KTU Update

So, this past weekend (Friday, January 28th) my youngest daughter (Kristina) and I took off for Virginia Tech for the third season of Kids' Tech University! To say this event is life changing for children would be untrue. This event is life changing for EVERYONE! Me included!

The lecture/storytelling session was led by the most amazing professor, Dr. Reinhard Laubenbacher, Professor at Virginia Bioinformatics Institute and of the Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech, who was able to communicate a huge math concept to the children (and the adults!) This is a summary of the session:

Did you know that we are surrounded by patterns--everywhere? For example, farmers need to understand weather patterns to plan their harvests. Your parents need to understand traffic patterns to drive you to school safely. Music and dance excite us through patterns of sounds and movement. Some patterns are pretty easy to spot, like the pattern on seashell, or the pattern on a snowflake. However, other patterns around us aren’t so easy to see, like the patterns on a pine cone, or the patterns of ocean waves. I’ll bet you wouldn’t guess patterns exist in clouds! To discover some of these patterns, we need to be very, very observant. So join me and together we’ll hunt down some patterns in the world around us--and as we investigate how these patterns form and why they’re there, the answers may surprise you!

In the afternoon, the parents and children were able to attend 2 hands-on sessions (one at the math emporium - exploring fractals and the other at the dance studio). I know what you're thinking, are you kidding me? What on earth does dance have to do with math? Well, I thought the same thing...but, it does! There are PATTERNS in dance, and math calculations are used when creating choreography! What a blast!

While at the Math Emporium (University Mall), Kristina had to pose with the Hokie Bird! Don't they look GREAT!!!!!

Can't wait for February....“Why are glaciers in Antarctica important to people who live in Virginia?” A storytelling session led by Dr. Ellen Cowan, Professor of Geology, Appalachian State University.

Kids' Tech University - January 2011

So Friday morning, we get up nice and early to drive to Blacksburg! Did I check the weather forecast? No! Did I expect snow? No! Not only did I get snow, but I got 15 mph traffic to top it off! I just knew I would be late for teacher training! But, PRAISE GOD, I wasn't! The delay was due to a car in the ditch - and I was quickly returned to the speed limit (plus a little!).

More to follow.....

A Girl and her Dog....

GRATEFUL Wednesday

For those of you not familiar with Sharon Thomas or her ministry, Established Footsteps, you are missing out on an amazing life changing speaker and motivator! She truly walks the walk - and I have the opportunity to see her walk it on a weekly basis!

I credit Sharon and Beth Moore for CREATING a deep desire in me to devour His Word! Last night, while reading one of Bill Hybils books (The Power of a Whisper), I skipped to a chapter on meeting with Him! Over and over in Scripture we are told to meet with Him in a quiet place (be still and KNOW HE IS GOD!) and He will meet us there. But we MUST be quiet to hear...

This morning on the way to work, I was considering a few issues in my life where I have "no control". While in the midst of sadness, I pulled out my "Year of Psalm" memory scriptures (from Sharon's year long memory project!) And right there, driving down Interstate 64, in the peace of the HRBT (peace? Yea, right!), HE spoke to me. He said:

Psalm 143 - A psalm of David.

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. 2 Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. 3 My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. 4 I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. 5 I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. 6 I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain.

Interlude

7 Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. 8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. 11 For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. 12 In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

For the longest time, Christian mentors have shared how the Psalms provide a fabulous meeting ground. Today, I found it (Thank you God for Your Word!)!

The Faith of Ronald Reagan - Upcoming Review

I must say that I have been thinking a lot about my dad lately. The first event documented in this book was of the assignation attempt on Ronald Reagan's life, while serving as President of the United States. This event took place the same year I lost my father to cancer; as a matter of fact, I remember watching the footage on the news WITH my dad. My dad liked Ronald Reagan and so does my husband (me too).

Another vivid memory of Ronald Reagan, was the day he passed away. I remember hearing my husband moan downstairs in our home and ran to see if he was okay. When I entered the room, I noticed the announcement of his death on television. My husband was truly saddened (and so was I).

Watching his wife, Nancy, during the late years of Ronald Reagan's life was a tremendous inspiration to me (as well as countless others) and an amazing testimony to her husband and to God. I am looking forward to finishing this book in the near future. Until then....

Thankful Thursday-Youth Ministry Team

Student Minister - Matt Fehl


Associate Student Minister - Tim Ellis

I am extremely thankful for the youth ministers at our Church (Northside Christian Church), pictured above. I'm not sure they know how much they are appreciated-but hope they read this post (so they'll know!).

Thankful Thursday - almost a week late

Today (well, really last Thursday), I'm grateful for on-line Christian Blogs! I don't know if the many authors I subscribe to know how much they mean to me every day! I get re-energized and reminded of our priorities! Thank you ALL, from the bottom of my heart!