Olio* of Thoughts

Hmmm...
I just printed off all the issues / candidates that will be on my ballot. Since this is my first election to vote in - I have a few questions. Can anyone shed some light? Some of the lingo has lost me. For instance this is a proposed tax levy:

"An additional tax for the benefit of (yada yada - school) for the purpose of Current Operating Expenses at a rate not exceeding three and five-tenths (3.5) mills for each dollar of valuation, which amounts to thirty-five cents ($0.35) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2008, first due in calendar year 2009."

So what does that mean for me? or my parents? What does "valuation" mean? And voting "for the tax levy" means I'm voting for the tax increase?

Also, I noticed that on my ballot there are municipal issues, a lot of which is similar to this:

"Milford City F - Local Option - Rooster's - Sunday Sales"

Now what does this mean? I'm guessing that it has something to do with liquor / wine sales on Sunday, but I really don't have a clue. If my dad were home, I'd ask him. :)

So I'd appreciate some knowledge and help if you can! :) I want to vote knowledgeably.

Switching subjects~

Today was absolutely beautiful! I sat out on my front porch/stoop in the sun and looked at books full of ideas/curriculum for my kid's class. That was really an answer to prayer. I forgot that the GBS library had books like that! I've been working off of no curriculum; just my mind - and have been feeling frustrated. Now I feel like I've got lots of ideas!!

Anyway - God is good, all the time. I was able to work on my Bible study for Herm. this afternoon in the library. I've been looking at Eph. 6:10-20. I found something interesting in Clarke's Commentary. I guess when the Greeks and Romans fought: they went constantly armed; before they fought, they ate together, and they began every attack with prayer to their gods for success. While Paul I don't believe mentions eating together, he does show us that God has prepared full armour for us and in v. 18 says "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (NIV)" Cool, huh?

Well, I want to put some Christmas music on my blog, but I think I need to get to the homework! Don't forget to "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4 NASB)

Also - Happy Birthday (yesterday) to Rachel! Love ya girl!

*Olio - "a mixture or medley; a hodgepodge." I have no idea if I used this correctly - I was just looking for a synonym for conglomeration. lol

I've been wanting to post for a few days now, but haven't allowed myself the time. I just want to unload about the last few days, but I don't think I have enough time. :) And also because a certain secret lurker said that he likes to read my blog because I'm not all negative and depressed and discouraged (or something like that). lol So because of you, secret lurker, you'll be spared. :)

Actually, there are so many things I want to do (things I need to do) but I'm just getting through each day - doing what has to be done (and sometimes not doing it my best) and I'm not sure how to right my world right now.

I need God's joy, my strength. Meredith and Sam's words in Hermeneutics were very timely for my thirsty soul. I need to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks - for this is God's will (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

Father - I need you right now. My life is so busy and cluttered right now and I'm not really sure what to do about it, frankly. But I will rejoice in You - in who You are. You never grow weary, faint, or stumble. Be my rock and stronghold. Keep me from falling. Help me to cultivate a subconsciousness of prayer - so that I'm always relying on You. Thank you for salvation, love, grace. Thank you for being my Father, and knowing all about me, and still loving me. Help me to reflect and magnify You. I need you Father.

JESUS

was whose name I cried as I opened my eyes and saw that I was nearly in the path of an oncoming car. (Sigh) It shook me up a bit. I've got to do better. I have to get more sleep.

A Diversion

Well, I was typing notes for Christian Beliefs, but I had to ask: Anybody out there enjoy crackers (like Ritz or Saltines) with mustard on them? This was a snack I grew up on. Mom would always write little letters, shapes, or curlie-cues (sp?) with the mustard and that would be my after-school snack. Just curious if anyone else enjoys this snack?

Ok, back to my notes. :)

Life is a little off-kilter right now! :)

Wilberforce: Billy, no one of our age has ever taken power.

Pitt: Which is why we are too young to realize that certain things are impossible, so we will do them anyway.

I've been meaning to post this quote since I saw Amazing Grace the Movie. Powerful quote and powerful movie.

One more powerful thought. God's gift of salvation is so simple. I was watching the Open Campaigner's doing the academy's chapel today and was struck by how simple salvation is. Not cheap, that is not what I said - simple. Not complicated, not mysterious, not sophisticated - simple enough for children to understand. Wow.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15 NIV

This Week in Words

Monday - (not necessarily in chronological order) - traffic. fruit. laughs.biology. library. late meeting. sleep. homework.

Tuesday - classes. car. Panera. disappointment. tears. resolve. God's strength. peace. help. change. sleep.

Wednesday - flute. classes. long nap. Queen Esther. forgotten leaves. precious kids. help from above. my passion.

Thursday - big day. stress. Hector & Evangeline. inspiration. goal. vision. 1:30p.m. spraypaint. construction paper. styraphoam. Chipotle. sugary tea. chaperones. exhaustion. the Boss. cotton. hot glue. decisions. direction. teamwork. sore. clothes. sleep.

Friday - judgment day. flute. smiles. Eden park. bugs. choir. lunch. Oswald Chambers. Hollywood. lost. Grapes of Wrath. corner. library. bean bags. sleep. clothes. tuner. frustration. baton. rhythm. proud. examples. yo-yo. people. walking taco. money. familiar faces. longtime friends. dress-up. a glance. cleanup. recycling. tallying. exhaustion. drive. stars. hot shower. sleep.

Saturday - muffin. Panera. strawberry smoothie. library. Chipotle. Ephesians. magazines. sleep. textbook. Stuart Little. Red Robin. Florida. soon sleep.