What If? is my second attempt at writing a zeno poem that was inspired by the November 3, 2014 #NYEDChat conversation set in motion by moderator Daniel McCabe. As the #NYEDCHat co-moderator for the night, I wanted to respond to the topic, The Homework Deception, in a creative way. Hence, I wrote, revised, rewrote, and then decided on the graphic to pull the format together. Before the poem was made public, I called on a connected educator to critique the format. Who better to ask advice from than Michelle Heidenrich Barnes, who collected and showcased zenos during the month of October? Michelle responded quickly, in between her daughter's dance class and son's karate, and gave me the thumbs up to "go for it." I also asked Matt Forrest who has written many original zenos to look over the What if? zeno poem. Matt also responded favorably so I let the zeno fly during the chat.
If you would like to view the flow of conversation on "The Homework Deception," you can access the transcript here. The chat was fast-paced and engaging; participants tweeted responses to thought-provoking questions posed by Dan McCabe. Much to the moderators' delight, the #NYEDChat convo was reported to be trending on Twitter. There is power in being connected.
Now please stroll over to Random Noodlingfor the Poetry Friday Round-Up. Today's host is Diane Mayrwho has a magnificent picture and posting of the November skies.
REMINDER: I am gathering original poem and photo combinations that depict the theme "finding fall" for the Finding Fall Gallery. Information can be found here. I am excited to showcase the work that has been coming.
How often do we crash when sudden, tragic challenges come our way?
It is part of the human experience to do so, but there is a way to circumvent a reeling downward spiral that sometimes happens when untimely, critical issues intersect everyday life.
Last Sunday, one of the cathedral priests delivered a message to the parish that resonated with me. When a challenge arises, see it as a change in life, not the end point.These words reminded me that strength can be derived from faith in the Divine Lord when we are in the midst of chaos. This is not an easy task when faced with deep sorrow but it is a necessary one.
Life filled with misery and distress is a lonely place. With conviction we can slowly move out from the edge of darkness into the light knowing that strength is provided to us from a loving Creator. Last weekend's homily rang with a a message of hope in the power of the Divine to support us, especially when life's challenges make the burden heavy.
Life is fragile and changeable. We must listen to the Divine Voice to push through the issues, challenges, and tragedies that befall. With a mindset that is open and a heart willing to hear the message of faith and the promise of hope, we can recover from every fall, hardship, and trauma for the Lord is our strength.
While writing this post, I heard of a sudden and tragic incident that occurred to a friend's family, proving that life is indeed fragile and changeable. The conversation took my breath away so my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I know that words cannot override the grief during this time of need, but I can ask that the family be covered in grace and held in the hands of love.
The Lord is Our Strength
Isaiah 33:2
O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you.
Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.
When the Spiritual Journey Thursday topic was chosen, little did I know how relevant it would be this particular week. Although faith in the strength of the Lord is an important daily pursuit, deep faith is needed in the face of tragedy. May there be a message of hope that life has just changed not ended for those who suffer and the feeling that they will be uplifted and provided strength in their days to come.
Thank you to Holly Muellerthe facilitator of Spiritual Journey Thursday, who created this week's topic, The Lord is My Strength. It is as though the Lord spoke to Holly to choose this topic for us all to examine.
While searching for additional material about strength, I came upon this poem, published on March 5, 1836, in a daily devotional post. "The poem is a testament to the authors trust in God and the strength He provides to get through each day and each trial." (godrulestb@aol.com, http://www.cfdevotionals.org)
The merriment of Halloween night was recollected the first of November when the rains came and washed away the last remnants of October. On such a day, my mind wandered to remember past Octobers.
To make the most of recollections, learners can capture their moments in prose or poetry through the use of a Heart Map. Georgia Heard created this approach to allowing thoughts to flow freely in the act of writing. Questions posed on the heart map will encourage deep reflection.
Suggested Heart Map Questions
Each section can be in a different color and blocked off.
Capture the heart maps digitally for all to see.
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Heart maps allow for thoughts to flow from a place inside.
They can be a source of inspiration.
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Here is the result of my heart map that was created with PicMonkey and Word tools. It is written today on All Souls Day as a remembrance of past Halloweens with my mother. She loved to celebrate Halloween with her grandchildren and the neighborhood children.
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Now it is time to stroll over to Margaret Simon's Digi-Lit Sunday blog site where you can find an example of a presentation using an app, Powtoon.
I am intrigued by this format so in the weeks to come I will try to get acquainted with the new tool. Until then, enjoy finding your memories that are stored in your heart.
All week I have been connecting with
colleagues and family, whether it be face-to-face or virtually, so it seemed odd
that I missed Holly Mueller’s tweet about Spiritual Journey Thursday. Backtracking my steps, I found the tweet announcing this week's topic to be community. Excitedly, I sat down at the computer composing this post. I felt confident that this week's activity validated my desire to connect with others as a commitment to life, learning, and community.
In the midst of the normal day-to-day
living, we sometimes forget that community brings us to a
conscious level of appreciating life; lifts us up; applauds our successes; redirects our missteps. Where would we be without community? Proverbs 15:22 says, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed." This validates the importance of community as a close support group to living a meaningful life.
So this fall, to be a fully engaged member of my communities, I will:
Notice, wonder, and connect from a stance of positivity
Appreciate what nature and life have to offer
Listen to His Voice as He guides my steps
YouTube notes the song, "I Will Listen" sung by Twila Paris, as "a popular Christian gospel song good for community singing, singing together at gatherings, fellowship, worship, or parties."
You can follow Holly Mueller and the writers of Spiritual Journey Thursday here.
I value the Spiritual Journey Thursday community who supports, lifts, and brings joy.
Read how the word community resonates with each member.
I would like to showcase a quote from Holly's blog introducing the topic of community for this line holds truth: "Becaue it is in HIS nature to abide in community, it is also in ours. Isn't that amazing?!"
Now please stroll over to Random Noodling for the Poetry Friday Round-Up. Today's host is Diane Mayr who has a magnificent picture and posting of the November skies. 
REMINDER: I am gathering original poem and photo combinations that depict the theme "finding fall" for the Finding Fall Gallery. Information can be found here. I am excited to showcase the work that has been coming. 
