes still fit!) I’m not looking forward to the workout – it is sooooo boring – but I am appallingly unfit at this time and feel so unhealthy. Not to mention, my body is so out-of-proportion that it is next to impossible to find clothes that fit. My 3 sisters and I are all cursed with being short-waisted. (We haven’t figured out if this is from my mom’s side of the family or my dad’s.) As a result, we tend to each have a midriff bulge, though mine seems to have extended from my face to my ankles. Being rather small in the – uh – bust, clothes that fit me around the middle are too big in the chest, and, likewise, clothes that fit me across the chest are too tight around the middle. So, it’s back to the gym to try and lose some of the excess.
My cat, Slippers, continues to do very well. In fact, I would say she is 100% recovered. She is back to her old self, and last night she spent most of the night in and out of the covers curled up in my left arm. (This is her normal night-time routine, though it does tend to make it difficult for me to get a good night's sleep.) She is back to eating normally and hasn’t vomited for the past few days. I am so thankful to God that He healed Slippers. I just love that cat!
Well, I hear the clothes dryer signal, which means that the bathroom rugs are finished drying. Time for another load of laundry. A woman’s work is never done.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Spring Forward
Boy, was it hard getting up this morning. Today is the first day of daylight savings time, so I lost an hour of sleep last night. It didn’t help that I tried to go to bed a little earlier than usual, because I couldn’t fall asleep and kept looking at the clock, though I don’t think it was because of the time change. I believe it was because I have slept so much over the past few days, trying to recover from the exhaustion I felt after attending the (absolutely wonderful) Women of Vision conference last week.
In any case, I got up at 7 a.m. DST (which was 6 a.m. 24 hours ago) to get ready for church. I was tempted to play hooky from church and stay in bed, once I was up and started moving about I was fine.
What a gloomy day it was today. It rained, and then it rained some more. At least it’s not snow, so I really can’t complain. However, there are flood warnings for Montgomery County, Md., mostly because of all of the creeks that are overflowing from the rain as well as from the last of the snowmelt. In fact, Rocky Road near my home is closed because of flooding. Needless to say, I am growing weary of this depressing, gray weather. I need some sunshine… and soon!
The message at church today was outstanding. We continue our series, “The Path to the Cross,” which began on February 28 and culminates on Easter Sunday, April 4. During the series, we are experiencing the events leading up the death and the resurrection of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Today’s message, “Seized,” was given by our senior pastor, Joshua Harris. Josh preached on Matthew 26:45-68, which teaches that as Jesus is arrested and accused in Gethsemane, “that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled,” He reveals that God’s purposes are not accomplished by the weaponry and methodology of this world.
Emerging from the agony of prayer in the Garden, Jesus is resolved to fulfill Godʼs purposes. The cross “must be so.” Jesusʼ enemies came to seize him in stealth, in force, with weapons, under the cover of darkness, and with a kiss. From a human perspective, this scene looked like a helpless, powerless man being seized and overpowered by a mob. But Jesus saw this moment not as one being ruled by the force of violent men, but as the fulfillment of His Fatherʼs good will and purpose. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we need to remember this truth. If we look at life without remembering the power, goodness and sovereignty of God, we will see nothing but wicked men taking what they want by force, and we will grow discouraged, bitter and hopeless. But if we know Godʼs Word, His power and His faithfulness, then we will see that everything that happens in our lives and in this world is being used by Him to fulfill His purpose for our good and His glory.
The disciples did not see this situation through the eyes of faith, and, therefore, fell into temptation. Peter met force with force, playing by the rules of the world in attempt to serve Jesus, and cut off the ear of the High Priestʼs servant. When Jesus rebuked and corrected him for using violence, the disciples all fled. The same thing often happens in our own lives. When we fail to prayerfully cultivate confidence in the goodness and power of God, we either try to fight back with the weapons of this world, or we run. However, Godʼs purposes are not brought about with the weaponry and methodology of this world. If we take up the sword (as individual believers) and trust in violence to achieve Godʼs purposes, we will be consumed by that violence ourselves. But Jesus didnʼt lack power or control. He could have summoned 12 legions of angels (about 72,000) to rescue Him. But He didnʼt. He willingly surrendered to the mob and walked the path to the cross out of His love for us.
Jesus was then brought before the Jewish leaders. Despite their role as representatives of God to the people of Israel, the Jewish leadersʼ eyes remained blind to truth. These men had all the outward trappings of religion but were dead. The same is true for us. Doctrine, religious knowledge and practice don’t save. We must be born again.
When the high priest demanded that Jesus tell them whether He was the Christ (i.e., the Messiah), the Son of God, Jesus’ answer was rooted in Psalm 110:1, 5 and Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus claimed total equality with God. Jesus said that He is the Son of Man that Daniel saw in his vision; that He is the eternal One to whom the Father, the Ancient of Days, will give dominion and glory and a kingdom; that He is the One who will sit at the right hand of God the Father in power until all His enemies are a footstool under His feet. The scribes and elders called Jesus’ words blasphemy. They never considered that these were words of truth. They didnʼt realize that they were committing the greatest blasphemy as they struck him, spit on him, mocked him and decided that He was deserving of death.
Next Sunday, CLC pastor Robin Boisvert will continue the series with Matthew 27:1-14.
I’m excited that registration opened today for a women’s conference my church is hosting on April 30-May 1. Author and counselor Elyse Fitzpatrick will be the speaker at the conference. Elyse wrote the book, “Love to Eat, Hate to Eat,” which looks at the subject of eating from a biblical viewpoint. I read this excellent book several years ago, and it was filled with Godly wisdom on eating, from what causes women to have destructive eating habits to the sin of food idolatry to how to develop a plan to change your eating practices. At the conference, Elyse’s subject matter will be based on her book, “Because He Loves Me,” which reminds Christians of their true identify as beloved children of God adopted by the Father, espoused to the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you are located in the Washington, DC/suburban Maryland area, I would encourage you to attend this free 2-day conference. For more information or to register, you can visit www.covlife.org.
I spent the afternoon shopping with my dear friend, Denise. We were bra shopping, which is always fun. (I know you can’t hear it, but there was sarcasm in my voice with that last comment.) Why is it that shopping for a bra is the most trying shopping experience ever invented! After trying on at least a couple dozen bras between us, we finally each bought two new ones. Then it was off to Starbucks for a “no foam, 4 pump, caramel macchiato” and to recover from our shopping ordeal.
Made yummy tacos for dinner tonight, but I ate 1 too many and now feel extremely bloated. I’m sure if I can just get one huge belch out I would feel so much better! I’ve just gotten into my jammies and am getting ready to watch “Malcolm in the Middle” on t-v. I don’t know why, but I love that show! Hope I sleep better tonight that last night.
Boy, was it hard getting up this morning. Today is the first day of daylight savings time, so I lost an hour of sleep last night. It didn’t help that I tried to go to bed a little earlier than usual, because I couldn’t fall asleep and kept looking at the clock, though I don’t think it was because of the time change. I believe it was because I have slept so much over the past few days, trying to recover from the exhaustion I felt after attending the (absolutely wonderful) Women of Vision conference last week.
In any case, I got up at 7 a.m. DST (which was 6 a.m. 24 hours ago) to get ready for church. I was tempted to play hooky from church and stay in bed, once I was up and started moving about I was fine.
What a gloomy day it was today. It rained, and then it rained some more. At least it’s not snow, so I really can’t complain. However, there are flood warnings for Montgomery County, Md., mostly because of all of the creeks that are overflowing from the rain as well as from the last of the snowmelt. In fact, Rocky Road near my home is closed because of flooding. Needless to say, I am growing weary of this depressing, gray weather. I need some sunshine… and soon!
The message at church today was outstanding. We continue our series, “The Path to the Cross,” which began on February 28 and culminates on Easter Sunday, April 4. During the series, we are experiencing the events leading up the death and the resurrection of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Today’s message, “Seized,” was given by our senior pastor, Joshua Harris. Josh preached on Matthew 26:45-68, which teaches that as Jesus is arrested and accused in Gethsemane, “that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled,” He reveals that God’s purposes are not accomplished by the weaponry and methodology of this world.
Emerging from the agony of prayer in the Garden, Jesus is resolved to fulfill Godʼs purposes. The cross “must be so.” Jesusʼ enemies came to seize him in stealth, in force, with weapons, under the cover of darkness, and with a kiss. From a human perspective, this scene looked like a helpless, powerless man being seized and overpowered by a mob. But Jesus saw this moment not as one being ruled by the force of violent men, but as the fulfillment of His Fatherʼs good will and purpose. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we need to remember this truth. If we look at life without remembering the power, goodness and sovereignty of God, we will see nothing but wicked men taking what they want by force, and we will grow discouraged, bitter and hopeless. But if we know Godʼs Word, His power and His faithfulness, then we will see that everything that happens in our lives and in this world is being used by Him to fulfill His purpose for our good and His glory.
The disciples did not see this situation through the eyes of faith, and, therefore, fell into temptation. Peter met force with force, playing by the rules of the world in attempt to serve Jesus, and cut off the ear of the High Priestʼs servant. When Jesus rebuked and corrected him for using violence, the disciples all fled. The same thing often happens in our own lives. When we fail to prayerfully cultivate confidence in the goodness and power of God, we either try to fight back with the weapons of this world, or we run. However, Godʼs purposes are not brought about with the weaponry and methodology of this world. If we take up the sword (as individual believers) and trust in violence to achieve Godʼs purposes, we will be consumed by that violence ourselves. But Jesus didnʼt lack power or control. He could have summoned 12 legions of angels (about 72,000) to rescue Him. But He didnʼt. He willingly surrendered to the mob and walked the path to the cross out of His love for us.
Jesus was then brought before the Jewish leaders. Despite their role as representatives of God to the people of Israel, the Jewish leadersʼ eyes remained blind to truth. These men had all the outward trappings of religion but were dead. The same is true for us. Doctrine, religious knowledge and practice don’t save. We must be born again.
When the high priest demanded that Jesus tell them whether He was the Christ (i.e., the Messiah), the Son of God, Jesus’ answer was rooted in Psalm 110:1, 5 and Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus claimed total equality with God. Jesus said that He is the Son of Man that Daniel saw in his vision; that He is the eternal One to whom the Father, the Ancient of Days, will give dominion and glory and a kingdom; that He is the One who will sit at the right hand of God the Father in power until all His enemies are a footstool under His feet. The scribes and elders called Jesus’ words blasphemy. They never considered that these were words of truth. They didnʼt realize that they were committing the greatest blasphemy as they struck him, spit on him, mocked him and decided that He was deserving of death.
Next Sunday, CLC pastor Robin Boisvert will continue the series with Matthew 27:1-14.
I’m excited that registration opened today for a women’s conference my church is hosting on April 30-May 1. Author and counselor Elyse Fitzpatrick will be the speaker at the conference. Elyse wrote the book, “Love to Eat, Hate to Eat,” which looks at the subject of eating from a biblical viewpoint. I read this excellent book several years ago, and it was filled with Godly wisdom on eating, from what causes women to have destructive eating habits to the sin of food idolatry to how to develop a plan to change your eating practices. At the conference, Elyse’s subject matter will be based on her book, “Because He Loves Me,” which reminds Christians of their true identify as beloved children of God adopted by the Father, espoused to the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you are located in the Washington, DC/suburban Maryland area, I would encourage you to attend this free 2-day conference. For more information or to register, you can visit www.covlife.org.
I spent the afternoon shopping with my dear friend, Denise. We were bra shopping, which is always fun. (I know you can’t hear it, but there was sarcasm in my voice with that last comment.) Why is it that shopping for a bra is the most trying shopping experience ever invented! After trying on at least a couple dozen bras between us, we finally each bought two new ones. Then it was off to Starbucks for a “no foam, 4 pump, caramel macchiato” and to recover from our shopping ordeal.
Made yummy tacos for dinner tonight, but I ate 1 too many and now feel extremely bloated. I’m sure if I can just get one huge belch out I would feel so much better! I’ve just gotten into my jammies and am getting ready to watch “Malcolm in the Middle” on t-v. I don’t know why, but I love that show! Hope I sleep better tonight that last night.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Congratulations, Christy!
Congratulations to my daughter, Christy. Christy, who finished 18 months studying cosmetology at Paul Mitchell Hair Expressions about 6 months ago, just passed the written exam for her Maryland State Board of Cosmetology license. Way to go Christy!
Congratulations to my daughter, Christy. Christy, who finished 18 months studying cosmetology at Paul Mitchell Hair Expressions about 6 months ago, just passed the written exam for her Maryland State Board of Cosmetology license. Way to go Christy!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
High blood pressure runs in my family, and both of my parents and 2 out of 3 sisters have had it for years, so I knew it was inevitable that I would get it, too. About 2 years ago, my doctor put me on a low dosage of Inderal (Propranolol) because my blood pressure had been slightly high – about 130/90 – for the past year or so. The Inderal had been keeping my blood pressure in check.
At my doctor’s appointment this morning for a check-up, my blood pressure was slightly elevated, about 128/90. While not bad, it was higher than it had been for the past of couple years. Instead of raising my dosage of Inderal, the doctor prescribed a diuretic for me.
The way a diuretic works is it increases the amount of salt and fluid a person passes out in her urine. Because the amount of fluid circulating through the body is reduced, blood pressure, in effect, is also reduced. That is all very well and good, but my bladder is the size of a walnut and I already have to pee constantly. I guess I am going to be spending all my time in the bathroom now. Geez!
At my doctor’s appointment this morning for a check-up, my blood pressure was slightly elevated, about 128/90. While not bad, it was higher than it had been for the past of couple years. Instead of raising my dosage of Inderal, the doctor prescribed a diuretic for me.
The way a diuretic works is it increases the amount of salt and fluid a person passes out in her urine. Because the amount of fluid circulating through the body is reduced, blood pressure, in effect, is also reduced. That is all very well and good, but my bladder is the size of a walnut and I already have to pee constantly. I guess I am going to be spending all my time in the bathroom now. Geez!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Dinner at P.F. Chang’s
I had dinner this evening at P.F. Chang’s in White Flint Mall with some of my dearest friends. I picked up Denise at 5:30, and we met the rest of the ladies at the restaurant at 6:30. We each ordered something different to share with everyone. I selected Ginger Chicken, and it was the best I have ever had. As always when we are together, we had great conversation, and each lady shared 1) how God has recently given her grace in her marriage and 2) a specific action she can take to bless her husband in the future. Our 3 hours together flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to leave. It was a blessed evening of friendship, fellowship and fun. Not to mention excellent food. I can’t wait to do it again soon!
I had dinner this evening at P.F. Chang’s in White Flint Mall with some of my dearest friends. I picked up Denise at 5:30, and we met the rest of the ladies at the restaurant at 6:30. We each ordered something different to share with everyone. I selected Ginger Chicken, and it was the best I have ever had. As always when we are together, we had great conversation, and each lady shared 1) how God has recently given her grace in her marriage and 2) a specific action she can take to bless her husband in the future. Our 3 hours together flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to leave. It was a blessed evening of friendship, fellowship and fun. Not to mention excellent food. I can’t wait to do it again soon!
Linda, Rachael, Denise, Me, Terri
I get the award for comic relief!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Career Transition Update
Today I attended a seminar titled, “Interviewing Strategies,” put on by the career transition company I am working with to assist me with me job search. I have participated in several seminars/workshops conducted by this company, Right Management, which helps individuals in career transition (in my case, being laid off) develop and fine-tune their job search and networking skills and strategies. All I can say is that things sure have changed in the 11+ years since I have last looked for a job.
So, I learned all about the “job interview” today. It’s all about selling yourself to a potential employer. To accomplish this, I need to demonstrate that there is a match between me, the employer and job: Convincing them that I:
- can do the job: my skills, knowledge, experience, accomplishments, learning potential.
- will do the job: my interest in the position, company and industry, work ethic, energy level, willingness and availability.
- fit in: likeability, chemistry, communication, values, work and management style, general interests, dress and appearance.
Basically, I am both the product and the sales person.
I learned what types of questions are asked at an interview and how to respond to them, especially the difficult questions and how to turn a negative into a positive. I already knew this, but it was reinforced that 80% of an interview is non-verbal communication, i.e., body language. And, of course, the all-important “dress for success” to present a professional image was beat into our brains.
Of course, many other things were discussed, too. Such as, being prepared (prepare yourself for the “can” do, “will” do, and “fit” in part of the interview), how much and what to/not to say, pacing, references, handling salary questions, and maintaining your dignity and self-respect.
Learning how to GET a job is a very intense process. And, in the current economic climate and with today’s job market, it’s also a very intimidating process. I have been out of the job market for so long and things have changed so much since I last looked for a job. I’m up for the challenge!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Dinner with Friends
.
I went out to dinner tonight with a group of wonderful friends. We went to Fu Shing, an excellent Chinese and Taiwanese restaurant that is hidden on the backside of a strip mall in Gaithersburg. Despite the fact that it is hard to find (if you didn't know it was there, you would never see it), it is very popular with the local Asian population, and the place is always busy. I have been there several times, mostly because I have a good friend who is Taiwanese and he turned me onto it.
.
The dinner tonight was with some of the folks who have been part of my "Walking with God" group, which is hosted by my church. It has been such a sweet time over the past several months to see how we each have grown in our walk with the Lord during our time together. A few of our group didn't even know God a year ago, and for me to be a part of their transformation from a child of wrath to an adopted child of God and heir to the Kingdom has been such an incredible blessing. What an amazing and good God we have.
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Ron
Paul and Mike
Sherry and Van
Paul and Mike
Pamela
Group Shot
Tina and Gordon
Pamela and a horrible photo of me
Paul demonstrating his expertise at using chopsticks
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