Hello Pleo, it sure has been a long time since I have posted. I am plugging along. I am currently teaching, but looking at some other possibilities. Work has been a little stressful and has caused some friction for me lately. I am working at getting through it all none the less. Below are the lyrics to a song that I try and keep in my mind.

Title: Encourage Yourself

Sometimes you have to encourage yourself
Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test
and no matter how you feel
Speak the word you will be healed
Speak over yourself
Encourage yourself in the lord


Sometimes you have to speak the word over yourself
The pressure is all around but God is present help
Well, the enemy created walls but remember giants they do fall
speak over your self encourage yourself in the lord
As I minister to you
oh I minister to myself
life can hurt you so
till you feel there's nothing left

Speak over yourself encourage yourself in the lord

What's up Pleonast? Sorry that I am just now getting around to updating you on what the latest is about. September 30, 2009 was an amazing day as the Lord empowered me to strike and win. If you can remember, I finally graduated from college in May 2008 with a BA in Elementary Ed. Even though I did participate in the ceremony and walked across the stage, it did not feel real because I knew that when it all ended, I would not be receiving my degree do to a certification test that was really difficult for me to complete. I can remember sitting there during the ceremony and thinking to myself about what my next move would be as far as the exam and my career. I knew that with out my degree, I would not and could not get a job in the county as a teacher which meant that I would either be forced to become a substitute teacher or work in a fast food joint which as you know, neither pay that well. To make a long story short, here in Florida, like many other states, there is a certification test that has to be completed. After 7 tries of taking this now $220.00 exam, I received a passing score on 9-30-09. WOW!!!!! is what I yelled in the testing facility and sadly I was escorted out :( but with a passing score. Some may be wondering with my certification, am I going to teach? well, yes and no. On 10-18-09, I will be leaving to attend S.O.T which is my initial training, to become a deputy with the HCSO (Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. But don't fear, once I complete this process, I plan to be active with different schools and also do some teaching.

Well, as of this past Friday, I learned that I will be a future Sheriff's Deputy. I am really excited because it has been somewhat of a long process. But now, it has paid off. I am still running and doing my routine, but I keep feeling that I am not doing enough. I guess all I can do is my best and what will be shall be.

Last night was amazing! i was invited to sing in a "Best of" show at FC. I sang song from the movie "Space Jam" called "I BELIEVE I can fly." I tell ya, I had the best feeling while singing that song. I only got to practice with the band a few times, which ended up being one hour before the show. During the rehearsal, I did not feel any emotion what so ever which made me feel as though I was not making a connection. Usually when I sing, I like to make it a joy for the audience to watch. If the audience can feed off of my connection to the song, then hopefully, they will enjoy the performance. So needless to say, I began the song and I was actually off stage when it began. I was singing from back stage and I could hear the audience cheering for the song, but also confused not knowing if it where a CD or what. Not many people know this about me, but I am a shy guy when it comes to getting on the stage. I am a nut case before going on the stage. I get butterflies as they say and often have to calm myself down. It is a weird thing though simply because once I get the first note out, its like I totally become someone else and sing the song as if I have been doing it for years.

As I sing the song, all of the trials came to mind that I have experienced this past summer. As I scanned the audience, I could see in some of the people's faces that they could see and feel the emotion I was conveying as I sing. It is at that point that I begin to realize many of them understood the words of the song and for those who knew what I have been struggling with; I would make eye contact with them and they would either nod their head or give me a look as to say everything is going to be alright, just hold on a little bit longer; you can do it. It felt soooo good to be able to release the tension of it all. That song in particular is one that I have never performed before but has a good message that to me is an encouragement if you have ever heard it. So anyway, I wish I had taken video footage of it so that I could post it for all to see, but I did not do so.

I will keep you all posted as to what becomes of me and the Sheriff's Office. Thats all for now. Enjoy the day!

I am back in Florida and it feels like I have been gone more than a week. Last Wednesday, I left for Crosby, Texas and returned the past Wednesday. I had a good time there. My main reason for going was to attend the Klienwood singing and just to also take a break from it all. I guess it is something that I will do annually being that I have gone the past 4 years. In addition to that, I am always able to see Brad, Lydia, Arlon, and many others who I don't get to see daily. This year, I did not see a few people due our schedules. Thats okay though, Lord willing there will always be next year. Anyhow, it was fun. I got to ride around Texas with Brad hauling grass. I never knew so much goes into the preparation, upkeep and delivery of grass. After this week, I have gained a better understanding of maintaining grass which has inspired me to keep my own yard right. My plane ride there was good. I left Tampa at 7:20 am and got to Texas around 10 am and wouldn't you know it, I was picked up by Brad in the the truck with a load of grass on the trailer. The expressions on peoples faces was well worth it. My flight home was pretty good. I sat next a guy and his son who actually happened to be from Crosby. During the flight, I was impressed at how involved he was with his son. Usually, I observed most parents not being so involved but more so giving their child some type of electronic to occupy the child.

Now that I am back here in Florida, I am trying to get back on line with things. I am still working toward law enforcement. Things are moving little by little which is expected cause they have to be thorough. In addition to that, I have also retaken my FTCE test which will allow me to teach in the state of Florida. I took this exam back on July 25. Because I took the test by paper and pencil, I have to wait 30 days before I will hear anything. As you can imagine, the suspense is killing me. I am at a fork in the road right now. Weather I go left or right, I will be pursuing a long awaited dream. The tough part is survival which has not been that easy through it all. These next few months will be tough as I will try to figure out which way to go.

Over all, sorry about the length of this post to those of you still reading this, but I realized my posts are lacking. I do hope all are well. Thanks for listening.

IG

What up America! Well not to much to report. Let's see......... I went to my oral review this past Tuesday with the Sheriffs Office and that went well. As many of you know, I have been studying for my teacher certification test since May.I finally retook that this past Saturday and for the first time, I can truly say that I was so excited to do it. This week, I also realized just how great GOD really is. When he says don't worry about anything and allow Him to do it, He really means it! That is something I have always known, but for some reason, I really felt it and saw it this weekend. Once I get my results back, I will be sure to let you know the good news. I also will be traveling to Texas next week. I am grateful as well as excited cause I will get to some of my favorite people while I am there. I hope all is well with everyone, till next time.