Hi faithful readers!
Its been nearly a month since my last post and it feels like a week! So much is going on. Over the past 4 weeks I have visited my family (pictures of that will be up soon), hosted Twilight Night (a major event for work where we showed the movie and discussed healthy and unhealthy relationships), picked up another wedding for the end of this month, and did P&W for our women's conference, taught a week of classes with the COOLEST class ever (shout out to Ms. Nelson!), made stuffed mushrooms for the first time, got my car cleaned, had lunch with Stephanie and that cute little thing she's always feeding (I'm pretty sure its her kid), missed 2 episodes of the Office :(, went to the park with Kenneth (I love parks...Kenneth is pretty cool too), saw my brother and his awesome tour band from Warner Christian Academy (I love you Wendell, you're a great Assistant band Director)...
Whew!
Somewhere in the midst of all that I showered...I find this helpful in keeping friends.
What I've also learned is that God is the one who gives me strength. There is nothing I do that I can do by myself. I am moody and impatient and tired, but in my weakness He is strong and that is awesome! Be encouraged today. OH and check out the pictures below. Shout out to my friend Casey!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Ladies and Gentlemen: Casey Parish!
Good Friend, Graphic Design Enthusiast, Rising Photographer...
Thank you, Casey!
Thank you, Casey!
Monday, April 13, 2009
It's Been Awhile...
Sorry friends I went MIA for a bit, but please believe I was in action not just hanging out. I'm hoping everyone had a wonderful Easter...I got to spend some time with my sweet friends the Kone's.
Shout out to some of the sweetest people I know!!
Other than that, I have been busy in classes trying to encourage young people to make some good decisions. I had one of my High School students ask me to the prom.
"Miss Tiffane...you go wit me to da prom"
"Sure! You don't mind if my boyfriend comes too, do you?"
"Naw..you fine! It don't matter."
"Well thanks for the invite, but I'm pretty sure that its illegal...for lots of reasons."
I love my job!
Shout out to some of the sweetest people I know!!
Other than that, I have been busy in classes trying to encourage young people to make some good decisions. I had one of my High School students ask me to the prom.
"Miss Tiffane...you go wit me to da prom"
"Sure! You don't mind if my boyfriend comes too, do you?"
"Naw..you fine! It don't matter."
"Well thanks for the invite, but I'm pretty sure that its illegal...for lots of reasons."
I love my job!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Just When You Thought...
...I only had nice things to say. :) Not that this is mean, but it is controversial. Politics are corrupt on every side, so this isn't about parties or our current president. It is simply something that I feel strongly about. I am conservative in my views and I respect the politicians I know who are making an effort to uphold what is moral versus popular or pleasing. But I have heard several politicians and lay people recently make a statement likened to the following:
"Well if those Mexicans wanna be here they should have to learn our language - English! This is America"
Warning, if you agree with the above statement, we can still be friends, but you may want to stop reading here.
1. Not all Hispanics are Mexican. This is mainly for the area I live in. People here seem to think this. Ignorance may be involuntary, but it is not without consequence and should be avoided when possible.
2. Our language? Not to dim down the intentions of our forefathers, but if we were so "true" to who was here first, we would all be speaking Native American dialects. Not only that, but Americans (generally) aren't the best at speaking English.
3. Finally, let us not forget that the majority of our families (in generations past) moved here. German, Italian, Irish, African, Jewish, Anglo-Saxon...we didn't sprout from North American soil. These groups of people moved to America for the hope of something better...interesting concept.
Now for those of you who believe you have a conscience...consider the following:
4. If you're Jose and you're making $3.00 a week packing tomatoes,you have 4 children, a wife and her mother living with you...then you hear that 30 miles across a border you can make $7.00 a day...would you try to change your situation? This does NOT excuse doing something illegal. Illegal immigration is WRONG - period.
BUT
wouldn't it be great of we Christians went on mission trips to Mexico and stayed in their villages, NOT American owned hotels and taught them how to immigrate LEGALLY? Or how to manage money, or increase their crop harvest so that they could have a higher quality of life in Mexico?
And Finally, what I want to say to everyone who makes this statement to my face:
5. Use the hot air and energy you're exasperating now to "vent" to me and go teach one of them how to speak English.
I do understand the toll illegal immigration has taken on our economy and safety. Again, it is wrong. If our government decides to recreate the Great Wall of China along our borders, so be it. But this doesn't give us (especially Christians)the right to discriminate against those who are already here.
This summer, a drunk driver hit my sister and she suffered a concussion. He was drunk, high, speeding and an illegal alien. Obviously he had no insurance so we have a lot of bills to pay. We're mad. BUT God doesn't value him any less...so how can we? My sister said that.
Food for thought.
"Well if those Mexicans wanna be here they should have to learn our language - English! This is America"
Warning, if you agree with the above statement, we can still be friends, but you may want to stop reading here.
1. Not all Hispanics are Mexican. This is mainly for the area I live in. People here seem to think this. Ignorance may be involuntary, but it is not without consequence and should be avoided when possible.
2. Our language? Not to dim down the intentions of our forefathers, but if we were so "true" to who was here first, we would all be speaking Native American dialects. Not only that, but Americans (generally) aren't the best at speaking English.
3. Finally, let us not forget that the majority of our families (in generations past) moved here. German, Italian, Irish, African, Jewish, Anglo-Saxon...we didn't sprout from North American soil. These groups of people moved to America for the hope of something better...interesting concept.
Now for those of you who believe you have a conscience...consider the following:
4. If you're Jose and you're making $3.00 a week packing tomatoes,you have 4 children, a wife and her mother living with you...then you hear that 30 miles across a border you can make $7.00 a day...would you try to change your situation? This does NOT excuse doing something illegal. Illegal immigration is WRONG - period.
BUT
wouldn't it be great of we Christians went on mission trips to Mexico and stayed in their villages, NOT American owned hotels and taught them how to immigrate LEGALLY? Or how to manage money, or increase their crop harvest so that they could have a higher quality of life in Mexico?
And Finally, what I want to say to everyone who makes this statement to my face:
5. Use the hot air and energy you're exasperating now to "vent" to me and go teach one of them how to speak English.
I do understand the toll illegal immigration has taken on our economy and safety. Again, it is wrong. If our government decides to recreate the Great Wall of China along our borders, so be it. But this doesn't give us (especially Christians)the right to discriminate against those who are already here.
This summer, a drunk driver hit my sister and she suffered a concussion. He was drunk, high, speeding and an illegal alien. Obviously he had no insurance so we have a lot of bills to pay. We're mad. BUT God doesn't value him any less...so how can we? My sister said that.
Food for thought.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Dr. Raulerson?????
I am so proud of my dad. To say he had obstacles in his life is an understatement, but then again, who hasn't? Anyway. In December of 2007 he received his Doctorate in Theology from beacon University. I went to his graduation, I knew it happened, but it hit me in a different way when he spoke at my church last Sunday and Pastor Vince introduced him as Doctor Raulerson. I see why Parents cry when their kids succeed. That is all I could do. Anyway...it was a very special day. Several friends who could also be considered family members attended and we praised God and ate and laughed and did what we do. HUGE thank you to the Gunter's for allowing us to use their Pond House.
Mom & Dad
Family Pic!
Real Parents & Surrogate Parents (Donna & Charles Gunter)
A couple of Sissies!
Oh Joy It's Coy (Friend & Brilliant Photographer) :)
Mom & Dad
Family Pic!
Real Parents & Surrogate Parents (Donna & Charles Gunter)
A couple of Sissies!
Oh Joy It's Coy (Friend & Brilliant Photographer) :)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Overwhelming Me...
Those two words pertain to a lot in my life right now. I realized that I have some new blog readers who may not know much about what I have currently going on. Here is an update. Overwhelming me refers to...
1. The name of a song my brother (Wendell) wrote. When dad preached at my church this Sunday we sang it during the alter call. It is about being compelled and overwhelmed by the presence of God. Awesome stuff. My family is the world to me and I am so happy to be able to share the realtionship and heart for ministry that we have. We're crazy...but we're fun.
2. How I've felt at work lately. I've been the only person in my grant for about 2 years now, but this cycle (January 09-June 09) has been a bit more challenging to me. I like challenges, so I'm not discouraged - I'm just overwhelmed at times. The people I work with only see me as an educator, not a budget manager, data analyzer, etc. I know God will give me the grace to handle it...its just a lot to handle.
3. Kenneth Gordon. Its a good name, right? :) He is more than just a boyfriend. He is an opportunity for me to be a part of something for me. As a recovering people pleaser, I've been in several relationships that literally drained me. But Ken adds value and challenge and trust and self-esteem & humor to my life. I have been blessed with wonderful friends who do this as well, BUT I don't get to kiss them. :) I am overhwelmed at the fact that he chose me.
4. My friends! Holy cow, I am soooooooooo blessed. Lauren listens to my silly stories no matter how long they last. Steph drove 50 miles to be with me and my family on a really important day. Kristen prays dilligently for me...when she has the most challenging schedule and work load of her own. Coy gives advice like a pro...how is she so smart? Morgan is one of the FEW who truly understands the "Chipley Factor". God knows exactly what I need right now and he's put people in place for me to share and laugh and cry and stalk with. Ovewhelming!
5. God uses me?! Are you sure God? Don't you know how messed up I am? That I've lied and been unfauthful to you and done the complete opposite of things I should have done. But yet I talk to students who want to follow my example and church members who felt your presence because you used me. Prayers...silent prayers in my heart have been answered on the behalf of others. I don't deserve all of this, but Thank you.
Whew!
1. The name of a song my brother (Wendell) wrote. When dad preached at my church this Sunday we sang it during the alter call. It is about being compelled and overwhelmed by the presence of God. Awesome stuff. My family is the world to me and I am so happy to be able to share the realtionship and heart for ministry that we have. We're crazy...but we're fun.
2. How I've felt at work lately. I've been the only person in my grant for about 2 years now, but this cycle (January 09-June 09) has been a bit more challenging to me. I like challenges, so I'm not discouraged - I'm just overwhelmed at times. The people I work with only see me as an educator, not a budget manager, data analyzer, etc. I know God will give me the grace to handle it...its just a lot to handle.
3. Kenneth Gordon. Its a good name, right? :) He is more than just a boyfriend. He is an opportunity for me to be a part of something for me. As a recovering people pleaser, I've been in several relationships that literally drained me. But Ken adds value and challenge and trust and self-esteem & humor to my life. I have been blessed with wonderful friends who do this as well, BUT I don't get to kiss them. :) I am overhwelmed at the fact that he chose me.
4. My friends! Holy cow, I am soooooooooo blessed. Lauren listens to my silly stories no matter how long they last. Steph drove 50 miles to be with me and my family on a really important day. Kristen prays dilligently for me...when she has the most challenging schedule and work load of her own. Coy gives advice like a pro...how is she so smart? Morgan is one of the FEW who truly understands the "Chipley Factor". God knows exactly what I need right now and he's put people in place for me to share and laugh and cry and stalk with. Ovewhelming!
5. God uses me?! Are you sure God? Don't you know how messed up I am? That I've lied and been unfauthful to you and done the complete opposite of things I should have done. But yet I talk to students who want to follow my example and church members who felt your presence because you used me. Prayers...silent prayers in my heart have been answered on the behalf of others. I don't deserve all of this, but Thank you.
Whew!
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