Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Ladybug and the Ant Become Friends
A tired and lonely ladybug trudged along the edge of a crisp orange-tree leaf. She didn't understand why she felt so sad. The sky was blue and calm; however, its vastness overwhelmed her rather than providing comfort. The sun was bright and warm as well, but it made her feel tired instead of energized. She felt like going to bed even though it was daytime.
But the strangest thing happened as she was about to lie down to rest. She came upon an exhausted brown ant who was dying of thirst. She could hear his desperate gasps for something to drink. So, the ladybug offered him some water from her very lonely citrus tree. The ant drank like he would never stop and then all of a sudden... he collapsed.
The ladybug was confused. She asked herself, "Why did I waste even one of my precious leaves on that thankless, mean ant if he was just going to crawl up and die?" But just a few moments later, she realized that the ant was not really dead; rather, he had just curled himself into a ball where he fell fast asleep.
Since the ladybug could see that the ant was in fact still breathing, she decided to go and find him some food. She quickly found some fresh green leaves and returned to the branch where the ant slept. Within seconds, the ladybug covered the ant with two of the leaves to shade him from the hot, yellow sun. Though the ladybug did not have any particular commitment to this sleepy ant, she felt like fate had called her to wait by his side until he awoke.
So, as she waited next to her new companion, she counted big, fat, fluffy clouds. One cloud looked like an enraged eagle. Two others floated by like lounging lambs. She even noticed three crawling caterpillars off in the distance. To her surprise, four crying cats shed their tears out to the east. But five funny flamingos showed up next to lighten up her pensive mood. The clouds zoomed by, but the ant did not notice a single one. And so, the ladybug waited and waited and waited until the next morning finally came.
But, to the ladybug's frustration, the ant remained peacefully asleep. So, she counted some more clouds. She saw six frolicking frogs and seven gliding goats. She even noticed eight cricketing crickets and nine slithering snakes. Alas, she observed ten tip-toeing turtles. And this was all that her impatient imagination could muster. Her sleeping friend just had to wake up.
So, the ladybug started to make some noise. She decided to read to the ant to try to wake him up. "...out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar..." she read. But, to no avail, the ant continued to snore. Then, the ladybug decided to sing to the ant. At first she hummed quietly, but nothing came of it. So, very quickly her "la-la-la" got noticeably louder. Still... the ant would not budge.
Finally, the ladybug shouted into the ant's ear, "Wake up you silly ant! It's time to get up!" So, the ant rolled over and said, "Well, you don't have to be rude about it." And since the ant was wide awake now, he decided to eat breakfast with the satisfied ladybug. As they ate, the ladybug told the ant all about the clever clouds up in the sky and of the appetizing tale about the very hungry caterpillar.
The two insects continued to chat about this and that... and before long, they began to feel as if they had been friends for an eternity. The ant thanked the ladybug for helping him when he had been left for dead while the ladybug assured the ant that it was the least she could do. And for the first time in a long time, the ant realized she was no longer sad.
Eventually, after so much talking, the two insects got bored. So, the ladybug and the ant decided to leave the fragrant orange-tree to look for a rainbow and a flowing stream where they could go for a swim. Along their journey, they spotted eleven dancing dinosaurs and twelve pretentious pandas.
THE END
***story quote from Eric Carle's beloved "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"
But the strangest thing happened as she was about to lie down to rest. She came upon an exhausted brown ant who was dying of thirst. She could hear his desperate gasps for something to drink. So, the ladybug offered him some water from her very lonely citrus tree. The ant drank like he would never stop and then all of a sudden... he collapsed.
The ladybug was confused. She asked herself, "Why did I waste even one of my precious leaves on that thankless, mean ant if he was just going to crawl up and die?" But just a few moments later, she realized that the ant was not really dead; rather, he had just curled himself into a ball where he fell fast asleep.
Since the ladybug could see that the ant was in fact still breathing, she decided to go and find him some food. She quickly found some fresh green leaves and returned to the branch where the ant slept. Within seconds, the ladybug covered the ant with two of the leaves to shade him from the hot, yellow sun. Though the ladybug did not have any particular commitment to this sleepy ant, she felt like fate had called her to wait by his side until he awoke.
So, as she waited next to her new companion, she counted big, fat, fluffy clouds. One cloud looked like an enraged eagle. Two others floated by like lounging lambs. She even noticed three crawling caterpillars off in the distance. To her surprise, four crying cats shed their tears out to the east. But five funny flamingos showed up next to lighten up her pensive mood. The clouds zoomed by, but the ant did not notice a single one. And so, the ladybug waited and waited and waited until the next morning finally came.
But, to the ladybug's frustration, the ant remained peacefully asleep. So, she counted some more clouds. She saw six frolicking frogs and seven gliding goats. She even noticed eight cricketing crickets and nine slithering snakes. Alas, she observed ten tip-toeing turtles. And this was all that her impatient imagination could muster. Her sleeping friend just had to wake up.
So, the ladybug started to make some noise. She decided to read to the ant to try to wake him up. "...out of the egg came a tiny and very hungry caterpillar..." she read. But, to no avail, the ant continued to snore. Then, the ladybug decided to sing to the ant. At first she hummed quietly, but nothing came of it. So, very quickly her "la-la-la" got noticeably louder. Still... the ant would not budge.
Finally, the ladybug shouted into the ant's ear, "Wake up you silly ant! It's time to get up!" So, the ant rolled over and said, "Well, you don't have to be rude about it." And since the ant was wide awake now, he decided to eat breakfast with the satisfied ladybug. As they ate, the ladybug told the ant all about the clever clouds up in the sky and of the appetizing tale about the very hungry caterpillar.
The two insects continued to chat about this and that... and before long, they began to feel as if they had been friends for an eternity. The ant thanked the ladybug for helping him when he had been left for dead while the ladybug assured the ant that it was the least she could do. And for the first time in a long time, the ant realized she was no longer sad.
Eventually, after so much talking, the two insects got bored. So, the ladybug and the ant decided to leave the fragrant orange-tree to look for a rainbow and a flowing stream where they could go for a swim. Along their journey, they spotted eleven dancing dinosaurs and twelve pretentious pandas.
THE END
***story quote from Eric Carle's beloved "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"
Labels: bugs, children's story, eric carle, insects
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Two Great Bible Verses:
Sometimes, God's word is just enough...no commentary needed. So, here are two Bible verses that have really ministered to me over this past week:
Psalm 28:2, "Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place."
AND
Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 28:2, "Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place."
AND
Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Sit at the Feet of Jesus
To sit at the feet of Jesus... what does this mean? It's a challenging concept because it's not like he's right in front of us, staring into our eyes. In our scientific world where we depend upon empirical evidence, it's hard to wrap our heads around this idea... to sit at the feet of Jesus. And let's just say that we could actually sit in his presence, what does this look like in practical terms? Here are three simple thoughts to get us moving in the right direction.
First, slow down physically. Sitting at the feet of Jesus means jumping out of the race for a few moments. We get so busy with our day to day tasks that we find it taxing to stop and rest at Jesus' feet. But, this is essential because when we stop to listen, we can actually hear from God, even if it's just a whisper. As we sit down to listen to the Lord, we are able to "Be still and know that (He is) God..." (Psalm 46:10).
Second, slow down mentally. Find a place where you can be alone. This means no cell phones, no laptops, no iPods, and no Kindles. Sometimes, this feels impossible because you live in a house full of family members or room-mates. So, you might just need to get away to a quiet spot in your garden or patio. If you can wake up before everyone else, spend a few moments in your living room or even in that cozy chair next to your bed.
Mark 1:35 shares how Jesus went away to be by Himself to speak with his Father: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." He took some time away from Simon and his companions because even he needed some time alone to pray.
Third, slow down spiritually. Sometimes it's hard to "feel" spiritual. We get so distracted by the concerns around us: the plethora of unpaid bills, the text messages flooding our cell phones, or the stubborn check-engine light on our dashboard. To make this easier, place some symbols in front of you during your prayer-time to remind you of who Jesus is... even amidst life's daily stresses.
A good friend of mine likes to light a candle when she prays. The symbol of light reminds us of who Jesus is. John 1:4 says, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men" (v. 4). Another symbol could be a glass of water. Set it next to you during your prayer-time as a reminder of Jesus as the God of miracles. In John, chapter 2, Jesus turned the water into wine during the wedding banquet at Cana in Galilee. Remember that Jesus can do miracles in your life today as well.
Share how you slow down to sit at Jesus' feet. We'd love to hear from you. :)
First, slow down physically. Sitting at the feet of Jesus means jumping out of the race for a few moments. We get so busy with our day to day tasks that we find it taxing to stop and rest at Jesus' feet. But, this is essential because when we stop to listen, we can actually hear from God, even if it's just a whisper. As we sit down to listen to the Lord, we are able to "Be still and know that (He is) God..." (Psalm 46:10).
Second, slow down mentally. Find a place where you can be alone. This means no cell phones, no laptops, no iPods, and no Kindles. Sometimes, this feels impossible because you live in a house full of family members or room-mates. So, you might just need to get away to a quiet spot in your garden or patio. If you can wake up before everyone else, spend a few moments in your living room or even in that cozy chair next to your bed.
Mark 1:35 shares how Jesus went away to be by Himself to speak with his Father: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." He took some time away from Simon and his companions because even he needed some time alone to pray.
Third, slow down spiritually. Sometimes it's hard to "feel" spiritual. We get so distracted by the concerns around us: the plethora of unpaid bills, the text messages flooding our cell phones, or the stubborn check-engine light on our dashboard. To make this easier, place some symbols in front of you during your prayer-time to remind you of who Jesus is... even amidst life's daily stresses.
A good friend of mine likes to light a candle when she prays. The symbol of light reminds us of who Jesus is. John 1:4 says, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men" (v. 4). Another symbol could be a glass of water. Set it next to you during your prayer-time as a reminder of Jesus as the God of miracles. In John, chapter 2, Jesus turned the water into wine during the wedding banquet at Cana in Galilee. Remember that Jesus can do miracles in your life today as well.
Share how you slow down to sit at Jesus' feet. We'd love to hear from you. :)
Labels: faith, family, Jesus, prayer
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Preparing Our Kids for the Future
As parents, we should encourage our kids toward their specific goals. But, first we have to help them figure out what those goals are. They're passionate about a variety of things, from their academic classes and sports, to their extracurricular activities or religious commitments. Which ones are the most important? Which ones will match up with their greatest potential? As their moms and dads, we get to evaluate those strengths while helping them draw out an exciting picture of their professional future.
Eventually, they will graduate from high school and move on to a career and/or a family. So, let's give them some tools to evaluate their future while they are young. But, how do we get started? Shaping our kids' career goals might seem like a mighty task, but it doesn't have to be daunting. It can actually be pretty simple and fun as well. Here are four suggestions to get you started.
First, spend some quality time with your kid. Even though you already know your own kid pretty well, ask her what she loves to spend her time doing. Ask why she loves that particular subject or activity and make sure she's pursuing it because of her passion, not yours. Get to know her by talking about some of her favorite magazines or websites. You could even ask about some upcoming movie titles as you evaluate her interests: adventures, dramas, action flicks, mysteries, etc.
Part of this exercise also helps to strengthen your understanding of what she's already good at...math, science, art, soccer, etc. It's likely that some of her natural talents will line up with some of her future goals. Discuss her end-of-the-year projects and the outcome of her final exams. Take the time to connect so you can both be on the same page. Some parents might assume their kid will be an architect but what if he does poorly at math and art? Doesn't sound like a fit.
Second, brainstorm with your child about some possible career choices to get the ideas flowing. Talk about what a love for art could turn into: a painter, a graphic designer, or a movie producer, etc. Discuss the possibilities of a career as a scientist: an astronomer, an oceanographer, or a geologist. Visit some fun science websites together, such as NASA's website (www.nasa.gov) which explores various scientific facets, including astronomical and oceanographic studies.
If your son loves firetrucks, talk to him about what firefighters do and see if he has similar interests. Maybe he loves to swim; so, you could discuss the duties of the US Coast Guard or a potential career as a dolphin trainer. If your child's favorite activity is to observe and listen to others, you could talk about the variety of jobs that are offered to professional counselors via schools, hospitals, military branches, and even through the financial sector.
Third, keep it real. Ask your kids what they want to be when they grow up. Describe some different career choices that you considered when you were young. As you do this, discuss your own career path while showing them how you came to your decision. Remember to include your honest evaluation of your own professional decisions. Maybe you love your job; maybe you don't. Let them know how you really feel.
Talk to them about the reality that many people make a variety of career choices over their lifetime. Allow them to see that they can apply multiple interests over the years and that they don't have to feel limited by one plan. For example, my kids know that I used to be a Spanish professor before they were born, but now understand how I have modified my career goals to be at home with them as a freelance writer while they are young.
Fourth, give them practical ways to see those careers in action. Allow their inexperienced eyes to glance at a variety of professional environments. If your kids seem interested in art, fan the flame by taking them to some local art museums this summer. If you're up for a drive to Los Angeles, check out the Getty Museum where admission is always free (http://www.getty.edu/museum/).
Perhaps your kid is a digger and a builder, so your summer visit might include a stop through a model home development or a visit to some downtown skyscrapers. If your daughter loves animals and wants to be a vet, line up some visits to your city's animal rescue center or drive down to San Diego to visit the Wild Animal Park or the Zoo (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/).
Maybe your child loves to ham it up on the pretend microphone all day long; so, you could take him or her for a visit to a local radio station. Who knows, your kid might end up as the next announcer for your favorite sport's team. Free tickets anyone? If it's close to impossible to reach the big-wigs from a major radio station, try a junior college or university near you, where access might be easier.
Even though your children may not pursue their childhood interests as adults, motivating them as kids gives them enthusiasm for the future. Just helping them to evaluate the idea of being a professional someday is a great start. It allows them to dream big and to see their own potential. Think of some kids you knew growing up who never thought they would amount to much. Imagine if their parents had invested a little bit more time and energy into their future.
For older kids, it's especially important that they understand the preparation involved for certain careers. Talk to them about the need for a good high school record, so that they can get into a decent college. Share with them how a college degree is a basic requirement for many professions now. If they can see these things ahead of time, hopefully they'll perform accordingly.
Your care for their passions and your interest in their preparedness shows them love and support. So, even if your kid doesn't end up as a future president of the United States, her dream and the endless array of imaginary speeches will prepare her for life as a successful adult regardless of the altered career path. She may even choose to do what you've done because she's seen the love you've had for your own job over the years.
Whatever comes out of these suggestions, never underestimate the investment you make in your child's future. Share some of your son or daughter's passions and dreams. We'd love to hear from you.
Eventually, they will graduate from high school and move on to a career and/or a family. So, let's give them some tools to evaluate their future while they are young. But, how do we get started? Shaping our kids' career goals might seem like a mighty task, but it doesn't have to be daunting. It can actually be pretty simple and fun as well. Here are four suggestions to get you started.
First, spend some quality time with your kid. Even though you already know your own kid pretty well, ask her what she loves to spend her time doing. Ask why she loves that particular subject or activity and make sure she's pursuing it because of her passion, not yours. Get to know her by talking about some of her favorite magazines or websites. You could even ask about some upcoming movie titles as you evaluate her interests: adventures, dramas, action flicks, mysteries, etc.
Part of this exercise also helps to strengthen your understanding of what she's already good at...math, science, art, soccer, etc. It's likely that some of her natural talents will line up with some of her future goals. Discuss her end-of-the-year projects and the outcome of her final exams. Take the time to connect so you can both be on the same page. Some parents might assume their kid will be an architect but what if he does poorly at math and art? Doesn't sound like a fit.
Second, brainstorm with your child about some possible career choices to get the ideas flowing. Talk about what a love for art could turn into: a painter, a graphic designer, or a movie producer, etc. Discuss the possibilities of a career as a scientist: an astronomer, an oceanographer, or a geologist. Visit some fun science websites together, such as NASA's website (www.nasa.gov) which explores various scientific facets, including astronomical and oceanographic studies.
If your son loves firetrucks, talk to him about what firefighters do and see if he has similar interests. Maybe he loves to swim; so, you could discuss the duties of the US Coast Guard or a potential career as a dolphin trainer. If your child's favorite activity is to observe and listen to others, you could talk about the variety of jobs that are offered to professional counselors via schools, hospitals, military branches, and even through the financial sector.
Third, keep it real. Ask your kids what they want to be when they grow up. Describe some different career choices that you considered when you were young. As you do this, discuss your own career path while showing them how you came to your decision. Remember to include your honest evaluation of your own professional decisions. Maybe you love your job; maybe you don't. Let them know how you really feel.
Talk to them about the reality that many people make a variety of career choices over their lifetime. Allow them to see that they can apply multiple interests over the years and that they don't have to feel limited by one plan. For example, my kids know that I used to be a Spanish professor before they were born, but now understand how I have modified my career goals to be at home with them as a freelance writer while they are young.
Fourth, give them practical ways to see those careers in action. Allow their inexperienced eyes to glance at a variety of professional environments. If your kids seem interested in art, fan the flame by taking them to some local art museums this summer. If you're up for a drive to Los Angeles, check out the Getty Museum where admission is always free (http://www.getty.edu/museum/).
Perhaps your kid is a digger and a builder, so your summer visit might include a stop through a model home development or a visit to some downtown skyscrapers. If your daughter loves animals and wants to be a vet, line up some visits to your city's animal rescue center or drive down to San Diego to visit the Wild Animal Park or the Zoo (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/).
Maybe your child loves to ham it up on the pretend microphone all day long; so, you could take him or her for a visit to a local radio station. Who knows, your kid might end up as the next announcer for your favorite sport's team. Free tickets anyone? If it's close to impossible to reach the big-wigs from a major radio station, try a junior college or university near you, where access might be easier.
Even though your children may not pursue their childhood interests as adults, motivating them as kids gives them enthusiasm for the future. Just helping them to evaluate the idea of being a professional someday is a great start. It allows them to dream big and to see their own potential. Think of some kids you knew growing up who never thought they would amount to much. Imagine if their parents had invested a little bit more time and energy into their future.
For older kids, it's especially important that they understand the preparation involved for certain careers. Talk to them about the need for a good high school record, so that they can get into a decent college. Share with them how a college degree is a basic requirement for many professions now. If they can see these things ahead of time, hopefully they'll perform accordingly.
Your care for their passions and your interest in their preparedness shows them love and support. So, even if your kid doesn't end up as a future president of the United States, her dream and the endless array of imaginary speeches will prepare her for life as a successful adult regardless of the altered career path. She may even choose to do what you've done because she's seen the love you've had for your own job over the years.
Whatever comes out of these suggestions, never underestimate the investment you make in your child's future. Share some of your son or daughter's passions and dreams. We'd love to hear from you.
Labels: career, dreams, goals, kids, parents
