In my goal to read 50 books in one year hear is how I'm doing so far...
In January I read...
1. Elyon: The Lost Books #6 by Ted Dekker
2. Strange But True: Cats. 444 Weird Facts and Photos by Sweetwater Press
3. Green by Ted Dekker
4. Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do by Lawrence Kutner & Cheryl K. Olson
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Self-Coaching: The Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression by Joseph J. Luciani
7. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
8. A Ship Possessed by Alton Gansky
9. Leading With a Limp by Dan B. Allender
10. The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards
11. Seeking Spirits: The Lost Cases of the Atlantic Paranormal Society by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson & Jan Friedman
12. The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
13. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
14. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper, w/ Cecil Murphy
So Far in February I have read...
15. Vanished by Alton Gansky
16. The Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson
17. Out of Time by Alton Gansky
18. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
19. The Cat Whisperer: The Secret of How to Talk to Your Cat by Claire Bessant
20. BoneMan's Daughters by Ted Dekker
Currently Reading...
21. 3 Seconds: The Power of Thinking Twice by Dr. Les Parrott
My bride, Jamie, and I just went to see Dr. Les Parrott this past weekend. We bought several of his books at a discount; so expect to see several of his, and his wife's, books on the list soon. I also have a copy of Fireproof by Eric Wilson coming my way.
About ME
- Mr. E
- Grand Prairie, Texas, United States
- Mr. E is a Christian, Husband, Father of 2, former Army Officer and Texas Rangers Baseball fan.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Love Dare
In an effort to reconnect with my bride, Jamie, I have started The Love Dare. I am praying that it changes our relationship for the better. With God's Help I know it will.
On a totally different note; Pitchers and Catchers reported to their Spring Training Camps today. Baseball is back!
On a totally different note; Pitchers and Catchers reported to their Spring Training Camps today. Baseball is back!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Fully Qualified and Incompetent
When I was an officer in the Army, I could give orders and make decisions that effected the lives of others. I could look at a problem and make a decision in a matter of moments. Granted I was blessed to never have the opportunity to do this in the middle of combat; however, my decisions had lasting impacts non the less.
When I was in the classroom as a teacher, I could create lesson plans for over 100 students a year. Plans that challenged my students and still adapted to state mandated modifications for the few that needed them. Plans that helped shape the academic future of 11 years worth of our future generations.
Yet, as a husband I feel incompetent as I would be if I were in charge of building a skyscraper. I have taken classes on communication, problem solving, budgeting, building healthy spiritual and prayer lives, and even read up on some sexual topics. I even taught classes on how to strengthen marriages, yet, I feel I am failing as a husband.
Some of you know that I am currently semi-unemployed. I am a substitute teacher needing a full-time teaching job. I am very hopeful that I will be under contract with a school district shortly after the end of this school year. In the meantime my lack of income is forcing my dear bride to work a full-time job and a couple of other "part-time" jobs to barely make ends meet for us financially. The stress, lack of time for family and for herself is taking a heavy toll on her. I mentioned in my previous blog, that this is also taking a toll on me as well. I feel very much like I am not being the man I need to be. It should be me working more and supporting my family. We have a budget, but due to our recent financial woes it has been modified to what we call, "the crappy budget." Even so we are having trouble making ends meet. I know it will change, but knowing it will change and waiting on it, are two different things. She tells me all the time how she feels like we are not connected like we should be. She feels distant and alone.
My wife and I have a prayer corner in our room. It has two folding chairs sitting on a rug. We have a lamp to give us some light. The chairs are facing each other so we can sit close, hold hands and lean on each other if we need to. Currently these chairs are filled with clothes that need to be put away or some old blankets. Papers, shoes and other items clutter the space on the rug. We haven't prayed together in some time. By the time she gets in from her jobs in the evening, she is so exhausted that she doesn't feel like praying. I haven't even been responsible enough to try and keep the corner clean and ready just in case we get a spare moment to pray. The lack of spiritual discipline at home has caused her to feel distant from God as well.
You would think a professional teacher, marriage educator and former Army officer would have some sort of a plan to address these problems. You would think I would be totally aware of what to do to rescue a struggling marriage; but, here I sit praying to God to give me wisdom to do what I need to do to be a man worthy of my wife's respect and for his guidance to do what I can to ensure that I am truly doing what I can to help support my family.
How is it that I am so blind to the attacks of the enemy (Satan)? Why can't I see what God is doing for us? Am I doing something wrong that God needs to "break me" into fully relying on Him? I try not to be selfish, I truly want to do HIS will not mine. Is there something I still need to learn about myself and my relationship with God before things will get better?
Despite all my qualifications it seems that I am failing as a husband. My wife deserves better.
Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, Lord God Almighty;
Please open my eyes so that I can see myself. Help me to pour out my soul and my will before your throne. Give me the wisdom, the strength and the courage to be a man of God to my wife, my children, my church family and to my employers. Take away my fears and my insecurities. Open my heart and my eyes to the needs of my wife. I do not want to disappoint her. I do not want to be any part of causing her to doubt You and Your love. I want to be a man worthy of her respect. I want to work full-time, O Lord. I am tired of struggling financially. I am tired of seeing my wife work herself "crazy" trying to make up for my failures (even if some of those were out of my control). I am not asking for wealth, I just want a job that helps us get out of debt and to have enough money to save for emergencies and retirement. I am tired not feeling connected with my wife. Please show me LORD what I need to do! I cast myself before your mercy and grace, because it is only through you we are surviving at all. I do not want my marriage to crumble because of this. Tell me what to do! Restore us.
Your Son, Mark
When I was in the classroom as a teacher, I could create lesson plans for over 100 students a year. Plans that challenged my students and still adapted to state mandated modifications for the few that needed them. Plans that helped shape the academic future of 11 years worth of our future generations.
Yet, as a husband I feel incompetent as I would be if I were in charge of building a skyscraper. I have taken classes on communication, problem solving, budgeting, building healthy spiritual and prayer lives, and even read up on some sexual topics. I even taught classes on how to strengthen marriages, yet, I feel I am failing as a husband.
Some of you know that I am currently semi-unemployed. I am a substitute teacher needing a full-time teaching job. I am very hopeful that I will be under contract with a school district shortly after the end of this school year. In the meantime my lack of income is forcing my dear bride to work a full-time job and a couple of other "part-time" jobs to barely make ends meet for us financially. The stress, lack of time for family and for herself is taking a heavy toll on her. I mentioned in my previous blog, that this is also taking a toll on me as well. I feel very much like I am not being the man I need to be. It should be me working more and supporting my family. We have a budget, but due to our recent financial woes it has been modified to what we call, "the crappy budget." Even so we are having trouble making ends meet. I know it will change, but knowing it will change and waiting on it, are two different things. She tells me all the time how she feels like we are not connected like we should be. She feels distant and alone.
My wife and I have a prayer corner in our room. It has two folding chairs sitting on a rug. We have a lamp to give us some light. The chairs are facing each other so we can sit close, hold hands and lean on each other if we need to. Currently these chairs are filled with clothes that need to be put away or some old blankets. Papers, shoes and other items clutter the space on the rug. We haven't prayed together in some time. By the time she gets in from her jobs in the evening, she is so exhausted that she doesn't feel like praying. I haven't even been responsible enough to try and keep the corner clean and ready just in case we get a spare moment to pray. The lack of spiritual discipline at home has caused her to feel distant from God as well.
You would think a professional teacher, marriage educator and former Army officer would have some sort of a plan to address these problems. You would think I would be totally aware of what to do to rescue a struggling marriage; but, here I sit praying to God to give me wisdom to do what I need to do to be a man worthy of my wife's respect and for his guidance to do what I can to ensure that I am truly doing what I can to help support my family.
How is it that I am so blind to the attacks of the enemy (Satan)? Why can't I see what God is doing for us? Am I doing something wrong that God needs to "break me" into fully relying on Him? I try not to be selfish, I truly want to do HIS will not mine. Is there something I still need to learn about myself and my relationship with God before things will get better?
Despite all my qualifications it seems that I am failing as a husband. My wife deserves better.
Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, Lord God Almighty;
Please open my eyes so that I can see myself. Help me to pour out my soul and my will before your throne. Give me the wisdom, the strength and the courage to be a man of God to my wife, my children, my church family and to my employers. Take away my fears and my insecurities. Open my heart and my eyes to the needs of my wife. I do not want to disappoint her. I do not want to be any part of causing her to doubt You and Your love. I want to be a man worthy of her respect. I want to work full-time, O Lord. I am tired of struggling financially. I am tired of seeing my wife work herself "crazy" trying to make up for my failures (even if some of those were out of my control). I am not asking for wealth, I just want a job that helps us get out of debt and to have enough money to save for emergencies and retirement. I am tired not feeling connected with my wife. Please show me LORD what I need to do! I cast myself before your mercy and grace, because it is only through you we are surviving at all. I do not want my marriage to crumble because of this. Tell me what to do! Restore us.
Your Son, Mark
Monday, February 1, 2010
As I Sit Here
As I sit here and type this post, many things are running through my head. I wonder if I am a real man. My wife works 4 different jobs, while I am just substitute teaching. I know I will get a job teaching full-time next school year, but what do I do in the meantime? I will take over for a teacher who will go on maternity leave in March. I will teach her classes until the end of May. What about the summer? I don't feel I am supporting my family at all. My wife is working so much that she barely has one weekend a month to spend with her family. I try to keep busy around the house when I am not subbing (cleaning, laundry, some yard work), but that is not enough. It seems the more we try to get ahead, by paying off debts or get some things fixed around the house, the more we are getting behind. Right now I wonder if the family would be better off without me. It seems I am the one causing most of our family problems right now. I didn't ask to be laid off from my last full-time job. I didn't cut the budget that cost me my job. Yet, I feel responsible. I didn't have to leave my full-time teaching job two years ago. I could have hung on longer. God I know you are with us; however, I am human and I would just like to know what is going on with us. When will I get a job teaching again. How long must we suffer; scrapping by check by check? I hate it that my wife is working so hard to be the main bread winner for our family, that's my job. God I should be working full-time. Please protect us from financial ruin until things get better. Help my children feel safe and secure. Take my wife's burdens away or give her extra boost of Your Spirit to help her through it. Keep our sanity intact. Don't let me or my wife get so depressed we do stupid things. Help us to feel your love and your protection. Now as I get up to sweep the floors, put a smile on my face and help to realize that things could be much worse.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Happy New Year = Happy Reading
So far I have read 11 books this year (my goal is to reach 50+). I am currently reading two others that I may finish before the end of the month. Here are the books I have read so far...
1. Elyon: The Lost Books #6 by Ted Dekker
2. Strange But True: Cats. 444 Weird Facts and Photos by Sweetwater Press
3. Green by Ted Dekker
4. Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do by Lawrence Kutner & Cheryl K. Olson
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Self-Coaching: The Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression by Joseph J. Luciani
7. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
8. A Ship Possessed by Alton Gansky
9. Leading With a Limp by Dan B. Allender
10. The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards
11. Seeking Spirits: The Lost Cases of the Atlantic Paranormal Society by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson & Jan Friedman
I am currently reading
12. The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
13. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
I love reading!
1. Elyon: The Lost Books #6 by Ted Dekker
2. Strange But True: Cats. 444 Weird Facts and Photos by Sweetwater Press
3. Green by Ted Dekker
4. Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do by Lawrence Kutner & Cheryl K. Olson
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Self-Coaching: The Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression by Joseph J. Luciani
7. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
8. A Ship Possessed by Alton Gansky
9. Leading With a Limp by Dan B. Allender
10. The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards
11. Seeking Spirits: The Lost Cases of the Atlantic Paranormal Society by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson & Jan Friedman
I am currently reading
12. The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson
13. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
I love reading!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Reading is Fundamental
I was talking with some of the students at school today and the topic of reading came up. Some of the students were talking about what kind of books they read, while others were saying they haven't read a entire book in over 2 years. Wow! You mean there are people who don't read books; not even little ones. When I asked about "not reading an entire book", they said that other than a couple of children's books, they actually haven't read a book over 50 pages in over 2 years. I was stunned. I thought even those who claim to not read, at least read 1 book a year. I guess I was wrong.
It is interesting to note that the few students who admitted to not reading a book in over 2 years, had the lowest averages (not necessarily failing) of their classes.
As a reading addict, I am closing in on 50 books (at least 100 pages or more) in 2009 alone. (This is not counting children's books) I am reading one now and have one more I plan to read before the end of the year, (If time allows). It just shocked me about the number of students who hate to read.
Here is a list of books I have read in 2009 (in no particular order)
1. The English Standard Version of the Bible
2. Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Frances Chan
3. Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado
4. Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado
5. The Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot by Max Lucado
6. Dracula by Bram Stoker
7. Chosen (The Lost Books # 1) by Ted Dekker
8. Infidel (The Lost Books # 2) by Ted Dekker
9. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
10. Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz
11. Sinner by Ted Dekker
12. Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz
13. Eagle Strike by Anothony Horowitz
14. Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz
15. Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz
16. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Timothy Keller
17. The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 1) by Steven James
18. The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 2) by Steven James
19. The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 3) by Steven James
20. Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
21. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
22. The Appeal by John Grisham
23. Brisinger by Christopher Paolini
24. Deadfall (The McAllister Files) by Patricia H. Rushford and Harrison James
25. Twilight by Stephanie Myer (Started in 2008)
26. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
27. Anchor Man: How a Father Can Anchor His Family in Christ for the Next 100 Years by Steve Farrar
28. Eat Mor Chikin', Inspire More People by S. Truitt Cathey
29. John 3:16, The Numbers of Hope by Max Lucado
30. Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy
31. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
32. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Final Battle by C.S. Lewis
33. Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back by Josh Hamilton
34. 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weis
35. The Apocalypse Code: Find Out What the Bible Really Says About the End Times...and Why it Matters Today
36. The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ by Lee Strobel
37. Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo
38. Enjoy the Silence: A 30 Day Experiment in Listening to God by Maggie Robbins
39. A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia by Christin Ditchfield
40. Germ by Robert Liparulo
41. Get Out of That Pit: Straight Talk About God's Deliverance by Beth Moore
42. The Great Taos Bank Robbery and Other True Stories of the Southwest by Tony Hillerman
43. Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections between Sexuality and Spirituality by Rob Bell
44. Deadfall (A John Hutchinson Novel) by Robert Liparulo
45. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
46. Renegade (The Lost Books # 3) by Ted Dekker (Currently Reading - should be finshed by end of the week)
47. Becoming One: Emotionally, Spiritually, Sexually by Joe Beam (Currently Reading -- May not finish until early 2010)
48. Chaos (The Lost Books # 4) by Ted Dekker (Next on my list -- should finish by end of the year)
So close to 50!
It is interesting to note that the few students who admitted to not reading a book in over 2 years, had the lowest averages (not necessarily failing) of their classes.
As a reading addict, I am closing in on 50 books (at least 100 pages or more) in 2009 alone. (This is not counting children's books) I am reading one now and have one more I plan to read before the end of the year, (If time allows). It just shocked me about the number of students who hate to read.
Here is a list of books I have read in 2009 (in no particular order)
1. The English Standard Version of the Bible
2. Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Frances Chan
3. Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear by Max Lucado
4. Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado
5. The Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot by Max Lucado
6. Dracula by Bram Stoker
7. Chosen (The Lost Books # 1) by Ted Dekker
8. Infidel (The Lost Books # 2) by Ted Dekker
9. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
10. Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz
11. Sinner by Ted Dekker
12. Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz
13. Eagle Strike by Anothony Horowitz
14. Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz
15. Ark Angel by Anthony Horowitz
16. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Timothy Keller
17. The Pawn (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 1) by Steven James
18. The Rook (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 2) by Steven James
19. The Knight (The Patrick Bowers Files: Book 3) by Steven James
20. Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
21. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
22. The Appeal by John Grisham
23. Brisinger by Christopher Paolini
24. Deadfall (The McAllister Files) by Patricia H. Rushford and Harrison James
25. Twilight by Stephanie Myer (Started in 2008)
26. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
27. Anchor Man: How a Father Can Anchor His Family in Christ for the Next 100 Years by Steve Farrar
28. Eat Mor Chikin', Inspire More People by S. Truitt Cathey
29. John 3:16, The Numbers of Hope by Max Lucado
30. Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy
31. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
32. The Chronicles of Narnia: the Final Battle by C.S. Lewis
33. Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back by Josh Hamilton
34. 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Weis
35. The Apocalypse Code: Find Out What the Bible Really Says About the End Times...and Why it Matters Today
36. The Case for the Real Jesus: A Journalist Investigates Current Attacks on the Identity of Christ by Lee Strobel
37. Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo
38. Enjoy the Silence: A 30 Day Experiment in Listening to God by Maggie Robbins
39. A Family Guide to Narnia: Biblical Truths in C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia by Christin Ditchfield
40. Germ by Robert Liparulo
41. Get Out of That Pit: Straight Talk About God's Deliverance by Beth Moore
42. The Great Taos Bank Robbery and Other True Stories of the Southwest by Tony Hillerman
43. Sex God: Exploring the Endless Connections between Sexuality and Spirituality by Rob Bell
44. Deadfall (A John Hutchinson Novel) by Robert Liparulo
45. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
46. Renegade (The Lost Books # 3) by Ted Dekker (Currently Reading - should be finshed by end of the week)
47. Becoming One: Emotionally, Spiritually, Sexually by Joe Beam (Currently Reading -- May not finish until early 2010)
48. Chaos (The Lost Books # 4) by Ted Dekker (Next on my list -- should finish by end of the year)
So close to 50!
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