Danie with an E reflections

Suddenly the parents of my students approached me and told me how much their students enjoyed poetry. But more importantly, the students felt smart for the first time in their lives. Some shared how they now had a tool to create peace and help them process things that we're giving them anxiety. For others who had limited vocabulary, were able to express what they thought and how they felt. Students who were energetic dancers could take a moment to be quiet and do poetry.

Rogue  When I heard that the movie X-men is almost 20 years old, I was in disbelief. If you know me or have been around here for a while, you know I love Rogue from X-men. However, when I think about my journey and how Rogue and comics started to be intertwined.  X-men came out…

He knows my tears and catches them in his nail, scarred hands. However, my anger at God doesn’t change his plan. It does make his voice louder when he clears out the lies I tell myself, and then I turn back to him knowing that his plan is best and reasons are best.

First thing: is prayer. I have talked about prayer and the importance of prayer. I believe that prayers are the thing that helps me with those moments when I am struggling with forgiveness. Prayer helps on those nights when I can't sleep because I am I struggling with hurtful words that are rolling around in my brain. I even pray with some people who are harmful to intent. I pray for God to pour forgiveness into my bitterness.

God is one who carries me through the struggles of infertility. God is one who sends friends when I struggle with loneliness. God is the one who provides the apartment that I rent and the food I eat.

To strive for normalcy?

Finally, watch for the unexpected. Whether it be running into characters or magic that the staff does or even other guests. We’ve had complete strangers give us pins, wish us congrats. We have gotten special attention and had a magical moment. It makes the experience all the more exciting for the trip.

Reflections of January to March, Good Afternoon Friends. The blog is at a different time today because if you are unaware, the bay area has been put into a Shelter in PLace ordinance. With everything that is going on in the world, My county is trying to limit exposure to this virus. So for the last 3 weeks, we knew about this and the only time I was worried about it was at work. Now We are confined to our apartment for the foreseeable future. My goal for this year is to practice contentment and being present. Often I am wishing away my and hoping for the future. But this is also leading to being discontent. So this year, I’m learning the benefits of being in the moment. In January, I went to two playoff games, a woman’s retreat, and my family from southern California visited multiple times. It was idyllic and fun. February brought sickness and events and overall tiredness. But also spending time with dear friends and being aware that God ordains everything. March has now brought anxiety, confusion, and finally, deep pondering of my life and what brings me happiness. Here are some things I learned. Being present to allow God is an everyday thing. Once you’re in, you are all in. It’s refreshing at the time but also frustrating at times because there are moments when I want to argue with God. I want to be in charge. I want to let my anxiety or uncomfortableness run my life. So when God pushes me to do something, a small voice always reminds me that you told yourself that you will be present. Another thing that I learned is that if I am honest with others about how I am feeling, the ceiling will not fall in. A couple times this year, I reached out to our prayer warriors group, and not only was I able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but also created empathy because, as I was brave, others also shared their difficult times. In those moments of insight, I was able to be reminded that I may not be the only one suffering right now. It opened me up to be able to pray for others. Another thing that I observed is that there time of patience. In those moments, I need to rely on breathing, prayers, and finally avoiding the distractions that create uncertainty. Some times we are faced with times of reflection and patience. Distractions for me are sometimes people, or even not listening to negative comments. Not paying attention to negative news. Finally, being present is sometimes exhausting but also rewarding. There moments that I am grateful for but also tired from. However, it’s all a process, and throughout the process is essential. May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. Romans 15:13 NIRV TTFN and God Bless and keep you

It’s the strength to park a car without hitting the poles, it is the strength to tell a complete stranger from no laying a hand on me. It is the power when everything seems to be falling apart to reach out to others and invite them to pray for you. It’s also the strength that the world will not cave in when.

Music soothes my soul and senses Good morning, how are you?? My back is hurting today. Today, I’m going to share a piece of poetry. I love poetry and music.  Music soothes my soul and senses Music soothes my soul and senses After a hard day and my head is pounding Music soothes my soul…

Why would I the queen of introverteness produce, plan, and execute an evening that required me to stand up in front of people and talk about myself? Well, for one thing, I have a story. I made a promise to myself that after the cancer treatments that I would use my gift and my story, which God gave me, every time an opportunity arose, I would not back down from the challenge. Now, this promise has to lead me to speak at my church, at my job, and finally, in this blog. I believe there are strength and beauty in sharing, especially the dark pieces of one’s heart.

I love everything about the beach, shells, mermaids, fish, dolphins, rocks, the sound of the waves, the sting of the wind, the warmth of the sun and sand, the smell of salt. I have been to a plethora of beaches. Here is a list of my top 5

So I resolved myself for 2020 to work on being content and present. We are in the first week of February and let me share what God has done so far.

The thing that struck me about this name. That God chased me and purchased me. Then his blood that is redeeming. His blood is healing and redeeming me. God chose me and redeemed me. His blood, for someone who has a blood cancer we focus on blood, has cleansed me and redeemed me.

I also find peace on a beach. The stark contrast of the loud waves, and sometimes crowd and wind, is so lively that my thoughts I have been fixating on leave in an instant, and I get to ruminate on other such things. Like how did God know how much salt to put in the ocean, why did that fandom end the way it did, and as the cobwebs of anxiety are cleared, I can come up to decision about the critical decisions.

It’s cold and gets dark earlier and I miss the sun and warm weather. Paired with tiredness, normal busyness, and just plugging along on this road we call life. I am always surprised when I don’t feel happy every single day like I used to as a child. Then I spend days convincing myself that its okay to feel sad or tired. The panic in my mind tells me that something is wrong and I don’t listen.

Poetry!!!