You were gifted this life by the creator. It is yours to do with whatever you please. You can choose good or bad. You have the option to choose life or death. You are able to decide what you do and what you accomplish. It is even your option to decide to spend your gift doing absolutely nothing. You are the only one who can decide to be happy, to be successful, to remain depressed, or to be a failure. You are in charge of being the victim or the victor.
I challenge you to choose well, to live your life to its fullest, to use your gift as a valuable tool for inspiring and helping others. I challenge you to choose confidence over self doubt. I invite you to choose optimism over worry. I encourage you to choose enthusiasm over anxiety. Use your tongue to speak life to yourself and others. Move into the mainstream of life. Know what you want out of life and go for it. Give up loneliness and build great new healthy relationships. Get out of the rut of a boring and stressful job and lauch a promising new career or home business for yourself. Take care of yourself and look as good as you feel.
Make God glad that he gave you the gift of life!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Be Thankful
In order to make your dreams come true it is important that you follow your passion. It is also important that you follow your passion having clear goals. Your goals will become a reality if you are willing and ready to work hard with perseverance.
Perseverance is striving and trying with unfailing acts of patient effort. It indicates that continuos toil, exertion, strain, drudgery, travail, and work be applied, activated, practiced, put use, and adjusted. To persevere means that you try and try again. It means that you don’t stop until what you sought and worked for is accomplished. It means that you don’t stop until you are successful. When you try hard enough and long enough and your efforts don’t produce your aim, then perseverance implies that your efforts be adjusted. Try again another way, then another, and another. Practice until whatever it is that you want to accomplish is achieved, until it is completed, until you have reached success.
It is imperative that as you persevere you avoid feeling sorry for yourself when you goals seem as though they aren’t being accomplished. Keep a positive attitude. It is easy for negative thinking to be transformed into self-pity. It is easy to get stuck in self-pity and wallow in it. In order to avoid wallowing in self-pity; don’t focus on the bad. Don’t focus on the things that have not happened yet. When you get caught up in self-pity, you lose your perspective. Don’t focus on those things for which you have no control. Above all, avoid the trap of comparing yourself and your life to others. Don’t focus on how much better someone else appears to be doing.
You can get caught up in the trap of self-pity very quickly and without being conscious of it. If this happens then shift your perspective. Look around you. Think about those things for which you can be grateful. Life can always be worse. Consider the things you have in your life, the things that have gone well for you that you have taken for granted. Think about those things that others would love to have, to be, or to be able to do that you have and are able to do.
Another way to shift your perspective is to do something for someone in need. Visit a sick relative, assist a helpless neighbor, volunteer at a food pantry to feed people who have no food. Take a bag lunch and a blanket to a homeless person living on the street with no shelter from the rain. Visit the hospital and read a story to a child who has no legs, no arms, or who is dyeing from a terminal disease. Think about your blessings, count them and thank God for them one by one.
Just get up and get moving. Put one foot in front of the
Perseverance is striving and trying with unfailing acts of patient effort. It indicates that continuos toil, exertion, strain, drudgery, travail, and work be applied, activated, practiced, put use, and adjusted. To persevere means that you try and try again. It means that you don’t stop until what you sought and worked for is accomplished. It means that you don’t stop until you are successful. When you try hard enough and long enough and your efforts don’t produce your aim, then perseverance implies that your efforts be adjusted. Try again another way, then another, and another. Practice until whatever it is that you want to accomplish is achieved, until it is completed, until you have reached success.
It is imperative that as you persevere you avoid feeling sorry for yourself when you goals seem as though they aren’t being accomplished. Keep a positive attitude. It is easy for negative thinking to be transformed into self-pity. It is easy to get stuck in self-pity and wallow in it. In order to avoid wallowing in self-pity; don’t focus on the bad. Don’t focus on the things that have not happened yet. When you get caught up in self-pity, you lose your perspective. Don’t focus on those things for which you have no control. Above all, avoid the trap of comparing yourself and your life to others. Don’t focus on how much better someone else appears to be doing.
You can get caught up in the trap of self-pity very quickly and without being conscious of it. If this happens then shift your perspective. Look around you. Think about those things for which you can be grateful. Life can always be worse. Consider the things you have in your life, the things that have gone well for you that you have taken for granted. Think about those things that others would love to have, to be, or to be able to do that you have and are able to do.
Another way to shift your perspective is to do something for someone in need. Visit a sick relative, assist a helpless neighbor, volunteer at a food pantry to feed people who have no food. Take a bag lunch and a blanket to a homeless person living on the street with no shelter from the rain. Visit the hospital and read a story to a child who has no legs, no arms, or who is dyeing from a terminal disease. Think about your blessings, count them and thank God for them one by one.
- Smile and find something in your circumstance to laugh about
- After you have prayed up, thanked God for what good there is in your life, and praised Him for his goodness, get out and mingle with people greeting them courteously. Be enthusiastic. Call a friend or relative, but not to complain about your life, instead to offer encouragement and your help.
- Think about your goals. Dream, aim high, and engage in thoughts that help you see your success.
- Don’t make excuses. Adjust your plan, act on it, and work it. Put forth effort.
- Be focused and single minded as you work. Be dedicated, disciplined and committed. Appreciate what you do, love your work.
- Strive for excellence but be humble and open-minded about it. Be open to change and don’t be afraid to take risks.
- Don’t be judgmental of others. Learn to forgive and forget. Develop a loving attitude. Be sympathetic and compassionate to others.
- Learn to accept adversity and disappointment. Lean to overcome them as you come out feeling stronger. Whether good or bad, let every experience be a learning experience.
- Be your own critic. Recognize your faults and your mistakes, acknowledge them and strive for self- improvement.
- Keep your face and focus on God, live each day performing good in which he can appreciate.
Keeping Good Records
If you are among the growing number of parents who have decided to join the home-school revolution or you are doing it already. This is a simple reminder of a few things. If you are anything me, you need constant reminders. In the face of busy with children, household chores, husband, teaching reading, math, critical thinking, social studies, science, church activism, community work, home based business, and of course reading God’s word; it is easy to forget what else is important.
1. Some states have declared specific home school statues while others have not. While your children are completing their assignments, here is one for you. What are specific home-school laws in your state? Know your rights, make the site where you found them one of your favorites, and print out a copy for your record. Remember keep a hard copy of what is important. You never know when you will need it.
2. It is important that you keep good records if in fact legal matters occur. These include:
* A statement of assurance form from the local school district verifying that your home-school program/private education, provides responsible instruction as specified by state law.
* Note: each state is different and if not mandatory in some states.
* Check your state’s education statues usually available at the state board of education.
* Some states require instead a non-public school registration form.
* Most updated forms now have a home-school option box for homeschooling parents to check.
3. If your child has attended or is attending a public or private school, go to the school and get a transfer. Do not just pull him or her out of school. Leave a clean paper trail.
4. Construct a typed letter stating that your children are taught appropriately in all required subject areas. Make sure the letter is signed and notarized.
5. A copy of each child’s birth certificate or notarized record of birth.
6. A copy of each child’s social security card.
7. A copy of each child’s updated medical records.
8. If you opt out of immunizations, state your reasons in a letter and get it notarized. Note: Some states required an updated medical in preschool, kindergarten, 5th grade, 9th, and upon entering college.
9. Keep a list of each subject your child studies and a brief overview of the subject.
10. Document your child’s educational schedule and learning outcomes. What did they learn, master, and achieve?
Keep a file with these articles for each child. Keep it safe. Lock it in a safe if you have to. Above all…
Do it responsibly or don’t do it at all!
1. Some states have declared specific home school statues while others have not. While your children are completing their assignments, here is one for you. What are specific home-school laws in your state? Know your rights, make the site where you found them one of your favorites, and print out a copy for your record. Remember keep a hard copy of what is important. You never know when you will need it.
2. It is important that you keep good records if in fact legal matters occur. These include:
* A statement of assurance form from the local school district verifying that your home-school program/private education, provides responsible instruction as specified by state law.
* Note: each state is different and if not mandatory in some states.
* Check your state’s education statues usually available at the state board of education.
* Some states require instead a non-public school registration form.
* Most updated forms now have a home-school option box for homeschooling parents to check.
3. If your child has attended or is attending a public or private school, go to the school and get a transfer. Do not just pull him or her out of school. Leave a clean paper trail.
4. Construct a typed letter stating that your children are taught appropriately in all required subject areas. Make sure the letter is signed and notarized.
5. A copy of each child’s birth certificate or notarized record of birth.
6. A copy of each child’s social security card.
7. A copy of each child’s updated medical records.
8. If you opt out of immunizations, state your reasons in a letter and get it notarized. Note: Some states required an updated medical in preschool, kindergarten, 5th grade, 9th, and upon entering college.
9. Keep a list of each subject your child studies and a brief overview of the subject.
10. Document your child’s educational schedule and learning outcomes. What did they learn, master, and achieve?
Keep a file with these articles for each child. Keep it safe. Lock it in a safe if you have to. Above all…
Do it responsibly or don’t do it at all!
Benefits of Home School
Very often, parents who home-school are shunned and considered completely nuts. In case that has happened to you, this information comfort you and help you re-believe that yes, you are doing the right thing. Who knows better what is best for their child besides a responsible and nurturing parent.
I have coached parents who home-school their children. Most parents for which I have consulted aim to home-school responsibly. However, their are some whose responsibility aim, falls short of their target. This articles describes common benefits of responsible homeschooling as well as tips in which a parent who decides to home-school should aim.
Parents report that the benefits of responsible home-school surpasses all educational experiences. In this day and time, a great benefit to home-school is a parent’s ability to protect their children from the negative influences they may encounter outside the home. With the rise of violence in urban schools these days, this benefit probably surpasses all others. Parents want their children safe. Home-schooling parents report that the transfer of their own familial values and belief to their children is the most beneficial of their experiences. Parents report that the ability to address their children’s questions regarding common and everyday challenges and joys of life is a plus.
Another benefit is the time taken to address various other subjects and building intimate and meaningful relationships with their children. Most parents appreciate the ability to control what is learned and how is. Many children find school boring, children who are responsibly home schooled are usually inept to the idea of boredom. They are better able to entertain themselves with a good book, they usually watch movies more critically, and they usually have no problem creating activities which combat boredom.
Homeschooling affords parents the opportunity to tailor teaching and learning to suit their child’s particular learning styles. Research shows that teaching one-on-one is the most effective means of imparting knowledge from teacher to student. It allows parents the ability to provide their children with in-depth and personal attention which is beneficial when faced with subjects and concepts for which they struggle. Thus, children usually excel in these areas faster than if they were taught in a classroom setting. Alleviating the typical constraints of a traditional classroom during teaching and learning has been beneficial to may students entering post-secondary program. From my experience at coaching families who conduct responsible homeschool programs, these are the areas of content that are usually lacking. However, I say if you can do it, do it, but do it right, and do it consistently.
I have coached parents who home-school their children. Most parents for which I have consulted aim to home-school responsibly. However, their are some whose responsibility aim, falls short of their target. This articles describes common benefits of responsible homeschooling as well as tips in which a parent who decides to home-school should aim.
Parents report that the benefits of responsible home-school surpasses all educational experiences. In this day and time, a great benefit to home-school is a parent’s ability to protect their children from the negative influences they may encounter outside the home. With the rise of violence in urban schools these days, this benefit probably surpasses all others. Parents want their children safe. Home-schooling parents report that the transfer of their own familial values and belief to their children is the most beneficial of their experiences. Parents report that the ability to address their children’s questions regarding common and everyday challenges and joys of life is a plus.
Another benefit is the time taken to address various other subjects and building intimate and meaningful relationships with their children. Most parents appreciate the ability to control what is learned and how is. Many children find school boring, children who are responsibly home schooled are usually inept to the idea of boredom. They are better able to entertain themselves with a good book, they usually watch movies more critically, and they usually have no problem creating activities which combat boredom.
Homeschooling affords parents the opportunity to tailor teaching and learning to suit their child’s particular learning styles. Research shows that teaching one-on-one is the most effective means of imparting knowledge from teacher to student. It allows parents the ability to provide their children with in-depth and personal attention which is beneficial when faced with subjects and concepts for which they struggle. Thus, children usually excel in these areas faster than if they were taught in a classroom setting. Alleviating the typical constraints of a traditional classroom during teaching and learning has been beneficial to may students entering post-secondary program. From my experience at coaching families who conduct responsible homeschool programs, these are the areas of content that are usually lacking. However, I say if you can do it, do it, but do it right, and do it consistently.
Why is it Still the Same?
I wrote this on April 22, 2008 when I was principal of Asa Philip Randolph Alternative High School. It is 2012 and nothing has changed on the streets of Chicago. Our children are still killing each other. They have been desensitized and have no regard for human life. In 2011, the number of deaths among high school students have risen. I find it shameful that this reflection still applies today.
"I live in the south suburban area of Chicago. I work on the south side of Chicago. The two areas are 20 minutes apart and not different in any way. It sickens me to have to admit that this video clip resembles the life of many young people with whom I know and service. I was trying to get away from it but am now in its midst all over again. All I want to do is write. I hate to turn the news on at night for fear I will see a face of another young person gunned down or beat to death by his or her peers. I leave work early everyday in order to pick up my twins to comfort my own heart. …and who really cares?
I can’t imagine the pain of the mothers of these children. I can’t even begin to imagine the dread of their mornings when they have to remember not to wake their child for school. I can’t imagine what it is like to go home from work to prepare one less plate for dinner. It is inconceivable that a mother’s child is gunned down in streets, at school, at the bus stop or in the park. This hurting mother will not see her child walk across the stage of a college. She won’t be able to beam with pride as she watches her child grow into a productive man or woman. Her thoughts will be haunted by an imaginary image of her child caring for his or her children. She has to live with the picture embedded deeply into her mind of her child lying in a casket turning into dust of the ground.
It is inconceivable that another mother’s child could think they had the right to take another life. What about that mother? She has pain too! Her child killed another. It was her child too whose life is also wasted. Her child is also a victim of the streets. It is her child who rots in a jail cell contending with who knows what. She is looked down on, frowned on, isolated, ostracized, and snarled at. Who will show her pity? Who will have compassion on her other children? How is she to deal with it? …and who really cares?
There were over 30 young people killed due to street violence last school year and as of today, April 10, 2008 the numbers are up to 22. Some mornings I dread going to work because the young people I service need so much, some want so little, and many live in utter lack. Many lack love, guidance, financial means, and spirituality. My collegues and I around this country who work with inner city youth have limited resources and usually limited time. …and who really cares?
It’s been two more since I looked into the eyes of number 20 the day before he was shot down in that school parking lot. Now he is a number, 20. Now he is an empty chair. Now he is a deleted record. Now he is blended into the imagination of all who knew him. It is more difficult knowing who he was and what his goals were. He made me hopeful that our young people could turn their lives around; that they could infact transform their lives and improve its quality. We smiled at each other as I analyzed his transcript and he could see clearly that his graduation could be near. I had the opportunity to show his mother kindness. I felt the gleam in her heart as she too saw hope for her son. I watched him turn over a new leaf and get to school on time. I watched his teacher’s delighted smile as she hung his completed work on her board. I listened to his teacher encourage him. I smiled with her as she said good things about his work. I fear the demise of yet another one. …and who really cares?
However, I remain optimistic that I and my colleagues will be able to touch some with patience and kindness. I am optimistic that our time with some will be beneficial to them at some point in their lives. This video, though a click of a fictitional movie, is an accurate depiction of the life many young people actually lead every single day. Some are afraid. Others are unusually fearless. I cry for our children. Help me pray for them. Touch one while you can … and who really cares?"
"I live in the south suburban area of Chicago. I work on the south side of Chicago. The two areas are 20 minutes apart and not different in any way. It sickens me to have to admit that this video clip resembles the life of many young people with whom I know and service. I was trying to get away from it but am now in its midst all over again. All I want to do is write. I hate to turn the news on at night for fear I will see a face of another young person gunned down or beat to death by his or her peers. I leave work early everyday in order to pick up my twins to comfort my own heart. …and who really cares?
I can’t imagine the pain of the mothers of these children. I can’t even begin to imagine the dread of their mornings when they have to remember not to wake their child for school. I can’t imagine what it is like to go home from work to prepare one less plate for dinner. It is inconceivable that a mother’s child is gunned down in streets, at school, at the bus stop or in the park. This hurting mother will not see her child walk across the stage of a college. She won’t be able to beam with pride as she watches her child grow into a productive man or woman. Her thoughts will be haunted by an imaginary image of her child caring for his or her children. She has to live with the picture embedded deeply into her mind of her child lying in a casket turning into dust of the ground.
It is inconceivable that another mother’s child could think they had the right to take another life. What about that mother? She has pain too! Her child killed another. It was her child too whose life is also wasted. Her child is also a victim of the streets. It is her child who rots in a jail cell contending with who knows what. She is looked down on, frowned on, isolated, ostracized, and snarled at. Who will show her pity? Who will have compassion on her other children? How is she to deal with it? …and who really cares?
There were over 30 young people killed due to street violence last school year and as of today, April 10, 2008 the numbers are up to 22. Some mornings I dread going to work because the young people I service need so much, some want so little, and many live in utter lack. Many lack love, guidance, financial means, and spirituality. My collegues and I around this country who work with inner city youth have limited resources and usually limited time. …and who really cares?
It’s been two more since I looked into the eyes of number 20 the day before he was shot down in that school parking lot. Now he is a number, 20. Now he is an empty chair. Now he is a deleted record. Now he is blended into the imagination of all who knew him. It is more difficult knowing who he was and what his goals were. He made me hopeful that our young people could turn their lives around; that they could infact transform their lives and improve its quality. We smiled at each other as I analyzed his transcript and he could see clearly that his graduation could be near. I had the opportunity to show his mother kindness. I felt the gleam in her heart as she too saw hope for her son. I watched him turn over a new leaf and get to school on time. I watched his teacher’s delighted smile as she hung his completed work on her board. I listened to his teacher encourage him. I smiled with her as she said good things about his work. I fear the demise of yet another one. …and who really cares?
However, I remain optimistic that I and my colleagues will be able to touch some with patience and kindness. I am optimistic that our time with some will be beneficial to them at some point in their lives. This video, though a click of a fictitional movie, is an accurate depiction of the life many young people actually lead every single day. Some are afraid. Others are unusually fearless. I cry for our children. Help me pray for them. Touch one while you can … and who really cares?"
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