I used to be a broken pot,
discarded and forgotten,
but now I am a work of art,
filled with vibrant flowers.
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I used to be a broken pot,
discarded and forgotten,
but now I am a work of art,
filled with vibrant flowers.
A skipper named Sue, on the Greenbrier she braved,
Through flurries so thick, sails like frosted lace waved.
With snowflakes for crew,
And a rudder of sleet,
She carved icy tracks, 'til the snow-blinded sun craved
A glimpse of her sail, then in white gloom she was laved.
Alright, buckle up, saints! Today we're diving headfirst into the deep end of Romans 8:28, that verse that gets quoted on mugs and thrown out like confetti at weddings, but do we really grasp it?
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Let's break it down, raw and real. "In all things." Not just the sunshine and rainbows, folks. The gut punches, the curveballs, the "why me?" moments. All. Of. Them. God's got his fingers in the mix, even when it feels like the blender's on puree and we're the banana chunks.
But here's the kicker: "for the good of those who love him." Now, this ain't about some cosmic vending machine where you drop in a love token and God pops out a winning lottery ticket. It's deeper, messier, and way more beautiful than that.
Think of it like a master sculptor chiseling a masterpiece. Every chip, every crack, every jagged edge is part of the process. The pain of the hammer blows might sting, but they're shaping us into something magnificent, something that reflects His glory.
And then, the kicker's kicker: "who have been called according to his purpose." This ain't about fitting into some mold, friends. It's about embracing the wild, unique symphony God composed just for you. Your quirks, your scars, your passions - they're not mistakes, they're brushstrokes in His masterpiece.
So, the next time life throws you a curveball, remember: God's not just the pitcher, He's also the catcher. He's got you, even when you fumble. He's working it all out, not just for some distant "good," but for your good, right here, right now.
So, go ahead, love Him fiercely. Embrace the messy journey. Trust the Sculptor's hand. And remember, even the broken pieces can be the most beautiful parts of the mosaic. Now go out there and shine, saints, because the world needs your unique light, shaped and sculpted by the grand design of Romans 8:28.
Amen, and donuts for everyone!
P.S. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out to your fellow believers. We're all in this crazy, beautiful mess together, and sometimes, a good shoulder to cry on (or a shared donut) can make all the difference.
I understand that failing can be tough, and sometimes we need explanations or excuses to help us process the situation. However, it's important to remember that while understanding the reasons behind failure can be valuable, focusing solely on excuses might hinder growth and learning. Instead of dwelling on these, I encourage you to consider turning excuses into actionable steps for improvement.
That being said, if you're still interested in exploring some possibilities, here are 20 potential explanations for failing, categorized into external and internal factors:
External factors:
Internal factors:
Remember, these are just possibilities, and the actual reasons for your failure might be different.
Instead of dwelling on excuses, I encourage you to use this as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask yourself:
By focusing on learning and improvement, you can turn failure into a valuable stepping stone on your path to success.
Ah, yes, the existential dread of the social media limbo! You're not alone in this, friend. In fact, your plight has all the makings of a grand conspiracy, worthy of its own X-Files episode. Here are some potential avenues of investigation:
The Rogue Algorithm: Some rogue algorithm, fed on a diet of misinformation and cat videos, has deemed you unworthy of online existence. Fight back! Post cryptic messages in binary code, flood the system with selfies of you staring deeply into a mirror, and maybe even offer a sacrificial meme to the tech gods.
The Temporal Glitch: You've somehow slipped into a parallel universe where "offline" means "online" and cats wear pants. Navigate this topsy-turvy world by mastering mirror language, befriending a sentient toaster, and learning to waltz the Macarena to appease the temporal anomaly.
The Government Cover-up: They know you're onto something big, something that could expose the truth about the birds being in charge. Your "offline" status is just a smokescreen to keep you quiet. Dig deeper, uncover the secret society of pigeon politicians, and expose their feathered agenda to the world (with carrier pigeons, obviously).
The Inner Rebellion: Perhaps your offline status is a cry for help from your digital doppelganger. They're tired of the curated feed, the endless notifications, the soul-crushing pressure to be perfect. Embrace the offline rebellion! Take your laptop for a hike, write a haiku on a napkin, and let the fresh air cleanse your digital spirit.
No matter the cause, your offline status deserves a dramatic investigation. So strap on your tinfoil hat, grab your magnifying glass, and get ready to crack this case wider than your phone screen after binge-watching cat videos! Just remember, with great mystery comes great responsibility...and even greater absurdity.
July 18, 1745
Dear Members of the Marlinton Town Council,
I am writing to express my deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding the decision to have horses wear diapers in the upcoming Pioneer Days parade.
As a long-time participant and supporter of this event, I believe that such a practice is not only unnecessary but also potentially harmful to the well-being of the horses.
First and foremost, horses are naturally equipped to manage their waste, and the use of diapers can cause discomfort and distress to these animals. Additionally, the potential for chafing and skin irritation due to the use of diapers is a significant welfare concern that cannot be overlooked.
Furthermore, the sight of horses wearing diapers detracts from the authenticity and historical significance of the parade. Pioneer Days is a time to celebrate our heritage and traditions, and the inclusion of such modern contrivances is wholly inappropriate.
I urge the organizers to reconsider this decision and prioritize the welfare of the animals and the integrity of the event.
I strongly believe that the beauty and grace of the horses should be showcased without the imposition of diapers. I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope that prompt action will be taken to address this issue.
Sincerely,
Jacob Marlin
Spring whispers secrets in the buds' shy hold, A newborn world in emerald green unfolds. First steps are taken, laughter light and free, Dreams chase butterflies like blossoms on a tree.
Summer's golden fire blazes in the sky, Ripening adventures, love that soars so high. Laughter rings through fields where sunbeams play, Building castles, chasing dreams all day.
Autumn's brushstrokes paint the leaves in red, Seasons turn, and memories are shed. Leaves of wisdom whisper on the breeze, Letting go, accepting, finding inner peace.
Winter's frosted fingers touch the sleeping earth, A time for stillness, quiet contemplation's worth. Snowflakes gather, secrets yet untold, The cycle turns, stories waiting to unfold.
So dance with seasons, let your spirit rise, From tender bloom to sunset's gentle skies. Each chapter holds a beauty, bittersweet, Life's symphony, complete and ever-fleet.
For in the turning, hearts will understand, The seasons sing us, hand in holding hand. A timeless truth, whispered through the years, Embrace the journey, face both smiles and tears.
Spring whispers secrets in the buds' shy hold, A newborn world in emerald green unfolds. First steps are taken, laughter light and free, Dreams chase butterflies like blossoms on a tree.
Summer's golden fire blazes in the sky, Ripening adventures, love that soars so high. Laughter rings through fields where sunbeams play, Building castles, chasing dreams all day.
Autumn's brushstrokes paint the leaves in red, Seasons turn, and memories are shed. Leaves of wisdom whisper on the breeze, Letting go, accepting, finding inner peace.
Winter's frosted fingers touch the sleeping earth, A time for stillness, quiet contemplation's worth. Snowflakes gather, secrets yet untold, The cycle turns, stories waiting to unfold.
So dance with seasons, let your spirit rise, From tender bloom to sunset's gentle skies. Each chapter holds a beauty, bittersweet, Life's symphony, complete and ever-fleet.
For in the turning, hearts will understand, The seasons sing us, hand in holding hand. A timeless truth, whispered through the years, Embrace the journey, face both smiles and tears.
Ah, the opening lines of Ecclesiastes! A verse echoing with both the rhythm of change and the vastness of human experience. Your words invite us to contemplate the tapestry of existence, woven with threads of joy and sorrow, growth and decay, love and loss.
Tell me, what echoes do these lines awaken within you? Do they speak of acceptance, the embrace of life's natural ebb and flow? Or do they stir thoughts of uncertainty, the questions that linger about our place in the grand scheme of things? Perhaps both, as life itself is a dance between acceptance and wonder.
Spring whispers secrets in the buds' shy hold,
A newborn world in emerald green unfolds.
First steps are taken, laughter light and free,
Dreams chase butterflies like blossoms on a tree.
Summer's golden fire blazes in the sky,
Ripening adventures, love that soars so high.
Laughter rings through fields where sunbeams play,
Building castles, chasing dreams all day.
Autumn's brushstrokes paint the leaves in red,
Seasons turn, and memories are shed.
Leaves of wisdom whisper on the breeze,
Letting go, accepting, finding inner peace.
Winter's frosted fingers touch the sleeping earth,
A time for stillness, quiet contemplation's worth.
Snowflakes gather, secrets yet untold,
The cycle turns, stories waiting to unfold.
So dance with seasons, let your spirit rise,
From tender bloom to sunset's gentle skies.
Each chapter holds a beauty, bittersweet,
Life's symphony, complete and ever-fleet.
For in the turning, hearts will understand,
The seasons sing us, hand in holding hand.
A timeless truth, whispered through the years,
Embrace the journey, face both smiles and tears.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather today under the weight of a profound truth: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." These words, penned by the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, resonate with a rhythm as ancient as the turning of the earth itself. They remind us that life is not a static picture, but a dynamic tapestry woven with threads of joy and sorrow, triumph and tribulation.
Look around you. Can you see these seasons reflected in the faces of our brothers and sisters? Some bask in the golden light of summer, their dreams ablaze with ambition, their hearts brimming with love. Others stand in the cool embrace of autumn, leaves of experience painting their faces, reflecting on lessons learned and paths yet to be traveled. Still others find themselves under winter's frosted touch, enduring hardship, grief, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
The Preacher doesn't shy away from life's complexities. He speaks of a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to dance and a time to mourn. He acknowledges the sting of death, the frustration of unfulfilled desires, the seemingly endless cycle of creation and destruction. Yet, even in the face of such stark realities, he offers a profound solace: "And he has made everything beautiful in its time."
For you see, my friends, the wisdom of Ecclesiastes lies not in denying the seasons, but in finding grace within them. It is in the quiet resilience of the winter oak that we find strength to endure hardships. It is in the gentle falling of autumn leaves that we learn to let go of what has passed. It is in the sun's unwavering return after the darkest night that we discover the promise of renewed hope.
This, my friends, is our calling. Not to resist the changes that life throws our way, but to embrace them with a spirit of faith and understanding. For within each season, God offers us a unique opportunity for growth, for learning, for drawing closer to Him. The laughter of children in the spring reminds us of God's playful creativity. The fiery passion of summer love whispers of His boundless love for us. The quiet contemplation of autumn invites us into deeper communion with His wisdom. Even the sting of winter's chill can become a crucible for refining our faith, revealing layers of strength and compassion we never knew we possessed.
So let us go forth, brothers and sisters, not fearing the changing seasons, but embracing them as gifts from God. Let us plant seeds of hope in the spring, nurture dreams in the summer, harvest wisdom in the autumn, and find solace in God's presence even in the darkest winter. For in every season, He is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and whispering His promise of eternal love.
May we ever be ready, then, to answer the call of each season, living with open hearts and trusting hands, knowing that in the grand tapestry of life, every thread, every tear, every laugh, is woven by the hand of God, leading us ultimately to the fullness of joy and the eternal spring of His presence.
Amen.
But when you pray, go into your room
and shut the door and pray
to your Father who is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
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In hushed and hidden heart-lit halls,
Where whispers dance and silence calls,
There build a room of soul alone,
A sacred space where thoughts have flown.
Close out the day, the clamoring din,
Let inner light begin to spin.
Shut tight the door, let shadows fall,
Embrace the quiet, answer the call.
To Father unseen, whispers ascend,
In secret depths, prayers take their bend.
No pomp nor show, just faith unbound,
A whispered word on holy ground.
He sees in darkness, hears the plea,
The unspoken yearning, set it free.
No need for grandeur, loud decree,
Just honest yearning whispered free.
In silent depths, where shadows play,
A gentle hand will wipe away
The tears that stain, the doubts that cling,
And love divine will softly sing.
For hidden prayers in chambers still,
Find grace untold, a holy thrill.
Reward shall bloom, unseen, unknown,
A secret garden, gently grown.
So seek the stillness, find the room,
Where whispers rise in gentle gloom.
And know, dear heart, in faith's embrace,
Your Father sees, in this sacred space.
Explain the distributive property
The distributive property is a fundamental concept in mathematics that states how multiplication distributes (spreads) over addition (or subtraction). Imagine you have a bunch of cookies and you want to share them equally among your friends. You could count out the cookies one by one for each friend, but there's a more efficient way!
Think of it like this:
Both ways lead to the same result: each friend gets 6 cookies. This is the essence of the distributive property! It tells us that multiplying a sum (or difference) by a number is the same as multiplying each term of the sum (or difference) by the number and then adding (or subtracting) the products.
Here's the mathematical formula for the distributive property:
Here are some real-life examples of the distributive property:
M.O.3.1.12 model the distributive property in multiplication of 2- and 3-digit numbers by a 1-digit number.
Here's a breakdown of how to model the distributive property in multiplication of 2- and 3-digit numbers by a 1-digit number:
1. Decompose the larger number:
2. Apply the distributive property:
3. Multiply each part:
4. Add the partial products:
Example with a 2-digit number:
4 x 32 = ?
Decompose 32: 30 + 2
Apply distributive property: 4 x (30 + 2)
Multiply each part: 4 x 30 = 120, 4 x 2 = 8
Add partial products: 120 + 8 = 128
Therefore, 4 x 32 = 128
Example with a 3-digit number:
6 x 459 = ?
Decompose 459: 400 + 50 + 9
Apply distributive property: 6 x (400 + 50 + 9)
Multiply each part: 6 x 400 = 2400, 6 x 50 = 300, 6 x 9 = 54
Add partial products: 2400 + 300 + 54 = 2754
Therefore, 6 x 459 = 2754
Key points:
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Here are three video links on the distributive property of math for a 3rd grade student, each offering a different learning style and approach:
1. Fun and Engaging:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kWNCnQZgsUU
2. Visual and Interactive:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=APWCe2KtpjQ
3. Storytelling and Real-World Examples:
Remember, the best video for your 3rd grader might depend on their individual learning style and preferences. Feel free to explore these options and see which one resonates with them the most!
I hope these links help them understand the distributive property and have fun learning about it!
A History of Pocahontas County: From Ancient Trails to the Iron Horse Introduction: The Mountain Crucible The history of Pocahontas County...