Well, one school year has been put to rest. Now another one is beginning. I am promoting up to the 5th grade! I love 5th grade. I was in 5th during student-teaching. I had so much fun!
I am looking forward to a new year. My former high school principal told me recently that the beauty of a 9 month school year is that the teachers and students alike get fresh starts. I get to put behind me all the bad days, and right any wrongs from previous years.
I completed an unbearable year that I thought would never end. Now that I have moved on, I realize that I have the skills to make this upcoming year as wonderful as this past year was awful. How reassuring!
While I was not thrilled with my last teaching assignment, I can see bits and pieces of good. I see why God wanted me there. I will be able to use SO MUCH of last year's "bads" to create this year's "goods". I am super excited that my classroom is in the main building! That's a new concept for me. My room is right down the hall from the teacher's workroom, cafeteria, and gym. I don't have to spend 10 minutes hiking to lunch this year!!!
All joking aside, I understand the reason for my trials now. I have been studying James b/c I am teaching my Sunday School class. I have learned that if we don't flake out during trials, we will gain endurance to get through other trials. I have learned that trials will bring wisdom, but we have to ask for it! Wisdom is godly knowledge put into practice. How many times have I thought about what is the right thing to do but don't do it? I am learning to start being a "doer". Whether that means taking the time to pray over my kids' desks rather than talking to other teachers in the hallway, listening to my kids' problems rather than automatically assuming they are just whiners, or whatever. Goodness, how many times do we go to God whining about something? He listens! He's my Teacher. As the teacher over these students, I need to be a listener...whole other concept. That just came into my head; sorry!
This needs to come to a close. I guess the point is, whatever you have going on will pass. Look at the mass quantities of verses that start with "And it came to pass". Those hard times are here, but they are not here to stay. All you have to do is stay in close contact with the Father. Ask for the wisdom that you lack. Look for ways to be a good example to other believers and lead the lost to a Savior.
As we prepare to begin a new school year, we can take the time to start fresh in other areas. Just think, no new year resolution pressure. Just commit to two or three things to change or improve upon over the next few months. Let me know how I can pray for you!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Tag! You're it!
Yeah, so I'm not so good at the keeping updated thing. I'll work on that...maybe.
Anyway, so I got tagged. I didn't really know what that meant, but I'll try b/c Jen sent me this.
Here are the rules to the meme.
1. Link to the person who tagged me.
2. Mention the rules.
3. Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4. Tag 6 other bloggers linking to them.
5. Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.
Here goes!
1. I can tell you the scent name of any Bath and Body Works lotion that was in stores from 2002-2005 just by getting a whiff.
2. When laying in bed, I straighten my back because I am terrified of getting a hunch back.
3. I can't stand still. I have to sway.
4. I rarely buy anything at regular price. Everything has to be on clearance. With the exception of food, of course.
5. I have a notepad next to my bed because great ideas for lesson plans come to me during the night.
6. I use my camera phone to take pictures of price tags because Wal-Mart will price match with any store, but they have to have proof that the competitor's price is lower. I provide that proof without the checker needing to stand around waiting for a manager to call the other store. I'm really saving time for the people behind me in line.
I don't even know 6 people on blogspot so I'll try to find some people.
1. Jen
2. Marcie
3. Dar
4. Steffany
5. Annette
6. Ernest
Well, I found 6 people I knew. That was a challenge. Have fun!
Anyway, so I got tagged. I didn't really know what that meant, but I'll try b/c Jen sent me this.
Here are the rules to the meme.
1. Link to the person who tagged me.
2. Mention the rules.
3. Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4. Tag 6 other bloggers linking to them.
5. Go to each person's blog and leave a comment that lets them know they've been tagged.
Here goes!
1. I can tell you the scent name of any Bath and Body Works lotion that was in stores from 2002-2005 just by getting a whiff.
2. When laying in bed, I straighten my back because I am terrified of getting a hunch back.
3. I can't stand still. I have to sway.
4. I rarely buy anything at regular price. Everything has to be on clearance. With the exception of food, of course.
5. I have a notepad next to my bed because great ideas for lesson plans come to me during the night.
6. I use my camera phone to take pictures of price tags because Wal-Mart will price match with any store, but they have to have proof that the competitor's price is lower. I provide that proof without the checker needing to stand around waiting for a manager to call the other store. I'm really saving time for the people behind me in line.
I don't even know 6 people on blogspot so I'll try to find some people.
1. Jen
2. Marcie
3. Dar
4. Steffany
5. Annette
6. Ernest
Well, I found 6 people I knew. That was a challenge. Have fun!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Playing Catch-Up
Now that I know my password (read below), I guess I'm expected to keep everyone updated on stuff. Well, this post will be about last June...
I went to Laos--between Thailand and Vietnam. Part of the group (myself included) taught at Champasak University. I worked with a Florida principal to teach the professors. We team-taught grant writing, how to write a resume and cover letter, and gave them some tips on teaching English to their students. Check out my class:
We also ministered to some local farmers and their families. I was so blessed by their kindness. The kids were so sweet. We gave them shoes, toys, and candy. The boys loved the Warheads! The faces they made were priceless. I took a hilarious picture of a boy with his blue tongue!
I loved the little ones! My church family at Trinity helped fund my trip by purchasing teddy bears to give to the kids. The kiddos loved that! We got to play volleyball with them for a while. They rock!
Passwords
Well, it's been a while. I have to admit that I forgot my username. Yes, I know, it's my e-mail. Then I forgot my password. I have about 15 passwords for 425 different accounts on random sites. I never remember what password goes with what site. Now that I remember my login information, maybe I'll do a better job at posting. Probably not, but it's nice to pretend to be sincere.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Control Freak
So, I've been reading some of Jen's Blurbs. I recently read about her ability to take the backseat to God's Lexus. She mentioned being satisfied with a passive position. Sometimes I feel my passive attitude is really my faithlessness. It's good to know I don't have to be in control for things to happen. God doesn't have the same watch I do. His doesn't have numbers on it. Just moments. Moments I want to cherish. If I allow Him to work according to his unique, designer watch.
I am a control freak...as my title says. I have learned from experience that if I don't do things myself, they won't get done my way. Well, gal, not everything has to be done your way all the time! That's a major life lesson I'm learning now. Yeah, this one was short and sweet. It was really more for me than public viewers. However, if you received something from it, rock on God! Maybe it was meant for you too.
I am a control freak...as my title says. I have learned from experience that if I don't do things myself, they won't get done my way. Well, gal, not everything has to be done your way all the time! That's a major life lesson I'm learning now. Yeah, this one was short and sweet. It was really more for me than public viewers. However, if you received something from it, rock on God! Maybe it was meant for you too.
I Have a Fatal Disease
Interested yet? Thought you might be.
So, my disease. It's a rather common one with a fairly simple cure...if you can stomach the medicine. Maybe at some point you have also suffered from this disease. This ailment tends to be fatal. The people targeted mostly include people with a significant amount of stress in their lives usually caused by decision-making. Disabilities like this even target specific belief systems. Sound familiar? My affliction doesn't even have a scientific name.
It's called "unbelief". I struggle daily with this infirmity. I have good and bad days. All depends on the situations thrown in my face. Lately, this unbelief has become work-related. Or rather, lack of work. I know that God is working in my and my job situation. However, waves of uncertainty come along. I know it's Satan. Why do I let him get to me? Almost all the jobs I've applied for have either been filled or I've screwed something up in the application process. I feel incompetent.
When all the interviewers ask why they should pick me over someone else, I cannot give them a legitimate reason why. I am just so ready to be in my own classroom making a real difference in kids' lives. I hate subbing. In all cases but one, I'm there for a day then I may occasionally recognize those kids at Wal-Mart. I don't make a lasting impression on them. What's the purpose in that?
The reason I got into education was to make a difference in a child's life. I want to be influential. Some of the kids I've taught need a positive role model. I want to be that for them. Yes, I know I need to be concerned about the education part of education, but I would rather form a relationship where they are open to learning from me. Then I can teach them the meat of my subjects. I'd rather foster a love for learning than drill them on correct grammar. I want to create a desire to read about everything from Charlotte's Web to The Diary of Anne Frank to Frindle to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
Please, just give me a chance.
Father, I adore You. I know how capable You are. You daily prove that to me. Still, Precious Savior, I fall into the cycle of defeat cause by unbelief. Lord Jesus, help my unbelief! I know You have incredible plans awaiting me. Show me how to swallow my medicine: self-sacrifice. I need a major dose of it daily. I know that You are the ultimate healer...of even the most prideful mindsets. Heal me like you did the son of the unbelieving man once he admitted his unbelief. I confess my unbelief. You say that you are faithful and just to forgive all sins. Show me how I need to wait. Grant me patience to understand that Your amazing works take certain steps and that Your Designer watch does not tick like mine. I thank You in advance for the incredible experiences You have in store for me. Thank You for taking such an interest in me that You would have me wait just to make sure that everything goes according to Your plan. Help me believe You for a prosperous future, the perfect job, and a brighter outlook on my current place in life.
So, my disease. It's a rather common one with a fairly simple cure...if you can stomach the medicine. Maybe at some point you have also suffered from this disease. This ailment tends to be fatal. The people targeted mostly include people with a significant amount of stress in their lives usually caused by decision-making. Disabilities like this even target specific belief systems. Sound familiar? My affliction doesn't even have a scientific name.
It's called "unbelief". I struggle daily with this infirmity. I have good and bad days. All depends on the situations thrown in my face. Lately, this unbelief has become work-related. Or rather, lack of work. I know that God is working in my and my job situation. However, waves of uncertainty come along. I know it's Satan. Why do I let him get to me? Almost all the jobs I've applied for have either been filled or I've screwed something up in the application process. I feel incompetent.
When all the interviewers ask why they should pick me over someone else, I cannot give them a legitimate reason why. I am just so ready to be in my own classroom making a real difference in kids' lives. I hate subbing. In all cases but one, I'm there for a day then I may occasionally recognize those kids at Wal-Mart. I don't make a lasting impression on them. What's the purpose in that?
The reason I got into education was to make a difference in a child's life. I want to be influential. Some of the kids I've taught need a positive role model. I want to be that for them. Yes, I know I need to be concerned about the education part of education, but I would rather form a relationship where they are open to learning from me. Then I can teach them the meat of my subjects. I'd rather foster a love for learning than drill them on correct grammar. I want to create a desire to read about everything from Charlotte's Web to The Diary of Anne Frank to Frindle to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.
Please, just give me a chance.
Father, I adore You. I know how capable You are. You daily prove that to me. Still, Precious Savior, I fall into the cycle of defeat cause by unbelief. Lord Jesus, help my unbelief! I know You have incredible plans awaiting me. Show me how to swallow my medicine: self-sacrifice. I need a major dose of it daily. I know that You are the ultimate healer...of even the most prideful mindsets. Heal me like you did the son of the unbelieving man once he admitted his unbelief. I confess my unbelief. You say that you are faithful and just to forgive all sins. Show me how I need to wait. Grant me patience to understand that Your amazing works take certain steps and that Your Designer watch does not tick like mine. I thank You in advance for the incredible experiences You have in store for me. Thank You for taking such an interest in me that You would have me wait just to make sure that everything goes according to Your plan. Help me believe You for a prosperous future, the perfect job, and a brighter outlook on my current place in life.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Crazy Busy
Okay, I know I'm not the greatest at this. Thank you, Steff, for the reminder. Here's why: life is just too dang jammed packed. If I'm not working, I'm looking for work, preparing for interviews, or trying make someone else happy.
I had two interviews this week already, and I'm getting ready to leave town to go to my third one. Everything is speeding by, but I am not getting anywhere. No job offers, no closer to certainty. Inching ever closer to insanity, uncertainty, frustration, unbelief.
I am believing God for my perfect job. I guess I've gotta work on the whole patience concept. That's never been my strength. I am encouraged by my faith-filled friends. My unbelief hinders me, but they seem to be so connected to God. Guess I know what I need to work on.
Well, Steff and other dear ones, don't say I didn't try. I promise that I will take more time to write. Hopefully you'll still want to read my ramblings. I pray blessings over all of you.
I had two interviews this week already, and I'm getting ready to leave town to go to my third one. Everything is speeding by, but I am not getting anywhere. No job offers, no closer to certainty. Inching ever closer to insanity, uncertainty, frustration, unbelief.
I am believing God for my perfect job. I guess I've gotta work on the whole patience concept. That's never been my strength. I am encouraged by my faith-filled friends. My unbelief hinders me, but they seem to be so connected to God. Guess I know what I need to work on.
Well, Steff and other dear ones, don't say I didn't try. I promise that I will take more time to write. Hopefully you'll still want to read my ramblings. I pray blessings over all of you.
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