Confide, Ask for Help, Walk in Nature

Day 2 of Whispers of Rest is titled Confide. Lean into Me.

What are you uncertain about? Can you express this to someone, can you confide to God? Think about that now and journal about it.

What is something beautiful in nature that God has used to touch your heart? Visit that place in your mind.  Describe it in your journal.

I grew up going to our farm each Saturday and Sunday to fish with my dad, sometimes ride an old horse named Buddy,drive the big tractor on Daddy’s lap, and feed the cows. We even trained the catfish in our pond to come up to the surface when we pulled up to the pond.  When it snowed, Daddy would take my girlfriends and me to the farm and pull us on sleds behind the jeep with ski ropes. Those memories are some of the best of my childhood and have definitely influenced my love of nature over the years.

Where is your happy place in nature?

Here is a photo that reminds me of one of the many gifts of nature:

HHI

Another Happy Place that I like to visit is Paris Mountain State Park. It reminds me of all the great field trips I took with my first grade students. Click here for the Photo Album.

daneka

Lean into His arms and tell him your uncertainties.

A friend sent me a message on Facebook yesterday and asked that I write about Caregivers as her mother cares for her dad with dementia.

It made me think of the Caregivers that I have watched over the years care for their families.

Charlotte, Janet, Debbie, my cousin, and Jane are 4 that come to my mind.  I observed Janet, Debbie and Charlotte care for their mothers (Charlotte also cared for her mother’s friends) and Jane cares for her sweet daughter Grayson. You can click HERE for Jane’s website: Look for the Good . They are all an inspiration to me.

I always admired their love for their family and their devotion to them.

Definition of Caregiver: a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person.

If you see a friend or family member that is taking care of others, ask what you can do to help.

If you are the caregiver,  don’t be afraid to ask others to chip in and assist when needed.

Finally, in the last assignment in Whispers of Hope, she asked that you confide to God what you have been silent about, but really want………..Think about that now.

Thank you for the opportunity to share from Whispers of Rest and thank some of the Caregivers in the world.

Exciting New Adventure in Life

I’m thrilled to be able to blog again about what I’m most passionate about in life.

For years, I used my website to train teachers about technology and then stopped when I took a corporate job.

Now I plan to use this site to empower women, men, caregivers, technology leaders, teachers, friends, and family to embrace your true identity and become the person God created you to be. I’d love to help you “find your spark.”

I officially retired from SYNNEX on Friday after 4 years in the corporate world. What an amazing experience it was and I’m so grateful for the time I spent there and the wonderful friends I made.  Many dreams came true as I traveled the country speaking about technology, education and IoT.

The next chapter in life involves slowing down and serving others.

I plan to take care of my adorable 94 year old mother who has macular degeneration and is an angel on earth.

mom and me

It is my distinct honor and joy to be able to spend precious time with her and document her life.

We plan to do an online talk show: Encouraging Words with Frankie and post on social media and here at www.franmauney.com

Always Love Your Mother

I am reading a wonderful book today called “Whispers of Rest” by Bonnie Gray.  I will share thoughts and scripture if you would like to be part of this journey with me.

On Day 1 I learned to say YES : Don’t be afraid and set my heart free.

What would you like to say YES to?

YES to more time with family.

YES to time with friends.

YES to time in nature.

Repeat the word YES all day and open your eyes to the possibilities around you.

My second piece of advice is to write daily: Journaling increases happiness. I  have journaled for 40 years. (This devotional lasts for 40 Days, a lot of important stories in scripture took place in 40 days.)

Sometimes it is hard to hear God’s voice when we are surrounded by stress and feel overwhelmed. When we start our day in prayer, read scripture and journal about our life this gives God space to rewrite our stories, we can lower anxiety and improve happiness.

I am praying for you and am thankful for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you!

 

Explain Everything with Explain Everything for Chromebooks

http://explaineverything.com/news/explain-everything-khan-academy-talent-search/

http://explaineverything.com/news/explain-everything-june-recap-2/

https://www.google.com/edu/products/class-content/index.html

Visit www.k12blueprint.com for more information about the latest research and technology integration ideas.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UluycI5R51izfAtFpswZhK5CkmzhWBJv7apZ8glRfuU/edit?usp=sharing

 

 

American Grant Writers Association

I’m honored to share my experience with Technology Integration in Education with the wonderful Grant Writers at the American Grant Writers Association Conference in Arlington, Va.

Here is the link to the Padlet that I created for your Ticket Out the Door.

Please share your feedback so I can continue to grow as an educator.

Also, please follow me on Twitter @fmauney as I share the latest research that pertains to education, technology integration, and innovative ideas for grants.

 

Middle Schoolers Share Ideas About Best Technology for Learning

Here is the research that I gathered while interacting with the students at Lakeview Middle School during Career Day. After telling about my career path, I asked the students for their help.  I wanted to know which technologies would enable them to learn and be successful in school.  They had many great suggestions that I have shared with many experts in the field of technology.

 1.       Stronger Wi-fi    6th graders said they couldn’t connect effectively and were frustrated.

2.       Gamification to work on thinking skills, communication, strategies, collaboration.

3.       2 in 1 tablets with touch screen and stylists

4.       Good headphones with microphones that work well (don’t break off in device) for digital storytelling and to watch educational videos

5.       Comfortable furniture  (chairs with wheels and tables with wheels)

6.       Videoconference equipment for each class

7.       Karaoke (I had that in my classroom!)

8.       They like smaller keyboards……………Interesting, they would rather type with their thumbs like on their phones.

9.      Gesturing screen, holographic  (they knew about the Intel commercialsJ)

10.  Speech to text pens or devices for note taking.