Justice vs. Revenge

So, no this is not really my typical teacher topic or a mom topic.  But I am an American Citizen so this debate is of interest to me.  

What brings this up?  Let's look at the recent headlines of the Aurora, CO shootings.   On July 20, 2012, a mass shooting occurred during a midnight screening of  The Dark Knight Rises at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. A gunman, dressed in protective gear and clothing, set off tear gas grenades and shot into the audience with multiple firearms, killing 12 people and injuring 58 others.  A child as young as 6 years old is among the dead, and a 3 month old was reported as injured. 

Americans across the country are in a state of disbelief and are full of anger.  Many are calling for this man's immediate execution without a trial because "he deserves it", "because it will save the taxpayers money," because it will show "no mercy for perpetrators of this kind of action."  But is this justice?  Is this a constitutional way to deal with  such heinous acts?  No.  Justice is the principle that punishment should be proportionate to the offense-- it includes righteousness and moral rightness.   Revenge is to exact punishment-- it's an opportunity to retaliate and gain satisfaction.   Revenge is what many Americans want right now.  And yes, a part of me too wants this.  I am human after all.   However, revenge is not sweet, it is an act of passionate anger that is not righteous.  

Please refer to the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed..." We cannot let our outrage and profound sadness over this senseless crime prevent us from seeing that justice is carried out. To skip a trial, would take away from the power and validity of our Constitution; in essence it would be an attack on the foundation of this great nation.  Truly, justice is more than revenge; it is what separates us from the criminals. With that being said, I pray that this man is held accountable for his actions in a very speedy and public trial, where the jury does not let this criminal's personality disorder be an excuse or lessen his sentence in any way.  

My take on weddings...

So watching this show, Bridezillas, has really gotten me thinking about my own wedding.  My wedding was beautiful.  Words can't describe how special a day it was.  It was day filled with love and family and hope.  But what is love?  It is patient and kind.  Love is more than a feeling. Love is a choice to love another person through the best and worst of times, unconditionally. With Christ in the center, marriage with the right person is a beautiful and amazing blessing. It truly was a blessed day. But thinking back here is my list of things I loved, things that I wish I did, or things I would change.  I don't keep a diary and this is likely the only way I will actually record my thoughts.  Maybe I will print out my posts one day as a record.

• Loved that picking out my dress was a family affair.  Dad went with us and helped me pick out my dream dress.

• I loved that I had a church wedding, but the reception of my dreams was at an old restored 1901 house outdoors - with a tent for shade.

• I wish I had made sure my new in-laws were in the room for cutting the cake and not on the porch with their heads in the window.  Wow.

• I wish we had done a receiving line at the church.  Some people did not go to the reception and it would have helped me make sure we greeted and thanked everyone.

• I wish I had been more specific about my flowers.  It might have ensured that they looked like what I wanted.  I think we paid for orchids...and yet there were none in my bouquet.  

• I wish I had done my thank you notes faster!!!!!  I think because I spent so much time trying to make sure I wrote the right thing that I took 4 months to finish them! Maybe by the time, my children get married that  

• I loved the food at the wedding - I just wish I had a chance to eat it.

• I would like to go back in time and nail down a schedule for the reception.  Photos at ___, cake at ____, and leaving at ______.   That way, there wouldn't be this whole surprise with everyone lining up with bubbles for us to leave.  I was just getting a plate!!

Identical twins don't have identical DNA

I studied Biology in college and loved genetics. However, there are constantly new studies being done.  I learned something new this week all because my students got into a debate of whether identical twins truly have the same DNA. Some said yes, some said no. Both sides had a great reasons to back themselves up. What were the results of the research? Well, scientists knew that identical twins could express genes differently but their studies showed while they have VERY similar DNA, they don't have the exact same DNA. Identical twin don't have identical DNA. Being a teacher means I get to constantly keep learning. :)  I have also wondered why identical twins didn't look exactly identical. I knew there were facts that turned some genes on and some off, but I didn't know they could actually have some differences in their DNA. God is such an awesome designer!

Elijah the Helper....

I love that Elijah is such a helper and wants to clean up....I just wish he wouldn't put my bowls and silverware in the garbage when he is done with them. Next time that I am missing silverware I am going to sing a little song for Elijah to the tune of "Where Have all the Staplers Gone."

We don't have much time before leaving the house.
No. No, we don't.
Have you seen the door lock pin?
They're hidden in my bag.
I tried that bag but it's there no more.
Where did it go?
I know I thought you said.

Have you seen my colored spoon?
It's right in the top side drawer.
I tried that drawer but it's gone for sure.
I haven't seen them since last June...

The drinking straws are out of place,

The pots and pans are in the wrong space,

Have you seen my mixing bowl?

It must have dropped into a black hole.

Ohhhh....where have all my dishes gone?

What happened to all the sippy cups?

Finding Joy and being thankful

I was feeling overwhelmed tonight and I began thinking about thankfulness and being joyful.

My dear husband, Noah reminded me early this year to focus on finding joy and not happiness when I was feeling burdened by losses around me. So I did some Biblical research on what is really the difference: Joy is attitude of the heart. Happiness is an emotion usually tied to current circumstances. Joy lasts but happiness is something that is temporary. Joy is something that is bigger than you and I and our current circumstances. Joy brings us peace in the middle of a storm. So even if I am not laughing or smiling as much, know this is temporary, and I have not lost my joy. (Nehemiah 8:10).

People always use Joy and Happiness interchangeably but from an early I learned that true joy comes from Christ. My mom was my shinning example of joy. I don't think I ever took the opportunity to fully appreciate the difference. Being joyful starts with thankfulness. I am thankful for my faith, my family, and my friends.

Experiencing sadness over loss is natural, expected. I am talking about keeping your joy even in the midst of the sadness... I don't mean that you cannot be sad about suffering or that you have to ignore the tragedies around you. You can be joyful because joy is deeper than happiness and is not about just feeling good because nice things are happening. Joy is about God. Joy is happiness in God. Sadness is an appropriate and natural response to suffering and so are the other range of emotions when we experience a loss. God desires that we be honest about our sadness and share it in prayer. Knowing that God is with me always has given me peace and joy that is helping me with my sorrow.

Where is the balance in it all?

Wife first, Mom second, then a teacher.  I want to give 100% to each but I struggle to figure out how to balance it all, how to have time for everything in the day.  My house looks like a closet exploded in the bedroom and living room, the kitchen is never totally clean, the tables are always covered in papers.  I can NEVER find what I am looking for even if I thought I had organized that area!  I start my to-do lists with things that I have already done just so I can feel like something is getting accomplished.  I want things clean and organized in my classroom and my home but I feel like I need to have at least 12 more hours in a day.  I would love to get a good night's rest once in a while.  I feel like I fall short in one area or another.  My reviews as a teacher are great.  My husband doesn't complain about the mess.  I am my own worst critic.  I am not exaggerating about the mess.  If there is a class on how to get organized and stay that way I would totally take it. I guess the best thing to do is my best and allow God to do the rest.