tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69690075290147855272024-03-08T12:05:55.884-08:00My Life as a Deserter (dormant)Serendipitous vignettes compiled from experiences as Superintendent of Schools for the Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-56751400082280094232013-03-16T07:49:00.000-07:002013-05-04T22:26:36.077-07:00Final PostHello, Friends:<br />
<br />
You probably saw this coming, but today it becomes official. In light of the fact that I have chosen to move on from this position as Superintendent of Education for the Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists effective July 1, 2013, I have chosen to end my blogging sooner than later. The truth is that the pace has picked up since I made the decision to return to California. Perhpas that is due to my desire to finish strong and not to end with a whimper.<br />
<br />
I appreciate the fact that you took the time to read the blog. I am sure there were times you wondered why, but you did. I even appreciate those who took the time to react to my thoughts. I have found other outlets for my writing. my personal email remains the same (<a href="mailto:r3pa@sbcglobal.net">r3pa@sbcglobal.net</a>). You are always welcomed.<br />
<br />
BlessingsRuben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-81424720220962819222013-02-28T22:33:00.002-08:002013-02-28T22:33:21.929-08:00The Process Continues
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s Thursday
night and I’m almost out of week with much more to accomplish before the sun
sets tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last week took me to
Ontario, California (again!) for K-12 Curriculum Committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are all becoming the “last” of their kind
for me in my present position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
bit strange, but what can you do?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This coming week will take me to
Northridge, California for a WASC accreditation visit at San Fernando Valley
Academy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am chairing the
committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should have said “no,” but I
have this thing about saying yes to people asking for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am reading the book “Boundaries,” by Cloud
and Townsend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps that will help me
get better at that in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The personnel process
continues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still some fluidity, but it
seems to be taking shape in the elementary schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be minimal movement, but it will
include another step in improving the whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has not been easy, but progress is rarely without some opposition or
misunderstanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just have to be as
fair as possible and be true to what you are impressed is the right road to
take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TAA is almost finished in its
personnel search as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of
additions are still in the works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good
night! (228)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-48249200026380546122013-02-22T22:51:00.002-08:002013-02-22T22:51:28.757-08:00Long Week Ended<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is
Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sabbath is but a couple hours
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been a hectic month with demands
inside and outside the confines of the Arizona Conference.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week is the first week all
month that I have been able to be physically in the office for the entire week,
yet even that is a relative term with my visits to the schools across the
state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Education Day/Superintendents’
Council/Educational Leadership Committee at Angwin, California led off the
month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was followed by the One
Project gathering in Chicago—a wonderful experience with time to dream and
think outside the box without losing sight of the Prize, which is Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was here this week, but after tomorrow I
will be gone for the lion’s share of the next two weeks at K-12 Curriculum
Committee in Ontario, California followed by a WASC accreditation Visiting
Committee, which I am chairing, at San Fernando Valley Academy, in Northridge,
California.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the midst of that there were
multiple school boards and personnel committees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were church boards and preaching
opportunities. And of course there were TCE demands and Director of Family
Ministries commitments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it or
not, I am still married, which is a 24/7 experience….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One would think I have just had a genuine
“pity party”, but I’m not. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved every
minute of it, but it has stretched me close to the limit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least I am not bored as the days move
towards my ultimate departure from the Arizona Conference.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Personnel time is always a time to
adjust and transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not always
easy, but it is necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such is the
case in the Arizona Conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are people leaving, transitioning, scaling back, considering options, moving,
and remaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What the conference will
look like when the proverbial dust settles is not visible as of today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will press on.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am preaching at AWC tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am looking forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sermon title is “God is Up to No
Good!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It is based on the story and peculiar prayer of Jonah. </span>I am looking forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need rest before I begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week has taken a lot out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had some tough conversations in
various settings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God knows why he
brought me here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will remain at my
post until he calls me away. (225)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-32614393465667301152013-02-02T23:36:00.003-08:002013-02-02T23:36:28.570-08:00Late Saturday Lines
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s early
Sunday morning—Super Bowl Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
most likely miss the game since I will be traveling later this afternoon to
Oakland, California in route to PUC for Education Days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penny will be traveling with me, so that will
make the trip more pleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a great Sabbath day at
AWC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will miss the people there when I’m
gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They really are a nice bunch of
people who generally like being with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Services are pretty informal and laid back,
but the substance is solid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor B
preached today as part of a Prayer Sermon Series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spoke on the power and need of intercessory
prayer in the context of the great controversy taking place between God and
Satan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The message was powerful and his
delivery was passionate, as usual.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Penny and I enjoyed a simple lunch together
and then rested all afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a
walk in the evening after going on an errand to Wal-Mart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a great talk during our walk and
enjoyed a relaxing evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These days
are rare, but precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good night!
(220)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-16728282764440581502013-02-01T22:59:00.004-08:002013-02-01T22:59:49.154-08:00Visitation Day Aftermath
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a quiet
evening at the Escalante’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise God
for Sabbath!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was hectic week
culminating in a hectic Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TCE
celebrated Visitation Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The school
was all gussied up for company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
great day for most all.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was learning taking place, but
it was a colorful, exciting, creative, and energetic sort of learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were games and experiments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were interesting classroom experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were lots of new little people on campus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were many prizes given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was even an acrobatic performance by
the TAA Arco Team in which many children were able to participate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, yes, there was a short devotional thought
at the end of the festivities as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But as all amazing days tend to
require an amazing outlay of work and energy, today was no exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few late nights followed by early mornings
finally decided to cash in on Friday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Penny and I both crashed early (I woke up in the late evening to write
this entry).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was nice to have a time
of refreshing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No preaching or teaching
tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No responsibility…well maybe
that’s pushing it a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is still
a day when I will be able to enjoy the experience without directly being
responsible for putting it together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course
that may all change tomorrow, but I can enjoy the illusion while it lasts.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The personnel process has begun in
earnest across the conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
always a bit of an unnerving time for all involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of prayer is going up these days as
decisions are being made that will impact people’s lives and livelihood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some personnel sessions are short and easy,
while others can extend over days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
require God’s leading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both require that
the focus be on the children God entrusted to us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At least I can set it aside for a
few hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I guess I didn’t really,
since I just blogged about it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
well.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for the process and for the
people involved and affected by the choices yet to be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh yes, please
pray for a couple of our teachers, Steve and Joan, who are facing serious
family health challenges that will require divine intervention if favorable
outcomes are to be expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They need
our prayers—we need to press together when any of us is hurting. Steve’s sister
and Joan’s mom are facing major crises, but Joan and Steve need our prayers as
well. (224)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-69748301044926503632013-01-26T09:47:00.004-08:002013-01-26T09:47:48.158-08:00Transition TIme
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I am in SOuthern California
today for a major reunion at the La Sierra Spanish SDA Church in Riverside,
California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, that means I get
to see my family in Riverside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a
coincidence, of course!<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By now, you may have heard that I
have officially announced my intent to return to California at that end of the
present school year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been a
gut-wrenching decision on many levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
big part of me does not want to leave a job that I have just begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much to yet to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AAF is just beginning to establish itself at
Thunderbird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The transition has not been
one without some serious adjustments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe God brought me here to be part of that transition. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saddens me to think that I may be leaving
before my role in this incredible journey is completed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The elementary educational system is
still in a state of transition as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although enrollment has been up every year since I arrived, there is
little comfort in that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
changes that need to take place that require more time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can’t be done in three short years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some changes are in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are about to take place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others require more time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am saddened that I will not be able to see
those changes through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust God will
find the person to continue the move towards continual improvement.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ultimately, this is a family-based
decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penny and I miss the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have resisted conference-office work for
many years because of family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
that it might be a workable scenario now that that my children are all
independent and relatively established in their respective calling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I responded to a need and I do not regret the
decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to respond—it is how I
raised my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what I taught
my youth groups.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I also raised my children to
treasure family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have made most of my
professional decisions with family in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I did not do that I lived to regret the impact it had on one or
more members of my nuclear family circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have missed so much of the lives of my children and
grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little and big things—some
people might even consider them insignificant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But they are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
moments forever lost.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My melancholy is tempered by the
amount of work that remains in the months to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask for your collective prayers for the
events, the tasks, and the decisions that have yet to be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is still at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best days of education in the Arizona
Conference remain to be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will
raise up who he needs.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-55032523594198492622013-01-03T13:04:00.001-08:002013-01-03T13:04:12.655-08:00California Ramblings
W<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">e’re still in
California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s beautiful in California
during this time of year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The skies are
clear and you can see forever in any direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The mountains are now-capped and candy clouds decorate the blue
skies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather is crisp but not
frigid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best part of it is that
Penny and I can enjoy the grandkids every evening without having to travel
much.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are catching up on the local
tasks that have been neglected over time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spent a couple hours this morning at the Social Security Office
trying to normalize the status of a developmentally disadvantaged lady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have an evening planned in Orange
County with Amanda and her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
looking forward to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-51248203943984355872013-01-02T11:39:00.004-08:002013-01-02T11:39:49.018-08:00Off and Running
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Penny and I find myself in
Riverside, California this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We</span>
survived the long trek back from Gilbert, Arizona to Riverside yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We</span> had enjoyed some pleasant moments with the
Anobile family as they celebrated their 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary at the
Gilbert Church on the last day of 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We stayed past 10 o’clock, with the intent of staying until midnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But alas, we reconsidered when the thought of
beginning our trip after midnight began to soak in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We needed to be there before morning because we
had a very important package to deliver to a person who needed it as soon as
possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we left at about
10:45 p.m. and arrived after 3:30 a.m. the next morning, California time).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was quite a whirlwind day
yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visited family and ate too
much again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a chance to see a
little of the Rose Parade on TV, since it was on in one of the homes we
visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not much bowl watching, since
no one was watching college football bowl games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evening ended with some Chinese Food with
the family and a relatively early bedtime at about 11 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is a somewhat open day with
many errands to run and catching up with some office-related
communications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully I will get
some time just to relax and vegetate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those are rare commodities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gotta
go!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-62653589432516183932012-12-30T20:18:00.000-08:002012-12-30T20:18:12.305-08:00Penultimate Day Contemplation
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Only one more
day remains of the year 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penny and
I are back from California and Christmas with the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day that goes by I miss them more and
more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being there only reminds me of all
that I am missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that there is
much more to do here in Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
why I came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confess that my resolve is
beginning to weaken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be much
prayer in the next few weeks and months as I assess what God has in store for
me in Arizona and beyond.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a great time preaching this
past week at AWC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My sermon title was
“Now What!” but it could have just as easily been “Happy Ebenezer Day!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am learning to savor every time I stand to
preach since I do not know how long I will have the privilege.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is fragile and unpredictable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had too many reminders of that reality
this year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I have a couple of very busy
days ahead before I head out again for the West Coast (actually Central
California) where my step-mom still lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our plan is to travel with grandchildren in tow and spend a day or so
with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She hasn’t seen them for a few
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is too easy to get too busy
and lose sight of the priorities in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our parents and those who had a part in seeing us through our formative
years should not be forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;">Well,
I ate too much during the holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
scale was not happy when I returned to Scottsdale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in recovery…but, alas, I am returning to
the land of endless invitations to eat heartily and drink deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see plenty of “green juice” in my future, upon
my return from the holidays!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(217.8</span>Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-44544768712498405702012-12-21T22:19:00.000-08:002012-12-21T22:19:00.669-08:00Running on Fumes
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If that date
sounds familiar, it should, since today was prognosticated by many as the last
day of planet earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This may sound a
bit crazy in a few years, but it was taken quite seriously by many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh well, we’re still here.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In any case, it is late Friday night
in Scottsdale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another busy week has
come to a close, but for a busy Sabbath awaiting me tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week produced quite a few memorable
moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday I enjoyed a great musical
concert at GAA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was amazing what that
school has put together at their school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The children sound nothing short of amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The selection of music was not simple and
basic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was challenging and more than
a bit complex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the kids rose to the
occasion and produced some wonderful melodies and harmonies.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thursday was the Christmas Concert
at TCE, where Penny and I work a few days out of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can say about that evening is that God
rescued what could have been a disastrous night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty much everything that could have gone
wrong went wrong, not just that evening, but for a couple days leading up to
the concert.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To name a few (not all), we lost our
performance CD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was taken by mistake
to California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We failed to order a rush
copy, because we were convinced that we could use a “Dropbox” copy of the
performance CD for the rehearsals and the “dress rehearsal”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it was, we were unable to open the Dropbox
copy on time to use during our rehearsals on Wednesday due to some security
firewalls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to use a scratched and
imperfect copy to rehearse.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had planned a dress rehearsal on
Thursday morning in the TAA Auditorium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead we were forced into a “lockdown” situation due to a police
situation a couple of miles away from our school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was after we were informed that the
person who was running all the lights for the evening program had been admitted
to the hospital in California (with our CD). When we finally went to rehearse,
the good news is that we had a workable copy created by a very intelligent
computer genius.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On that down side, our
sound technician did not show up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were forced to have a dress rehearsal without the microphones we were going to
use in the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We survived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The technician arrived that afternoon, about
4:00 p.m., and set up the microphones and other amenities. All was working
well. No lights, though, since the technician was not familiar with the
intricacies, as was his wife, who was in the hospital in California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We launched the program anyway, only to
discover too late that most of the microphones were in fact not working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One speaker and the “fold-back” speakers used
by the choir also when dead early in the cantata.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see a pattern?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The good news is that the kids did
wonderfully!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They sang their little
hearts out, and in the end, the parents left delighted with the results, not
realizing that the choral director was close to a coronary!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an amazing night, in spite of the technical
difficulties.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tonight I went for the last rehearsal
before tomorrow’s cantata at AWC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
tired!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good night!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(213.6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-70662336968153641012012-12-13T22:55:00.003-08:002012-12-13T22:55:59.339-08:00No Time to Rest...Yet
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spent the lion’s share of the day at GAA
doing some teacher observations and dealing with some matters that needed
special attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had an opportunity
to sit through a portion of the rehearsal for the Christmas program scheduled
for next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GAA’s music program is
incredible and the students work hard to create an amazing concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was sight to behold!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did not have much time to be in
the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was there long enough to
get some documents signed and some Christmas cards completed before I had to
head home to get ready for the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was the AZ Conference Christmas Dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always a fun night, although it was
close to 10 o’clock when we ended the evening at the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still had more work waiting for us at
home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The evening was complicated
unnecessarily due to a typical male behavioral pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I apparently failed to make note of the dress
code for the evening and proudly accompanied Penny to the evening festivities
all gussied up only to discover upon arriving at the office that no one else
was dressed up for the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Penny had to run home and change,
but the evening had already gotten off on the wrong foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least she came back to the party, but the
evening was quite cold for a considerable spell thereafter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Quartet sang a few songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The office staff sang some Christmas
carols.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some readings and
some humorous moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The food was quite
delicious although I did not eat as much as I would have wanted since I was
going to sing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The White Elephant gift exchange
went on forever, but it was very entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The items most in demand were some electronic picture frame and a large
can of Big Franks--- go figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ended
up with a wind-up radio and a can opener!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It will be a late night followed by an early morning leading to a full
weekend and a busy next week leading into the holidays!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aaargh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(217)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-29669242340405801592012-12-12T20:46:00.005-08:002012-12-12T20:46:54.444-08:00The Pace is Picking Up
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was
12/12/12 and it will not be that again for 100 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess the next big day is December 21,
huh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly doubt the day will be
anything other than another day, except for some “crazy” that may use the day
to create some sort of apocalyptic scenario to get some sick sense of notoriety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No need to worry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day bring enough to worry about.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These have been a couple of very
busy days in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Education Board
for the Arizona Conference took place on Tuesday and the Executive Board for
the Arizona Conference took place today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Add a personnel committee and a budget committee to the mix and you can
begin to sense my level of busyness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But at least I am on this side of
the storm and I’m still standing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
pretty sensitive matters were considered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s tough to have make decisions that seriously impact people’s
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sometimes it’s
inevitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great discussion took place
during the Education Board related to identifying new sources of income for the
school system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news is that Tax
Credit funds have spiked considerably this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That bodes well for December donations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is going to take quite a windfall to
significantly impact the financial challenges that exist presently in certain
schools in the system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The coming days do not offer any
hope of slowing down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas season
only picks up the pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additional
rehearsals are planned this week and next for the TCE Christmas Concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That should be fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow I will be visiting GAA to do teacher
observations after rehearsing with the TCE group in the early morning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Change is in the air! (217)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-30440138657456619752012-12-09T23:03:00.003-08:002012-12-09T23:03:35.409-08:00Sunday Escape to the West
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday began
early this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It usually provides me
the opportunity to stay in bed a few extra minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today would not allow me such a luxury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today was the AZ Conference Retirees’
Christmas Banquet at the conference office.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The conference quartet, that still
remains nameless, was slated to sing a few songs for the retirees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That required some last minute rehearsing in
the morning before it was time to set up the sound system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We practiced and actually sounded quite
nice—the acoustics in the cafeteria are quite impressive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In any case, we practiced and got to
sing four songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could say we
sounded as good during the banquet as we did practicing, but this was
definitely not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our only solace
was the possibility that some of them could not hear us well enough to know how
fragmented we sounded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or perhaps they
did hear us and were simply very gracious with us not wanting to hurt our
feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, we get another chance
this coming Thursday at the conference Christmas Party.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Penny and I left to Riverside
immediately after we finished singing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was our daughter-in-law’s 30<sup>th</sup> birthday celebration put
together by the aunts back in California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We arrived about two minutes too late to be in on the “Surprise!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we did get there in time for all the good
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great time with
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt we are missing the family
more and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God has provided us
plenty of opportunity to visit and spend some time with them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We’ll see how and where God leads
for next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(217.8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-17830292078157594072012-12-08T23:05:00.001-08:002012-12-08T23:05:23.511-08:00Busy Sabbath
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s almost
midnight and the day is almost done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was a great day at AWC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor HB had
the sermon, but it was also our first day trying out our new template for the
worship service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were out of church at
1:00 p.m., which is a rarity at AWC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still, there was plenty of time for the important components of the
worship service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good day.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the afternoon (after a quick
lunch) Penny and I ran off to witness a baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>German and Ashley were baptized in a
mini-pool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of people came out in
the afternoon and celebrated with the AWC family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great time was had by all who came out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even had an opportunity to see some ex-TAA
students who came out for the baptism.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The evening ended with a trip to TAA
to enjoy the Christmas Concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The choir sounded amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The strings and band are immensely improved
over last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The program itself was
put together and lighted quite nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t know how it’s midnight already. (216.6)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-36237041313362234232012-12-07T20:58:00.003-08:002012-12-07T20:58:18.532-08:00Friday Brief Brief
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just a short
entry tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half a day at TCE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The afternoon was spent running errands with
Penny and hunting for gifts for the White Elephant gifts exchange at the
conference office.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day ended at choir practice at
the conference office with the AWC Christmas Choir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That program will take place on December
22.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time for some shut-eye. (216.6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-16272374254974068812012-12-06T06:40:00.003-08:002012-12-06T22:19:56.757-08:00Thursday Tidbits<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Busy day is
waiting for me when I get to the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The president is out of town and he asked me to cover for him at the
morning worship at the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact
is that I hardly go to the morning worships at the conference anymore, since I
am usually at TCE greeting parents and the children as they arrive for school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it will be a treat for me to share some
thoughts with my friends at the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do miss being there regularly.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday Penny and I took a
reasonably long trip to Nogales, Arizona to supposedly take care of some SENTRI
process I had been working on for the last few months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it is, since I had since traded in my
previous Prius I could no longer complete the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically I couldn’t cancel it either
without going into the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Homeland
Security has made life a lot more difficult for the honest people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In any case, I am beginning the process all
over again.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The conference school system is
still in need of a large influx of cash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Schools are struggling financially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tax credit program is not being used to its potential for reasons I
cannot truly fathom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gave out over
$100,000 dollars in scholarships, but the need is so much greater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is going to take some divine intervention
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been praying and I am
curious to see how God is going to get involved this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the way, not that it is has
anything to do with this blog, but my keyboard is going wacky!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is jumping around in the middle of my
typing without rhyme or reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
very frustrating since I have to keep correcting mistakes that are unnecessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not know if it is a deterioration of my
typing skills or truly a mechanical thing with my computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll keep you posted on this important development.
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">Today ended up being a great
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worship at the conference office
this morning was a hoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The details
will remain undisclosed, but trust me when I say that it was one of those
unforgettable moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had little time
to enjoy it since I had to run to the dentist’s office for some needed
intervention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got away relatively
unscathed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">I got my things together and headed
up the hill to the Prescott school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had a short but productive day with AL and CL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are doing a great job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
students were engaged in what was taking place in the classroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a blast playing kick-ball and some
crazy tag game which involved a “Paper, Rock, and Scissors” tiebreaking protocol
and bedlam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was my exercise for the
day, but the kids enjoyed seeing the old man run around the gym.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">I stayed for an accreditation
meeting followed by a school board meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both were productive and positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lots of good things are in the pipeline at Prescott.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are challenges, but they seem to have a
positive spirit that will go a long was in pressing on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;">I got home at a relatively early
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penny and I even had the time to
sneak off to Costco and get some computer work done when we got home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s Friday tomorrow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where did the week go? (218)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span><br /></span><br /></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-57428480393461060592012-11-27T21:08:00.000-08:002012-11-27T21:08:03.397-08:00Sluggish Status
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In spite of my
resolve, it’s been 11 days since I last blogged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No excuse except for Thanksgiving break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can say is that I survived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Softball, eating, golf, eating, soccer,
eating, more eating, then came Sabbath and more eating!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dare I say there was a lot of eating
involved?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, by the way, I was sick
much of the time so I succeeded in not gaining much weight at all along the
way.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I’m back in Scottsdale trying to
catch up with tons of work that was supposed to have been dealt with during the
break!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This did not happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, more work succeeded in piling up
while I was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a positive note, I finally made
it to traffic school and erased that blemish from my driving record.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day after renewing my license I was
stopped on Interstate 10 by a state trooper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luckily it was only a “fix-it” ticket related to my over-tinted front
windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got it fixed today and will
send the paperwork in tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
legal again!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did not have a good day
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was drained before I got to
work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if energy had been
sucked out of me during the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
not concentrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not stay on
task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it through the day, but
barely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually did get some things
done, but it was not as productive a day as I would have wished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray tomorrow will be better. (218.8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-89077799107287729042012-11-16T10:26:00.000-08:002012-11-16T10:26:08.993-08:00Trying to Strike a Balance<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday morning
usually finds me in the office at TCE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is the day I can spend more time on this campus where Penny and I are
providing administrative leadership (we are co-principals).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the last day before Thanksgiving
vacation for the students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
sharing pies of all kinds with each other—lots of calories floating around here
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Personally, my day was mainly
consumed with minutes, agendas for the TCE board meeting next Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re running a little behind this month, but
there are important items that need to be discussed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday should be a good meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will be attending my first choir
practice tonight for the AWC Christmas Cantata.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have a solo part that I have yet to learn, but I’m getting close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My relationship with AWC has been going
through some transitions lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
not been able to attend regularly due to out of town commitments, so it will be
nice to be there tonight and get to know the people in a different setting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Penny and I got back late last night
from a two-day tour of the Tucson schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are some very large challenges at one of the schools and some
sticky challenges at the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It keeps
me on my knees (or at least in prayer) a lot more nowadays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some immense financial needs that
require a large infusion of funds into some of these schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know the money is out there: tax credit and
otherwise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is missing is a passion
by sufficient people to lead the charge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are people who are beginning to step up and ask how they can help,
but we need more!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On a personal note, I need a
break!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bare thread is beginning to
show and I need to find the “refresh button.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will have a couple of days next week to be with family: nuclear and
extended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That will be nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I need more time to regroup and catch up
(which is not the same thing!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all
honesty, I do not know where I am going to find it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have drastically scaled back my preaching—even
at AWC, but that creates a whole other level of guilt. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciate any prayers you can send up on my
behalf. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I have to find a way to
reconnect and renew, while still doing what I need to do without missing a beat
(How is that possible!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while I try
to figure it out, I will cling to the words, “My Grace is sufficient.” Prayers
are appreciated. (221.6)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-41843293624661817882012-11-14T20:43:00.001-08:002012-11-14T20:43:13.973-08:00Wednesday at the Inn
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In spite of my
best efforts I have failed miserably to blog consistently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight finds me at a Country Inn and Suites
in Tucson, Arizona, with Penny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
attended SHACS school board meeting earlier tonight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tomorrow I am at SHACS and DVCS for
observations and another school board. It is amazing the level of sacrifice
required to keep a school alive when the trends and indicators have turned
south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watch these school board
members dealing with run-of-the-mill tasks that are anything but that in the
challenging context in which they must function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they refuse to fold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They press on in spite of the many
challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The challenges facing our schools
are bigger than the local churches that support them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That statement has been repeated <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ad nauseam</i> but to little, if any, avail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many churches have gone into survival mode as
well, and they cannot fathom how they can be expected to help rescue the
educational system from imploding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
a matter of time before this will happen unless we change the way we conduct
business, locally and as a system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
our schools go, soon the churches will follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But not unlike
those involved in other more mundane pursuits, there is a reluctance to act
without concern for the personal cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is however, in its place, a willingness to pass the challenge
along to the next generation to address, when it may be too late to rescue.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I must cling to the belief that God
is in control, even when humans are clutching to the helm and moving closer and
closer to a catastrophe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In any case,
here I am in Tucson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good night! (221)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-50738274320498334282012-10-21T09:04:00.000-07:002012-10-21T09:04:15.054-07:00Hectic Days Behind and Ahead
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I woke up this
morning with much on my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
back at the days recently gone by and I can only exhale a sigh of relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life was tugged in many directions, often
at the same time during the past seven days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Behind the scenes of busy-ness was a second layer of events that
weighted on me as much if not more than the others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God is good—all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday provided me the opportunity
to speak for the Friday Chapel at GAA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a full house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
sweet spirit in the room as they sang songs and were led by their principal, FL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was greeted by some of the children who
have gotten to know me over the last couple of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed sharing some good news with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They seemed to enjoy the stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will trust the “seeds” of the Gospel landed
on fertile group.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a very fruitful conversation
after the meeting was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is
crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are going through all
types of complications that life throws our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed—that was a good moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday night I was finally able to
bring together the AWC elders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
great evening of visioning and prioritizing the ministry of the elders at
AWC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spent a thoughtful couple of
hours in honest dialogue about the future of AWC and how best to serve
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended our evening with a season
of prayer in the back yard of our host’s home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also had my fill of some delicious “haystacks”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sabbath morning took Penny and me to
AWC to enjoy the service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually Penny
stayed in the car putting her final touches on a presentation we were going to
give at the South Mountain Church in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She joined me in time for church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attended the youth class—and I was
blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even came out with a sermon
idea having to do with Nebuchadnezzar—go figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CM preached a long but powerful sermon on the
two sides of the “Why Me?” question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The original plan was to have a
board meeting at an elder’s home immediately after the morning service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This plan was dashed by the breadth of the sermon
and a realization that the afternoon seminar I thought was scheduled on the
downside of 3 o’clock was actually slated for the early side of that hour. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no way I would be able to have even
a short board meeting and still get to southern Phoenix in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I quickly rescheduled the elder’s meeting
until next week (they are pretty flexible at AWC) and Penny and I rushed home
to pick up some “eats” to enjoy on our way to the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got there with a couple of minutes to
spare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, we got there with a couple
minutes to spare before the scheduled time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a good 45 minutes before we began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Penny and I gave a seminar following
a presentation given by a couple who had been married 57 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spoke of the ingredients that it takes
to make a marriage last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was somewhat
humorous that after they concluded this presentation on “marital bliss” we were
called up to make a presentation on “Couples in Crisis.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is full of ironies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shared some concepts we have learned along
our 33 years together and other material we were able to glean along the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people appreciated the
presentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From there we rushed home to change
clothes in order to go on to our next commitment at the DH home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a special evening planned for
individuals of “means” (I was not one of them) who were being enlisted to be
part of the renaissance of Adventist education in Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very encouraging evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than the money that was pledged or
given, what was of most import was the ripples that the meeting will produce as
these people expand the circle to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The future of Adventist Education is getting brighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray hard!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Late night—tired but satisfied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penny and I even went outside our duplex close
to midnight to see if we could catch any of the “falling stars” from the
remnants of Haley’s Comet that the news said would be visible between 11 p.m.
and 5 a.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much light pollution!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today will be consumed with catch-up
work, the fair, and the Fall Festival at GAA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think my stomach is up to it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(219.8)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-53471416084229404732012-10-18T15:00:00.005-07:002012-10-18T15:00:55.503-07:00Thursday in Tucson
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I find myself in
Tucson at the Saguaro Hills School doing some observations before heading off
to the Desert Valley School for their school board meeting later this
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Saguaro Hills school is a
school that provides a solid and nurturing educational experience to all their
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived they were
enjoying a time of outdoors activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Older student were enjoying their time with younger students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tiniest ones were paying with their age
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a visiting family with
three children visiting that day and their children seemed to be enjoying the
experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray for SHACS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have some enormous challenges facing
them now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They face tumultuous days in
the absence of a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray hard!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This morning Penny and I had to make
a pilgrimage to Nogales to renew some documentation that streamlines the
international border crossings we occasionally enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had never been to Nogales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our GPS apparently had never been there
before either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took us to a church
rather than the governmental office we were seeking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We figured it out and arrived late (but on
time) for our appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily the
government runs a little slow in Nogales.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This has been a hectic week, in
which I was not able to make a significant dent in my work in the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TCE and TAA required some extra TLC this
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even forgot I had a school board
meeting on Tuesday night at the Adobe school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A very busy weekend awaits me…for
now I better get back to more pressing work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pray hard!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(219.0)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-43015351422208797512012-10-13T08:12:00.004-07:002012-10-13T08:12:54.493-07:00Nonsense
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This Sabbath
finds me back in Southern California for the second weekend in a row to attend
a funeral for someone struck down too early in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week I participated in a funeral for a
student of mine during my academy teacher days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was only 33 years old—with a wife he dearly loved and a daughter he
adored!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, I will be at funeral for
a friend and contemporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He coached my
three children in the Adventist Softball League when they were children in
elementary school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day he is
fine—the next day he is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life does
not make sense at times.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I survived the week of meetings in
Ontario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next week will be hectic if for
no other reason than the fact I was away for most of last week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many things to do and not enough time to
get them accomplished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
challenges propping up their threatening heads in certain places across the
conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayers are requested for
the situations and the people involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For now, Sabbath is here and rest is desired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(219.9)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-243300506648911552012-10-09T06:12:00.002-07:002012-10-09T06:12:13.605-07:00More Meetings
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-themecolor: text1;">I am still in Ontario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More meetings are slated for today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>K-12 Curriculum meetings follow WASC
training, Elementary Associates and ECEC Board meetings yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will survive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least Penny is here.</span>Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-28085002146923255092012-10-07T09:51:00.001-07:002012-10-07T09:51:55.259-07:00Sunday Morning Scribbles<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, it’s a
somewhat lazy Sunday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slept in
until “7-ish” and then read for an hour or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Penny is in California on a 5K walk so I had free reign of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be hopping on a plane this afternoon
to Ontario, California for some Educational Leadership Committee and K-12
Curriculum meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be full
week—although meetings are simply not what I was created for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others may have that gift, but I believe I
was designed to be “out of meetings.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
arrived at that description after considering many other phrases that may not
have been understood in the spirit in which I was writing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suffice it to say that if I ever choose to
leave this line of work—one reason will be my low tolerance for meetings and
committees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now it one of the
necessary evils I must do in order to participate in those things I enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is an odd thing; I enjoy people,
but I do not equally enjoy committees that are simply a group of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go figure.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In any case, I digress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday was indeed pretty busy day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It began with early service at the PV
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quartet consisting of TA,
CM, AF, and myself were scheduled to provide special music for both early and
late worship services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an
enjoyable morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TA preached two
hearty sermons on “pressing on” even in times of transition and trial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I certainly needed to hear that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed for potluck, which most of time
would not have been noteworthy, except for the fact that I had chosen to fast
for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good thing Penny was with
me—we split what she wanted on two plates so as not to make my dilemma too
obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed some pleasant
conversation with our tablemates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good
times.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a brief downtime at home, I
transported Penny to the airport to catch a flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I returned to TAA to participate in the
Sabbath School Workshop, where I had been asked to share some thoughts and
ideas related to Junior Sabbath School—in Spanish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time flew—it was six o’ clock before you knew
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The event began at 3 o’clock!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The group that chose my seminar stayed awake,
which is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed making the
presentation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ironically I felt rested at the end
of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not even think about
eating, although this morning I do have a sense that food might be a good idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you feel you are ready to die for your
God?—try living for Him first.” (218.2)<o:p></o:p></span></span>Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969007529014785527.post-31287180028944889272012-10-04T23:04:00.003-07:002012-10-05T10:32:52.876-07:00There and Back<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today took me on
a whirlwind trip to Riverside, California for a WASC Chair Training session at
the University of California-Riverside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will be chairing a WASC accreditation committee this coming spring for
San Fernando Academy in California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
all-day meeting was very helpful, since the process is always being adjusted.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day began early as our plane
left at 6:05 a.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penny got to come with
me for only $5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Southwest Airlines
“Companion Fare” is truly a blessing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
any case, while I was in my meeting she got to go visit family and get some
errands done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived back at home at
about 9:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My new schedule is working, but my
truncated weeks are keeping me from getting ahead, instead I am just barely
keeping up—and by keeping up, I mean keeping up sufficiently to see the front
of the line at a distance but my no means is it near.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a rough week at TAA. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
always sad to see young people make misguided decisions that end up impacting
their lives and the lives of their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes consequences can be avoided, other times they hit like a ton
of bricks and leave a permanent mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let’s keep these young people in our prayers, as well as the rest of the
students who remain and who process these events in different ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(222.2)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ruben A. Escalantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04143076248868134318noreply@blogger.com0