I've been staring at my screen, blankly, for a few minutes now, unable to know how to form the words to express my thoughts.

Today marks the end of Sanctity of Life month. My students and I participated by joining others in Columbus for the Walk for the Right to Life in downtown. It was a somber occasion, marked by a speaker, with the shadow of the baby booties looming over us as we took up our signs and began to walk, silently, the three block perimeter of Downtown Columbus - through Broadway and back down 1st Avenue and then back to the steps of the Government center. This is an event that I've participated in for the past three years, beginning with my first year of teaching at Veritas and bringing along with me my female students. We continued the tradition at Trinity. At some point, I would like for the Walk for the Right to Life to be a school-wide event, but those are dreams for the future - but what I would really like is for the walk to not be necessary, because abortion will have been illegalized throughout the United States and the world.

There are more than 4,000 babies aborted daily in the United States. Four. Thousand. Four thousand children who will never see the light of the day, feel the kiss of the sun, grow up and learn about each other. Four thousand babies who will never be adults, never leave their mark on society, never become parents themselves. It's a ripple, you see. A stone that is dropped in a smooth lake causes a ripple effect - one ripple affects another and affects another. What if Albert Enstein's mother had aborted him? What if Billy Graham's mother had chosen to end his life?

What about Winston Churchill, George Washington, Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony (who campaigned for the rights of women, ironically enough)...

Who knows what our world would be like without the influential people of our culture? What afflictions and diseases could we have cured with the knowledge possessed by one aborted baby? Dr. Fritz Baumgartner shares this in an article from Pro-Life America:

There is no more pivotal moment in the subsequent growth and development of a human being than when 23 chromosomes of the father join with 23 chromosomes of the mother to form a unique, 46-chromosomed individual, with a gender, who had previously simply not existed. Period. No debate.

There is no more appropriate moment to begin calling a human "human" than the moment of fertilization. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise, because it would be a degradation of factual embryology to say it would be any other moment. For example, some pro-abortion zealots and even, shockingly, some disingenuous physicians claim it is the moment of primitive notochord formation (nonsense!) or, even more absurdly, the moment of implantation. (It defies sanity to claim that the implantation of a developing blastocyst onto a uterine wall defines humanity more than does the completion of an entirely new DNA map, which defines a new organism's existence).

I heard a woman the other day - the speaker for the Right to Life walk - say that abortion began as a form of eugenics, which is the "is the "applied science or the biosocial movement which advocates the use of practices aimed at improving the genetic composition of a population," usually referring to human populations" from here. It was practiced up until the 20th century as a means of "improving" the human population by "intervening" to weed out the weak and

unacceptable humans - the deaf, dumb, homosexual, promiscuous women etc. etc. While proponents of eugenics run the gamet (from Woodrow Wilson to Theodore Roosevelt), the most famous was Adolf Hitler. Wonder what he is known for?

Modern eugenics is now becoming known for poor women, teenage girls and women of ethnic origins to be the main group who are seeking out abortions. Is this what our society has come to? If you believe in Biblical principals, and I do, then you should believe that we are all descended from Adam & Eve - all the same. We were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). All of us - "red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world" - which brings me to my next point.

The Bible clearly instructs us that, not only is a baby a baby at conception, but that God formed us in our mother's womb, He knew us before we were born. Beyond that, as children of God we are told to stand for those who can't speak for themselves, to care for the women, the orphans, the children, the elderly. Children should not be punished for the sins of the father (in the case of rape, Deuteronomy 24:16).

And now to what brought me to this point today. I read an article this morning that came through on my facebook feed - it was an article, from LifeNews.com, by Brad Mattes, entitled "Americans Need to Know About Gosnell's Abortion Horrors". It goes on to explain how the grand jury in Pennsylvania has sentenced this man, Kermitt Gosnell, to imprisonment without bail for his abortion mill. I won't recount all that the article says, but just this (paraphrased): there were many people - officials, patients, women, teenagers, workers - who knew what was going on. The abortions performed on LIVE babies. The subsequent death of those babies when Gosnell stabbed them in the neck, puncturing their spinal cords and then bleeding to death. The body parts - arms, hands, legs, feet (which were displayed in jars) - the carnage that stopped up

the toilets so much that the janitor refused to plunge them. All of these people knew of the horror that was going on and yet... nothing. They complained, but nothing was done. They brought complaints to the state health board - nothing. Even the National Abortion Federation who visited the clinic didn't sound the alarm about what was going on in Gosnell's "abortion mill".

More than 200 pages describes the infanticide - the murder - that was taking place. More than 200 pages describes the drug violations, illegal late-term abortions, racketeering and other offenses... and nothing was done for decades.

How much longer will it be before we stop being silent and speak up for the babies who die every day without someone to speak for them? What happens to us, when we stop standing for the weak? We fight to the death for the innocent victims of September 11th, for our personal convictions, for those men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and all around the world for OUR RIGHTS. I'm grateful to them, for willingly sacrificing themselves to stand up for the innocent, and the weak. We should be like them, fighting on the home-front for our innocent, and our weak.

America needs to wake up. Stand up. Grow a pair and step out. Listen to a description of a partial-birth abortion. Visit Pregnancy Clinics like Sound Choices in Columbus, or Sav-a-Life in Lanett. Visit The Glovers Online Website. They can direct you to a pregnancy clinic in your area. There are pregnancy clinics in every state who are there to help, there to serve. They will help you find the answer - whether you bravely choose to give the baby up for adoption, or discover the strength within yourself to raise a baby.

It's funny - so many people are either "pro-life" or "pro-choice". I don't care which way you fall - for me, there is only ONE choice: life. Regardless of situation, of circumstance, of how and where and why - I pray that you choose life. Your mother did.

INFP - Personality Types

Today, in English class, I had my students complete a personality quiz (www.mytype.com) which interpreted their answers into their personality type. I did mine as well, coming up with INFP (Introverted, iNtuitive, Feeling Perceptive). After reading the results and explanation, I think that the results are pretty dead-on. Here they are (and my thoughts):

(1) You are clearly an Introvert

You scored 89% in the direction of Introversion, which means you are clearly an Introvert. People who are clearly Introverts are reserved, quiet, and contemplative. They dislike the social pressures of large groups and being the center of attention, but are not necessarily shy. They frequently spend time alone in order to reflect and "recharge.

I think this is weirdly accurate. I am an introvert, I hate being the center of attention... I don't like large groups of people...

(2) You are clearly an iNtuitive

You scored 67% in the direction of iNtuition, which means you are clearly an iNtuitive. People who are clearly iNtuitives are so focused on the "big picture" that they often overlook the details. Because of this, some people may see them as absent-minded. But don't be fooled: these iNtuitives quickly notice underlying patterns, hidden relationships and ironies that others miss. They enjoy considering the ways people or ideas are connected and are constantly thinking about the future, particularly how to change it.

I think that people think I'm absent-minded alot, and yeah, sometimes I might be, but I really do think about the bigger picture of everything rather than every teeny tiny little detail.

(3) You are a Feeler

You scored 22% in the direction of Feeling, which means you are a Feeler. Feelers are caring, supportive, and appreciative. They naturally reach out to other people, preferring to cooperate and agree rather than argue over who is right. They are comfortable with emotions, both their own and those of others.

(4) You are clearly a Perceiver

You scored 93% in the direction of Perceiving, which means you are clearly a Perceiver. People who are clearly Perceivers lead a flexible, spontaneous lifestyle and avoid making definite plans whenever possible. They get excited by starting something new but find it difficult to finish. They see all sides of every situation, so much so that it is often unclear to them what's "right". When faced with a decision, they will put it off for as long as possible in order to consider all their options. Even once the decision is made, they often second guess themselves.

What's most true about this one is: When faced with a decision, they will put it off for as long as possible in order to consider all their options. I absolutely do this- I consider every angle, but what isn't correct is where it says "even once the decision is made, they often second guess themselves." I don't do this. Once I decide, I don't second guess myself.

There is a lot more that I found from this personality page about my personality type... some of it says:

1) my primary mode of living is focused internally where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. secondary mode is external, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

2) More focused on making the world a better place, and finding their meaning in life.

3) highly intuitive about people, meaning INFP's are driven to help people and make the world a better place.

4) Generally thoughtful and considerate, INFPs are good listeners and put people at ease. Although they may be reserved in expressing emotion, they have a very deep well of caring and are genuinely interested in understanding people. This sincerity is sensed by others, making the INFP a valued friend and confidante. An INFP can be quite warm with people he or she knows well.

5) INFPs do not like conflict, and go to great lengths to avoid it. If they must face it, they will always approach it from the perspective of their feelings. In conflict situations, INFPs place little importance on who is right and who is wrong. They focus on the way that the conflict makes them feel, and indeed don't really care whether or not they're right.

6) INFPs are flexible and laid-back, until one of their values is violated. In the face of their value system being threatened, INFPs can become aggressive defenders, fighting passionately for their cause. When an INFP has adopted a project or job which they're interested in, it usually becomes a "cause" for them. Although they are not detail-oriented individuals, they will cover every possible detail with determination and vigor when working for their "cause".

7) INFPs have very high standards and are perfectionists. Consequently, they are usually hard on themselves, and don't give themselves enough credit. INFPs may have problems working on a project in a group, because their standards are likely to be higher than other members' of the group.

8) INFPs are usually talented writers. They may be awkward and uncomfortable with expressing themselves verbally, but have a wonderful ability to define and express what they're feeling on paper.

What was interesting to me is how deadly accurate this was. I’ve taken several personality tests through the years from psychology classes and just a general need-to-know, and for the most part, I’ve always gotten the same general results. I think it’s interesting to discover that while I would like to think that I have changed in my life, grown up, that basically, I still behave, think and act the same way. I’m still uncomfortable in social situations, I don’t like being the center of attention, I hate conflict and will avoid it at all cost, I don’t delegate because no one knows how I want it done except me – and even when I explain it to them, it still doesn’t come across right, and I’m a writer.

These are the traits of an INFP:

• Strong value systems
• Warmly interested in people
• Service-oriented, usually putting the needs of others above their own
• Loyal and devoted to people and causes
• Future-oriented
• Growth-oriented; always want to be growing in a positive direction
• Creative and inspirational
• Flexible and laid-back, unless a ruling principle is violated
• Sensitive and complex
• Dislike dealing with details and routine work
• Original and individualistic - "out of the mainstream"
• Excellent written communication skills
• Prefer to work alone, and may have problems working on teams
• Value deep and authentic relationships
• Want to be seen and appreciated for who they are

I also noticed that the career choices for someone with my type of personality fit deadly accurate into my chosen profession. Some others are:

• Writers
• Counselors / Social Workers
• Teachers / Professors
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Musicians
• Clergy / Religious Workers

Meet Trooper

This is Trooper. He's the newest member of my family, a sweet, baby boy lab puppy. It wasn't an easy decision, to decide to add another dog to the family, so soon after Hunter's death, but I feel like it was time, and the right circumstances. Tonight when I went to go pick Trooper up, I was chatting with the family and they told me that the father of Trooper's litter's name is Hunter. How sweet is that? I feel more at peace now. I've really struggled with losing Hunter. He was my first dog - oh, I had Rascal and Boo as a child, but Hunter was my responsibility, my first dog... and so I took his death hard. It broke my heart. I still look out into my backyard and expect to see him come running up with the tennis ball in his mouth, expecting me to throw it over and over again.

When it snowed, all I could think about was last March and how Dodger & Hunter played in the snow for hours. Christmas was hard too... seeing his stocking and the ornaments with his paw print... but its okay. Hunter is in a better place and I believe he had a great life here on Earth. He knew he was loved.

That's why I think it just gave me a general peace about adding Trooper to the family... like Hunter was saying, "its okay Mom, I understand. My brother, Dodger, needs a playmate. I know you love & miss me, but Trooper needs a family too."

As 2011 slowly progresses (really, is it the 14th already?), I continue to learn so much about my relationship with Christ, and how my heavenly Father takes care of me every single time.

In this venture of Trinity School, I have really learned to take my worries to the Cross and lay them at His feet. Because, 1) I know that as a child of the King, He has already prepared my way. He knew long before Brooke Bowden was ever thought into existence that she would found and run a school, and that January of 2011 would be the toughest month financially for that tiny school. and 2) worrying about everything is sort of how I got through my teenage years and into college... I worried about my sister, Rebecca, when I moved to Auburn. She slept in my bed with me from the time she was itty bitty until I went the 30 miles to school. How would she fare, now that her big sister had left for college? I was the oldest, and worrying was like 2nd nature to me. I worried about Brady when he was going through his hip problems; I worried that he would stay in the cast for longer than we were told, that he would be made fun of, that he wouldn't adjust, etc. etc. I worried about all of them when they got ready to give their 8th grade speeches, when Rebecca would call me on a Sunday night while I was a freshman at Auburn and tell me how upset she was because Mom had made her mad. I remember sitting in my car, in the parking lot of Leischuck, listening to Rebecca wail through tears. I was helpless to do anything, because I was 30 miles away and couldn't run to her. I worried about my friends in college, the brothers of Pi Kapp when they indulged in too many "adult beverages" - how would they get home, did I need to drive them, take away their keys, where would they be sleeping that night (and praying it wasn't in a ditch or in a jail cell). I worried about staying in the college of Education or finally transferring out, changing to English and abandoning my goal of teaching elementary education - 1st grade, to be exact. I worried about everything. That was just up through college - that doesn't even include worries about my personal life...

But that's one thing that I think I've done pretty well at so far in this adventure... really discovering what God's purpose is for me (even though He told me that I would do great things for Him), having Him present you with the opportunity, give you the knowledge to make it happen, and then continually, every day, show you that He is in absolute control. I don't know why I still am amazed at when I add up the deposits and the payroll subtractions that we come out ahead - not negative as I had thought would be the case, but actually with dollars to spare.

God is so amazing. In my weakness as a human, I fail to acknowledge that even though on the outside I try not to show the appearance that I'm worried - because really, I'm not - somedays, the little wiggles of doubt creep into my mind and I panic, and freak out and wonder will we make it this month. I absolutely LOVE IT when God drops a bomb in my lap - like, come on Brooke, why did you ever doubt me? And I can't say that I have doubted Him... because in reality, I know beyond a doubt that everything is going to turn out okay with Trinity. Its going to be better than "okay" because this is a God-venture. It isn't something that I, Brooke Bowden, thought of and created all on my own. God put it into my head, He gave me the vision.

I'm just the vessel to do His work.

January is going to be tight. But once again this teeny tiny school lives on to fight the battle for Christ another day. I pray that I never stop growing amazed at what He does in the life of this school.

It seems like I've blinked and missed the last half of 2010... seriously. From about July on I feel like it flew by. It makes me think about this time last year - the start of 2010... who knew it would be such an important year for me? After being sick for almost 8 months, having everything from allergic reactions & random breakouts (thanks a bunch skin cells) to the most insane back pain I've ever felt, resulting in "degenerative facets in my lower lumbar region" and sick for New Years, I thought... man.... this year better be good after the start of it!

So lets recap, shall we?

In 2010 I....

- decided to leave Veritas

- was approached with the idea to homeschool two students

- formally quit my job

- diagnosed with degenerative facets in my lower lumbar region of my back

- told my students (harder than you'd imagine)

- learned more about Homeschool laws in Alabama than any person need know

- decided to go in a different direction than a homeschool and founded The Trinity Schooll, Inc.

- was fired from Crawford Road Christian School as their administrator

- in August, founded and opened The Trinity School

- learned more about being an Administrator

- discovered I actually liked being the Administrator (who knew!)

- met my exception

- turned 29

- Auburn went undefeated and will compete for the National Championship

There's so much more to 2010 than I can possibly list. I know that I grew closer to God in the past 10 months than I ever have. I compare leaving Veritas to coming to the edge of a cliff, not being able to see the bottom, and God saying "Brooke, my daughter, if you have faith in Me... jump." Thats about the best analogy I've got for what took place between February and June. A leap. And a lesson in faith, stepping out in faith, believing in God's plan, knowing that He is in control, learning how to let go of the worries and the struggles and put everything in Him... home, life, relationships, finances, professional careers, and beyond...

I can't even begin to believe that Trinity's first year is halfway overwith. What a learning year it has been! God has moved in such a mighty way, and I know He has already come before me to show the way and clear the path so that I may do mighty and wonderful things in His name. I am merely the vessel to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ through the students of Trinity and eventually to the world.

I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store!