A lot can happen in 6 months

I started blogging again when I was let go from my previous job 6 months ago. It was devastating to me, especially because at that time my spouse was working a minimum-wage, hourly job with no potential of better job offers coming in ("enuf" said about that!).

From that point on, it was a downward slide for me. It was one devastating blow after another. I would shout out, "God! What ever happened to your promise that you wouldn't give me more than I can handle, uh? I can't take it anymore!" It was during that season of my life, I realized I could continue to wallow in my grief, pain, and self-pity or I could "weep for the night" and allow God to do something extraordinary in my life. Something that I would have never guessed.

And so He did. Within ONE month--yes, 1, uno--I had found not only another job, but one that was way better than the one I had. Better pay, greater job satisfaction; healthier work environment; closer to home. In a time when so many are out of work or were without work for over a year, God gave me a job that was suited just for me. He is so awesome that God created that position just for me! 

So that's the main reason I haven't blogged in 6 months. That's a good reason, too!
This Good Friday, I just want to say "thank you" God for sending your Son to die on a cross for me. I'm so grateful for that sacrifice.

Thank you, God, for taking me to another level in you--in trusting and believing in you. Forgive me for the times I doubted you. I'm so glad you are a loving and forgiving Father.

How to turn less-than-ideal jobs into resume-building experiences - OrlandoSentinel.com

Hey! They stole my line.

Anyway, good advice for tough times.

How to turn less-than-ideal jobs into resume-building experiences - OrlandoSentinel.com

Day 6: Preaching to the Choir

Little did I know that when I posted "Day 4: We Are Not Alone" I would be preaching to myself.
Three big blows in 2 weeks; I'm absolutely exhausted. So the only thing that I can share is my favorite Psalm of all: Psalm 27.

 ¹ Light, space, zest— that's God! 
   So, with him on my side I'm fearless, 
      afraid of no one and nothing. 

 ² When vandal hordes ride down 
      ready to eat me alive, 
   Those bullies and toughs 
      fall flat on their faces. 

 ³ When besieged, 
      I'm calm as a baby. 
   When all hell breaks loose, 
      I'm collected and cool. 

 ⁴ I'm asking God for one thing, 
      only one thing: 
   To live with him in his house 
      my whole life long. 
   I'll contemplate his beauty; 
      I'll study at his feet. 

 ⁵ That's the only quiet, secure place 
      in a noisy world, 
   The perfect getaway, 
      far from the buzz of traffic. 

 ⁶ God holds me head and shoulders 
      above all who try to pull me down. 
   I'm headed for his place to offer anthems 
      that will raise the roof! 
   Already I'm singing God-songs; 
      I'm making music to God. 

 ^7-9 Listen, God, I'm calling at the top of my lungs: 
      "Be good to me! Answer me!" 
   When my heart whispered, "Seek God," 
      my whole being replied, 
   "I'm seeking him!" 
      Don't hide from me now! 

 ^9-10 You've always been right there for me; 
      don't turn your back on me now. 
   Don't throw me out, don't abandon me; 
      you've always kept the door open. 
   My father and mother walked out and left me, 
      but God took me in. 

 ^11-12 Point me down your highway, God; 
      direct me along a well-lighted street; 
      show my enemies whose side you're on. 
   Don't throw me to the dogs, 
      those liars who are out to get me, 
      filling the air with their threats. 

 ^13-14 I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness 
      in the exuberant earth. 
   Stay with God! 
      Take heart. Don't quit. 
   I'll say it again: 
      Stay with God.


And I'll keep telling myself that: I'm not alone; God's with me and He'll always be there for me.

Day 5: There are No Words

I was delayed in posting Days 5-6 because I was run over by a mac truck of lemons (figuratively speaking).

Day 5 was more like a "Strike 3."

And I can't find anything uplifting or 'spiritual' to say, and that's ok.

Day 4: We Are Not Alone

The day started off when I took the kids for dental checkups. My son will need to have 4 baby teeth pulled because his permanent teeth are coming in over the baby teeth--AND--in another year or two, he will need braces. Well, at least I have another year before braces. Ok, not too, too bad, but not great.

When I returned home, I had bad news waiting for me in the mail.

I felt like surely God had forgotten me. Why are things going from bad to worse? And then I came across this entry from Oswald Chambers' devotional, My Utmost for His Highest: The Never-forsaking God.

It doesn't matter if I lose material things, because He says, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," so I can boldly quote "God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me" (Hebrews 13:5-6, Message)

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 27. Ever since I was a kid, I'd hang on to the promise that says: "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close" (v. 10, New Living Translation). Notice it lists the father first and then the mother? That's because a mother is the last one to abandon her child. But God promises that even if your mother abandons you, "I'll always be here for you." We are not alone. 

Exactly one year ago, I almost lost my mother to a severe stroke and colon cancer. Thank God, she's still here. But I know many people who are dealing with losing their parents to debilitating mental health, leaving these adult children feeling like "orphans." 

You may be reading this and dealing with a parent's illness, death, or abandonment, but you are not alone. Regardless of your situation, He's not going to abandon you. I don't have answers as to why we're going through these times, but as Psalm 27:3 says, "When all hell breaks loose, I'm collected and cool" (Message).

By the way...

The bright spot in my day? My daughter finally learned to ride a two-wheel bike, and I was there to see it. I think I was more excited than she was.

Read and meditate: Psalm 27; John 14:17-19

Day 3: Sprinkling a Little Salt

Salt. What's the first thing that pops in your mind? Table salt? Flavor? Salt is a great flavor enhancer and helps to reduce bitterness and acidity, bringing out the flavors in the food. Sprinkle a little salt on citrus and it actually enhances the flavor.


But what about "salt on a wound"? Pain? Last week I lost my job as a result of "corporate downsizing/merger." Talk about painful, especially because I have children to care for. Getting laid off like that--it's hard not to ask why me? Or what could I have done differently? But the truth is that it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with keeping my faith in tact and "preserving the peace" with others. 


Today I came across this scripture:

Everyone's going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you'll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace (Mark 9:49-50, Message).

You see that? Everyone. Nobody's exempt from difficult situations. But it's what you do in difficult situations that determines your life. In the book Life's Challenges, Your Opportunities, John Hagee says:

Your vision determines your provision....People of faith search for the unique purposes within their problems, for it is by coming face-to-face with the problem that they can realize their opportunities and potential.

It's all about keeping our faith in Him to provide, guide, and protect that preserves us when we do go through adversity. 


As strange as this sounds, I actually feel more at peace now than when I had job security, and I'm confident that He will provide. For me, I saw this "problem" as a chance to pursue my true passion--writing--which is part of the reason I started this blog. And even when God does provide another job, I plan to continue pursuing writing, hopefully encouraging and uplifting someone else along the way.


So get out your salt shaker and sprinkle a little salt on that situation.


Read and meditate: Mark 9:49-50; Romans 14:19; Colossians 4:6; 1Peter 4:12-13
Think: How are you viewing your current situation or problems? Have you lost your peace? Your faith? Your joy? If so, when do you think it happened? 
Act: Look for a way to regain your joy and repurpose your vision.

Day 2: Loving the Unloveable

No doubt the hardest difficulty to overcome is forgiving others (and often yourself) AND loving others (and yourself). It's easy to love those who love you, who are kind to you; no problem, right? But what about when people deliberately hurt and use you, when they take the love your offer and trample it. What you really want to do is shout at the top of your lungs, "OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!"

I know I sure did. I expect people who don't claim to be Christians to react unkind, unloving, deceitful, etc., but when it's a fellow Christian, it's even more painful. Not that being 'un-Christian' dulls the pain, but it's more difficult when it comes from "the family.' That's what today's sermon was about. Loving the unloveable--in the church.

It's unfortunate that some Christians feel a certain self-righteousness and spiritual pride (a/k/a a "religious spirit") when they see a brother/sister fall on his/her face. As the pastor said today, "It's not our responsibility to sit in judgement and look for opportunities to kick someone when they're down. It's our responsibility to love them through the situation and allow God to bring the conviction."

Paul said:

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.

--Romans 12:19-20, Amplified 

What did Paul mean by "heap burning coals upon his head"? You may be thinking, that doesn't sound forgiveness--much less love. Sounds like revenge to me! Actually, it's not revenge; it's a act of love. How?

During Biblical times, it was common for people to "always keep the home fires burning" (if you will), providing warmth and a means of cooking food. It was common for people to carry things on their heads to transport them, and in some countries, people still do that. So if the home fire dwindled, they would take a brazier and go to a neighbor's house to borrow coals. A generous neighbor would fill it to the brim, helping to meet the need.

You may not feel like it, but you have to love the unloveable past your pain. God commands it: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Read and meditate: Leviticus 19:17-19; Matthew 19:18-20; and Luke 10:26-28.
Think: Who fits the bill as "unloveable"? Have I forgiven that person?
Act: Find a way to react in love.

Opening a Lemonade Stand

This week life dealt me lemons the size of grapefruits. And I never believe that "things come in 3s" but it sure did this week.

I was really angry, upset, hurt, and disappointed. Mad at myself, mad at God, mad at people.  I really thought, God, where are you? Are you seeing this? One more thing, and I'm going to lose it!!

Who hasn't felt at some point in her life that she was going to "drop her basket" (i.e. lose it).

The children's pastor at my church wrote me such a beautiful, inspiring letter that I balled my eyes out. I want to share with you some of those thoughts with the hope that, if you're going through a difficult time, it'll lift your spirit too.

If you feel like you just might go off the deep end or some end you don't want to go off [sic], memorize this one and then do it!! 

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

I'm not sure what direction God wants me to take or what He has in store; I just choose to believe it'll be better and greater than what I just left behind. So it was out of this adversity came the idea of opening a lemonade stand. Not a tangible one, but creating blog entries (and eventually a small book) where God can touch not only my life and heart, but others who are also working through difficult situations.

You may be facing a terminal disease, losing your home, your job, a failed marriage, or dealing with a prodigal child. You've been taking care of your children, your parent(s), and it is draining your strength. Know that there is hope; His name is Jesus.

As I start out on this 30-day journey, I hope and pray it will touch and change your life as it will mine. And I pray that this quest for His purpose goes beyond the 30 days.

Thanks, Pastor Matthew, for helping me build my lemonade stand. And thank you, life, for supplying the lemons.

Streaming FREE educational material!

I don't know why, but ever since I was little, I just LOVED learning/exploring new things, gaining knowledge. (God, I'm such a geek.) 

And I just discovered today that Apple has a "virtual university" with access to free course material, lectures and audio books...who knew? Evidently, not me; at least until now.

If you have any kind of Apple hardware--iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, laptop--you can access thousands of free resources through Apple's iTunes U. How awesome is that! You can even go to website's of top universities such as Cornell, Stanford, and Yale.

Ahhh!

It's Back to School!

The kids are back in school (at least in our county). Hooray! (Maybe not for the kids but certainly for the parents.)

And at some point this year maybe your kids (or even you) will need "refresher" courses on some material, here are some websites to bookmark on your computer.

DiscoveryEducation.com 
Algebra.com 
HippoCampus.org 
CliffsNotes.com 
Grammar.ccc.commnet.edu 
Owl.English.Purdue.edu

Happy New School Year!

It's Not Too Late for Summer Reading

Summer is almost over and the kids are headed back to school in a couple of weeks (at least, here in Florida). For all my Northern peeps--lucky you!--you still have about another month to go before the school year begins.

Being an avid reader and having a passion for reading, I came across this article in the New York Times the other day: Summer must-read for kids--any book. In summary, the article encourages parents and caregivers to promote reading over the summer to not only to have children retain reading skills, but also enhance those skills. And I'm all for that!

It's only natural that children, especially older children (5th grade and above), will become lackadaisical over the summer; after all, school's out. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2009 report card, the national average for reading among fourth graders was higher in 2009 than in 1992, but "not significantly different than 2007." [source: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 1992, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009 Reading Assessments. web source]

It's our responsibility as parents (and caregivers) to encourage reading. As Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and Work Institute, states:

 "A child's interests are a door into the room of reading...If your child is turned off by reading, getting them to read anything is better than nothing."

I've done that with my son who loathes reading but he's "strongly encouraged" to read anyway. What I've done is allow him to pick out topics that interest him--sports, history--even books about video games (ugh). And it's not just limited to books; magazines or any other print media that is age appropriate. The proof of this reading push is in his grades and FCAT score. (And I strongly detest the FCAT--Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test; but that is an entry for another day.)

My daughter is an avid reader just like her mommy! :-)
I don't have to poke and prod her to read; she loves to read, which is demonstrated in her comprehension levels, language skills, and ability to express herself verbally and in writing.

Another interesting side note in this article was that:

Surprisingly, the most popular book during the first year of the Florida study was a biography of Britney Spears.

Now I don't know how long ago that study was conducted, considering quite a few pop culture tween icons have come and gone since Britney (I guess she's an 'old lady' now--hee, hee). And as much as it bothers me that a biography on BS (hmm, "BS"--how appropriate) was the "most popular book," at least kids were reading--and hopefully learning what NOT to do.


My point: Reading opens the mind, increases knowledge, and can be fun.

I realize this blog topic is lighthearted, but since this is my first "official" posting to the blog, I thought it would be best to begin with a neutral topic. I'm saving the "heavy artillery" for another day!

STC Technical Editing SIG : Understanding the Value of a Technical Editor

STC Technical Editing SIG : Understanding the Value of a Technical Editor

One of the SIGs (special interest groups) that I joined through STC highlights the value of having a technical editor in a company. There are some valid points; very interesting.

ITPC: Technical Publication Competition Award Winners

Hey! Check it out. One of the documents I worked on earned an International Award of Excellence.

Scroll down to the bottom of the list; mine is second from the last. No matter if it were even last--at least it's there! ITPC: Technical Publication Competition Award Winners

Excellent Award Winner of STC's International Technical Publications Competition, 2009

Plagiarism and Higher Education

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/opinion/13tue4.html

I guess some things never change. When I was in college, students did this frequently but it was more covert at the time (at least, it was to me). We'd only hear about it when the university wanted to make an example of "what not to do." And students were not only embarrassed but remorseful for cheating. These days, according to the author of the article, there's no remorse and professors have had to place more emphasis on "policing" papers. How sad! Sad for the students because they're cheating themselves out of the enrichment of learning for themselves and expanding their minds. And what's even worse is that these students (if they don't get expelled and actually manage to graduate with a degree) will go out into the world and cheat customers.

It is a moral issue that will follow them because it's ingrained in their moral and spiritual DNA. If there is no remorse, no integrity, no accountability, then what does that say for the future of this country?

Expolit Draws Bilingual Crowd

Expolit Draws Bilingual Crowd

This was an article I co-wrote with a dear colleague, Cindy Crosby, about 9 years ago. It's amazing how time flies and how a writer's style evolves.

Forget Obama's stimulus package

Try this Aveda package for some stress relief. Join Aveda's Birthday Program"

keeping up w/technology Part II

Read this article from The New York Times.
small business reputation
Like it or not, if a business (or anyone in marketing/communications) wants to stay on the cutting edge of marketing, you're going to have to come to terms with the fact that social media is here. Who knows if it'll be a boom or bust, but it's here and it's working for most.

As a former editor in the publishing industry, I really believe that those publishers who will stay afloat during these turbulent times are those who learn how to make technology work for them. Those who don't will sink.

Consumer Electronics Examiner: Kindle DX the next BIG thing in E-book readers

Consumer Electronics Examiner: Kindle DX the next BIG thing in E-book readers

Posted using ShareThis

Trying to Catch Up!

These days I'm trying to stay one step ahead of technology (as if that were possible). Shortly after the presidential election last year, I began pursuing an online graduate certificate in translation (English>Spanish). The whole idea of meeting in "chat rooms," posting to "forums," and communicating with peers and instructors in cyberspace are new concepts to me. But this is the world we live in.

As an editor and writer, I'm also keenly aware that e-books and paperless articles, etc., are becoming more prevalent and widely accepted, which is not good news for the publishing industry. Just the other day Patrick and I were having a discussion about Amazon's Kindle DX (which is supposed to be released later this year). In between bites of authentic Mexican tacos, we talked about the pros and cons of purchasing one. (Not that we would buy one at the current price--it's too expensive, but the thought of having one is nice.)

I have my likes and disklikes of e-book products. I like the idea of not having to lug around bulky books in my briefcase, but there's something about flipping the pages of a book. Call me old fashioned, I guess, but I love reading books on paper, not a screen. I sit in front of a computer screen almost all day! (Ironically, even now.)

As far as I'm considered, the verdict is still out if e-book readers will ever completely replace paper books. But, deep down, I have a feeling I'll have to eat my words some day.

Palin Rap

Like her or hate her, this is funny!