Life in Apple Valley
So, up here in the High Desert, I have learned a few things. First, all the stereotypes are true. All of them. But.. I do not have any ELD kids. ZERO. The school I work for is awesome, however I have noticed the need for flexibility.
My class is pretty good. 24 kids, all English speakers. And then, there's my Fantastic 4. One Downs, 1 with Cognitive Delay, 2 with some strange illusion that they don't have to follow any rules. Not terrors, just... special.
Fab Four Member #1 has been through 4 aides. 1 cps report, and could be removed soon.
Member 2.. apparently had an accident on the 2nd day of school and decided she needed to remove the dirty laundry. Given her condition, she "forgot" where she put them. Turns out, they were on my floor.
OK so today we had the first major event of the year. No, not a carnival. (Although, there happened to be a carnival at the other campus.. besides the point.) Every other week, I have drop off duty in the parking lot. No biggie. Also, regularly, one of my students and her mom come in to practice reading before school. That could be the reason way she is the about 5 levels higher than the rest of the class. Involved parents, imagine the possibilities. Back to the story...
Everything was going as usual this morning. Drop off duty, kid in class reading. Then, the walkie goes off. "We are evacuating the kids from near the portables. That would be my classroom row. SO... I sprinted. I thought it was a fire or something. NOPE.
Everyday this school year, it has averaged about 95 degrees after noon. It's the High Desert, what do you expect. The problem is, the city is in septic, and the school tank is pretty full. The tank is also located 6 feet outside my classroom door. The near full poop pit, and the high temperature make for a disgusting stench. the second problem was the source of today's evacuation.
The septic tank, or maybe one of the pipes burst creating a sink hole, 35 feet down. The hole was about 2 feet in diameter. This is now fenced off, blocking my whole row of classrooms. I spent the day with my students in the library. Lucky for us, today was rotation day, and our ice cream party. However, even with the planned activities, was the longest day of the school year.
Another adventure for Mr. Awesome. I know there are many more to come. The next chapter may be, "Court Battle to save Fantastic Four Member "The Downs Cowgirl".
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
New Job, new house, Africa... the Awesome Summer Adventure!
Two months isn’t that long is it? Here is the reasoning behind the hold on blogging. A. I had nothing to say for the first part of June. Then.. B . I started the interview process for a prospective job. I didn’t want to write until I had some news. Fortunately, there is wonderful news. I got the job! Yes.. I am now a first grade teacher for the Academy of Academic Excellence in Apple Valley! Mr. Awesome has a real job! The interview process was quite the experience I must say.
For the first interview I needed to prepare a presentation based on some questions they had given me. Long story short, and quite the effort later, I spanked the interview. Props are due to the Parks kinder team for helping me prepare. So, Karr, Lakin, Navaro, and Thompson.. I owe ya! Three days after the interview I was called for a second, “informal” interview. This was far from informal, but certainly promising. They said I might hear from them within a week. Mind you.. I am now 8 days from Africa. The following is where God really came into play and showed his sense of humor, plan, and care for me.
The week before Rwanda transpired as follows. Thursday June 25, 2nd interview. Monday July 29th, Disneyland. Tuesday- day off waiting with the phone in my hand all day. No call.
Wednesday- noon, the phone rings. A 760 #. It’s the Lewis Center. They offered me a job! I drop everything and drive an hour to sign papers. 3pm- off to Apple Valley Public Library to search Craig’s List for a place to live. 4pm- email several places. 4:30- a return email from a guy with a house. 5-10 pm, corresponding with perspective landlord via email.
Thursday- 8am- finger printing. 10am – house viewing. Application completing.
Friday- 10am – coffee with Geri. 12pm- meet with perspective landlord. 2pm- sign the lease. Wirt e a check. Agree to move in on the 15th via friends and family since I will be in Rwanda.
Saturday, July 4th- 730 am- meet at the Globe at CBU. 8am- on the road to LAX.
Ok, lets review. In 3 days my life changed. I signed for a new job, a new house in a new city, and left for Africa.
The following is the synthesis from my Rwanda journal.
Synthesis:
Seven months of training, 4-6 days of travel, 3 continents, 5 countries, 11 visits to an airport, 5-6 trips through customs, 6 varied ways of transportation, 10 Americans working together, 25 days total. 1 purpose and 1 amazing adventure.
Five of the team members had been to Rwanda before. They kind of knew what to expect. I, one of the newbies, did not. Africa is very very different. You can not expect things to go the way you, an ignorant American, had planned.
Starting with teaching 3 days late with new plans showed varied turnouts. A whole second class was added to my caseload. Lyndsey, (my partner in preparation and execution of teaching) and I had 10 office staff development lessons prepared. We used…3 of them. You can not assume that time or plans matter, electricity or water will function, seats on the bus will open up, if it will or will not rain, when you will eat, or if you can sleep.
You have to turn American off. Talk slowly. Repeat yourself. Realize that mozoongos (white man) are quite rare. That is why they stare at you. They don’t hate you. Make up, fancy clothes, cute shoes, clean underwear, forget it all. You are lucky to be alive. Every day is a gift. Rwanda has a vision and a promise to its people. Rwanda 2020.
They will get past and become resilient of 1994. They don’t talk about it openly. They don’t seem to hate. They work together. Rwanda is a developing country,” was the phrase I heard a lot. I’m glad our team was a reflection of that.
Our team mind you, trained for seven months for this, but we spent most every waking hour with at least 1 of the members. 25 days… someone should had died, or so you would think. Nope. Very minimal quarrels. We functioned under accountability to be a unified light for Christ in all that we did. Accountability was in the following areas. Bible reading and discussion, emotions, reality checks and job accomplishment. It was a true blessing.
I was “stable” most all for the trip. I wish I would have taken more time to seek God in Africa. For that I feel selfish and slightly less fulfilled. I spent my down time reading trash novels and magazines. I don’t regret reading. It was what I read. I wish I would have forced myself to meditate more on the Lord.
Trying not to think of home was a different task. I was unsuccessful. I thought of home all the time. That made the task at hand more difficult. Knowing I had business to take care of was torture. I’m so thankful to have had good people here at home helping. For that I am truly blessed.
I recommend and highly suggest that willing Christians do some sort of service project. Of course, this should only be done after correct and complete training. I saw so many ignorant Americans in Africa.
First, attire. Women need to be covered up in Rwanda, not wearing daisy dukes. Yes it was hot, but looking into the culture, little to none of the nationals dress that way and they perceive it as whorish. Men also. No shorts. Same rule, just unneeded attention should not be called.
Second, volume. The Americans, or whites at the compound looked obnoxious when they used loud voices. Despite the American stereotypes, black people are not all obnoxious. Only Americans. I apologize for the cultural insensitivity here, but there is truly a significant difference in cultures.
Third, approach. Street evangelism is not a good idea. My point being, understanding culture makes every difference.
In conclusion, this trip checked my reality, stretched me in many ways, and challenged e in ways I didn’t think were possible. I hope and pray to live out God’s plan for me as I develop a more clear understanding of it.
Our plane came in at 12:30pm. Home in Riverside about 2:30. A home cooked meal full of protein!!! (meatloaf and mashed potatoes). Next on the agenda, drive to my “newer” home in Apple Valley. Freshly furnished by Heather and my mom, things moved by some of my other friends, I was again blessed to have something taken care of. I tried to sleep. Couldn’t. soon I was up for work the next morning at 630. Here I am. End of week 1 of the new job, new house, new town, new life. Still processes. Still looking for God’s plan.
For the first interview I needed to prepare a presentation based on some questions they had given me. Long story short, and quite the effort later, I spanked the interview. Props are due to the Parks kinder team for helping me prepare. So, Karr, Lakin, Navaro, and Thompson.. I owe ya! Three days after the interview I was called for a second, “informal” interview. This was far from informal, but certainly promising. They said I might hear from them within a week. Mind you.. I am now 8 days from Africa. The following is where God really came into play and showed his sense of humor, plan, and care for me.
The week before Rwanda transpired as follows. Thursday June 25, 2nd interview. Monday July 29th, Disneyland. Tuesday- day off waiting with the phone in my hand all day. No call.
Wednesday- noon, the phone rings. A 760 #. It’s the Lewis Center. They offered me a job! I drop everything and drive an hour to sign papers. 3pm- off to Apple Valley Public Library to search Craig’s List for a place to live. 4pm- email several places. 4:30- a return email from a guy with a house. 5-10 pm, corresponding with perspective landlord via email.
Thursday- 8am- finger printing. 10am – house viewing. Application completing.
Friday- 10am – coffee with Geri. 12pm- meet with perspective landlord. 2pm- sign the lease. Wirt e a check. Agree to move in on the 15th via friends and family since I will be in Rwanda.
Saturday, July 4th- 730 am- meet at the Globe at CBU. 8am- on the road to LAX.
Ok, lets review. In 3 days my life changed. I signed for a new job, a new house in a new city, and left for Africa.
The following is the synthesis from my Rwanda journal.
Synthesis:
Seven months of training, 4-6 days of travel, 3 continents, 5 countries, 11 visits to an airport, 5-6 trips through customs, 6 varied ways of transportation, 10 Americans working together, 25 days total. 1 purpose and 1 amazing adventure.
Five of the team members had been to Rwanda before. They kind of knew what to expect. I, one of the newbies, did not. Africa is very very different. You can not expect things to go the way you, an ignorant American, had planned.
Starting with teaching 3 days late with new plans showed varied turnouts. A whole second class was added to my caseload. Lyndsey, (my partner in preparation and execution of teaching) and I had 10 office staff development lessons prepared. We used…3 of them. You can not assume that time or plans matter, electricity or water will function, seats on the bus will open up, if it will or will not rain, when you will eat, or if you can sleep.
You have to turn American off. Talk slowly. Repeat yourself. Realize that mozoongos (white man) are quite rare. That is why they stare at you. They don’t hate you. Make up, fancy clothes, cute shoes, clean underwear, forget it all. You are lucky to be alive. Every day is a gift. Rwanda has a vision and a promise to its people. Rwanda 2020.
They will get past and become resilient of 1994. They don’t talk about it openly. They don’t seem to hate. They work together. Rwanda is a developing country,” was the phrase I heard a lot. I’m glad our team was a reflection of that.
Our team mind you, trained for seven months for this, but we spent most every waking hour with at least 1 of the members. 25 days… someone should had died, or so you would think. Nope. Very minimal quarrels. We functioned under accountability to be a unified light for Christ in all that we did. Accountability was in the following areas. Bible reading and discussion, emotions, reality checks and job accomplishment. It was a true blessing.
I was “stable” most all for the trip. I wish I would have taken more time to seek God in Africa. For that I feel selfish and slightly less fulfilled. I spent my down time reading trash novels and magazines. I don’t regret reading. It was what I read. I wish I would have forced myself to meditate more on the Lord.
Trying not to think of home was a different task. I was unsuccessful. I thought of home all the time. That made the task at hand more difficult. Knowing I had business to take care of was torture. I’m so thankful to have had good people here at home helping. For that I am truly blessed.
I recommend and highly suggest that willing Christians do some sort of service project. Of course, this should only be done after correct and complete training. I saw so many ignorant Americans in Africa.
First, attire. Women need to be covered up in Rwanda, not wearing daisy dukes. Yes it was hot, but looking into the culture, little to none of the nationals dress that way and they perceive it as whorish. Men also. No shorts. Same rule, just unneeded attention should not be called.
Second, volume. The Americans, or whites at the compound looked obnoxious when they used loud voices. Despite the American stereotypes, black people are not all obnoxious. Only Americans. I apologize for the cultural insensitivity here, but there is truly a significant difference in cultures.
Third, approach. Street evangelism is not a good idea. My point being, understanding culture makes every difference.
In conclusion, this trip checked my reality, stretched me in many ways, and challenged e in ways I didn’t think were possible. I hope and pray to live out God’s plan for me as I develop a more clear understanding of it.
Our plane came in at 12:30pm. Home in Riverside about 2:30. A home cooked meal full of protein!!! (meatloaf and mashed potatoes). Next on the agenda, drive to my “newer” home in Apple Valley. Freshly furnished by Heather and my mom, things moved by some of my other friends, I was again blessed to have something taken care of. I tried to sleep. Couldn’t. soon I was up for work the next morning at 630. Here I am. End of week 1 of the new job, new house, new town, new life. Still processes. Still looking for God’s plan.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Awesome is back.
Life update.
I wonder how many blog entries start off with, “so its been a while”. Well it has, as I look at the previous date. Here is most of the reasons for anyone that cares. I was working 9-430. Now I work 745-3. With my morning gym routine and some sub-par bible reflection time in the morning, I am left with much less time. Secondly, kinder is much more of an energy drain. Ok, so here is the life update.
As of this entry, there are 24 days left to the big Rwanda adventure. Lesson plans are secured, and flights are booked. Cairo side excursion is almost finalized. Now the nerves are other baggage are coming into play.
I feel that my team has a pretty good handle on our task at hand. The returners are easing the rest of us into the groove, initial roadblocks have been cleared, and the first team we sent out there with lessons we created did an excellent job. We put together some test taking strategies and basic English lessons for the first team to implement with the NUR inductees. The end result was a high percentage of passing grades for their entrance exams! We were assuming much much lower. So, there is a drop in our bucket of goodness. ☺ That puts my team in position to take the baton and move in.
With Rwanda on Tuesdays, small group on Wednesdays, and basic work necessities on the other days, I am fully loaded. I must say, I am in love with my job. When my principal approached me with a kinder assignment, I jumped on it not because I was interested in the age, but more for the ability to stay employed. I think I can say that my attitude took a 180. I have a few in my class that I think anyone who is reading (which is no one) should say a prayer for a few in my class. For internet safety sake, lets call them awesome possums. One of them told me something I very easily could have balled my eyes out for.
Possum #1 told me on Family Friday (when parents are invited to come in and see what we are doing) that her grandma is coming and that if I close my eyes I can see my mommy in my heart. This little girl lives with g-ma because her parents are out of the picture. My heart was broken for her right there on the spot. I was reassured instantly of why I am needed.
This same possum told me today that I was growing a “night mustache.” I haven’t shaved in a couple days. She also told me that I have pimples on my forehead. Thanks for noticing, kiddo.
Life update part duex:
I spent last weekend in Mexico catching the Swine. Also, doing some training for mission work and challenging myself to be more mindful of God’s plan for my life and not my own. I came home at peace with my job situation and challenged to do as Piper says; be either a goer or a sender. I will be a goer this summer. More on that later.
I wonder how many blog entries start off with, “so its been a while”. Well it has, as I look at the previous date. Here is most of the reasons for anyone that cares. I was working 9-430. Now I work 745-3. With my morning gym routine and some sub-par bible reflection time in the morning, I am left with much less time. Secondly, kinder is much more of an energy drain. Ok, so here is the life update.
As of this entry, there are 24 days left to the big Rwanda adventure. Lesson plans are secured, and flights are booked. Cairo side excursion is almost finalized. Now the nerves are other baggage are coming into play.
I feel that my team has a pretty good handle on our task at hand. The returners are easing the rest of us into the groove, initial roadblocks have been cleared, and the first team we sent out there with lessons we created did an excellent job. We put together some test taking strategies and basic English lessons for the first team to implement with the NUR inductees. The end result was a high percentage of passing grades for their entrance exams! We were assuming much much lower. So, there is a drop in our bucket of goodness. ☺ That puts my team in position to take the baton and move in.
With Rwanda on Tuesdays, small group on Wednesdays, and basic work necessities on the other days, I am fully loaded. I must say, I am in love with my job. When my principal approached me with a kinder assignment, I jumped on it not because I was interested in the age, but more for the ability to stay employed. I think I can say that my attitude took a 180. I have a few in my class that I think anyone who is reading (which is no one) should say a prayer for a few in my class. For internet safety sake, lets call them awesome possums. One of them told me something I very easily could have balled my eyes out for.
Possum #1 told me on Family Friday (when parents are invited to come in and see what we are doing) that her grandma is coming and that if I close my eyes I can see my mommy in my heart. This little girl lives with g-ma because her parents are out of the picture. My heart was broken for her right there on the spot. I was reassured instantly of why I am needed.
This same possum told me today that I was growing a “night mustache.” I haven’t shaved in a couple days. She also told me that I have pimples on my forehead. Thanks for noticing, kiddo.
Life update part duex:
I spent last weekend in Mexico catching the Swine. Also, doing some training for mission work and challenging myself to be more mindful of God’s plan for my life and not my own. I came home at peace with my job situation and challenged to do as Piper says; be either a goer or a sender. I will be a goer this summer. More on that later.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Dear Applicant, Please bend over.
Edjoin sucks. What is Edjoin you ask? It is the attempt at paperless school district Human Resource departments across the state of California. I see where they are going with this. It makes things all digital, easier to sift through and database, and post opening at a moments notice. The problem, it makes all of us potential applicants exactly that, a potential applicant. Job posting #’s, and obviously followed up with an applicant #. Where is the charm? The personal touch? The thing we all know is that makes a good candidate, ACTUAL QUALITY TEACHING?
I have at the moment, over 47 applications on file with Edjoin. Yes sir, from San Francisco to Chula Vista, I am ready for hire! Every time I apply, I try and follow up with an email to the person in their district office letting them know, “Hey blah blah.. contact me with any questions, I would love to discuss my qualifications with you blah blah hire me.”
A few weeks ago I received an email from a charter school I forgot about. They were the first organization to not send a “Dear Mr. Coppers, go F yourself” email. They invited me to a meeting about their hiring process, who they are, and who they are not. AWESOME!!!!! Hey everybody, I might have a shot!
I left work early, dressed to kill, killer resume, spank- the- competition letters of rec, and a charming smile. I drove 50 miles, getting there 20 minutes early only to find over 200 more people just like me. ☹ I enter just in time to get one of four empty seats. At the end of their presentation they have a questionnaire for the applicants to fill out. The lady said that by filling it out, you are telling them you wish to move to step 2 in the hiring process, an interview. What the heck, right? So I filled it out. I wrote neatly, answered thoroughly, and walked it to the lady.
Sunday comes, and as I open the computer, my email alert chimed. It read as follows..
Date: 4.5.09
Dear Applicant:
Thank you so much for applying for a position as an educator for Aveson Charter School and for attending the informational meeting last Wednesday.
Unfortunately we received many applications in the job search process and will be interviewing individuals whose credentials and qualifications were closer suited to our needs.
Although we will not be offering you an interview, we thank you for your interest.
If a need arises for us to contact you in the future, we will do so and you have our continued good wishes in your job search.
Regards,
Aveson Hiring Committee
No big deal right? Correct, except for the obvious blow to my confidence, my further questioning of our state’s economic stability, and of course my on going prayers continuing to be answered in ways I don’t understand. So I leave it at this; the world needs Mr. Awesome, we just don’t know where yet. ☺
I have at the moment, over 47 applications on file with Edjoin. Yes sir, from San Francisco to Chula Vista, I am ready for hire! Every time I apply, I try and follow up with an email to the person in their district office letting them know, “Hey blah blah.. contact me with any questions, I would love to discuss my qualifications with you blah blah hire me.”
A few weeks ago I received an email from a charter school I forgot about. They were the first organization to not send a “Dear Mr. Coppers, go F yourself” email. They invited me to a meeting about their hiring process, who they are, and who they are not. AWESOME!!!!! Hey everybody, I might have a shot!
I left work early, dressed to kill, killer resume, spank- the- competition letters of rec, and a charming smile. I drove 50 miles, getting there 20 minutes early only to find over 200 more people just like me. ☹ I enter just in time to get one of four empty seats. At the end of their presentation they have a questionnaire for the applicants to fill out. The lady said that by filling it out, you are telling them you wish to move to step 2 in the hiring process, an interview. What the heck, right? So I filled it out. I wrote neatly, answered thoroughly, and walked it to the lady.
Sunday comes, and as I open the computer, my email alert chimed. It read as follows..
Date: 4.5.09
Dear Applicant:
Thank you so much for applying for a position as an educator for Aveson Charter School and for attending the informational meeting last Wednesday.
Unfortunately we received many applications in the job search process and will be interviewing individuals whose credentials and qualifications were closer suited to our needs.
Although we will not be offering you an interview, we thank you for your interest.
If a need arises for us to contact you in the future, we will do so and you have our continued good wishes in your job search.
Regards,
Aveson Hiring Committee
No big deal right? Correct, except for the obvious blow to my confidence, my further questioning of our state’s economic stability, and of course my on going prayers continuing to be answered in ways I don’t understand. So I leave it at this; the world needs Mr. Awesome, we just don’t know where yet. ☺
Monday, March 30, 2009
1/3 to go
according to today's isp totals, i have raised 2/3 of my total! Thank you for the support. Continue to pray for everything involved in the trip!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Aliens on Mt. Baldy!??
In the afterschool program I run, on a clear day there is a beautiful view of Mt. Baldy. Also, because the percent chance of everything running the way you plan is quite low, most of the time you need to adapt to the current conditions. Yesterday the MPR was in use, so I opted to keep my group outside at the lunch benches. Hey, it was nice out there. So anyway, the students are to work on editing a story. Using small groups they had the a 1 page story with errors all over, and they need to practice using proper editing marks as defined by their low standard strand scores. So, as they pretend to work diligently, I had little Miss Sydney exclaim to me that there was a weird thing on the top of the mountain. Now, let’s pause.
These are 2nd-3rd grade students. Their imaginations are not tainted yet. They mean no harm, and they certainly can play the innocent, ignorant child card. I took a look at the mountain which is REALLY FAR AWAY, and make a very bold observation, turn back to sweet Miss. Sydney and say, “Oh, that’s just the aliens.”
WHHHAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!?????????
Now Sydney tells her friend, and she tells her 2 friends, and she tells her 2 friends… and so it goes. So now, as they continue to work on their assignment, I can hear them trying to point out the strange brown alien ship on the mountaintop. How elaborate their little minds are.
Mr. Awesome, here to confuse the minds and exercise the imagination of youngsters each and every day.
These are 2nd-3rd grade students. Their imaginations are not tainted yet. They mean no harm, and they certainly can play the innocent, ignorant child card. I took a look at the mountain which is REALLY FAR AWAY, and make a very bold observation, turn back to sweet Miss. Sydney and say, “Oh, that’s just the aliens.”
WHHHAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!?????????
Now Sydney tells her friend, and she tells her 2 friends, and she tells her 2 friends… and so it goes. So now, as they continue to work on their assignment, I can hear them trying to point out the strange brown alien ship on the mountaintop. How elaborate their little minds are.
Mr. Awesome, here to confuse the minds and exercise the imagination of youngsters each and every day.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sandals 1st John Email Study Responce
unedited, uncut version:
how real are we? this is not a challenge, this is my conviction. i mean seriously, how real are we? i know my sins. and I'm not afraid to tell you. its #1 Fear. #2 Pride #3 Lust. there you go. i know mine. now you know mine. why do i say this? because we Sandalittes are trying to be real with selves, others, and God. Now just knowing your core sins is a good start, but what do you do next? accept them or run from them? depart from the behavior. get out of the situation! if you struggle with drinking too much.. STOP DRINKING if you cant keep it in the boundaries with your significant other.. STAY IN PUBLIC. see my point? Those who struggle with telling the truth, I urge you to think before you speak and tell the truth as it is clearly identified in James. these verses guys, clearly identify us as sinners. the goal is to not sin any more, not to minimize it. not to occasionally sin, not to "its ok once in a while to have fun" sin, not "OK God, this is the last time I'm going to do it, i promise" sin. SIN NO MORE! I think this basically pulls the blanket back from over our heads when we are trying to hide from God. He knows our sin. I want to issue a charge to ourselves. take an inventory, evaluate your actions. find the problem, find a cure, whether it is a process of recovery, or a 180 degree turn from the behavior. My friend Matt responded to me and said that we also should ask ourselves, "do i love God more than i love this sin?" that one hurts. i love you all and i promise you, this is a goal i am and have set for myself. i encourage us to be blameless.
-coppers
how real are we? this is not a challenge, this is my conviction. i mean seriously, how real are we? i know my sins. and I'm not afraid to tell you. its #1 Fear. #2 Pride #3 Lust. there you go. i know mine. now you know mine. why do i say this? because we Sandalittes are trying to be real with selves, others, and God. Now just knowing your core sins is a good start, but what do you do next? accept them or run from them? depart from the behavior. get out of the situation! if you struggle with drinking too much.. STOP DRINKING if you cant keep it in the boundaries with your significant other.. STAY IN PUBLIC. see my point? Those who struggle with telling the truth, I urge you to think before you speak and tell the truth as it is clearly identified in James. these verses guys, clearly identify us as sinners. the goal is to not sin any more, not to minimize it. not to occasionally sin, not to "its ok once in a while to have fun" sin, not "OK God, this is the last time I'm going to do it, i promise" sin. SIN NO MORE! I think this basically pulls the blanket back from over our heads when we are trying to hide from God. He knows our sin. I want to issue a charge to ourselves. take an inventory, evaluate your actions. find the problem, find a cure, whether it is a process of recovery, or a 180 degree turn from the behavior. My friend Matt responded to me and said that we also should ask ourselves, "do i love God more than i love this sin?" that one hurts. i love you all and i promise you, this is a goal i am and have set for myself. i encourage us to be blameless.
-coppers
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