tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26193664514865997292024-03-13T10:06:44.547-05:00FPT (Front Porch Therapy)Sit Long. Talk Much. Laugh Often.Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-79066400320506580962020-04-06T16:49:00.001-05:002020-04-06T16:49:11.868-05:00AgainRunning the risk of burn out here.<br />
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I keep reading these amazing things that inspire me to do all the things. And then I go and collect all the things needed to accomplish all those things. Now I have a couch full of books, notebooks, and paper. I have a pile of art stuff accumulating in the kitchen (in hopes of the girls picking it up). And I have 2 bags of new games and art stuffs for easy transport out of my office in case something needs to be done.<br />
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Starting to feel overwhelmed because I know many of the things I want to do need to be done daily in order to set the routine and not sit there nagging me like most of the rest of the things in my office.<br />
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Speaking of my office...I think it might need a grand overhaul. I just had this picture in my head of emptying most of the things out of there and finding ways to restore it and placing a couch in there to chill on. Changing up the color some to make it more of a space that I would want to spend time in. I think the biggest hold back happening in there is the "some day" projects and the "that's a great memory".<br />
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Brain is spinning now. So this pile of things I have on my couch may just end up sitting there while I plot and scheme tonight so that I can attack my office first thing tomorrow. I'm thinking that the hubby may not be so thrilled about my plans or he could think it's amazing because then I'll stop leaking out into the rest of the living space with all of my things. My grand ideas always find ways of oozing out until it's done or tucked away for later.<br />
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I'm excited and scared all at the same time. Can I really make this happen without becoming overwhelmed by the project or feeling held back the things that need to be in there because there's no where else for them to live in our house.<br />
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<br />Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-62680803101759745412020-04-03T13:07:00.000-05:002020-04-03T13:07:26.237-05:00A Hero's JournalWhile doing my best not to overwhelm my children with these amazing ideas that I find ...I ran across this amazing ad on Facebook with the best cartoon characters on it. They were asking if I wanted to join their side quest during the quarantine. Sounds like something fun the girls might enjoy.<br />
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Went and dug into it. Not what I thought it would be. It's an inspiration and encouragement journal. I still love the graphics on the page, they inspire me all on their own.<br />
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I decided to give the Quarantine Quest a whirl. Everyday has it's own challenge for you to complete. Then it asks you what your 3 goals for the day are. That I can definitely do. And I can change them every day to piggy back on what I did yesterday or pick something new that came up during the day yesterday. Finally, it asks what 3 things you are grateful for today. I started writing one thing I'm thankful for on my calendar every day. Been doing this for about 3 years now and I love how it makes me end the day on a good note. Even if it's as simple as the color blue or the air I breathe.<br />
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If I adore the side-quest this month, I may go and get a full quest to see what it's all about. If you're interested in checking it out (I get nothing for this, it's just something I thought was cool and thought I'd put out into the world.) their website is <a href="https://theherosjournal.co/?fbclid=IwAR3V6BU_zg7qij_OYrnwcLGynT1Nht_ryQdBoDsK2WARG_2_NPbL9jfwUT8">The Hero's Journal - Give your goal a story. Be the Hero.</a><br />
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Here's to your daily goals and finding what brings that bit of joy to your day.Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-44286484200226873682020-04-02T10:07:00.002-05:002020-04-02T10:07:24.661-05:00Let's do thisI figured that with almost 3 weeks of lockdown done that I should start being purposely about my activities and interactions. It's been a time of regrowing. Been digging back into all of the things that I used to do when it was just me and the girls at home all day long. I even pulled a mini office out into the living room to be able to see them all at all times. (They still try and get away with things when I'm not at least present in their space.)<br />
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This time around I don't have to come up with lesson plans because their teachers have it all covered. But, of course, that doesn't stop me. I'm holding back though because I don't want to drown them. But with the weather getting warmer (finally) here in Wisconsin, maybe we'll take some reading breaks out and about like we used to do. (I do miss my stroller still. *sniff*)<br />
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For myself, I decided to pull out The Artist's Way again. That's when I had a chuckle because my last post was about the book and that was almost a year ago. Yikes! Life sure has been busy here trying to make the most of every interaction at school, finding ways to guide/inspire the women at the church, guide/inspire my own children, remembering my firsts in my marriage, and trying to figure out who I want to be. The most difficult one.<br />
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Looks like this is going to be another season of growth. Hopefully, I will be inspired to write about something here every day ...for a while atleast to kick back off the writing flow. Trying to dig back up that dream again. Having a daughter who's actually making it happen has resparked my want to. It's been a blast tossing around plot points with her and seeing the thoughts that come out of her mind.<br />
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The princess, on the other hand, has been driving me absolutely nuts. She insists that she is the queen and the mom. And ...she is the only one who has not taken too well to the idea of schooling from home. She changes personality and have tos when she's at school. Being here, and not knowing how to channel that person, is proving to be a challenge. She takes all day long to get her work done while the other two get most of it done before lunch. It's definitely going to be an interesting rest of the school year. Especially since I'm not able to work. Hard to substitute for them when they can do all their work from home. Now to figure out what to do with my time.<br />
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<br />Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-84346997742014593432019-05-29T08:25:00.001-05:002019-05-29T08:37:42.868-05:00The Artist`s Way <p dir="ltr">I stumbled across this amazing book. And loved how it connects your creativity to God the greatest creator. It has inspired me to take up writing again. This morning it brought up the question on why I stopped.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I came to the conclusion that there are two reasons as to why I have stopped writing. The first one was that I felt as if it was all drivel and who wants to hear anything I have to say. Most of it is all just regurgitation of things I have read and they say it all that much better. All more negative spewing continues on top of this. The second reason is that most things I want to write about should be kept close to the heart but the lessons need to be shared. So I've been in a quandary about whether or not to write about these things.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Which is why this book has been such a wonderful inspiration. Can I write the things I want to write about in a way that I can keep them close to heart and yet share the lessons and ideas that come from them? </p>
<p dir="ltr">I spent the last couple months working through a few books that really dig into your being and who you see yourself as. Now it`s time to start sowing the seeds that I have accumulated and prepare them for the growing season. Super busy summer at my house rolling out starting this month. Glad we've succeeded so well so far.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Wish me luck on this grand new adventure.</p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-87143182683890846992018-04-27T15:16:00.001-05:002018-04-27T15:16:14.748-05:00Strength<p dir="ltr">Making a plan to strengthen my daughter. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The eldest has always been an extreme introvert. She would spend time preparing herself for every interaction with people other than the ones she lives with. Thinking on it, she even prepares and separates for spending time with us. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This means that school has always been a torture for her. She has been asking to be home schooled for quite a while now. Dad had finally come around and she's setting up the plan of attack. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Instead of going into each day with fear and anxiety, she can tackle it with confidence and assurance. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm hoping this adventure will show her the true person God designed her to be. Show her all of her abilities and strengths. Show her where she can go and who she can become. Let her find her future. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It's going to be an adventure because I know my expectations are doesn't from her expectations which are yet different from Dad's expectations. I pray we come at this with the same focus and open communication. That will make the adjustment easier. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Pay for <u>us</u></p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-76713089890029171942018-04-08T16:20:00.001-05:002018-04-08T16:38:39.380-05:00Youtube worthy<p dir="ltr">On the way to <u>church</u> this morning, one girl said to the rest, "Remember when Uncle stood up and hit his head on the <u>icicles</u>?"<br>
Giggles.<br>
"And then, the icicle slid down his shirt. "<br>
Giggles. <br>
"Totally Youtube worthy. "</p>
<p dir="ltr">Which made me smile and remember other moments when they've said that. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Which made me think of all the children out there that are living these moments through Youtube rather than seeing them up close and personal. There's those who are making it happen and recording it. But it's such a small population. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Is this the direction that our children are going? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Just made me realize that my children are so blessed. <br>
</p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-64411088946735975892018-03-05T21:17:00.001-06:002018-03-05T21:17:37.754-06:00Ripples<p dir="ltr">There's so much to say on this.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The fact that my husband send me on women's retreats. <br>
Ripples<br>
I started making minor jewelry to sell. I learned that it's best to hear from the source. I was given a small book that makes a grand impact.<br>
Ripples<br>
I found a study on that book in the church library and decided that we women need to do it as a retreat like I did way back when.<br>
Ripples<br>
This little book is being shared across the US through friends. The women who came are still talking about the effect it has on their life.<br>
<u>Ripples</u><br>
I was thinking on this tonight and realized the renewed impact it has had on my life. One of the rooms I taught through is the one I need the most help in right now. Maybe all 3 if I am honest with myself.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The fact that I chose ripples as the title when that is my go- to doodle and now the youngest daughter is perfecting it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ripples</p>
<p dir="ltr">Someone tonight shared the image of how life is like living on a lake.<br>
Ripples<br>
It sure is interesting to see how God puts women in your life that are riding similar ripples.</p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-78057408981594552642018-03-05T21:07:00.001-06:002018-03-05T21:07:14.140-06:00Humility<p dir="ltr">Studying Fierce Women by Kimberly Wagner with the women at church. Currently rereading chapter 5 for tonight's gathering and talking more notes than I did the first time. Usually goes that way doesn't it?</p>
<p dir="ltr">It feels good to recognize the places where you did not go wrong. It's a good reminder of the lesson you need to make sure others know. The big one today was that you can never change anyone but yourself. Pray to God to help you see where you need to change. Pray to Him to bring you wisdom in this relationship. But praying for God to change them only brings you exhaustion.</p>
<p dir="ltr">That is not why I titled this entry Humility. <br>
Farther in the chapter she lists How Humility Affects a Fierce Woman. That list is exciting to me because I can teach that to my students.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Do you try to maintain control or do you recognize that God is in control?<br>
Do you believe you are always right or can you allow others to have their own opinions?<br>
Are you teachable?<br>
Are you willing to be held accountable?<br>
Do you see others with their God given worth and value?<br>
Do you treat others with kindness and respect?<br>
Are you a " soft" warrior? </p>
<p dir="ltr">I love that wording if soft warrior. You can see the strength and know they are someone you do not want to mess with or cross their path when they are charging. But you can see their heart in it. You know that they only do battle because it will help and make things better. They don't do battle to gain control or to prove something. It's a heart issue.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The other great phrase she had was " childlike humility".<br>
Now if you spend any amount of time with children, you know that they are not typically humble. They are prideful and bold and want to be acknowledge for every battle they win. But they do know teamwork and they do know how to play their part and they do know how to let their friends shine as well. That is a great reminder that humility it's not a doormat, it's shinning with others.</p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-38002830887335257482018-03-03T05:27:00.001-06:002018-03-03T05:27:12.255-06:00Being abducted mentally<p dir="ltr">For the past two days it's felt like my mound has been abducted. I can see and feel that I have a poor attitude. It feels like poison coming out of me. It takes every moment of willpower and concentration to make it not come out. Therefore, that didn't happen very much.<br>
Just making me do what I needed to do instead of what I wanted to do was a challenge in itself. I feel very accomplished in that. I did the few things that I told myself I needed to do yesterday. Today I only have a few things on my list as well. We'll see if we can keep the alien at bay today.<br>
The most amazing thing is that I could see and sense the bad attitude there. I knew it was happening and that I had little chance of controlling it. I kept telling my daughter's that I had a bad attitude and that I would not be willing to do most of what I normally do for them. The amazing thing was that they stepped up and did a lot of what they would normally ask me for.<br>
I actually threw a tempertantrum at myself last night on the way to sending myself to bed. The littlest thought that was hilarious. I think that moment was the weirdest of all the two days. I could feel the turmoil and the frustration swirling around my calm. I truly felt like I was being hijacked.<br>
Today should be interesting. Has it gone away? Is it still sleeping? Is it planning a sneak attack? The adventure awaits.</p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-69018156629353137302018-02-27T16:43:00.001-06:002018-02-27T16:43:08.934-06:00Substitute <p dir="ltr">This is not to brag about me but every day that I teach makes me realize how unique I am. The last 2 teachers I taught with let me know how refreshing I was and how thrilled they are to know that they will not have just a warm body in their classroom. After I have conversations like this, I ponder why I'm so different than the majority. Is there something that I care suggest others do or learn our something I can teach to help the rest of the become less than warm bodies. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Today's idea is that I treat these students as if they were my own kids. I always wanted to be that mom where my kids friends felt comfortable coming and talking to me, not because I was cool our fun but because I was a good listener and comfortable to be around. So I take this idea into the classroom. They are my kids or they are the friends of my kids. I treat them like family, mainly because I don't know if they have a family at home. Even if they do, I want to be an adult that they could want to be like in some manner or another. Because sometimes they don't understand or enjoy their parents and are looking for someone else to know and mentor with.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So could more substitutes be successful if they treated their classrooms like each child was their own? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Or maybe it's just that I walk with the Lord and see each student as a child off God, therefore they all have a set of gifts and blessings inside of them waiting to be ignored with love, hope, and Faith.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Maybe they need hope of their own. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Maybe they need a purpose.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I want to shine. I know the Lord shines through me. But only if I shine.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Maybe that should be my catch phrase of the year .... Hope Shines.</p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-3949888046035405272018-02-21T16:28:00.000-06:002018-02-21T16:28:31.344-06:00My mission<div dir="ltr">
Today was my first day off for the school year. To get technical, it's the first day I wasn't needed in any of the schools. It was a really weird day. </div>
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I spent the day listening to Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee. The ending blew me away and reminded me that what I do is my mission, it's not me. </div>
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This morning I awoke early with this crazy dream about how to use the 3 main learning styles (kinesthetic, visual, audible) to reteach the classes I had yesterday. Which isn't too wild until I started talking to the kids why I do what I do and then the principal overheard and I ended up speaking to an auditorium of teachers. That would be me doing the work instead of living in the mission. </div>
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My mission is to make a difference in every student's life I can. I want to encourage them in some way that will have a lasting effect. Seeing some of these families and the lives they choose to live or currently have to live, makes me want to show them that there is another way to live. </div>
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That is just a small portion of students. The rest ...I just want them to know that I see the greatness in them. The thing that irritates everyone else is going to be a strength some day. (That's what I tell my strong-willed daughter.) I don't want their spirit crushed. If I can help them channel it for good or for something useful, I celebrate. </div>
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There's another portion that just needs to be seen. I'll never forget the day that the class was talking about about positive words we can use. One of the students raised his hand and said, "Just like Mrs Radtke tells us all the time. We are awesome and amazing. " I celebrated because at least one heard and took it to heart. That's what I would love every student to hear and know ...I see them as awesome and amazing. That I know they are designed for something greater than where they are right now. </div>
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I love to just sit and listen to them. Let them know that they are being actually heard and that I care that this means so much to them. They seem stunned that I actually want to listen to them. </div>
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Day 2 because even though I have a day of life doesn't stop ...took my Tiny girl into school today and one of the boys in her grade asked who I was working for today. "No one. " "Then why are you here?" That made me pause. I would go and hang out every day in their school if they would let me. But here's the best part ..."Well, can I have a hug?" And that is why I do what I do. This boy had been labeled and he does have some moments where there is no solution until he chooses (which sometimes leads to really long days) but I have made a point to get to know him and to listen to him and to give him words of encouragement and support whenever I see him. Today, I got to give a hug and encourage him to have a fantastic day. </div>
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Which reminds me of one last story. Those trouble kids ...whenever a fellow student warns me about them, I shoot it down. I let the whole class know that they won't be a problem for me because they are awesome when I'm around. We understand each other. It works 80% of the time. If they're in a mood, they take it as a challenge. Makes for an interesting day. </div>
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I am truly thankful that the events in my life have led me to find my passion and my purpose. This is something I would do even if I didn't get paid. That is the definition of purpose. </div>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-42803356529332510762018-02-21T16:25:00.000-06:002018-02-27T16:59:21.240-06:00OUR CHAOS CHALLENGERadtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-58584611004908480372017-09-11T09:02:00.001-05:002017-09-11T09:02:31.128-05:00Personality differences <p dir="ltr">We had a moment this weekend where we were all in the same room discussing a disturbance. The 2 girls who have the most different personalities share a bedroom and it lends to many disturbances in our household. With all of us in the room this time talking and not yelling, it felt like everyone was being heard ...not always understood but we're working on that because that's the hardest part to having such diverse personality types all living under one roof.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After we all dispersed to go achieve some chore while giving space to everyone, I grabbed the one girl and just held her. I didn't say anything, I just held her. I looked down at her after a bit and saw tears in her eyes. I wiped them away and let her know how much I love her and that it's hard when it feels like no one understands Morrison your side of the discussion. She asked me to not let go for a good 15 minutes. Finally I asked her if she was ready to finish her chore and that would give time to snuggle later. She agreed and we went on with our day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I was sitting here reading The Seed Principle by Aubrey Johnson and this visual popped in my head that I think would help my daughter understand what happened during that discussion.</p>
<p dir="ltr">She sees things in straight lines. "This is our path and we're going to take it, no detours." Her dad is a lot like that but age has allowed him to see other paths he'd rather be on and he adjusts. She's not there yet. The sisters and I are more about the scenery. "Did you see that shiny thing? Now where did the path go." She doesn't always get that and that's where a good portion of our conflict comes from. The other good majority is from them enjoying pushing each other's buttons. That will dissolve with age.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If I can get her to see her path and recognize that her sisters get distracted and don't remember that she has created this path, that may reduce the number of discussions. Also letting the sisters know that she has a set path that she likes to walk and if they can be mindful of it and not disregard it, that should reduce the dis sessions as well.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Not sure if this visual can help anyone reading this but I didn't want to lose the image with everything else that's going to happen in my day.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Until next time<br>
Have a Blessed <u>day</u></p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-1280877694763054852017-07-09T22:36:00.001-05:002017-07-09T22:36:30.042-05:00Toughen UpLately almost every book I have been reading is for me to teach it to someone else. Starting up the website for the 5th graders has been an amazing refresher for the way I read books. So has working on getting a mentoring program running at church.<br />
<br />
I just got done reading Toughen Up by Claude Hamilton.<br />
<a href="https://shop.mainhomepage.com/SearchResults.aspx?s=toughen%20up"><img src="https://main.secure.footprint.net/dnn/sc_images/2884_04bb7.jpg" /></a>The way he lined up the way the book flowed kept me reading night after night. I dedicated myself to reading a chapter a night until it was done and I was thrilled to have accomplished that goal. It was the perfect book to start the habit with.<br />
<br />
The story line of the book is the small steps that need to be taken to be successful. He relates it to his business but I saw how each step could help me in teaching and how my girls could use it to be more successful in school and just any relationship in general.<br />
<br />
The topics he covers in the book are:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Rules of Engagement: Attitude, Courage, and Character</li>
<li>Oath of Allegiance: Duty, Honor, and Relationships</li>
<li>The Pointy Tip: Passion and Tenacity</li>
</ul>
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I was thinking what I would share about the book that moved me the most that would make someone else want to read the book. </div>
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Besides how amazing I think it would be for my daughters to learn these strengths, many of them hit home to myself and how I know most of these things but don't always do such a hot job following through on them. </div>
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While reviewing the sections I highlighted while reading the book, I came across the section on relationships. I do a really good job building relationships, and following some of the suggestions he gives, when I'm at school. I'm working on it at home with my daughters better too. The eldest came and gave me an impromptu hug after I was talking to her about my bad attitude and how I'm just done with people at the moment. She rubbed my back and said something nice. It was a joy-filled moment. But what I realized while reviewing that section is that I don't do a very good job doing those suggestions with adults. I stink at grow up relationships. I just don't get people sometimes and I don't like feeling dumb. Which is where courage needs to come into play. </div>
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I am extremely thankful that I read this book now and am able to take action now to make changes while I have less things on my plate every day. Pray for me that my past doesn't override what I want to do to make my future better. </div>
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I would suggest this book to everyone that wants to make themselves a better person. Or anyone that works with a team of people. We all know that getting people to work together to accomplish the same goal is one of the hardest things to accomplish. I think this book will help.</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Have a Blessed day</div>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-29667398528513689242017-07-04T20:13:00.001-05:002017-07-04T20:26:32.573-05:00Independence Day<p dir="ltr">We're here waiting for the sun to set and the celebration to begin. I was just kicked back, thinking about taking a quick nap. When the thought hit me that I could make better use of my time. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Life has been amazing here. Every day I've thankful for the live I get to live. The husband I get to call mine. How amazing he is and all the wonderful things he does for our family. <br>
My children and the wonderful things they do. All the skills that they have and the challenges they bring. How they're growing into these amazing women. <br>
The job I get to do. I get to be the super hero. I get to love on these students and find their spark and try to ignite it. I get to spread hope and joy everywhere I go. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Thinking this Independence Day about all the blessings that we have because a few gave all. It's a rare thing now a days for people to be willing to give everything in hopes of a better tomorrow ...even if that means not for them. </p>
<p dir="ltr">What are you thankful for today? Have you seen all the blessings in your day? Have you spent some time thinking about those who have given it all to allow you to do the things you've done today? </p>
<p dir="ltr">Make the most of it and have a Blessed day. </p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-57387602447753754542017-04-01T19:46:00.001-05:002017-04-01T19:46:43.714-05:00So excited!!I have an appointment with the teachers on Monday!<div>
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Everyone that I've talked to thinks it sounds like a great idea and are super excited about it with me.</div>
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I've cleaned up the sites and am on to the next book to add to the site. </div>
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I'm so excited!</div>
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I started dreaming about how it could build on into high school and could teach the kids more about lessons that they're going to need to get a job and succeed after high school even. Teach them about finances. Teach them more about relationships and what's important about choosing that right person and how to be the right person. Teach them the importance of having a mentor for all the important aspects of life.</div>
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But I need to slow down and do one thing at a time. Start here.</div>
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<a href="http://www.leadingintomiddleschool.weebly.com/">Leading Into Middle School</a> pop on over and check it out. Any feedback would be welcome because it will just make it more fantastic for the kids.</div>
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Thanks</div>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-58368193340767488992017-03-30T15:36:00.001-05:002017-03-30T15:36:58.061-05:00Awesome day in ArtI LOVE teaching art. If I had known this job existed, I may have went to college for that instead of accounting. I am completely thankful that the art teacher at my girls's school trusts me to do real art with the kids. Maybe after so many years of seeing what my kids can do has given him some faith in my abilities. I really wish I had taken a picture of the example that he sent with me from class to class.<br />
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I got to teach the same project to 5th, 4th, 2nd, and 1st grade today. It is really interesting to see how each age group does the same project.<br />
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Today's project was using their imagination and creating what they would like to imagine in outer space. They received a black piece of construction paper and had to do a pencil sketch. Then they got to color with Construction Paper Crayons. I don't think I knew they existed. They were super cool. The pictures looked like they glowed in the dark or they would be amazing under a black light.<br />
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Then when the kids mixed the colors together, it got even more fun. And their ideas were fantastic. The youngest were the most creative with their imaginations but not the best at following the coloring directions for following the rules of shading. The older kids did an amazing job detailing their pictures.<br />
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I was thinking today about how cool it would be to create a portfolio of the awesome art projects I get to teach to the kids. Which is why I took the time to type this little bit up. Some sense of accountability for the future.<br />
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Also ...the kids were AMAZING today. It was such a wonderful day that I didn't want it to end.Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-4933058385703327052017-03-25T15:11:00.003-05:002017-03-25T15:11:55.130-05:00Leading into Middle School<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://leadingintomiddleschool.weebly.com/&source=gmail&ust=1490556925116000&usg=AFQjCNFJwbHdrT1nQHz1k9W0sAUt9lfyTg" href="http://leadingintomiddleschool.weebly.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>leadingintomiddleschool.<wbr></wbr>weebly.com/</a><br />
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I was hit by pure inspiration since I last wrote.<br />
Especially because the breakthrough that I thought I had failed. Very sad.<br />
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So, I reached out to people to help solve the problem and started getting some solutions and I went and did something to take my mind off of the problem. And wah-la, inspiration.<br />
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My plan is to build this site to include all sorts of lessons and pieces of learning for the students to dig into whenever they have a chance. I plan on continuing it until forever. As I learn valuable information that can help grow and create the leader in me, I can simplify it and help the next generation start thinking about the information.<br />
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I'm not quite sure how it's all going to work out but I'm excited to be teaching all of this information because it's allowing me to learn it better myself.<br />
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Pray for me to get a couple of the bigger chunks already on there flushed out so that the students can start digging into it this coming week.<br />
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After sitting here for the past ...almost four hours, I think it's time to take a break and refuel myself.Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-1194762852860332272017-03-20T11:02:00.002-05:002017-03-20T11:02:58.848-05:00And the project moves onWahoo! So excited that the last try worked at school! Now to create a presentation to send it to the kids. That is going to be the most nerve wracking part of the whole thing. All of my negative voices are popping up and worrying about them judging me. To which I want to smack around because they're 10. It doesn't matter too much what they think about my video recording. But I want to do my best. That is something that I want to be concerned about. I want to make sure that I make the best impact and accomplish the greatest reaction with all of this information.<br />
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I'm going to start with the different personality types. Because if you understand that not everyone thinks the same as you, you can learn to talk differently. If you have a strong personality and talk to an introverted personality as if they were you, there's a really good chance you will crush them. Vice versa, they will not take you seriously.<br />
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Just helping the students understand that people think differently and most of the problems in the classroom will disappear. Well, I have high expectations. They need to understand that talking differently to different personalities will result in different outcomes. That will help most of the problems in the classroom. At least this is my hope.<br />
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I want to take some time to teach them about the strengths and weaknesses of each quadrant of the personalities. Helping them see how they can spot these strengths in their classmates thereby allowing them to make better choices when picking partners to get things done. Helping them know these weaknesses will allow them to be better leaders in the class. They can help their classmates overcome their weakness or help them pair up with someone who has the strength that would compensate.<br />
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This is the next focus. Got some good notes started already. Need to try and flush it out better to make sure I get them the best information. Then I'm moving on to conflict resolution.<br />
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Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.<br />
<br />Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-37271723921980437812017-03-16T10:04:00.001-05:002017-03-20T11:03:22.857-05:00Another test run<a href="http://www.quibblo.com/share/kmqt9BU?new=1#.WMqov3umI2I.blogger">Personality Plus Strengths</a>: How to understand others by understanding yourself.<br />
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Here's another run at trying to get a fun fast quiz for the kids to take at school that will work on their limited access at school. I think it's great that they want to protect the kids. It's just a little frustrating trying to find something new and different for them to do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/kmqt9BU/Personality-Plus-Strengths">http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/kmqt9BU/Personality-Plus-Strengths</a><br />
<a href="http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/kmyQxBB/Personality-Plus-Weaknesses">http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/kmyQxBB/Personality-Plus-Weaknesses</a><br />
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Give it a whirl and see what you think.<br />
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ThanksRadtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-10056244205169896142017-03-14T08:44:00.004-05:002017-03-20T11:03:22.852-05:00Busy Life or Good vs GreatIt has been super long since I wrote on here. There haven't been many days where I haven't kicked myself for not stopping to jot a few thoughts down or some ideas that I have found. Lately it's been weighing heavier because I have so much that I want to do right now ...all at the same time.<br />
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Which is where I need to focus and try to discover which is good and which is great. Which choice is going to make the greatest impact to the most amount of people? Which choice is going to have a lasting ripple effect compared to just a drop in a puddle? Which one is God calling me to and not me becoming prideful?<br />
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I've narrowed it down to what am I really being called to do. I believe that I am being called to be a light and a spark in this dark world. I believe that I am being called to make a difference in the youth in our community.<br />
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That means that I am going to try tackling the project of sparking a mentoring system in our church for one. We have an amazing core of ladies in our congregation. We have had a lot of those amazing ladies get burnt out on what they were doing or they are feeling the call to be effective somewhere else in the congregation. Which has been leaving huge gaps that we have not been able to fill easily. It has been tugging on me for over a year to start up a mentoring program for our youth. I just did not feel prepared or able to run it myself. Recently, I have read enough and listened enough to know that I should not be the magic in this. I need to find resources and create a system for us to use to get this project off the ground. I also have a very energetic woman willing to walk alongside me and get this project rolling to the entire congregation and not just the youth. Her daughter has shared with her the amazing things that are happening at the church she belongs to at college. She wants this to happen here as well. Hopefully that means that I'll remember to use this as a teaching board on the information that I learn to make that go.<br />
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The second thing that I'm going to tackle is transforming all the leadership information I have into simple form for 5th graders to use. I spent a lot of time in my daughter's classroom this year and I realized that most of the issues going on in the classroom is due to the children's lack of integrity. character, people skills, and want to be the leader. They all want to be followers. It is a very sad state of affairs. I was at a leadership convention and I was sparked by the idea of transforming all the leadership training that I have had and that I have access to into 15-20 minute bits for the kids to learn in their spare time. Things that are applicable to what they go through every day in the classroom. This is hopefully where I'll remember to place all of new things that I've created for them. Kind of try it out here and hope it works. They main problem that I'm running into is the security on the school's system does not like some of the websites available. Need to keep working on those bugs every chance I get.<br />
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My first project is going to be the personality types. I LOVE <u>Personality Plus</u> by Florence Littauer. It has been an eye opener. There are many other great authors who have worked on the same ideas of the four quadrants. But I like to use hers best, especially the for Parents version.<br />
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I took her quiz and created a website friendly version. I want the kids to be able to do this in a few seconds or a few minutes and then get on to some sort of lesson on what the results were. If they need to do the paper version, it may take all of the free time up that they have available. I know it has when I tried doing the paper type for my girls.<br />
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So... let's see if these work. I started with just the strength ones so far because I didn't want to put all that work in and have it be for naught.<br />
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<a href="https://www.qzzr.com/c/quiz/378274/personality-plus">https://www.qzzr.com/c/quiz/378274/personality-plus</a>Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-17459654705705356182016-01-17T13:30:00.001-06:002016-01-17T13:55:47.673-06:00Blessed<p dir="ltr">I just got to experience an amazing weekend with the ladies from church. This is our second year hosting a retreat to start off the year. Each year has blessed us with unexpected connections.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This year's topic was REFUGE.<br>
We discussed at our annual meeting that we want to be a refuge for each other and the ladies in our community. We decided to study and discuss it together. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Our first speaker taught us that we are a lot like her dog. We know there's this beautiful house where we are cared for and loved. But when the storms come, we hide in the smallest place possible and the simplest place. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The second speaker was me. I shared my refuge and how my personality may not make me seem like the best refuge for ladies. But with trust and understanding, you will be the right refuge for the right person, like searching for a port in the storm when a boat is in need of refuge.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Third speaker taught us through music and the Psalms how we should search for refuge instead of trying to hide in our box in the woods. We need to run from to run to and cry out and claim the victory by reading and remembering so that we can rest and rejoice in our Lord.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Our fourth speaker told us her story and how she has overcome struggles by continuously coming back to the Lord as her refuge. She taught us how He has instilled in us all the gift of creation. We each have the gift to create something and it serves as a refuge to us.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I think we had the most fun with the personality test we took as our ice breaker. It was silly and right on the money for certain things. But it helped us recognize the similarities and differences between us all and that we need one if each to get certain things done in life.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As I was reflecting on the weekend, I realized how blessed I was. That if anything happened in my life, I wouldn't want to be with any other group of ladies. The prayer warriors, the care givers, the entertainers, and everyone inbetween. I feel blessed to be able to learn more about them and allow them to learn more about me. And to learn how to become closer to our Lord and let Him shine through us to the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I am blessed. Now I need to continue to be a blessing. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f02OjK1UlU0/VpvxtYiTIUI/AAAAAAAAlsE/wcgh4Sq_f1k/s1600/20160116_081456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f02OjK1UlU0/VpvxtYiTIUI/AAAAAAAAlsE/wcgh4Sq_f1k/s640/20160116_081456.jpg"> </a> </div>Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-11389524876136086312015-11-15T07:18:00.001-06:002015-11-15T07:46:00.734-06:00Tossed Together<p dir="ltr">I woke this morning realizing that I had forgotten to share a story with my Women's Ministry group. We had an amazing meeting titled "Tossed Together ". We had a salad lunch with the meeting and everyone brought a topping. And I didn't connect it to the lesson for them. I was just nervous to get the meeting rolling.  Here's why we did this...</p>
<p dir="ltr">We are all here together for a reason. God has a purpose for bringing you all here to this place at this time. I have known for a while that those who are meant to be here, will be. What is the significance of this?</p>
<p dir="ltr">We have been tossed together for a purpose. He has a plan for putting all of our different personalities and gifts together. We have been Tossed Together to create an amazing salad like we have all just eaten.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If I would have been the only one here today, my salad would have been pretty sad. Just some lettuce, carrots, and sunflower seeds.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once you add one more, we now have a dressing and some bread to go with it. That is starting to make a meal. It's more enjoyable and easier to swallow.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you add all of you, we have a feast. We have lettuce, spinach, 4 dressings, 2 breads, carrots, peppers, cranberries, sunflower seeds, cucumber, cottage cheese, eggs, cheese, and I know I'm forgetting something because the counter was full. And we had enough to fill all of us and share with our families and a family in need.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Because we all came together and tossed what we had brought together, we had an amazing meal and some to share. We filled ourselves and were able to outreach. This is what our Women's Ministry is all about. Coming together to be filled so that we can reach out to others. </p>
<p dir="ltr">If it's just me, it's a sad lunch that's hard to swallow. It's an unsatisfied fill that doesn't give me the strength to put myself out there. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Once you add one more, it can become a satisfying lunch that makes you want to do more. Your conversation gives you strength to do more.</p>
<p dir="ltr">God designed us to need others. We were not meant to be alone. Therefore he keeps tossing us together in churches where we can grow and make a difference. When we are all Tossed Together we make an amazing feast. And the conversation we have can change us, our community, and hopefully someday the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Knowing this, because we now experienced it, why wouldn't you want to encourage more ladies to be part of the feast? Why would you want to stay away from the banquet and eat a dry lonely lunch by yourself?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Encourage others to play a part in the feast. Share with them how they will be filled to the point that they will need to share with others. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Imagine the kind of salad we could create if every lady joined us bringing with them just one item. If they brought just one of their gifts, what kind of dent in the world could we create? How far could the ripples from our dent travel? How many of you want to fins this out?</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSRW2v7O35Y/VkiMlWya4vI/AAAAAAAAkrQ/dtpRrpeOrOk/s1600/20151023_092540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bSRW2v7O35Y/VkiMlWya4vI/AAAAAAAAkrQ/dtpRrpeOrOk/s640/20151023_092540.jpg"> </a> </div>Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-26577113404593305622015-10-20T05:24:00.001-05:002015-10-20T05:38:43.784-05:00Excessive Words<p dir="ltr">It has occurred to me that I have an excessive amount of words to use every day. I hear them come out of many mouths every day and am fascinated by them. It just has never occurred to me that I have that many too since talking has never been my strong suit. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It's amazing how many words I have now that I've been working on talking and expressing myself more for the past 15 years. (Wow. When you double digit things it makes an impact on your brain.)</p>
<p dir="ltr">So I was thinking this morning that I need to find a proper outlet for my words and make it a habit. For that has been my downfall, making anything a habit.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I first thought I needed to find a place to dump my words but that imaged a spewing form and didn't seem pretty. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Then I thought I may need to put them somewhere. That brought the image of them not being valuable or worthy of sharing. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Then I thought of a place for them. That sounded right. Each word has it's proper place. They are being created in my brain for a purpose. They should not just be flung around, spewed out, or hidden away. They should be put in their proper place.</p>
<p dir="ltr">And that's when I realized that I really do have an excessive amount of words. Because I thought all of that about the words that roll around in my head.</p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2619366451486599729.post-88004188698631420302015-09-23T16:40:00.001-05:002015-09-23T16:59:33.575-05:00Have to vs Want to<p dir="ltr">So what happens to you on the days that you battle the "have to"s vs the "want to"s?</p>
<p dir="ltr">I get sad. And I get mad at myself for trying to fight the ridiculous battle. Of course, I need to do the "have to" so why battle myself on it?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Because then I get to do the fun battle of: I should do that but do I really have to do it today, can I put it off for tomorrow? Well, not tomorrow because I'm busy tomorrow, it'll have to be the day after.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Down we go into the spiral if procrastination and I feel like a failure for not accomplishing what I needed to do so that I can get something else done. Now my days are jammed pack full of stuff and I don't have room to breathe and I really don't want to get anything done.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On a miraculous day, I can get it all accomplished and feel amazing! So why don't I want to do that every day? Why do I want to make myself feel like a failure?</p>
<p dir="ltr">It's not like I don't have a to-do list staring me in the face or an accountability sheet that I fill out every night, because I do.</p>
<p dir="ltr">What it comes down to is that I don't have enough good habits in place in order to protect me from my habit of procrastinating. If I want to eliminate the negative, I need to put a positive where it resides and keep at it. It's all about self-control. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I think that's why it's the last of the list of the fruit of the spirit. It's the hardest one to maintain. Like not pressing the snooze button and getting up when you plan to. Like cutting something out of your diet because you know you feel better without it. Like going to sleep at a decent hour because you're less cranky when you do. Those things that you know are for your best interest and you can do them as long as you think on them but once you think it's a habit. .. you find out it isn't always. Sigh...back to the drawing board. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Some people say that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. That may be true but I believe that some of those habit grooves in your brain are deeper than others and it definitely takes more new-habit-filler to eliminate that negative from your habit line.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We are all a constant work of progress. Keep your eyes on the reward and keep swinging.</p>
Radtkecustomshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10022930662487938683noreply@blogger.com0