tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-340458492024-03-05T15:55:46.903-05:00My Life as an Accidental ArtistMrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.comBlogger666125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-58182102226499716162020-06-28T12:55:00.001-04:002020-06-28T12:55:25.326-04:00Hope Church OnlineHope Church OnlineMrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-65370905590097060032018-01-26T22:52:00.000-05:002018-01-26T23:50:35.735-05:00Becoming named<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: large;">“A self is not something static, tied up in a pretty parcel and handed to the child, finished and complete. A self is always becoming.” </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/106.Madeleine_L_Engle" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">Madeleine L'Engle</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_2819" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/666442" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">A Circle of Quiet</a></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bbp5EBRxN0/WmvccQ4urTI/AAAAAAAAwCY/ofdaO1cpb4svjYvNV4FWKt3xnLrwKpRbACLcBGAs/s1600/becomingnamed.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1081" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Bbp5EBRxN0/WmvccQ4urTI/AAAAAAAAwCY/ofdaO1cpb4svjYvNV4FWKt3xnLrwKpRbACLcBGAs/s400/becomingnamed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art by @aprildiorio at Terminus City Tattoo, Duluth, GA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">“Progo,' Meg asked. 'You memorized the names of all the stars - how many are there?'</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">How many? Great heavens, earthling. I haven't the faintest idea.'</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">But you said your last assignment was to memorize the names of all of them.'</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">I did. All the stars in all the galaxies. And that's a great many.'</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">But how many?'</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">What difference does it make? I know their names. I don't know how many there are. It's their names that matter.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/106.Madeleine_L_Engle" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">Madeleine L'Engle</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_18130" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1196035" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">A Wind in the Door</a></span><br />
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If you know me well, you doubtless know that my two favorite American authors are Madeleine L'Engle and Flannery O'Connor. I love O'Connor because she kept things real. She recognized the "freaks" (her word) around her and called them out for what they were. It didn't matter whether they were the most respected church folk or the basest criminals- everyone has some kind of freakishness inside. I love that. L'Engle, on the other hand, focused on the highest possibilities of what people might become. Her philosophy about the power of words and love and the essence of what makes us all human lifts my spirit whenever I read her work. The two women together offered a balance of grace and reality that I want to have in my own life.<br />
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In recent years I have been struck by the word <i>becoming.</i> I hadn't really considered the idea until I became involved with the <a href="http://www.becoming3lectric.com/">Becoming 3lectric</a> project a couple of years ago, but when I connect the concept of ontology to becoming, my own ideas took on a shape I couldn't have anticipated before beginning this Ph.D. journey. I have learned about many philosophies and worldviews, but I always circle back to the same faith that I share with L'Engle and O'Connor. The form of faith's expression is different for all three of us, but the foundation is the same. In the predominately secular world of academia, I sometimes struggle with what I will ultimately become, forgetting that the process of becoming is much longer than the years I will reside as an academic. There will be a balance in the end. In fact, I need to remember Paul's words to the Philippians, "I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1%3A6&version=MEV">Philippians 1:6</a>). He who began that work will complete it. I am not complete yet. I am becoming.<br />
<br />
But what am I becoming? I am becoming named. When we value something, we give it a name. When we marry, we decide whose name to take as a family unit. We consider how we name our children carefully, considering meaning, tradition, and how the name sounds when paired with middle and surnames- just in case. The more we value something, the more importance we give to the name. In ancient days names predicted who a person would become or the legacy a person was expected to fulfill. We honor those who have gone before with names. We share hope for the future through names. We establish the fundamentals of our identity through the names we choose and the names we use. To be named is to be cherished, loved, and valued.<br />
<br />
When I put on my skin "becoming named" I recognize that my journey is incomplete. God is still working in me to make me the woman HE has planned in advance for me to be. When things get hard, I must know that the hardships are part of the process of being named by HIM because I am cherished and loved and valued. My naming will be finished when my becoming is complete. My story will be told, my purpose fulfilled, and I will be named. Until then, I am a work in progress, being named.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">“Stories are able to help us to become more whole, to become Named. And Naming is one of the impulses behind all art; to give a name to the cosmos we see despite all the chaos.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">― </span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/106.Madeleine_L_Engle" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">Madeleine L'Engle</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">, </span><span id="quote_book_link_136814" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1136355" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art</a></span><br />
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<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-1468398746327403822018-01-01T21:55:00.001-05:002018-01-01T22:00:05.241-05:00My word for 2018<div class="tr_bq">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sb-uMQpEGM/WkrhANsxCJI/AAAAAAAAv4c/ac2VFfQrKAs6oJSYbkc09NE37ceLlIDWACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/sisuWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sb-uMQpEGM/WkrhANsxCJI/AAAAAAAAv4c/ac2VFfQrKAs6oJSYbkc09NE37ceLlIDWACK4BGAYYCw/s400/sisuWEB.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Finding balance in 2017 was a real challenge. I need to continue to pursue meeting my academic goals without sacrificing my mental and physical health. The next 15 months will likely be the most challenging of my life when it comes to balance. I am so determined to finish my Ph.D. in spring of 2019 that it may threaten my ability to keep body and spirit aligned with my mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With both my academic goal and need for balance in mind, I wanted to find a word for 2018 that would help me remember to dig deep, persevere, and keep moving forward no matter what the circumstances.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While doing some shopping on Etsy, I ran across a word I had never seen before: sisu. Intrigued by the descriptions at the Etsy stores, I looked it up:</span><br />
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<h4 style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #ead1dc; margin-bottom: 1.35294rem; margin-top: 1.35294rem;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">SISU<br /><div style="text-align: right;">
To the Finnish people, sisu has a mystical, almost magical meaning.It is a Finnish term that can be roughly translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"><div style="text-align: right;">
Sisu is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage.It stands for the philosophy that what must be done will be done, regardless of cost.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"><div style="text-align: right;">
Sisu is an inherent characteristic of the Finnish people. You might call it backbone, spunk, stamina, guts, or drive and perseverance.It is a measure of integrity that surpasses the hardship and sees through to the end.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.finlandia.edu/about/our-finnish-heritage/</span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sisu represents everything I need for 2018. I may not be Finnish, but I can appreciate the kind of dogged determination that refuses to compromise or quit. It's what I will need to achieve all the intermediate goals required to conquer the terminal degree. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The image I paired with the word for 2018 is the ice that formed inside my travel cup when I left it in the car overnight. The temperature had dipped to near zero, and my cup had been nearly full of water. At first, the lid didn't budge. With the car heater on, it took about an hour to reveal this image: icicles dipping into the icy water. There will be times when progress seems frozen, whether it be mind, body, or spirit. I will need to be patient with myself and my circumstances without stopping. The ice eventually melted and I could quench my thirst. The same will happen with research and writing and revising my work. It will get done as long as I keep the heat on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is also beauty in the ice. I need to be aware of the obstacles, not just to overcome them, but also to appreciate the lessons of them. Finding beauty in difficulty requires creativity, integrity, and will. In the grand scheme of my years on this earth, the next 15-18 months are not long. With sisu, I will finish this degree and maintain a healthy life balance. I will find the beauty of the obstacles while I work toward overcoming them. And, with the Lord's guidance and grace, I will find a balance that keeps me healthy and whole in every aspect of my life.</span></div>
MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-27936360826791754032017-02-03T00:43:00.001-05:002017-02-03T00:43:37.473-05:00Senate Chaplain Black at the National Prayer Breakfast<iframe frameborder="0" height="330" scrollable="no" src="https://www.c-span.org/video/standalone/?c4654426" width="512"></iframe>MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-25626445169279920632017-01-21T20:59:00.000-05:002017-01-21T20:59:00.959-05:00Still<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iaDHpJu-rq8/WIQR03E5FcI/AAAAAAAAurA/0TxkNLgTv58H_YUJ0wm0jgYOJILhlCPgACLcB/s1600/WEB012117_0055-Fin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iaDHpJu-rq8/WIQR03E5FcI/AAAAAAAAurA/0TxkNLgTv58H_YUJ0wm0jgYOJILhlCPgACLcB/s640/WEB012117_0055-Fin.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-39117282534845519532017-01-01T21:31:00.001-05:002017-01-02T23:55:35.152-05:00My word for 2017: Peace <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before considering a word for 2017, I looked back at my words from the last several years. I began in 2010 with <i>tranquil</i>. An odd choice given the way subsequent years have unfolded. Tranquil is probably the last adjective I would choose looking back. Exciting, tumultuous, and unpredictable are better choices. Hindsight is 20/20, I suppose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The years that followed featured works and ideas that I could control. <i>Contentment</i> and <i>connectedness</i> are things I still strive to make part of my life. I try to be <i>intentional</i> about the decisions I make because I know my decisions affect my contentment and connectedness. <i>Identity </i>was my word for 2015 as I sought to find my second half self as I turned 50. Seeking a new identity continues as my children start their independent lives and I pursue a PhD in Teaching and Learning. That identity, built on the core of faith and family, is still evolving. In a sense, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> I chose two words for 2016, and the pair did manifest as I spent a good deal of time <i>reflect</i>ing and <i>respond</i>ing to a number of challenges. I found myself walking a tightrope between my liberal and conservative friends during a dreadful election cycle. I try to balance support and wisdom when my girls ask my opinion about decisions they are making, whether or not I agree with the direction they choose. I love them no matter what. I struggled to find my academic voice through heavy course loads (my own fault). In all the reflecting and responding to the challenges of 2016, I shape my next adult identity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> 2017 is looking to be a challenging year, with a number of significant events happening academically and personally. I can control little about how any occasion unfolds, and there is potential for great joy or devastation. In the past my decisions largely determined my steps. This year, it is the decisions of others that mark my path, and that is unnerving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> What I think I really will need this year is <i>peace</i>. I already know there will be chaos around me. I anticipate times of frustration and conflict based just on what is already on the calendar. I will pray for the best outcome and my own reflective and wise responses, but without having a sense of control over the events ahead, internal peace will not come naturally. If you know anything about me, you will know that I like to have some control and that I am quick to insecurity and anxiety if my voice is unheard. Knowing part of what 2017 holds already constricts my breathing, and I feel unsettled about how to approach the future. Peace, then, must be priority.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Years ago I learned a song about God's perfect peace based on Isaiah 26:3:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Isa-26-3" id="en-CJB-10603" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; position: relative;">“A person whose desire rests on you</span></span><br />
<span class="text Isa-26-3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; position: relative;">you preserve in perfect peace,</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-26-3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; position: relative;">because he trusts in you.</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-26-4" id="en-CJB-10604" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Trust in <i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Adonai</span></i> forever,</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-26-4" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; position: relative;">because in <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Yah <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Adonai</span></i>,</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-26-4" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; position: relative;">is a Rock of Ages.”</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span border-box="" box-sizing:="" class="text Isa-26-4" position:="" relative="" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The passage was written by Isaiah for the people of Israel while in captivity and slavery to the Assyrian Empire around 750 BC (Ross, 2004). The theme of this group of prophecies (chapters 24-27) is a coming judgment followed by a promise of redemption and protection. Chapter 26 is a call to remain faithful no matter what the circumstances. For the Hebrew people, slavery endured through the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, not ending until Cyrus the Great defeated Babylon and permitted the Jews to return to Israel and rebuild their temple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Part of Isaiah's prophecies in this and surrounding chapters are general enough for scholars to include them in messianic prophecies (Ross, 2004). Messianic prophecies look forward to a golden age, after the earth is purged of sin and the Messiah reigns in a New Jerusalem. The messiah as Prince of Peace is declared in the last part of Isaiah (chapters 49-57), extending grace to all who trust in Him, regardless of position as Gentile or Jew (Ross). Matthew Henry (1708) explained that the prophecy was composed for all people of all ages, including those "upon whom the ends of the world have come." I look at the world around me and sometimes wonder whether we are entering that age of the end as told in Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Matthew, and Revelation. Children rise up against parents, nations threaten war, climate change is altering the landscape, and it is sometimes frightening to be a Christian living in a post-truth world. Even if the time of the end is still far away, these are certainly perilous times wherein truth is exchanged for falsehoods and facts are turned upside-down to strengthen the power of world leaders. On a personal level, these challenges reach into my family, my research, my daily life as I traverse a line between liberal and conservative, secular and sacred, and fear of the unknown wherever I go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The importance of this particular verse for me comes in the word <span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320;">יצר yētser, </span>translated in the Complete Jewish Bible here as desire. Most translators choose the English word, mind. The exact meaning of the Hebrew text is closest to the idea of something that is formed, created, or devised. Anything formed by the mind, like thoughts, ideas, or imaginings, when focused on the Creator God, will not be threatened or shaken by calamity (Barnes, 1983). This is something I can control because I form my thoughts based on the identity I claim as beloved child of the Father. Whether life is tranquil (maybe one day) or chaotic (much of the time these days), I can be confident that <i>Yah Adonai</i> is with me. When I keep the circumstances around me in context with a desire to seek after Truth, even in a post-truth world, I can have peace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In my own life, then, I need to keep my mind so focused on the Lord that whatever comes my way cannot cause anxiety, but rather increase the peace that He promises to give, perfect peace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Barnes, A. (1983). Barnes' notes on Isaiah 26. Retrieved from http://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/isaiah/26.htm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Complete Jewish Bible. (1998). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+26&version=CJB</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Henry, M. (1708). Isaiah 26. Retrieved from http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/isaiah/26.html</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ross, A. (2004). Introduction to the study of Isaiah. Retrieved from https://bible.org/seriespage/1-introduction-study-book-isaiah</span><br />
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MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-60364383916461411192016-12-31T19:11:00.002-05:002016-12-31T19:18:46.606-05:00Loomis family 2016 in reviewIn keeping with the example set by friends on Facebook, this little update will be short and sweet.<br />
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Sixteen things the Loomis family did in 2016:<br />
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<ol>
<li>In January, Stephanie was able to present with one of her academic idols, Donna Alvermann, at the JoLLE conference at the University of Georgia. Stephanie enjoyed the four conferences she attended, but especially loved the opportunity to connect with friends, make new friends, and meeting her research partner of the last two years in person for the first time.</li>
<li>In March we hired a herd of goats to clear out 15 years worth of English ivy in our backyard. It took four days, but they took the yard back to to ground. Of course, they didn't eat the roots and we'll have to do it again in a couple of years, but it was fun.</li>
<li>The Anderson girls are still part of our lives. After ten years, they may as well be family. We love them!</li>
<li>Watching Maddie grow from infant to baby to toddler with personality took over most of our free time. We are grateful for technology that allows video chats!</li>
<li>Corinne, working as an Emergency Department nurse at Children's Health Care of Atlanta, still found time to run. We love hearing from people we know who interact with her about how good she is at her job.</li>
<li>Stephanie enjoyed using MARTA to commute to classes at Georgia State University. She completed 12 courses in 2016 she works toward a PhD in Teaching and Learning.</li>
<li> In July we said "Good bye" to our sweet Dolce, who took ill and was gone before we could begin to process life without her. Lexi continues to amaze us. At 13, she can hardly see or hear, and she has lost most of her teeth, but she is always happy when we are home. Puccini, the Italian Greyhound, turned 6, and continues to be a dog with a cat's attitude toward people.</li>
<li>During the summer, Caty Mae toured with the drum corps group, Spirit of Atlanta. She changed her major from music education to early childhood education, but percussion is in her blood, and she loves to perform. We love watching her. Drum Corps finals were in Indianapolis, so we traveled to watch Caty Mae and the corps. Of course, we had to tour the Indy 500 track. Stephanie remembers listening to this race on the radio in the early 1970s- starting the race before church and coming home after church for the last few laps. The tour and the museum are fantastic, even for non-racing fans.</li>
<li>Brian did a fair amount of traveling with his job at NASCO, mostly to New Jersey. </li>
<li>Kennesaw State Football was a fun way to spend Saturdays through the Fall. Of course, our favorite part was the Marching Owls.</li>
<li> Brian was pleased to see that he still fit into his fraternity letters!</li>
<li>Hurricane Matthew sent Mike, Carrie, and Maddie to Marietta for a week, where we celebrated Maddie's first birthday. She had her official party after flood waters receded.</li>
<li>Brian found a new hobby in buying, restoring, and selling vintage fountain pens.</li>
<li>A massive oak fell in the yard, taking out several trees with it and clipping the corner of the house. No major damage to the structure, and Stephanie, as any self-respecting artist would do, strung Christmas lights along it.</li>
<li>Christmas was spent in a Hiawassee cabin where everyone could gather, play games, and read- mostly books to Maddie.</li>
<li>Mike and Carrie moved to Tennessee, which meant Ama and Poppa got some bonus time with Maddie. </li>
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There was time for art and fitness in the middle of everything, even when it seemed like work and school took over every minute. We are grateful to be strong and healthy, with independent and self-sufficient adult children who still like hanging out with us! </div>
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We look forward to a 2017 filled with family, music, art, and learning. Blessings to you who read this. May we all remember that, no matter what is happening in the world around us, God is on his throne and He loves us incomparably.</div>
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Brian and Stephanie</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ6qomm0PgQ/WGhBvJMWbvI/AAAAAAAAuoQ/x4WqJIE1qJAOOuxcIPjjlrvHrAeMiV9CACLcB/s1600/31172711524_9211911af9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ6qomm0PgQ/WGhBvJMWbvI/AAAAAAAAuoQ/x4WqJIE1qJAOOuxcIPjjlrvHrAeMiV9CACLcB/s640/31172711524_9211911af9_z.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Maddie says, "2016 is all done!"<br />
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MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-40342604346696809172016-10-30T12:29:00.002-04:002016-10-30T12:33:56.438-04:00What message?<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is the message?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If evangelicals continue to follow the path of “lesser of two evils”, how can we ever hope to have influence over wicked policies and increasing secularism? How can we purport to be seekers after Truth when we purposefully choose one evil over another? This is not a moral option. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Evangelicals who cite Nero or Henry VIII as examples of evil rulers whom God used for His own purpose neglect to consider that neither of these were voted into power by their subjects. In fact, the one time the people DID choose a king, God was clear that it was a bad idea to choose a leader who met a certain standard set by humans. They chose Saul, and that ended badly. God then chose David, whose moral choices were often misguided, but his heart sought after God.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this particular election, we are faced with Saul or Jezebel. Do we choose based on history? Do we choose based on image, as in the case of Saul? Do we choose based on experience, as in the case of Jezebel? Neither seeks after the heart of God- by their own admissions. One seeks after the heart of progressivism, with its embrace of abortion, liberality, and anti-Christian policies. The other seeks after the heart of the angry and the business of the world. One may seem acceptable to some, while the other is acceptable to others. Neither is a good moral choice, yet both call on some form of “righteousness” that the other is lacking. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: white; font: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No matter what the outcome of this election may be, there will not be a godly person in leadership. Whomever is put in place will be divisive, seeking first the kingdom of self, the promotion of personal power, and the continual belittling of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence. </span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-af2b46bd-166b-8178-7a6d-4c8d99e45fef"><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As for me, choose for yourself for whom you will vote, but I refuse to be party to the continued degradation of the Church in the Western world. I will not choose Saul or Jezebel. I will exercise my privilege to be part of a representative democracy, but I will not be belittled or shamed into compromising my integrity. I will vote my conscience and I will seek the heart of God regardless of the state of the nation in which I live.</span></span>MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-35342182979060260462016-08-06T22:28:00.001-04:002016-08-06T22:28:09.839-04:00Been "arting" between semesters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-78182803324408008952016-07-25T22:36:00.002-04:002016-07-25T22:36:15.383-04:00Art matters.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUGcduqbWKQ/V5bMIzw5mII/AAAAAAAAt4Q/FR7t2PtDAjM1HGejQxqKZgBHuNn5H896QCLcB/s1600/roswellrdbridge5x5lEngleWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUGcduqbWKQ/V5bMIzw5mII/AAAAAAAAt4Q/FR7t2PtDAjM1HGejQxqKZgBHuNn5H896QCLcB/s640/roswellrdbridge5x5lEngleWEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Photos mine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Fonts: Font Squirrel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">Gradient: <span style="background-color: #aaaaaa;"><a href="http://www.brushesdownload.com/gfile.php?id=5012" target="_blank">devirose81</a></span></span>MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-47169099228691502372016-07-03T20:14:00.004-04:002016-07-03T21:16:15.534-04:00Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+17&version=CJB" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Judges 17:</a><span 0px="" 22px="" bold="" border-box="" box-sizing:="" class="versenum" font-family:="" font-weight:="" georgia="" imes="" left="" line-height:="" new="" position:="" quot="" relative="" roman="" serif="" text-align:="" top:="" top="" vertical-align:=""><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+17&version=CJB" target="_blank">6</a> </span><span 24px="" georgia="" imes="" left="" line-height:="" new="" quot="" roman="" serif="" text-align:="">At that time there was no king in Isra’el; a man simply did whatever he thought was right.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXbtxzu2txc/V3lnQM8DEyI/AAAAAAAAt1Y/VR7B2w4cQA0e5YaB5yx87tmU410OH69AwCLcB/s1600/WEBJuly4-2016b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rXbtxzu2txc/V3lnQM8DEyI/AAAAAAAAt1Y/VR7B2w4cQA0e5YaB5yx87tmU410OH69AwCLcB/s640/WEBJuly4-2016b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty , and the pursuit of Happiness.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I still remember singing these words at Compton Junior High School at a Spring concert in 8th grade. At the time, those inalienable rights were assumed and not really questioned, at least in my mind. In the years since, however, much has changed. The USA is angrier, more polarized, and even the most basic assumptions of the Declaration of Independence are being questioned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Never before in my memory has the issue of life been so controversial. From abortion laws to end of life rulings, the definition of life itself is under question. When is life valuable? When is life real? When is life? The abortion rights lobby has become so strong that even the Supreme Court of the United States obeys its commands, even when the end result is likely to mean harm to women who go to legal-but-unregulated centers. That is not health care. That is politics. Death with so-called dignity is glorified in pop culture books and movies, even as the laws in this country are altered to remove penalties for those who hasten the death of another. With the two extremes of life rendered unworthy, is it any wonder murder rates are alarming? If there is no value to life at its beginning or end, what gives it value in between? Why are we surprised at mass shootings or suicide bombings when as a culture we have so devalued life that some bizarre thought of personal gain is sufficient excuse to take lives from the innocent?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Liberty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Personal liberty used to mean freedom to practice one's religion, speak in public, and engage in business. This is no longer the case. Religion, and the practice thereof is either banned from the public square or so belittled and scorned that practicing becomes difficult. When free expression of religion means not offending the non-religious, there is no longer free practice of religion. Freedom from religion was never part of the Founding Fathers' purpose. They were deists and theists, not opposed to religious expression. Liberty also meant civil discourse. Not sit-ins on the floor of the House of Representatives, not shout-downs of opposing views, and not being quieted by fear of reprisal or threat from an employer. None of these are liberty. As for commerce, once upon a time, if people wanted to make a statement about a business practice, they simply took their business elsewhere. Word of mouth was sufficient. Today, photographers and bakers lose businesses because they choose to hold their Christian moral stances above profit. I say Christian, because so far, only Christian businesses have been targeted. No other religious group or minority group is affected, even if they engage in the same practices. The laws passed to force Christian businesses to accommodate values systems with which they disagree are not essential services. In no case has there been no other option. And in no case has anyone suffered physical harm. It is political bullying, nothing more. And it is a denial of liberty for those businesses to practice according to their beliefs. There are still signs on doors saying, "No shoes, no shirt, no service". How long will those be allowed to stand?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pursuit of Happiness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the first of the slippery slopes in definition changes. The pursuit of happiness does not guarantee an outcome of happiness. How is happiness defined anyway? Reportedly wealth does not equate to happiness, nor does power. Yet these are the two things most people seem to desire above all else. And when they don't get it, they cry for equality of outcome, saying that it isn't fair that some people have much and others have little. But if wealth and power aren't the keys to happiness, what does it matter? Granted, the past practices of government have limited the ways of pursuit for many, and that must be rectified. But how can it be made right when expectation is equality of outcome rather than the opportunity to pursue an individualized outcome? Happiness looks different for each individual; no amount of wealth redistribution can change that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what went wrong? Why is there such a feeling of unrest, distrust, and outright anger among Americans in 2016? I believe the answer is also in the Declaration statement: <i>they are endowed by their Creator</i>. When the idea of a Higher Power is removed from the minds of humanity, the chaos of culture always results. All the great empires of the world: Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Rome, Britain - each of these fell when the power of human will trumped the worship of god. The USA was founded on Judeo-Christian principles that included reverence and respect for a Divine Creator. Removing that ideal left a vacuum that is increasing filled with power-hungry people whose desire is for the self to become like god. When humans take on the role of the divine, truths are no longer self-evident. In fact, truth itself becomes questionable, and society returns to the chaos of self-determination without any idea of community. It is not new or unique to the US; it is what is common to humanity. And so it goes. Unless this nation returns to a reverence and respect for the Divine Creator, it is on a path to disintegration. Unless truth once again becomes part of the dialogue in the public square, deception will reign. Truth and justice must again become American ideals in order for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to once again become inalienable rights for each of us.</span></div>
MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-81124138731574624012016-05-15T22:09:00.001-04:002016-05-15T22:10:40.290-04:00Need to create.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGgnvyJsk7g/VzkrrsG7aAI/AAAAAAAAtMM/HMcQKhp8WLonWqBEvp95ABPoaDbQwFeVACLcB/s1600/20160512_free%2Bbird-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGgnvyJsk7g/VzkrrsG7aAI/AAAAAAAAtMM/HMcQKhp8WLonWqBEvp95ABPoaDbQwFeVACLcB/s640/20160512_free%2Bbird-hero.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made this for my friend, Dr. Tuba Angay-Crowder. MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-1469126273817794452016-03-25T17:48:00.004-04:002016-04-25T17:04:03.828-04:00Purim and Easter<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It isn't often that my favorite Jewish festival, Purim, intersects with the most important Christian holiday, Easter. It makes me wonder how these two events are connected and what I can learn by considering them together. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVabTcDGq9M/VvWiTsx8YCI/AAAAAAAAtGI/_ZdzrVXXh5EJmfPDWlIXRV82w_uD655dQ/s1600/dogwood4bW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QVabTcDGq9M/VvWiTsx8YCI/AAAAAAAAtGI/_ZdzrVXXh5EJmfPDWlIXRV82w_uD655dQ/s400/dogwood4bW.jpg" width="222" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Purim is the retelling of a great deliverance of God's chosen people from certain genocide under the King Ahasueres and his evil prime minister, Haman. Purim is the most joyful of festivals, with costumes, stories, food, and plenty of adult beverages. But the celebration is only possible because of the faith and obedience of one person who was willing to consider herself nothing in order to save her people from utter destruction. Since the strife between Jacob and Esau, the nation of Israel has been under attack from all sides. More than once the Enemy has sought to destroy the descendants of Jacob, and every time, God has protected them. He has allowed them to be enslaved, dispersed, and judged, but never annihilated. His hand rests on them because He has chosen them for Himself. When Esther went before the king without being summoned, she knew her life hung in the balance. But she went in after fasting and prayer, not just by herself, but with all the Jews in the region. This is what God wants of His people and His children: not to be reckless with life, but to be bold on a foundation of fasting and prayer that His will is done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Christians celebrate Easter, they too recall a great deliverance. It is the most joyful of Christian holidays, as it recalls the resurrection of the Messiah, Christ the Lord, called Jesus. Like Esther's story, it begins with a great betrayal that threatens more than the person directly involved. Since the Garden of Eden, Satan has tried to annihilate anyone who calls upon the Father as Lord. God has made Himself known throughout the ages so that hope and future rests with those who seek Him. In Jesus, however, God revealed His most complete deliverance. Jesus did not go to the cross under his human power; he went undergirded with prayer. This time, however, he did not have the prayers of all the Jews with him. His disciples ran in terror, and many who had cheered his entrance into Jerusalem just a few days before were now clamoring for his death. This, too, is a picture for us. When we are alone, God hears our prayers and sustains us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Esther could not have imagined how her people could be redeemed. An edict of the king could not be rescinded. The call had gone out to massacre all the Jews, and even the king was powerless to change it. God, however, is greater than kings. He uses the intelligence and creativity of the faithful to make a way when there seems to be no way. In this case, Mordecai, Esther's cousin, and the second in command after Haman's defeat, was given permission to write a new edict. It would not cancel the original, but it allowed the Jews to arm themselves and avenge any wrong done to them. The net result? The Jews survived, Haman's plot was rebuffed, and Jews around the world celebrate that day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus did not avoid death. In fact, his crucifixion ensured that not only would he die, but die in the most horrific manner invented by evil men. Not only that, but the nature of humanity, with all its evil intent, selfishness, hate, and harm to others weighed down his shoulders. As he hung, nailed to the rough wood of the cross, he bore all the judgement of a holy God for all people in all of time. It is no wonder his death took only three hours instead of the usual days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How could such a thing be overcome? There is no restoration after death for humans. That edict stands forever. Dead mean gone. But, God knew in advance and prepared. He spoke through the prophets of old of a resurrection from the dead that provided for the redemption of all who call on His name. The Jews of Esther's day had two days to avenge Haman's plot. Jesus spent only two days in that tomb and on the third day, He rolled away the barricade and emerged, having avenged Satan's determination to rise above God by destroying those who follow Him. When Jesus appeared to Mary, and then to those on the Emmaus road, and to the disciples, and finally to hundreds of people, the news spread: celebrate, for there is redemption and hope and future, not just for today, but for all eternity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It never ceases to amaze me that the parallels of Jewish holy days and festivals to Christian life is so complete. Only God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The story of Esther can be found <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+1&version=NIV" target="_blank">here</a>. The Resurrection account is in all four gospels of the New Testament, most expansively in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2020&version=NIV" target="_blank">John</a>.</span></div>
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<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-25730915797554613972016-01-10T20:40:00.000-05:002016-01-10T20:40:23.328-05:002016. Reflect in order to properly respond.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7ch4sG3Tso/VpMGC5OJeUI/AAAAAAAAtDE/DbOhpm_1hBY/s1600/reflect2d-tankaWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7ch4sG3Tso/VpMGC5OJeUI/AAAAAAAAtDE/DbOhpm_1hBY/s640/reflect2d-tankaWEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before I can respond, I must reflect. As these first days of 2016 pass, I find myself reconsidering my word for the year. Reflection has two meanings, both of which will be important to me as I continue this journey of education. In order to be a good teacher and researcher, I must reflect, not just on my own work, but on the work of others so that my own pedagogy is grounded on solid philosophy and based in reality rather than hypothesis. At the same time, I must always reflect my core beliefs that rest in the Gospel. No matter what is expedient or politically correct, my life must be a shining reflection of Jesus. In academia, that is a challenge, but Truth prevails over the wisdom of man. My goal this year is to be both reflection and reflective so that, when the end of the year arrives, I will have a clear sense of who I am, where I am going, and what I want to do with the second half of my life.MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-82515057192295340182016-01-03T14:27:00.000-05:002016-01-03T14:27:41.407-05:002016. A Year to Respond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-48298952464309072602015-12-31T18:29:00.001-05:002015-12-31T18:34:00.531-05:002015 in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you follow me on Facebook, you'll understand why I haven't posted anything since PhD classes began in August. Here's a photo recap of things that happened when I wasn't reading, writing, studying, or teaching:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I learned a new poetry form: Tanka. It's related to Haiku, which I also developed a knack for composing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTAVisoZWCc/VoWP1st7TDI/AAAAAAAAs8c/qTnMGJwET4I/s1600/boat-chatt-squareThoreauWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yTAVisoZWCc/VoWP1st7TDI/AAAAAAAAs8c/qTnMGJwET4I/s400/boat-chatt-squareThoreauWEB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always time for photography - especially now that smart phone cameras are so improved.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c30uU_RtR4o/VoWQF5Day0I/AAAAAAAAs-s/t6Evkq3tm4o/s1600/water-fairy-abbyQ-WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c30uU_RtR4o/VoWQF5Day0I/AAAAAAAAs-s/t6Evkq3tm4o/s640/water-fairy-abbyQ-WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvyaCYqMXL8/VoWP6gdhwLI/AAAAAAAAs9s/yxga0OU21hY/s1600/Fairytale-Dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvyaCYqMXL8/VoWP6gdhwLI/AAAAAAAAs9s/yxga0OU21hY/s400/Fairytale-Dream.jpg" width="263" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3tqOYJ2mI4/VoWP4BErjmI/AAAAAAAAs9U/gwuRr5wHeNs/s320/tolkien-wizards-fireWEB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some time with my favorite model and Photoshop Elements</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOdWBPHVzRo/VoW7H83LfII/AAAAAAAAtCc/SQDq5NGJwqM/s1600/air-sprite-txtWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOdWBPHVzRo/VoW7H83LfII/AAAAAAAAtCc/SQDq5NGJwqM/s640/air-sprite-txtWEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJL1MXc1n_4/VoWPxlJE0rI/AAAAAAAAs8A/6leQyXu4v4A/s1600/GulfShores2015-57WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJL1MXc1n_4/VoWPxlJE0rI/AAAAAAAAs8A/6leQyXu4v4A/s400/GulfShores2015-57WEB.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gulf</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21fhy0A23Qg/VoWPxK25uKI/AAAAAAAAs78/hc-SWvisvNE/s1600/GulfShores2015-171-print5WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21fhy0A23Qg/VoWPxK25uKI/AAAAAAAAs78/hc-SWvisvNE/s640/GulfShores2015-171-print5WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sea is my happy place.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H46ygLqFBmk/VoWPxtUvEoI/AAAAAAAAs8E/HtxzTw7lK_k/s1600/GulfShores2015-392-play.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H46ygLqFBmk/VoWPxtUvEoI/AAAAAAAAs8E/HtxzTw7lK_k/s640/GulfShores2015-392-play.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had some time for fun art</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAMB6ZgOTdY/VoWP1PV3uzI/AAAAAAAAs8Y/YW_1tzGCBYw/s1600/National-Park_haiku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAMB6ZgOTdY/VoWP1PV3uzI/AAAAAAAAs8Y/YW_1tzGCBYw/s640/National-Park_haiku.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Connected Learning MOOC (massive open online course) inspired lots of art and poetry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kP68d6hEHTU/VoWP3qm6U9I/AAAAAAAAs9I/cQ8FEtgz4-8/s1600/reflection-BigCreek-tankaWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kP68d6hEHTU/VoWP3qm6U9I/AAAAAAAAs9I/cQ8FEtgz4-8/s640/reflection-BigCreek-tankaWEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Tanka proving that beauty is in the eye of the beholder</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_RRNI4fN2E/VoWQFXOv6HI/AAAAAAAAs-c/CjIOrN1HoYw/s1600/WEBGulfShores2015-431b8x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--_RRNI4fN2E/VoWQFXOv6HI/AAAAAAAAs-c/CjIOrN1HoYw/s640/WEBGulfShores2015-431b8x10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favorite place in the world with my favorite guy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpTp6nORxHo/VoWQFS8-HjI/AAAAAAAAs-k/QMAiJevwlAc/s1600/WEBGulfShores2015-490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WpTp6nORxHo/VoWQFS8-HjI/AAAAAAAAs-k/QMAiJevwlAc/s640/WEBGulfShores2015-490.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sappy and cheesy - that's us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iG6ERcfGFYw/VoWQEOk1x7I/AAAAAAAAs98/rRL87pxwsrg/s1600/WEB20150730_121700_19957926840_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iG6ERcfGFYw/VoWQEOk1x7I/AAAAAAAAs98/rRL87pxwsrg/s640/WEB20150730_121700_19957926840_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home school exploration with Caroline and Abigail. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xI_fIwZSQps/VoWQEOOcp0I/AAAAAAAAs90/piYdIvNehrY/s1600/WEB20150730_122527_19523470574_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xI_fIwZSQps/VoWQEOOcp0I/AAAAAAAAs90/piYdIvNehrY/s640/WEB20150730_122527_19523470574_o.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a long hike!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcoNfnFvpWM/VoWP3aptmPI/AAAAAAAAs9E/PKU4ACC9_30/s1600/pinning1WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcoNfnFvpWM/VoWP3aptmPI/AAAAAAAAs9E/PKU4ACC9_30/s320/pinning1WEB.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corinne Loomis, BSN, RN</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZlZtgt5z4I/VoWP2y147RI/AAAAAAAAs88/eOavQBtZc9M/s1600/mimi-corinne2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dZlZtgt5z4I/VoWP2y147RI/AAAAAAAAs88/eOavQBtZc9M/s320/mimi-corinne2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mimi handed down HER nurses cap to Corinne</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ole Miss (HYDR)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv5_HgUMbX8/VoWQY-J6fCI/AAAAAAAAs_Y/KWeq1AhITFU/s1600/12025663_10153582301600688_1324784161_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv5_HgUMbX8/VoWQY-J6fCI/AAAAAAAAs_Y/KWeq1AhITFU/s400/12025663_10153582301600688_1324784161_o.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kennesaw State University has a new football program and a marching band.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzp63iTBBcc/VoWQYlHy7fI/AAAAAAAAs_U/y9Wetla5IgU/s1600/11837073_10153582301720688_642266306_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uzp63iTBBcc/VoWQYlHy7fI/AAAAAAAAs_U/y9Wetla5IgU/s640/11837073_10153582301720688_642266306_o.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutest Marching Owl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj0yCLafvx4/VoWRF7arFsI/AAAAAAAAtBc/nCB-yFbxTRI/s1600/Mike-tomi-me-july17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj0yCLafvx4/VoWRF7arFsI/AAAAAAAAtBc/nCB-yFbxTRI/s400/Mike-tomi-me-july17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A (really short) visit with brother Mike and SIL Tomi. So much fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed_9A_iPqVs/VoWP2-ikjhI/AAAAAAAAs80/IUzI3gZaS_I/s1600/hawk-31-Edit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed_9A_iPqVs/VoWP2-ikjhI/AAAAAAAAs80/IUzI3gZaS_I/s320/hawk-31-Edit3.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawks keep the rodent population under control. This one had a full meal as I watched.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTzwBbDeNdc/VoWQaDQCFaI/AAAAAAAAs_k/VdbzxwH9YPs/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTzwBbDeNdc/VoWQaDQCFaI/AAAAAAAAs_k/VdbzxwH9YPs/s640/DSC_0066.JPG" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Thursday girls - since January 2007</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9MCFqcmJdk/VoWQi296qmI/AAAAAAAAs_0/tDX1LxBSktY/s1600/untitled-27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m9MCFqcmJdk/VoWQi296qmI/AAAAAAAAs_0/tDX1LxBSktY/s400/untitled-27.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madalena Anne Cristancho. Born 5 weeks early on October 11<br />
6 pounds, 2 ounces.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kjGHiIPfUk/VoWQFn3CL2I/AAAAAAAAs-g/TdPbFl36j7o/s1600/WEBuntitled-33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0kjGHiIPfUk/VoWQFn3CL2I/AAAAAAAAs-g/TdPbFl36j7o/s400/WEBuntitled-33.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrie had a form of pre-eclampsia that kept her from her baby girl for 36 hours. This was their first family visit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtiku-lJOhs/VoWQpVuO3-I/AAAAAAAAtAY/7-WPnI_bWuQ/s1600/share.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtiku-lJOhs/VoWQpVuO3-I/AAAAAAAAtAY/7-WPnI_bWuQ/s400/share.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noni</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5b5q6IinWc/VoWQmUwK-DI/AAAAAAAAs_8/T6KQDvcv-FM/s1600/untitled-40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5b5q6IinWc/VoWQmUwK-DI/AAAAAAAAs_8/T6KQDvcv-FM/s400/untitled-40.JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DseL-d50FvU/VoWQpEZIYgI/AAAAAAAAtAM/zFnkViySTKw/s1600/maddies-eyes-7weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DseL-d50FvU/VoWQpEZIYgI/AAAAAAAAtAM/zFnkViySTKw/s320/maddies-eyes-7weeks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62wPDBovlHQ49sYxgyCjCqlrsj0wgp4xH2T_OLiqZcWMHnESEi5g1Ze27QN0RxGBC8BTfev4uz67k8fsr11-GdXmfCLdxeMzWCor9qcyAuQSf8JBFNBySWigpNx7R_WM8Ebdb/s1600/four+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62wPDBovlHQ49sYxgyCjCqlrsj0wgp4xH2T_OLiqZcWMHnESEi5g1Ze27QN0RxGBC8BTfev4uz67k8fsr11-GdXmfCLdxeMzWCor9qcyAuQSf8JBFNBySWigpNx7R_WM8Ebdb/s400/four+girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corinne and Caty Mae were there when Maddie went home from the hospital after 13 long days</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13.1 in Savannah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been a long time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was really hot (especially for November), but I finished!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caroline - 9 years old!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abigail - age 7</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving in Savannah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auntie Caty Mae</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas stories with Poppa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noni Love</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loomis (and Cristancho) girls 2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family 2015</td></tr>
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<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-21251165810989218242015-08-11T20:26:00.001-04:002015-08-11T21:57:53.757-04:00No one can dictate my story but me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love this quote by Ann Lamott. This summer has been one of story upon story. The beginning of the summer was rough; I was dealing with the edge of depression (it still happens now and then), was betrayed and discarded by someone I thought was a friend, and felt at loose ends in a number of ways. My summer was saved by a connected learning MOOC (massive open online course) designed for educators. It included a number of challenges that allowed me to grow both artistically and professionally. I also made some new contacts who may become friends. I also found healing at my annual trip to Gulf Shores with true, longtime friends who know me well and assured me of my worth.<br />
I also had fun working on a chapter in a book with colleagues, finding a place in becoming with other professional acquaintances, and preparing new material with yet another educator for a couple of big education conventions. These professional collaborations got me thinking about the importance of language and story in both teaching and in life. These ideas are evolving, but may be a new direction for my doctoral research. Social media will still be a part of the process, but likely as a part of how language affects story. A Twitter post of 140 characters requires a different language than an essay, a photo, or a multi-modal composition. How do people determine which medium to use when telling their stories?<br />
Tomorrow begins a new chapter in my own story. Orientation at Georgia State kicks off a new philosophical course of study, and a new teaching position will keep me grounded in reality. I expect to be gleefully busy doing things I love to do: educating, researching, learning, and creating. And I will be telling the story I own.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">created with my phone photos from this summer, an Anne Lamott quote from Pinterest, and Pixlr</span>MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-72987378203601355042015-08-02T17:37:00.002-04:002015-08-02T17:37:39.373-04:00Chattahoochee Hike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jpXo055tyA8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jpXo055tyA8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-51749333685843002912015-07-26T16:27:00.000-04:002015-07-26T16:27:00.788-04:00Why would anyone meddle with wizards?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">wings from Deviant Art</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">overlays from Design Cuts and "CNJ"</span></div>
<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-167598408970636882015-07-24T22:34:00.002-04:002015-07-24T22:34:49.873-04:00Wonder: A Haiku<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHVeqsAzRgM/VbL1tvCO4nI/AAAAAAAArqs/xgtKJOuImWw/s1600/WEBvibrant-aware-wonder-haiku-art2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHVeqsAzRgM/VbL1tvCO4nI/AAAAAAAArqs/xgtKJOuImWw/s640/WEBvibrant-aware-wonder-haiku-art2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-68316361221831201432015-07-20T22:21:00.000-04:002015-07-20T22:21:21.661-04:00Element: Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYsUbpqmcHo/Va2sSSiYjUI/AAAAAAAAroc/CWnC-sJgwgA/s1600/water-fairy-abbyQ-designcutsWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYsUbpqmcHo/Va2sSSiYjUI/AAAAAAAAroc/CWnC-sJgwgA/s640/water-fairy-abbyQ-designcutsWEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I have covered the four elements in this series, but there are more ideas brewing!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Overlays by Design Cuts</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wings from Deviant Art</span>MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-23917526577972238102015-07-18T21:54:00.005-04:002015-07-18T21:54:51.445-04:00Our Happy Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-31473485358519133152015-07-15T22:51:00.001-04:002015-07-18T22:36:07.727-04:00Deep WaterI've been enjoying my summer break with my annual trip to Gulf Shores, a Connected Learning MOOC, and dipping my feet into the research I plan to do as a doctoral student. Still, I've had time for introspection, especially late at night.<br />
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I've thought a lot about different ways people approach life. Some seem to be content to splash around in the shallows, while others submerge themselves into deep water. Neither approach is necessarily better than the other, but they are distinctly different.<br />
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Many people prefer the predictable nature of the shallows. They ride the waves and frolic in knee deep water, letting laughter cover up disappointment and sorrow. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the shallow waters; I spent a week doing just that in the Gulf of Mexico and loved it. It is refreshing and happy. It is safe and requires little risk. It is easy to maintain a protective shell in the shallows, and there is plenty of company to help share the burdens of life.<br />
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Others choose to dive into the deep waters, leaving the surface to find the beauty of the unknown. In the deep is adventure and purpose and meaning. Sorrow and betrayal are keenly felt, but the rich experiences bring deep and abiding joy. There are risks, to be sure. Going deep means being vulnerable, and vulnerability is scary. Fewer people choose the deep, so it is often a lonely journey. But there is meaning in the deep that the shallows cannot convey. There is a stillness that requires meditation on both the tragedies and comedies of life. Exploration of the most difficult places in the heart is unlimited, and no moment, sad or joyous, is left unattended.<br />
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I choose the depths. I get hurt, it's true, but I also know joy beyond happiness, satisfaction beyond superficiality, and a sense of becoming <i>real</i>. I can't fault those who, for whatever reason, prefer the shallow water with its safety and predictability. I just know that, although I don't mind the occasional visit there, I could never be fully and truly myself in a knee deep life. I need to ponder the depths of emotion and philosophy and thought. I need to understand why the waves crash the way they do, and how a stillness is possible beneath the choppiest sea. Deep calls to deep, so the Psalmist says, and I must respond. It's who I am.<br />
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<br />MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-9226031074100219662015-07-01T22:32:00.001-04:002015-07-01T22:32:08.383-04:00Re(MEdia)te<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lum9SJFmeTk" width="480"></iframe>MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34045849.post-29643243672123468212015-06-28T18:45:00.002-04:002015-06-28T18:45:59.042-04:00Element: EarthI hope you're enjoying these creations as much as I enjoy making them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRdF4AKAIlaM1YkCp03RZ5jd46l_p7dKuxFTR8C1RAA6J8ILls9j9WU0ttwAVCCzlWjyNEof-apdnnQT4qcXgU5nbDjyJuzQrACPTI3EyEDhYM6XL3DUdnHMSZsQ0_JALmUsE/s1600/earth-sprite-txtWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRdF4AKAIlaM1YkCp03RZ5jd46l_p7dKuxFTR8C1RAA6J8ILls9j9WU0ttwAVCCzlWjyNEof-apdnnQT4qcXgU5nbDjyJuzQrACPTI3EyEDhYM6XL3DUdnHMSZsQ0_JALmUsE/s640/earth-sprite-txtWEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Overlays from <a href="https://www.designcuts.com/" target="_blank">Design Cuts</a> and <a href="http://kimklassen.squarespace.com/" target="_blank">Kim Klassen</a></span>MrsLoomishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15391433296896865032noreply@blogger.com0