Happiness Is Noticeable

I was having lunch with my mentor today. When she first sat down she said, "So, you're normally a happy person, but the last week or so, you've been extremely happy. What's up?"

I was just bursting by that point. I just said, "I am just one of the most blessed guys on the planet and I have so much to be happy for, I can't help but show it!"

Cheesey, right? But it's true!

For instance, let me just tell you for a few moments why today was undoubtedly the best day ever....

I woke up, 6 AM. I had in mind, "I get to see my first graders today!" I met up with someone for a brief, but fun breakfast beforehand, and I was on my way.

I was greeted with so many "Mr... ! " and then they ran up and hugged me. I got to conference with writers, do shared reading, and then do guided reading groups. It was all so awesome!

I also got to chat with my co-op a bit and we became hysterical, I love it when that happens!

...It's going to be a while before I get to bed, I am on such a happy high...

Anyway, then went back to campus and caught my mentor just in time for lunch. I got to talking to her, and I was 19 minutes late for class because I lost track of time, but it was well worth it, though I got a bit of a scowl for being late.

Anyway, after class I picked up a book that I had been wanting to read from a professor, and then met up with someone else who gave me the CDs from the Pastor I had been waiting for! I played a few tracks, and I had chills going up my spine it was so powerful! One of the best, most inspirational pastors I have ever heard!

After that, I ran to pick up my prescription and I ran into my mentor AGAIN at the store! We chatted for a few minutes, and I was on my way.

Then I got back to campus, had dinner with my best friend, and then we did our 2nd day of Insanity. Whew! What a work out! My legs are killing me, but in 60 days it will all be worth it!

Then we went back to my room and listened to a few more messages from the CDs. We both talked for a while how awesome heaven is going to be and how blessed we are to be God's children.

Then we had a dodgeball game... and, we as a team just decided we're in it to have fun... AND WE WON!!!!!! Couldn't believe it.

I am loved, and I am valuable, especially in God's eyes. That's all that matters, really.

Time for some Advent devotions... :)

Slow Down!

I can't even begin to count statuses on Facebook that say something like..
"THREE WEEKS TIL I'M HOME AGAIN!"
upon returning to school after break.

Don't get me wrong- home is an exciting thing for most people, and that's perfectly okay!

There are other statements like, "28 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!"  "4 DAYS TIL MY LAST CLASS" etc.

Let's be honest here. Advent, a time of preparing for Christmas, should not be rushed.

It should be a time where we slow way down. Way, way down.

One of the most important days of the year is coming. Let's not forget what that's all about.

It's fine to make countdowns, and do Advent devotionals that correspond with each passing day, ending at the final day, Christmas. But use them as a tool to stop, reflect, and count and enjoy the blessings of each day.

Don't let the rush of society's Christmas, countdown to the next big thing, etc. stop you from reflecting, preparing, and waiting each day for Christmas. Slow down. Reflect. Relax. Enjoy. God's got some exciting things in store. Don't miss out on the things that happen in the mean time.

I hope this doesn't appear contradictory to anyone, but, I put up my Christmas tree upon getting back to school. Not much, but it sets the mood. I was just sitting here, looking at it. Enjoying, reflecting, and thinking about how blessed I really am.

Where Does it Come From?

I have been listening to a lot of Christmas music. After all, now that Thanksgiving is over, 'tis the season. Right?

One song that has been coming on and on again is "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year."

And I have always thought, yes, Andy Williams got it right. It is the most wonderful time of the year.

But why?

Last year at this time, it was certainly not the most wonderful time of the year. It was a Christmas unlike any other. Joy was non-existent. It was a time of year I look back on and shudder. Things were not really going uphill, though I tried to convince myself they were.

But why is this year different? Because I've gotten better? Because things in life have turned around? Because I've gotten better friends? Because teaching has been going well?

While those are all certainly things that multiply my joy, they are not why I'm so much looking forward to the Christmas season this year.

Joy doesn't come from those things. And I think that was my fault last year.

I was looking for joy in all the wrong places. I looked on TV. I looked in my family. I looked for it in friendships. I looked for it in Christmas trees and songs. I looked everywhere except the only place it could be found.

Joy comes from Jesus alone.

Joy appears in the NIV Bible 242 times. I found Psalm 28:7 during a devotional... My heart leaps for joy and with song I praise Him.


Jesus fills our hearts with joy, because He is perfect. All of those earthly things I mentioned above can lead to fear, disappointment, let down, hurt, discouragement, and hopelessness.

But Jesus can only lead us to joy and to life everlasting.

Are you lacking joy in your life? Look to Jesus. Joy comes from Him alone.

My heart is leaping for joy. Not only because it's Advent/Christmas time, but because He has filled me and made me whole.

Why Just Today?

I have blogger friends world-wide, and for those not in the United States, today may have just been any ordinary day. But in the US, we recognized the national holiday of Thanksgiving.


While the origins of Thanksgiving are often questioned, the moral of the day is still held: a day to sit back and recognize what we as Americans have. 


For Christians, it's a day to thank God for all we have. But why just today?


Why just today? Why is today a special day to thank God for all He has done? What about yesterday? What about tomorrow? How can we spend simply one day focusing on all God has done?


We have a God who is tireless in his love, and fearless in what it takes to save us. His love and faithfulness endure FOREVER! 


And you know what? Some people, I imagine, who are Christians didn't even recognize God today. They tore into their turkey dinners without even uttering one word of thanks to God. And that is sad. 


Our worship numbers last night showed it. People are busy, but it was too much for some people to give up an hour to say thank you to God, to acknowledge God for all He has done.


Isn't it funny- it seems to me that it's so easy to acknowledge God when we have hardships. When things are rough. It's so easy to shake a fist at God and say, "Really God?! Now?! What is this for? I need help!" ....


But then those times when things are good- when things are fine- when things are okay- we don't say anything. We fail to acknowledge God. 


It's something I need to work on. I looked a lot at 1 Thessalonians 5:18 today... "...give thanks in all circumstances..." 


Paul is not saying give thanks FOR all circumstances, but IN all circumstances. You don't have to delight IN suffering, but it is possible to delight DURING suffering. It might not be easy, and it might wear you out, but it is possible, and it is what we are called to do!


Sometimes life gets hard... bills, finances, work, illnesses, broken relationships, etc... But we can give thanks because we have a God who is good.


Why just give thanks today? Why not every day? Why not make the table prayer Grace a prayer for your life? Why not develop Thanksgiving not just as a holiday, but a way to LIVE life!?


God is awesome, God is powerful, God is loving. And best of all, He's OURS! And that's something to be thankful for every day!


My own list of thankfulness from today and the last few days...
-Christmas shopping with my mom. I picked out my gift and gifts for others. And had lunch with mom and enjoyed time with her.


-Thanksgiving Eve worship. I sang with the choir and played organ for the service. It was a beautiful service, with a message about replacing worry and anxiety with Thankfulness.


-Christmas cards. I got up early and prior to Thanksgiving dinner, I wrote my Christmas cards. Anxious to share my Christmas joy with others!


-I was swamped today with Thanksgiving texts and wall posts on Facebook. There are so many people in my life that I am beyond thankful for and blessed to have in my life, and it is such a blessing to hear that bounced back at me- it made my cry when I sat back and reflected and realized how many people count ME as a blessing in their life. For instance, I got this on Facebook, and many like it: "I can honestly say that I am thankful for your presence in my life this semester. Your optimism has been more of a blessing than you will know. Sitting next to you in Dr. U's class has been a joy and an encouragment! Thank you for sharing with us your learnings, wisdom and for your smile as you learn along with us."


-Thanksgiving lunch at noon today at Grandma's! We had... Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, rolls, green bean casserole, Asian slaw, strawberry-pretzel salad, macaroni salad, stuffing, pumpkin pie, peach pie, and pecan pie. It was all sooooo good and I ate way too much!


-Then, we went to my other grandma's (the one who had a heart attack). My two aunts prepared all the food since grandma couldn't. I didn't eat near as much at her house, but it was nice seeing and laughing to the point of hysteria with them! 


-It has been a good day. I have been thankful. I want to say that at the end of every day. 

The Night I Broke My Grandma's Heart

A year ago.

I know I've been visiting the past and reflecting on where I was a year ago, compared to today.

But the striking reality has really sunk in. I think it's because this is about the time last year that I actually remember things happening. There were weeks that are lost forever. But now they become a little bit more clear.

I do distinctly remember the night I broke my grandma's heart.

A year ago at this time, I still couldn't drive. Or, it wasn't safe for me to drive. Between the panic attacks and the inability of my leg movement, driving home was not an option.

So, my grandparents (since my mom had just had a major surgery), graciously agreed to come pick me up and bring me back.

I'll never forget the look on my grandma's face when she saw me hobbling along using a walker. It was kind of like all of the blood rushed out of her face, she was on the verge of tears, and she was in a state of semi-shock.

Later she told me that I broke her heart that night. It was so hard for her to see me in such shape.

But look where I am one year later (we were talking about this last night- my grandpa insists that it was two years ago... I could NOT have made this much improvement, according to him, in a year's time.)

But, I have. One year, and I'm on top of the world. Okay, maybe not on top of the world, but close. God has blessed me far more than I could have ever imagined.

And it feels great.

I think, based on my interactions with her last night, her heart has mended. It's healed, and what has helped it heal has been seeing me in such great shape. She said it was one of the things she was most thankful for this year, and it's the greatest Christmas present she will receive.

So, sorry grandma. But I'm glad we're both better now.

Let's see...news..
Oh.. I'm HOME! And I have spent a lot of time with my recovering sister! She has more balloons, flowers, cards, and baked goods than I could ever count! She seems to be of good spirits! It has been wonderful to be able to encourage her in person!

And... my GRANDMA IS HOME!!! (Note, the grandma who had the heart attack is different from the one whose heart I broke). She was discharged from the hospital (after a week's stay)

I heard about this.  It makes me sick. As a teacher, I feel so empowered to stop things like this. There is nothing cute and there is nothing funny about bullying or treating someone else badly because they are different from you. Words hurt more than a baseball bat. I will never understand how someone can get satisfaction from stepping on another's throat.

Remember the pastor I wrote this e-mail to? He was at a youth gathering this weekend, and someone name dropped me, and HE REMEMBERED ME!!!!!! I am so honored and thrilled. I highly, highly respect this guy. He has produced 4 CDs of his messages... and he sent them to CU to me as a gift! It made today the best day ever!

I got to play organ at my home church today. It's been too long since I had the chance to do that. We got to sing one of my favorite hymns, too!

It was so great getting hugs, warm welcome greetings, etc. So many people commented my new suit, that I looked so nice and healthy, and I have "lost weight and look great"!!!! :D

I am getting so much reading done!! I am probably reading a lot about stuff most people would call nerdy, but I love it! (Example- miscues and cueing systems; inhibitory control; cognitive flexibility).

Tomorrow I will see my other sister.

Wednesday I am going Christmas shopping with my mom.

Christmas is coming! :D

Keeping in touch with my best friend is awesome! Even if it is just a few text messages!

Everyone is getting a book from me this Christmas! No questions asked.

That's about it! I'm off of that nasty slope and well on the road to optimal success! :D I haven't broken anyone's heart this Thanksgiving! (Well, not yet anyway... =\ )

Peace Amid The Panic

Haha- I realize I am down to only a few followers, but thank you for your support and prayers!

I was going to write a big long post with an explanation of where I've been and how I've been falling down a slippery slope. While I am going to give you a brief explanation, that is not going to be the focus of this post. Rather, I am going to share with you some of the amazing things going on in my life right now.

Anyway, my sister had a major hip surgery and was having some difficulty (still is, to an extent) recovering. It was hard on me not being able to be there and be with her and support her. Especially since my other sister was with her for a brief time.

And now, the devastating news that my grandma suffered a major heart attack. My grandma is only in her upper 60s. This was unexpected and it really shook me to the core. To make a long story short, she remains in critical condition in the hospital. If nothing gets better or worse until Friday (when I will finally be able to SEE her!), she will go through another open heart surgery. PLEASE continue to pray. I am not ready to lose her yet.

I also let myself fall down a slippery slope and I didn't tell anyone. I refused any form of counsel and I bottled up my issues and my emotions and my pressures. I am thankful for those few friends who really "get" me and "get" what I am going through and I can sit down and vent with them.

At any rate, I have found peace amid my panic. I am doing better. Things may be wrong- but Christ is still right and I still have Christ.

If you remember back a while, I talked about every day being the best day ever. Believe it or not, at the end of every day, I've still found reason why each day of the past few weeks has been the best day ever. It wasn't always easy- but I found out that every day has been the best ever. It doesn't matter that things haven't been perfect- just because something has gone wrong does not mean that I am no longer blessed beyond belief and unable to count my blessings and the great things God has done for me.

Here are a few of those blessings:
-I have an amazing best friend. He's someone I work out with, hang out with, talk with, eat with, etc. He came into my life just at the right time and I have been so blessed. On Sunday, it was his birthday and we went and bought new suits and ate at Buffalo Wild Wings. It was such a fun, fantastic day.

-I have been getting a lot of compliments about my teaching. The preschool teacher I am working with made this remark, "I have been teaching for years and have had a ton of student teachers come in and out. You are the best I have ever had."

On my final unit plan I submitted after Student Teaching One, the elementary ed director wrote this on the paper: "This is something I would want my son to participate in." What a HIGH compliment!

-My other co-op teacher in first grade is phenomenal too. I had the opportunity to sit down with her for a few hours Saturday afternoon and chat, and she brought me back some goodies from an ECE conference she had attended.

-I am thankful for books and reading. I got Lois Ehlert's new book "Rrralph" in the mail today, and I love it. I can't wait to use it with my students.

-Christmas time is practically here! My favorite, favorite time of year!

-I have had several people I don't really know, (for instance after church), come up and say, "You're the one that was in a wheelchair last year, right?" and then they go on saying how I am an inspiration and how they cannot believe how well off I look now! Again, what high compliments, especially from strangers!

-I am just so glad I found peace amid the panic. I will continue to keep you all posted. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

My Life is Such a Mess

Please keep me and my family in your prayers.

Most Richly Blessed

"I asked God for strength that I might achieve. 
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. 

I asked for health that I might do greater things. 
I was given infirmity that I might do better things. 

I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise. 

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. 

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things. 

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed."

Best Day Ever

This was posted on Facebook:
""You DECIDE if you have a cruddy day, you DECIDE if you have an average day, and you DECIDE if you have your best. day. ever."


Lately, I've been having the best day ever. Every day. I think "Ha! I'd like to see tomorrow top the epicness of today!" And then it does! 


It's such a true philosophy- if you wake up thinking, "This is gonna be the best day ever!" I guarantee you, it will turn out to be the best day ever! 


Part of the reason I've had the "best day" ever these last few days comes from the amount of good things people have said to me- whether it be via e-mail, recommendation, or in person. Most of these were said in person- and they definitely brightened my days! I'm not posting these to boast or brag, but to reflect on God's awesome work through me to shine to others and how my kindness to them has bounced back to me. 


Here we go!


-"It was amazing to see you today. you are the BEST this planet can offer!! If you were Catholic, I would be  applying to the POPE to canonize you. You are my fav person in the Universe!"


-"You just made my day!" 


-"That was phenomenal! You are like, the best teacher! I want to learn more from you!" 


-"Dylan is in the top 10% of all of the students I have ever taught. He has an insatiable desire to learn and is professional in every sense of the word."


-"You make me smile. Thank you."


-Here's a story about a "random act of kindness" I did today. I was taking my garbage out, and the three hardworking janitor women who work in our buildings up on the hill were in the lounge taking their afternoon break. I walked by and smiled and said, "Is this Ladies Aid? Am I missing out on all the important information?" They were whooping with laughter and insisted I sit down and join them. I thought "Oh, might as well!" and I did. I had them all laughing to the point of tears, and they all said I made their day, and though it won't happen, they want me to come back every day! I even got hugs they were so happy! All that for just poking my head in and being friendly! 


Tomorrow (today), whichever you wish, have the BEST DAY EVER. I know I will be. 

Isn't God Awesome Like That?

I have a confession to make.

Tonight was the first time I have been in a weight room in over a year...

Now, before you begin to judge me, let me tell you, it was a matter health concerns.

Obviously, last October through about April, I was in no condition where I could physically endure much physical activity.

And after April it was a matter of, "I don't want to do this alone."

Sure, I would go on walks, and I might run a bit, but it wasn't really deliberate or anything.

Well, today my streak of avoidance changed.

I subbed all day and then went to see my psychiatrist. I was in the waiting room and my phone vibrated with a text. My friend B was asking me if I wanted to lift with him at 8 PM...

I thought about it. I said "Sure dude!" Then my psychiatrist opened the door and welcomed me back to her office.

To make a long story short, things are still awesome, but, we're doing one small adjustment just for a trial to see if it does something. It would be complicated to explain it here, so I won't.

Anyway, then she said,
"I think you're ready to start working out and doing some major physical activity to get your endorphins going again!"

I said "NO WAY!" (as in an excited no way!) I told her that I had just got a text from my friend asking me to go! She smiled really big and laughed, "I am so happy to hear that. You need an accountability partner!"  Isn't God so awesome like that?!

She warned me on the way out that I shouldn't overdo it.

I kept her words in mind (remember the soccer game I failed at last spring?). I did some biking and other exercise equipment. I was so proud of myself! I think B thought I did an awesome job too. He helped me out a lot, and he is so glad he has a partner now. I'm so blessed to have this guy as a friend in my life.

In fact, we're getting in a routine and doing it every night this week!

Exercise does feel awesome! It felt so great to get those endorphins flowing again and I forgot how good this feels!

I just think God is awesome like making things fall into place so well!