I am the director of a church sign language choir. We are in the beginning stages of our own website, and I have posted some pictures.
If you know anyone interested in having us come and minister at their church, or event, please tell them to visit our site.
Thanks.

              www.signsofvictory.blogspot.com

I am the director of a sign language choir thru my church. I have a group of people that are very committed and serious about this ministry. I love it.We have been doing it since 2008, and we minister in churches and festivals. We will go just about anywhere.
Why did I say this?
Yesterday, I got a book: Leading From Your Strengths-building close knit ministry teams. It is based on 3 core principals.
1-Understanding your own God-given strengths. This is key to growth, change and finding your place on the team God has placed you.
2-Recognizing and respecting the God-given strengths of others on your team. This is a key to the committment of each team member to each other.
3-Blending differences among team members and harnessing each person's unique strengths. This results in greater effectiveness and productivity on your team.
Okay. This is good stuff, but how many of you know leaders like this? Have you e ver worked under a leader that did not recognize the gifts of others? I have. I have seen leaders unwilling to relinquish control to someone better qualified...to the detriment of the team.
As leaders, we need to know that we do NOT know it all. We are not good at everything. We need to  be honest about our weaknesses and pray that God would send someone to our team that had that talent.
Control freaks always end up changing anyway. I am a reforming control freak. But, God showed me a long time ago, that I had people on my team with great ideas. We are having a planning meeting so I can share my thoughts, and they can tell me their ideas.
Leaders need to remember that God speaks to others in the group, and we need to listen and be open to what they have to say.
As a leader, if your team is not where you want them to be, ask yourself why? Ask God if it your leadership and how you can alter it to be better.
Go think about that.........

I am a Star Wars fan. Everyone that knows me, knows that. So, I warn you, this will be a fluff piece.

We all know that George Lucas sold his franchise. Idiot. Oh, did I say that out loud? I was extremely upset that he gave it to DISNEY. They are fine on their own, but really?
Then my hopes were raised when I heard the original 3: Harrison, Mark  and Carrie were signed on. I thought: okay, they will keep it on track.
Yesterday, I heard that JJ Abrams will direct the new SW VII. Now I am EXCITED!
I am a huge fan of JJ...i LOVE Alias and Lost.
I know he did a remake of Trek. I don't care that he ruined it. I hate Trek. Now that he got the kinks out, I expect a phenomenal film.
I will keep you posted on my thoughts.

Disney World 2012

This is Expedition Everest Roller Coaster. I rode this twice at Animal Kingdom. This was the only good thing there.

This was truly a breathtaking site....one of the best in the world.

I wanted to stuff this in my pocket and bring it home. Fall is the best. Here , it was magical!

Where Have I Been?

Where have I been? BUSY! Not busy in the way I used to be or the way most people are now. Not busy with fluff junk that is not important or that can wait. Busy with my family and my students.
New school year has begun. I love teaching so much. Plus, my hubby and I surprised our kids with a trip to Disney last week. It is hard planning and packing for a week long vacation when they can't know about it. Seriously.

Christmas play practice has begun at our church. Both my kids are in it every year, so that takes up some time. The sign choir I am a part of, is performing at an event this year that is open to the public, so that is taking time as well.

My kids are in scouts and gymnastics, and my hubby and I take time to go with them to these things. My resolution this year to do less is working. I have time for important things, and I do not feel guilty when I say no.

As you walk around today, notice how many people have their phones out texting...or are talking on them. Notice people in the store, or in the pickup line at school. We busy ourselves with junk.....time wasting junk....then say we didn't have time to do the things we really should have done to start with. Begin a "fast" with some of your time wasters. Don't check email in the morning until you have cleaned up the kitchen first. Don't play that game on FB until you have showered, dressed, and done your errands.

Put the important things first, and you will be surprised how less stresed you are!
Go think about that...........

I teach classes and one of my "things" is to throw my flip flops at students that tease me or don't listen...or whatever reason I deem acceptable. I do not hurt them, it is all in good fun.
Well, as a project, my students have to do a skit. This group did a skit all about me. They took turns doing things that drive me nuts, and then had "me" throw shoes at them. It was very funny.

This group did the red carpet at a hollywood event, and interviewed famous people.

I had a student of mine ask me about drinking this week. He asked me if I did and if I had any problems with people drinking. I was honest. I do not drink. I never have been a real drinker, but after I got married I thought: I'm grown and married, and I can drink if I want to. BUT...yes it's a big one..BUT God spoke to me during a church service and told me to go home and pour it out and not drink again. So, I have not. The Bible does not say Christians cannot drink. TEchnically it says not to get drunk..
BUT...yes another one....BUT it tells us not to do anything that could make a newer Christian stumble and go down a wrong path. We are to be an example.

I never knew why God had me do that. Now, I do. I teach young people, mostly high school, but some middle school. I am a role model for them. I lead a church group consisting mainly of high schoolers. Once again, I am in a position of young people looking up to me. What am I showing them?

I know that one day I will have to stand in front of Jesus and account for what I did with these young people. I will have to account for what I did, said, and told them. Not only do I want to help these young people with their walk with Christ, but I want to make Jesus happy too.

So, who is watching you? You are being watched whether you know it or not...and whether you like it or not. What kind of role model are you? What will Jesus say about the kind of role model you are? Will He be happy? Will you help young people draw closer to God with your example? Go think about that..........