The I + 1 theory of foreign language learning says that, in order for language learning to be meaningful, the student must receive input in a foreign language one small step above his current ability in the language. Too many steps above and they get confused, give up, tune out. Speaking to them only at or below their current language level ensures they never grow or learn anything, never receiving new input.
This, I find, also works with exercising. Everybody says you lose the most weight when your first start trying, but keep trying for months or years, and it eventually begins to taper off. I've been told that your body becomes used to the exercise, and it is no longer working hard to accommodate the increased activity through which you are putting it. Then, perhaps, is the best time to add the + 1, to go the extra mile (sometimes literally) or change your routine. But go too far and you can injure yourself or cause serious health issues. One cannot go from couch potato to running an eight-minute-mile in one day.
I wonder if this also works spiritually. I already know that when you reach a dimension in the Kingdom, it is at first new, exciting, possibly scary. You're working hard and having a lot of faith to be able to manage what you have been given, to be a good steward over this dimension. But later on, the dimension you are in becomes comfortable. You know what the enemy's tools are, you've taken much of the territory away from him, you may have begun to settle in, think that it's a nice, easy place. But you might also find that you're no longer working so hard, and you no longer require as much faith. Then, perhaps, it is time to move on, find a new dimension, with new treasures to mine out, requiring a new level of faith. So that you keep growing. But again, try skipping levels and you might find yourself giving up, thinking it is too hard or that you aren't able to make it. Because if Yahweh is one level ahead of that previous dimension and you've decided to go three levels ahead, you're still not where He is.
It's good to keep growing, keep going, keep seeing more and more of what Yahweh has for us. Even if it does require a little extra effort on our part. Because, really, if you elect to stay in an old dimension, and Yahweh is still moving ahead, you lose something. For joy is wherever Yahweh is, and so, wherever He goes, I'll follow.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
A NEW Blog!
Hello,
I have grown SO MUCH this summer...and I was worried without the pressure of school, I'd stop growing. Ha! But Yahweh is SUPER faithful, and so I am far far more than I was during the last school year.
Part of this growing was learning that I am a Wordsmith, a wielder of this most powerful weapon--words--with which the entire WORLDS were created. I can write many different things: poems, stories, songs, scenes, and even a novel. While I am looking into publishing in hard copy or an e-book for the novel, scenes or poems would not necessarily be best shared through a published medium. Thus, I have created a blog on which to share them. I researched copyright law and found that what I write is automatically mine (so long as I wrote it after 1978, which, considering I was born a decade later, is not an issue...), and find that I wish to share these words with people. Thus, the new blog for fiction.
Here is the url:
http://zadokim.blogspot.com/
I have already posted the first scene I wrote. I wrote it today, inspired by a book I'm reading. I've written many things, not all of which will be on that blog, but that which I feel led to share for Yahweh's glory shall be shared! :) See what Yahweh has spoken as you read the Words He gave me to wield.
Love,
Cassondra
I have grown SO MUCH this summer...and I was worried without the pressure of school, I'd stop growing. Ha! But Yahweh is SUPER faithful, and so I am far far more than I was during the last school year.
Part of this growing was learning that I am a Wordsmith, a wielder of this most powerful weapon--words--with which the entire WORLDS were created. I can write many different things: poems, stories, songs, scenes, and even a novel. While I am looking into publishing in hard copy or an e-book for the novel, scenes or poems would not necessarily be best shared through a published medium. Thus, I have created a blog on which to share them. I researched copyright law and found that what I write is automatically mine (so long as I wrote it after 1978, which, considering I was born a decade later, is not an issue...), and find that I wish to share these words with people. Thus, the new blog for fiction.
Here is the url:
http://zadokim.blogspot.com/
I have already posted the first scene I wrote. I wrote it today, inspired by a book I'm reading. I've written many things, not all of which will be on that blog, but that which I feel led to share for Yahweh's glory shall be shared! :) See what Yahweh has spoken as you read the Words He gave me to wield.
Love,
Cassondra
Friday, May 25, 2012
Profound Gratitude
The other day I was dancing praise in my kitchen (the only room large enough to do so without furniture to block the way) when I was hit with the realization of how amazing life is. I can only say I am profoundly grateful for it, especially since I never thought I'd have it.
If life could be perfect, mine would be.
Ok, so there are those pesky day-to-day issues and frustrations. My job, teaching 7-12 graders, is not easy. In fact, there were those days when I wondered if I was strong enough to handle it. Up until almost the last day of inservice, I was falling apart in tears about once a month. But it is MY job. Actually, it is a vehicle for fulfilling my purpose, to shine and make treasure shine. But it is MINE. It is a reason to get up in the morning. And for someone who, three years ago, didn't have that, this is amazing. In fact, three years ago I didn't get up most mornings, choosing to sleep the day away and stay awake all night to avoid the world. How different life is now! How far Yahweh has brought me.
And part of coming so far was my job. I learned so much this year, and so, despite the tears and fears, it was worth it. And next year will be better. In the meantime, just when I was sure I couldn't take anymore, Yahweh gives me summer break, where I can recharge, replenish, and recover from the school year. That way, in August, I can go back into the classroom full of life, light, and optimism. But also a little wiser, and a whole lot better at my job. So how can I not be grateful for my teaching career?
Of course things aren't perfect on the outside. We live in a fallen world, but now I am no longer fallen. I am redeemed. I am a son of Yahweh. Yahweh, who healed me just because He is healing, and He loves me. And in so doing, He made it possible for me, who never even dreamed of this life, to live. I have a job, my own apartment, and responsibilities. I have an ecclesia governed by elders who are completely trustworthy as they share Yahweh's heart, I have friends who love and accept me for who I am while not being afraid to help me become better by speaking the truth in love. I have a mom who has grown so much in the past two years. I have joy, faith, and trust in myself. I even have a dog! Scrappy. (See picture).
If you had asked me three years ago where I saw myself in three years, I couldn't have said. I literally couldn't have imagined this awesome life I have. Ephesians 3:20 is literally true. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think.
In fact, everything in the Bible is literally true. And the most amazing thing is, I am seeing it become real to ME in MY life. Every healing in the Gospels is real to ME because it happened to me. The story where Yahshua healed the lepers and only one thanked Him...that grateful tenth leper is ME. The rainbow being a promise of eternal fidelity...Yahweh has been faithful to ME, and He has even made ME to be faithful.
In this, we shine, when our lives show the glory of Yahweh in this day and age. So HalleluYah! Praise Yahweh that He has given us the great honor and privilege of participating in creation as His glory. For Christ in us...in ME...is the hope of glory!
Yahweh is no respecter of persons. Sometimes it is easy to count the trials, but the pressure is what makes the wellsprings of life well UP in you. And I know it is so totally worth it!
Ok, so there are those pesky day-to-day issues and frustrations. My job, teaching 7-12 graders, is not easy. In fact, there were those days when I wondered if I was strong enough to handle it. Up until almost the last day of inservice, I was falling apart in tears about once a month. But it is MY job. Actually, it is a vehicle for fulfilling my purpose, to shine and make treasure shine. But it is MINE. It is a reason to get up in the morning. And for someone who, three years ago, didn't have that, this is amazing. In fact, three years ago I didn't get up most mornings, choosing to sleep the day away and stay awake all night to avoid the world. How different life is now! How far Yahweh has brought me.
And part of coming so far was my job. I learned so much this year, and so, despite the tears and fears, it was worth it. And next year will be better. In the meantime, just when I was sure I couldn't take anymore, Yahweh gives me summer break, where I can recharge, replenish, and recover from the school year. That way, in August, I can go back into the classroom full of life, light, and optimism. But also a little wiser, and a whole lot better at my job. So how can I not be grateful for my teaching career?
Of course things aren't perfect on the outside. We live in a fallen world, but now I am no longer fallen. I am redeemed. I am a son of Yahweh. Yahweh, who healed me just because He is healing, and He loves me. And in so doing, He made it possible for me, who never even dreamed of this life, to live. I have a job, my own apartment, and responsibilities. I have an ecclesia governed by elders who are completely trustworthy as they share Yahweh's heart, I have friends who love and accept me for who I am while not being afraid to help me become better by speaking the truth in love. I have a mom who has grown so much in the past two years. I have joy, faith, and trust in myself. I even have a dog! Scrappy. (See picture).
If you had asked me three years ago where I saw myself in three years, I couldn't have said. I literally couldn't have imagined this awesome life I have. Ephesians 3:20 is literally true. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or think.
In fact, everything in the Bible is literally true. And the most amazing thing is, I am seeing it become real to ME in MY life. Every healing in the Gospels is real to ME because it happened to me. The story where Yahshua healed the lepers and only one thanked Him...that grateful tenth leper is ME. The rainbow being a promise of eternal fidelity...Yahweh has been faithful to ME, and He has even made ME to be faithful.
Yahweh is no respecter of persons. Sometimes it is easy to count the trials, but the pressure is what makes the wellsprings of life well UP in you. And I know it is so totally worth it!
Monday, October 24, 2011
More Beautiful Things
Yahweh is always amazing, constantly providing beauty and wonder around us to see.
I drove to Texas recently, and the route there took me through Ouachita National Forest, which is gorgeous in the fall, though the leaves had only just begun to turn colors. Seeing the trees and the mountains...it was truly amazing. It is, in those moments, easy to see how the purpose of creation is to glorify the Creator.
On the way home, the map thingy on the iPhone (I'm sure that's the technical name for it) took me an alternate route. I managed to get the shot in this picture while driving over the lake on a bridge. I had no idea how it turned out, since I was driving and not really looking at the picture, but I think it turned out well!
I've been thinking of the word "wonder" lately. Yahweh is wonderful. Truly full of wonder.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Beautiful Things
Hello,
Well, it's been a while since I last updated my blog. I don't even know if anyone is still reading it. A lot has happened recently, and I've been so busy preparing to move on to a mature stage of life--adulthood.
But I've been thinking, lately, of beautiful things. The news media and the world seem to portray an unbalanced picture heavily focused on the negative. This might, erroneously, lead one to think that there is not as much positive out there as there used to be. But there is! I've decided to remember that, and perhaps remind you.
Some things are beautiful because they are visually gorgeous. Others please any one of the other five senses or whatnot. Actually, I think beauty is determined by Yahweh. Anything pure and pleasing to Him is beautiful, including you and me! So I've listed a few beautiful things here, whether because they are silly or because they are pretty, in the end, I really listed them because they struck a chord in my spirit and reminded me how active Yahweh is in the world today through the simple, beautiful things.
1. Fireworks
2. Butterflies
3. Puppies
4. The Israeli cottage cheese boycott--the most searched thing on Yahoo!--and how it actually worked.
5. Air conditioning
6. Dogs having garlic breath after eating garlic butter and the fact that this is an improvement on the smell of their normal breath.
7. Scrappy, my new dog, having a purple tongue after sharing a grape popsicle with me.
8. A cool breeze on a Summer evening.
9. The water dance of a baby Hippo.
10. An iceberg blocking the harbor of a town.
And now for some pictures!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Graduation
Well, it's that time of year again: graduation. This will be my third time graduating! I am now the proud owner of a Masters of Arts in Teaching! Today was my last day in class, and, as always, it is bittersweet. On the one hand, I am proud of all that I've accomplished with Yahweh. On the other hand, I will miss the people I've come to know and love.
It's amazing. Some of it still does not seem real. It seems so...wow. It's just a lot. I've learned a lot in this past year. I think I've learned more in this one year than in the years before both of my other graduations.
I've learned:
How to wake up earlier than you have to so you can exercise before school.
How to attend classes daily, and regret going home sick because you WANT to do what you are doing with excellence for Yahweh.
How to socialize and interact with people I don't know very well. How to trust them.
How to be positive and optimistic instead of cynical and fearful.
How to glorify Yahweh in a place that is not centered on Him.
How to prioritize-to choose Holy Spirit's promptings, family, and love above assignments, ambition, or accolades.
How to do assignments with excellence for personal satisfaction and for Yahweh, even though the professors care less than I do about the assignment and the grade will not be higher because I put more effort into it.
How to enjoy a thirty minute commute in the car alone with Yahweh.
How to talk on the telephone with someone new.
How to have a Sabbath and do more in 6 days than I could have done in 7.
How to forgive.
How to fast food AND soda.
How to love.
How to give to Yahweh.
How important it is to choose Yahweh every moment.
How many people are hurting in the world and need Yahweh.
How I do not understand why someone would go out of their way to be mean to others, and how I would not want to understand this.
That I should not understand evil in order to combat it, but rather I should be filled with goodness so there is no more room for evil.
That I can make a difference.
How to respect authority.
How rare it is to respect authority.
That adults can be bullied, too.
That there are sweet people in the world, gems and treasures to be discovered.
How to identify with adults and not just children.
How to bridge the adult and child worlds.
How much more there is to learn.
That Holy Spirit will guide me and always help me learn what I need to learn, and forget what I need to forget.
Praise Yahweh! I could not have done any of this without Him. He is the Greatest Teacher, and the One who will teach me to teach. He is the greatest. He is give. He is love. HalleluYah!
And now, I grow. I go on. And I am not, this time, afraid to move forward, or unsure of my future. I will find employment...a place where Yahweh can use me to make a difference. And Yahweh will provide.
I am ready. I can do ALL things.
HalleluYah! Amen.
It's amazing. Some of it still does not seem real. It seems so...wow. It's just a lot. I've learned a lot in this past year. I think I've learned more in this one year than in the years before both of my other graduations.
I've learned:
How to wake up earlier than you have to so you can exercise before school.
How to attend classes daily, and regret going home sick because you WANT to do what you are doing with excellence for Yahweh.
How to socialize and interact with people I don't know very well. How to trust them.
How to be positive and optimistic instead of cynical and fearful.
How to glorify Yahweh in a place that is not centered on Him.
How to prioritize-to choose Holy Spirit's promptings, family, and love above assignments, ambition, or accolades.
How to do assignments with excellence for personal satisfaction and for Yahweh, even though the professors care less than I do about the assignment and the grade will not be higher because I put more effort into it.
How to enjoy a thirty minute commute in the car alone with Yahweh.
How to talk on the telephone with someone new.
How to have a Sabbath and do more in 6 days than I could have done in 7.
How to forgive.
How to fast food AND soda.
How to love.
How to give to Yahweh.
How important it is to choose Yahweh every moment.
How many people are hurting in the world and need Yahweh.
How I do not understand why someone would go out of their way to be mean to others, and how I would not want to understand this.
That I should not understand evil in order to combat it, but rather I should be filled with goodness so there is no more room for evil.
That I can make a difference.
How to respect authority.
How rare it is to respect authority.
That adults can be bullied, too.
That there are sweet people in the world, gems and treasures to be discovered.
How to identify with adults and not just children.
How to bridge the adult and child worlds.
How much more there is to learn.
That Holy Spirit will guide me and always help me learn what I need to learn, and forget what I need to forget.
Praise Yahweh! I could not have done any of this without Him. He is the Greatest Teacher, and the One who will teach me to teach. He is the greatest. He is give. He is love. HalleluYah!
And now, I grow. I go on. And I am not, this time, afraid to move forward, or unsure of my future. I will find employment...a place where Yahweh can use me to make a difference. And Yahweh will provide.
I am ready. I can do ALL things.
HalleluYah! Amen.
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