Friday, February 27, 2009

Check out the Just Write Blog Carnival!!

The Just Write Blog Carnival has been posted. There are book reviews, short stories, poems, writing tips and more. Please make sure that you leave a note for Missy saying how much you have enjoyed the carnival. I know that I am really looking forward to reading all of the different posts. And remember if you enjoy reading something to leave a comment. It makes a person feel good. Enjoy the Just Write Blog Carnival.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Did you ever laugh so hard milk came out of your nose?

I have only had milk come out of my nose once. The memory is fuzzy, but I know I was at an awards ceremony for 4-H. I was with my team-members and they must have been saying or doing something funny, because before I knew it milk was coming out of my nose.

I am sure my teammates thought it was disgusting, but it was a fair mix of boys and girls, so who knows. I am just glad my mom was not along. It is always nice if a parent isn’t there to see you embarrassing moments.

I don’t know how many of you have had that experience before, but it really is a painful experience. It made my throat and nose hurt. As I write this I can still feel the pain. I made sure that I never laughed when I was drinking any liquids ever again.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Carnival of Education

Welcome to the February 25, 2009 edition of carnival of education. I enjoyed reading everybody's posts. They were very good. I hope all of you take the time to read and comment on posts. If you have the time check out the rest of my blog as well. Enjoy!!

Gary Mullen presents History of the Green Man posted at Green Man, saying, "An article exploring the origins of the Green Man that can be found throughout the world."

Andrew Bernardin presents How Bogus Beliefs Persist (IV): With Age Comes a Membership to AARP and Wisdom posted at The Evolving Mind, saying, "This post, though it stands alone, is the fourth part in a four-part series about the confirmation bias."

siobhan curious presents liar liar posted at Siobhan Curious, saying, "Thanks for hosting!"

Patrick Black presents Smartboards & Special Education posted at Teaching All Students, saying, "I hope this is something you can use for the carnival!"


Larry Ferlazzo presents The Best Places To Create (And Find) Internet Scavenger Hunts & Webquests Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... posted at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites Of The Day For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL.

Mathew Needleman presents Teaching Writing Part #1: Don’t Fence Me In posted at Open Court Resources.com Blog.

Matthew Ladner presents Real Men of Accountability Illusion Genius posted at Jay P. Greene's Blog.

Bill Ferris presents Create teaching portfolios easily with Google Sites posted at Instructify.

Michaele Sommerville presents Hickory Dickory Dock... posted at Kindergarten's 3 R's: Respect, Resources, & Rants.

Heather Wolpert-Gawron presents DARPA to create metacognitively aware robots posted at tweenteacher.com.

Heather Wolpert-Gawron presents Test Prep-Bubbling Power posted at tweenteacher.com.

Shen-Li Lee presents How to Raise a Smart Kid Babylicious posted at Babylicious.

Denise presents Math Teachers at Play #1 posted at Let's play math!, saying, "A collection of tips, tidbits, games, and activities for students and teachers of preK-12 mathematics."

Paul Cancellieri presents My Experiment in Grading: Update #1 posted at Scripted Spontaneity.

Belle presents Earth Hour - Turn out your lights for one hour posted at Homesteaderbelle's Blog.

woodlassnyc presents The person with the most seniority gets the job posted at Under Assault: Teaching in NYC.

nickel presents The Three Best 529 Education Savings Plans posted at fivecentnickel.com.

OnlineCollege presents Choosing a College: A Simple Guide for Undergraduates posted at Universities and Colleges.

Misty presents Learn the Multiplication Times Tables Fast and Easy! posted at Homeschool Bytes, saying, "Memorizing the times tables is often a difficult rite of passage in elementary school. If you’re looking for a new approach that children easily remember, try these silly stories made from the math facts that seem to stick in the mind much more that bare numbers."

Carol Richtsmeier presents Signs, Signals & Clues You Can Use posted at Bellringers, saying, "Thanks for hosting!"

Pat presents Miracles Do Happen posted at Successful Teaching.

Khan presents The Right Online Learning Program posted at Higher Education and Career Blog, saying, "Online education remains a social experience. It very much imitates what goes on in a typical classroom."

Mary Ann Zehr presents ELLs and the Stimulus Package posted at Learning the Language.

oldandrew presents Selling Out posted at Scenes From The Battleground, saying, "British blog about teaching in tough schools"

Kiri presents 4 minutes inside a teacher's brain posted at Elbows, knees, dreams, saying, "What it's really like to teach preK."

Bill Ferriter presents TWIT: They Always Wonder posted at The Tempered Radical, saying, "In this post, the Tempered Radical reflects on a unit driven by the curiosity of the students in his sixth grade classroom."

Mister Teacher presents Teaching Misdirection posted at Learn Me Good.

Hall Monitor presents Students Boycott Dance After Principal Bans 'Grinding' posted at DetentionSlip.org, saying, "I could see a lot more students following this example if rules continue to become more strict."

SwitchedOnMom presents Differentiated Instruction? Implications for GT? posted at The "More" Child.

SwitchedOnMom presents A Magnet Program Diminished posted at The "More" Child.

Marjorie presents The Socialization Question posted at The Life Without School Community Blog, saying, "Thank you."


Corey Bunje Bower presents Sunday Commentary: The Charterization of Urban Schools Districts posted at Thoughts on Education Policy, saying, "While everybody focuses on improving student achievement, we're missing the charterization of urban districts. If you think suburban and urban schools are different now, just wait until school and community are fully decoupled in urban districts."

Insurance Toolbox presents Tax Credits and Tax Benefits from the Stimulus Package a.k.a The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Fine-Tuned Finances posted at Fine-Tuned Finances.

Rajeev Vashisht presents Attributes of High Performing Teams posted at Management Mantras, saying, "A blog on management insights and issues"

Nancy Flanagan presents Don't Know Much About History posted at Teacher in a Strange Land, saying, "Nothing ever really changes in education--it just morphs a bit."

Darren presents Right on the Left Coast: Views From a Conservative Teacher: No Twinkie For You, You Socialist! posted at Right on the Left Coast: Views From a Conservative Teacher, saying, "Teachers union helps pass a law "for the children", but teachers sure don't like it when it's applied to them."

Joanne Jacobs presents Rethinking seniority, tenure posted at Joanne Jacobs.

Matt Abe presents Not only math is "integrated" in Wayzata district posted at Scholar's Notebook.

rightwingprof presents If You Want It Done Right posted at Right Wing Nation.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
carnival of education using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2009

How to write a resume- What we have discussed so far?

I have been doing a series about how to write a resume. Here are links to what I have discussed so far.

How to write a resume- getting started.

How to write a resume- writing tips and objectives.

How to write a resume- choosing your resume style.

How to write a resume- chronological resume.

How to write a resume- skills resume.

I have been writing these resumes along with you. It sure takes a lot of time to choose what to say and then assmble the resume. Don't get discouraged. We can work on it together.

Monday, February 23, 2009

How long did it take to take down your tree?

It took us 1 hour and 40 minutes.
1. It is hard to take off tinsel.
2. It takes a long time to take off ornaments and the lights and then put them away.
3. Then you have to put them in the box.

I know this question is late, but we are just taking our tree down. Our tree was blocked off so the dog wouldn't eat more tinsel and we finally moved stuff out to the way. We will be having our Christmas tree in a different location next year, so we can see it and keep the tinsel.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

How to write a resume- Skills Resume

Skills resumes highlight your work history skills, not places of employment. This type of resume works well for those re-entering the workforce, new to the workforce or no recent work history. Make sure you include an objective statement and you may want to include a career summary. Here is a sample skills resume. There are many sites on the internet if you want to see more examples.


Katya Van
123 Any Street
South Pea, State 109834
(3098) 453- 12334
Katya Van@ internet.com


Professional Objective

A career in human resource management involving training, coordinating, and communicating.

Education

Super College, South Pea, ST
English, Bachelor of Arts Degree- 1998
Computer Skills
Experience in operating IBM-PC’s and programs in Win 1998, Win XP, Word 2000, Excel 2000, and Microsoft Publisher, Internet and E-mail; Knowledgeable in PowerPoint 2000 and Access 2000.

Skills

Training
-Taught and educated 4-H and FFA member plant identification, soil types and range conditions. -Trained student workers to properly do their jobs in a cafeteria.

Coordinating
-Supervised 20 student workers during evening meals
-Coordinated monthly food boxes for O.K. Food Pantry

Communicating
-Improved the quality of work for student workers with pay raises and other benefits
-Designed a monthly newsletter for local food banks
-Started designing a website and brochure for O.K. Food Pantry
-Helped complete monthly shelf audits
-Inputted monthly inventory and payroll

Volunteer/Organizations
-Armstrong/Douglas Board of Directors 1995-98
-Coe FRIENDS 1994-98
-BSEO 1995-98
Vice-President 1996-97
-Volunteer Bureau 1994-96
Vice-President 1995-96

Employment
Youth Counselor, Fancy Running Camp, Three Winds, KL (Summer 1995)
Public Relations, O.K. Food Pantry, South Pea, ST
Dining Assistant Manager, Campus Services (Super College), South Pea, ST (1995-2002)
Customer Service Specialist, Boo’s Farm Store, South Pea, ST. (2002-Present)

References
Available Upon Request

Friday, February 20, 2009

What is the most interesting e-mail you have ever gotten?

I got this story as an e-mail today. I thought it was very good and I wanted to share it.

GRANDMA'S HANDS A must read thru to the end please!!!!!!!!!!!!!Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice strong. 'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her. 'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making. Grandma smiled and related this story: 'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. 'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. 'They have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. 'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. 'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.' I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face. When you receive this, say a prayer for the person who sent it to you, and watch God's answer to prayer work in your life. Let's continue praying for one another. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not yet considered a friend is something Christ would do. -- Author Unknown

Thursday, February 19, 2009

What do you remember about chores?

My children are three-years-old and five-years-old and they have really begun to help around the house. They fold their own laundry, put it away, empty the dishwasher, wash and put the dishes in and also do the hand-dishes.

Sometimes they will argue about who gets to put the dishes in the dishwasher and who gets to wash them. They both like washing them. Sometimes B will not want to do the dishes, so I ask C to do them. Then they both want to do them.

I do not remember wanting to do the dishes that badly. When my brother and I used to do the dishes, the best job was putting the dishes in the dishwasher, not washing them. I was the one who usually got to wash. I am not sure why that is. I am fast at washing dishes now though. We used to have to always wash and dry the hand-dishes. B and C are lucky; they can just let them air dry.

Tonight they needed to empty the dishwasher. It started out well. B got on the stool and C handed the dishes to him. It started to unravel when it was time to put the silverware away. C usually does it and wanted to do it tonight. B decided he was going to, so C decided to have a temper tantrum. I told her she could look at a book while B put the silverware away. It worked until B wanted to look at the book too, instead of putting away the silverware. I told him if he put away half of the silverware he could look at the book. All of the silverware was put away and the book was looked at.

I never knew that people could be so excited about doing chores. I just hope it keeps up. I like having the help. It also helps that their dad helps out around the house too. It shows them how a family should work together.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

What does this quote mean to you?

The faith that stands on authority is not faith was written by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I would like to know what this quote means to you. Please say what you would like in the comments section. I love reading what readers have to say. If people comment then I will tell you what it means to me.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

How to write a resume- Chronological Resume

The Chronical Resume is the most resume type and it lists your work and education chronologically. I have a sample resume below for you. I did not include an objective statement or career and skills summary. I have listed not my job responsibilities, but what I achieved. I also quantified my accomplishments. The last thing I did for the resume was to condense and leave out unimportant information. Next time we will look at the skills resume.
Katya Van
123 Any Street
South Pea, State 109834
(3098)453-12334

Professional Experience

1995-2002 Campus Services (Super College), South Pea, ST
Resident Dining Assistant Manager
· Coordinated and supervised 20 student workers during evening
meals
· Inputted monthly inventory and payroll
· Improved the quality of work for workers with pay raises and
other benefits

Student Manager
· Coordinated and supervised eight student workers per meal
· Updated cleaning procedures
· Worked in Salad Bar, Line Running and Dishroom

Spring 1998 O.K. Food Pantry, South Pea, ST
Public Relations
· Designed a monthly newsletter for local food banks
· Helped coordinate monthly food boxes
· Started designing a website and brochure

Summer 1995 Fancy Running Camp, Three Winds, KL
Youth Counselor
· Worked with instructor to teach and educate 4-H and FFA
members in plant identification, soil types, and range conditions
· Conducted and corrected daily quizzes
· Determined the best plant collection
Education
Supe High, Supe, KT
Graduated 1994
Super College, South Pea, ST
English, Bachelor of Arts Degree- 1998

Volunteer/Organizations

BSEO 1995-98
Vice-President 1996-97
Volunteer Bureau 1994-96
Vice-President 1995-96

Monday, February 16, 2009

How to write a resume- Choosing Your Resume Style

We are finally starting to get to the nuts and bolts of resumes, choosing what type you are going to use. We are going to talk about all of the resumes in detail, but I am just going to list them for right now. Tomorrow we will start discussing them in detail.

Chronological- focuses on jobs
Skills- focuses on your skills
Functional- focuses on skills and jobs with those skills
Combination- combines the best aspects of the chronological, skills and functional resume

When you are deciding upon the proper resume you need to think about your current situation and how much experience you have. If you have little or no experience use a resume that focuses on your skills.

You can always write two several resumes and ask friends and family which one they like the best. Just remember you don’t need to add personal hobbies and out-of-date skills and achievements. Do your best to keep it to one page and proofread.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Additions You can make to "This Little Pig went to Market"

Many children know the nursery rhyme, “This Little Pig went to Market” and here are some ideas so you can make your own rhyme. Have fun and make sure you have five pigs not four or six.

This little pig went to:
Ride a 4-wheeler
Brand
Drive a tractor
Chop wood
Go to school
Go swing
Go slide
Go on the merry-go-round
Push bales
Play in the snow
Build a snow fort
Go skiing
Go snow boarding
Go sledding
Build a snowman
Rake leaves
Use binoculars
Plant a garden
Drive a truck
Drive a trackster
Send an e-mail
Do the dishes
Cook a meal
Set the table
Clear the table
Say grace
Put on pajamas
Brush teeth
Take a bath
Go to the bathroom
Shovel snow
Mow the lawn

I hope you enjoyed these ideas. I look forward to hearing about any ideas you have.

Friday, February 13, 2009

How to write a resume- Writing Tips and Objective Statement

When I write my resume there are four things I always keep in mind: no lying, be professional, be concise and proofread.

Honesty-
If you are not it will catch up to you, whether it is in the interview or the background checks. If you get the job and you lied about knowing a certain skill, your boss will soon find out when the task is incomplete.

Professionalism-
Your friends may like that wild e-mail address of yours, but a prospective employer may not. It is better to have an address that shows you are as professional as everybody else. You can acquire free e-mail addresses from sites such as Google, Hotmail, and Yahoo.

Also, if your current employer tracks e-mails, it would be better if you didn’t use a company e-mail address when job hunting. I would not like it if my employee was using my computer and time to job-hunt.

When selecting your new e-mail address do a variation of your name like johnjdoe, jjdoe or johnjd. It is much more professional than “hottrotter”.

Conciseness-
Are you a busy person? Chances your prospective employer is too. I suggest writing all your skills, jobs, and awards and recognitions. I will discuss at a later date how to incorporate everything into the resume that will be fit you. Some of you who have been in the workforce for many years may need to have two pages, which is acceptable. My resume may even equal two pages. As you work on writing your resume I will be working on updating and fixing my resume, so I will show you examples using my information and skills. This will be a learning experience for us all.

Your Objective Statement-
Your objective statement is a couple of sentences that focus on your career goals. One example would be; an opportunity to lead others in a high paced college cafeteria. Please be as specific as possible, because you want it to relate to and be specific to the job you are interest in. After you are done writing your objective statement you will place it under your name and address if you desire to keep it in there.

Writing a resume can be a fun learning experience, just remember honesty, professionalism and conciseness.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

How to write a resume- Getting Started

Today I am going to start a new series on writing resumes. I had to write them when I was in college for several different classes. I was very glad that I had someone teach and help me write a resume tailored to my needs. I am going to focus on all age groups, because we all need the best resume to get both our first and last jobs.

I encourage all of you to comment if you have ways that have worked for you.

One of the things you are going to want to think about when beginning your resume is what is your experience and what are you going to focus on. When I did my first resume it focused on my awards and recognitions in high school and jobs. My latest resume focused on skills acquired and jobs. It did not even mention any awards or recognitions.

You can also decide if you are going to write it yourself, use software for help or just hire someone to help you.

I trust this gets you thinking about begin building your resume. Please comment if you have more thoughts. We all need each other help in this economy.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

What do you like to see in a blog post?

I am really interested in any feedback you may have.

When I look at a blog post I like looking for the content and the length.

I prefer to read posts that are shorter, because sometimes when I have to scroll down it seems like it is takes a long time to read and I may be short on time. In different sites on the internet and in books I have read that people should aim for at least 250 words or one page double spaced per post. What do you think?

I enjoy reading all of the blog post. I think it is neat how technology has changed so we are able to read about what people are doing in other countries. I have read blogs from Australia, England and the United States today.

Since I enjoy reading all the blogs content is not that important to me. It is important only in the way that some of the blog post may not interest me enough to go to again and again, but I will read always read a blog post for those that comment with me or are a blog of note. Sometimes I will go from blog post to blog post to see what is out there. I have enjoyed seeing what everybody has to offer.

Don't forget to comment!!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Reading Assignment

I am going to do something different tonight. I would like everybody to go to The Mustang Ride and read the beginning of a short story Danger! Bridge Out! I hope you enjoy it.

Monday, February 9, 2009

How to write a personal letter- Advocacy

Do you need to write a letter to an important official? Then here is what you need to do.

-State clearly what you need from the recipient of your letter.
-State briefly why you think it should be done.
-Avoid giving too much detail.
-If you need to be contacted, make sure you give the proper information.

Form for your letter:

Letterhead in the top center


Date

Name of recipient
Title of recipient
Address

Greeting:

In the first paragraph state what you want the recipient to do for you.

In the second paragraph give the most important facts that support what you need done.

In the third paragraph tell the recipient how they can make a difference, no facts. Say this in a personal way.

In the fourth paragraph thank you recipient for considering you and give your contact information.

Closing

Your signature
Your name typed
Your title.

This has been our final personal letter. If there are other types of personal letter that I have missed, please tell me and I can add them.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

How to write a personal letter- Invitation

I am sure you all know how to write an invitation, but here are some quick guidelines so nothing is forgotten. And above all remember to proofread.

  • Write down the occasion, date, time and place. Add a map if necessary.
  • Note if refreshments will be served and if an RSVP is needed. You can include a phone number for your RSVP or a self-addressed stamped envelope.
  • Do not use abbreviations or contractions.
  • Express you are glad to see the person arriving
  • Mention an arriving time and a serving time if there is dinner.
  • If you do not want gifts, mention that.
  • Make sure invitations are sent in plenty of time, especially if the guests are from out of town.

If you are having a speaker, you should give them the following information in their invitation:

  • type of audience
  • Kind of speech, how long it should be and topic
  • any accommodations that will be made
  • Contact person and their information

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Write about a person you are separated from.

For Four Years
The house is empty.
My love is gone,
to the military
for four years. Without
him here
makes my heart shout
with sadness and pain.
I love him greatly.
Our lives though have much to gain.
I can't wait for the house
to be filled again
with his presence.

Friday, February 6, 2009

How to write a short story- Rough draft Thus Far

This is another rough draft of my short story. I know I still need to work on the vocabulary. I would like feedback to see what you like to see. Thank you.

Hi, my name is Sue. I work on a dude ranch outside of Cody, Wyoming. It sure is pretty country. There are lots of pine and spruce trees and some quaking aspens. One of my favorite things to do on my days off is ride up in the trees on my horse, Jack.

I have always had a good life. I had two wonderful parents who did the best they could for us, it is mighty hard to make a living out here in the sagebrush of Wyoming. My nine siblings and I had all we could want, but we always knew our parents sacrificed a lot so we could have shoes to wear to school and a set of nice clothes for Sunday meetin’ time. I knew a lot of kids only had shoes with holes in them, because their families couldn’t even get them repaired.

Although I have had that good life there has always been something troublin’ me. And that is the Sunday meetin’ time. Those Circuit Rider preachers were always hollarin’ and makin’ me feel like God was goin’ to get me if I looked cross-eyed at the neighbors. I had done some readin’ of the Bible and from what I gathered the Old Testament God was like that, but not the God of the New Testament.

I ain’t been livin’ at home for nigh on twenty years give or take. I left when I was sixteen, so my family wouldn’t have to support me no more. I knew I could find work as a dishwasher or cook at one of them fancy dude ranches up near the park, Yellowstone National Park.

This ranch I’ve been workin’ at has been real good to me. It has been around since the late 1800’s and is still goin’ strong here in the 1950’s. I started out a dishwasher, then helpin’ prepare the food and now I’m the boss over ‘em all in the kitchen. It sure is lots of fun. Once in a while I get letters from some of my friends and they don’t get the days off like I do.

I have been havin’ difficulties with my relationships with God. I still see him as I did when I was livin’ at home, scary. I can feel God trying to work on my heart every day. I have been thinking that I would take my next day off and ride up to my favorite spot along Libby Creek to learn more about God and really listen with my heart.

I know there is a lot of information in the Bible and I can just hope God will lead me to the right knowledge. I need to know all about God’s existence, love and my worthiness. Sometimes I don’t believe any of it and sometimes I feel as if I know all of it like the gray hairs on my head. I heard Romans was a good book of the Bible to read. I’m not sure though. It just doesn’t seem as if one book of the Bible would be enough to change my mind. It could be though.

Tomorrow is my day off. As soon as I rise in the morning I will pack a breakfast and lunch and ride Jack up the creek to my glen. I’m shore the iris and other purty flowers will be able to help me and git me out of this sorry state. Well, I am going off to cook the night meal for all the dudes and dudettes and think about what I need to take with me in the mornin’

The kitchen I cook in is shore good. It has all the latest equipment and the larder is always full of all the fancy foods these city folk like. I’m jest so glad there are people to do the dishes and milk the cows. I jest take the menus to the missus and have her o.k. them so I can have the girls cook them. Tonight it’ll be pan-fried trout and wild dandelion salad. I thought we could make wild strawberry shortcake too. We don’t have too many folk here right now, so it won’t be so difficult for all of us to get it done and I can make shore everythin’ is in order for tomar’.

Golly, did I git to bed late last night. There was so much to be done in that thar kitchen. I had to boil eggs, wash the greens, and make shore thar was a perfectly done list. Those girls don’t know nothin’ so that list had to be written out minut by minut. I don’t want the missus to get mad at the girls. Those poor things have enough problems, they don’t need more.

I’m glad today is my day off. I aim to head off to the hills as soon as the sun comes up. That’ll give me time to get my breakfast ate and pack a lunch. I need to git a thermos of water and some bread and meat. I’m needin’ a simple lunch, because I’s gots lots to thank ‘bout today.

I am a bit nervous about goin’. I am not shore what it is I am supposed to read. I don’t know what I should ask. I jest don’t know. Perhaps it is time for a prayer now.

Dear Lord,
I’m comin’ to talk to you today. I want to git to know you in the way I hear everybody talkin’. I just don’t see how you have ‘nuff love for everybody, especially a poor uneducated fool like me. Please give me the courage and the knowledge to get to know you. In your name I pray, Amen.

I guess I had best get my satchel, Bible and git my meal decided. I think I’ll be takin’ a loaf of bread and a chunk a cheese. I will get some water out of the creek to drink and fill up the thermos so it will be nice and cool.

Glad I got up early, so I can git out of here, before anybody asks where I am goin’ and if they can go along too. Glad Jack is on the pasture and he can be ridden bareback. I can just git Jack over to one of the stumps and hop onto his back. I shore love the gentle horse I was able to earn ‘nuff money to buy. I’m glad I don’t have to pay for feed, the mister just lets me keep Jack here for as long as I’m here.

It shore is a nice ride up Libby Creek. It is flowing at is usual speed and the green leaves reflecting in the water are just marvelous. The glen looks just like it did a week ago when I tried my first talk with God. I had a lot of doubt that time the last time I tried to come to terms with God and his existence, but I prayed a lot this week. I read the book of Genesis and I now know Satan was the one who was leading me on. He really did cause Adam and Eve, Cain the cities Sodom and Gomorrah among many other a lot of problems. I have read what God has done to those who do not obey him and I do not want that to happen to me.

I thank today I will work on reading the book of Romans and the book of Psalms. Last night after I was done with my work I took a glance through the Bible and saw different chapters in Psalms that looked as if they could help me understand God in a more personable way. I aim to banish Satan from my life forever.

I know I should pray before I begin my work with God. I remember the one I said earlier and I think it should be similar, but I don’t know if he likes repeats, so I’d best say it different.

Dear Lord,
I’m now here at my special glen to talk to you and read about you. Please give me the courage and the knowledge to get to know you. Show me where in the Bible I am to begin. In your name I pray, Amen.

Lord, I am now going to open my Bible. Please lead me to knowledge I need to know, before I read in Psalms and Romans. 1 Chronicles 4:9&10 is what I have decided to look at. “And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me and thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

That is interestin’. Why would they put that part in the middle of a bunch of chapters that list name after name. Perhaps I should change the words into a prayer that would benefit me and as time passes I can always change the words to the situation.

I wonder how many people read about Jabez and if he has influence their lives. If I had not asked God what to read I doubt I would have read it. I have just skipped over names in the past. I must not do that anymore. There will always be real gold in the areas where it looks like there is no gold.

I think my new prayer will be: Lord, that thou would bless me indeed, and enlarge my knowledge of you, and that thine hand might be with me and thou would keep me from evil, that I may not grieve others. In Your name I pray, Amen.

If the Bible mentions this man in just two verses and God cares so much for him then he must care for me like that too. That really helps me to believe that God cares for me. I wonder what I can find when I read Psalms.

I guess I was right all along to fear God, ‘cause it says in Psalm 111, verse ten that the fear of the lord is beginnin’ of wisdom. I guess if we understand him and do as he says his praise is always ours.

I’m in trouble then. I’ve not been understandin’ him and I’ve not been followin’ his commandments. I had better read the Ten Commandments again and see what it is I’ve been doin’ wrong.

I know I’ve not been keepin’ that Sabbath holy. I’ve not been as I’m confused as to which day is the Sabbath day. Some peoples have it on Saturday and others on Sunday. I guess I will just have to choose a day to go to church, so I can begin to follow all God’s commandments.

The other commandment I used to have a problem with and I don’t now is lyin’. I’m so glad I don’ do that no more.

I’d best follow all the commandments and read the Bible.

I am feeling very good about what it is I am doing. I know Jesus is a wonderful person and I am forgiven of my past sins. I should decide what church is the best for me and talk to the minister about being baptized. I want to be born again and become the best Christian I can be.

Thank you Lord for speaking and being with me today. I am going to go back now and start my new life.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Write a about a Little Known Person.

Randolph Thomas
fascinated by the Civil War, wrote about it
a poem, "The Course of Telling"
Wonder how much he actually knew;
Gettysburg, 54th Massachusetts,
Generals, Grant and Lee, slavery?
The importance of the players in the deadly game.
How victory could change sides from time to time,
sometimes the North winning, sometimes the South.
The slaves knew it would be the North
who would capture the flag forever.
Did Randolf Thomas?

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

What are the Chapters in Your Life?

Chapter 1. When I was born
Chapter 2. When I went to Boxelder Rural School
Chapter 3. Life in High School
Chapter 4. Those College Days
Chapter 5. Married and Happy
Chapter 6. Life with Kids

Write three beginning sentences to Chapter 4, “Those College Days”.
1. It was a hot August day when I was left in a big town 800 miles away from my home.
2. It sure is going to be a long four years.
3. Where am I going to live, they never sent me my room assignment?

Write three ending sentences to Chapter 4, “Those College Days”.
1. This was a hot May day to have graduated.
2. This has been the fastest four years.
3. I found my room and my roommates have been the best.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

How to write a personal letter- Condolence

Is someone in your life going through a difficult time such as a death in the family, an accident, or loss of a job? If they are you will need to sharpen your skills and learn the best way to write a letter of condolence.

Don’t be over dramatic; a simple sorry usually works, and then mention the person who died or the specific incident. In your letter mention you are always available if needed and be careful with your word choice. When you are proofreading make sure your letter is the type of letter you would like to receive.

Dear Jim,

I was sorry to hear of the loss of your job at XYE Incorporated. I know you really enjoyed your job there. I wish you the best of luck on your job search.

Thank you for inspiring me to do my best and you are always in my prayers.

Love,
Susan

Dear Aunt Jill,

I am sorry to hear that Uncle Larry died. I will always remember the fishing trips we took to Canada in the summer. I hope you are doing well during this difficult time. If you ever need someone to talk to, please call me.

You are always in my prayers.

Love,
Susan

Monday, February 2, 2009

Write a Poem about Kisses

The Kiss
I kissed another, knowing what I was doing.
Now what do I do?
Sandy, Liz and Tiffany all cheat-
Steve steps out on Laura
I didn't want to be like them.
I'm not sure if I want to tell my boyfriend
or keep it a secret the rest of my life.
I'm not sure I could live with myself
if I don't tell him.
I don't want something
that was done out of loneliness,
to ruin the relationship we have built.
I decided I will tell him
and hope he still loves me.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

How to write a personal letter- Congratulations

Do you know someone who is celebrating their anniversary, graduating or announcing their engagement? Then you need to write a letter of congratulations. Here is how you do it.

Say your congratulations at the beginning of your note and also at the end. Don’t forget to mention the occasion. Do not add any other information in with your news, unless it is a birthday card. When proofreading make sure you have not gone overboard on the compliments.

Dear Sam and Joanne,

I saw your engagement in the paper, congratulations. I look forward to your wedding and wish you nothing but happiness.

Once I again I am thrilled for you.

Love,
Susan


Dear Jim,

Congratulations on the new position at XYE Incorporated. I am sure you will inspire and please many people with your new position. I hope you find great job satisfaction.

I wish you the best.

Love,
Susan