This start of the school year has seemed particularly busy. Maybe it's because I am taking classes myself, although thankfully I'm in the middle of a three week break. Maybe it's because I have a new prep. Maybe it's because I have a new classroom. Maybe it's because my personal life is chaotic right now. Or maybe, God just wants me to live in disequilibrium for awhile so that I lean more fully into him and depend on him more.
I have a lot of things going on right now but I'll try to catch up on a few. We had our first yearbook workday last week and 19 kids showed up. Wow! We had our first deadline yesterday and the majority of the class is finished with their pages as much as they can be. Wow! So far, there has been no drama that has leaked into and poisoned the working environment. Wow! My student editors are doing a fantastic job leading the class and taking a load off of my plate. So, although having such a big class is chaotic and filled with it's own challenges, so far it is going better than expected.
I started a prayer group for teachers at school this year. We meet every Wed during lunch to support each other, our students, the school, and the community. We started out with two and now we have six people that are praying for these things. It's amazing what God will do when I am obedient to his calling. (Pray that we would bind our hearts together and that the distractions that keep people away will be removed so we can all meet together every week.)
I am continuing to learn and grow and I am just trying to enjoy this season while I can. I know that the devil hates where I am and he is full out attacking me any way he can. But I recognize that and am mostly able to keep my sanity and turn to God in the midst of the attacks. I know this period of growth won't last forever, so I am just trying to absorb all I can.
I finally quit making excuses and did something God has been prompting me to do for the past few months. It is scary stuff, but I am trusting in Him. The hardest part is the waiting. I hate waiting for an answer. I bet God knows that though and this is just another way to strengthen my trust in His timing, His plan, His purpose for my life.
I got a new planner so I could get myself more organized with everything I have to do. I just got it Wed, and so far I really like it. We will see how much it helps once I start my class.
Well, that's about it for now. My prayers are with you.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Whatever It Takes
I have been praying about a certain situation in my life for quite awhile now, but lately, the past several years, it has seemed more urgent and my patience is waning. For the past few months I have added to my prayer, "Whatever it takes, God. That scares me like no other, but I think that is what you are asking me to pray. So, even though I know the consequences might not be what I want or expect, whatever it takes."
Don't ever pray that prayer unless you mean it and are willing to go full out and trust in God's plan completely. I have been completely blown off my mooring more than once since I have been praying that prayer. God has allowed me to discern that I am in the battle of my life and the enemy of my soul wants nothing more than for me to say "Uncle". But I am hanging on because I know that God sees the big picture. I know that this battle involves a lot more than my soul and I know that no matter what the devil throws at me, my God will prevail.
God will not harm me. Jeremiah 29:11
Even though this prayer has turned my life upside down, I am committed to keep praying it until I see results. Whatever it takes, God, whatever it takes. Thank you for helping me grow in you. Thank you for driving me to my knees and allowing me to lean more fully into your mercy and grace.
Don't ever pray that prayer unless you mean it and are willing to go full out and trust in God's plan completely. I have been completely blown off my mooring more than once since I have been praying that prayer. God has allowed me to discern that I am in the battle of my life and the enemy of my soul wants nothing more than for me to say "Uncle". But I am hanging on because I know that God sees the big picture. I know that this battle involves a lot more than my soul and I know that no matter what the devil throws at me, my God will prevail.
God will not harm me. Jeremiah 29:11
Even though this prayer has turned my life upside down, I am committed to keep praying it until I see results. Whatever it takes, God, whatever it takes. Thank you for helping me grow in you. Thank you for driving me to my knees and allowing me to lean more fully into your mercy and grace.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
An open letter to the NEA
This is a letter I submitted to neatoday. I am pretty sure that they won't print it, but I am frustrated enough to have tried. Let me know if you have ever run into a situation where you finally said "enough is enough". Thanks for indulging my rant.
Dear Editor:
In the past two weeks I have received three glossy, full-color, multi-page advertisements urging me to vote for Barak Obama. Upon opening the September issue of neatoday, I discovered four full pages devoted to this candidate. (See pages 20-21, 32-33)
As a member of the NEA for the past eight years, I have tried to ignore the political aspect of the NEA. However, enough is enough. Not all of your members hold the same political viewpoint and to actively support one candidate shows bias and irresponsibility to the democratic ideals of America. Your magazine should highlight both candidates equally, with unbiased reporting. As educators, we encourage our students to look at differing viewpoints in all aspects of life. I feel that your magazine should model that ideal. On a personal level, as a teacher with a Masters degree, I am fully able to research each candidate/party and come to my own conclusions about whom I wish to support through my vote. Rather than pushing a particular candidate, why not simply urge your membership to become involved in the political process through voting or joining public office?
Not only is sending out expensive advertisements a waste of money, it is also environmentally unfriendly as the glossy ads end up in our landfills. I urge you to consider the demographic of your entire membership and to quit the political pandering to a certain group. We are in the business of educating all students of all races, religions, and backgrounds. I feel the NEA should reflect that ideal.
Dear Editor:
In the past two weeks I have received three glossy, full-color, multi-page advertisements urging me to vote for Barak Obama. Upon opening the September issue of neatoday, I discovered four full pages devoted to this candidate. (See pages 20-21, 32-33)
As a member of the NEA for the past eight years, I have tried to ignore the political aspect of the NEA. However, enough is enough. Not all of your members hold the same political viewpoint and to actively support one candidate shows bias and irresponsibility to the democratic ideals of America. Your magazine should highlight both candidates equally, with unbiased reporting. As educators, we encourage our students to look at differing viewpoints in all aspects of life. I feel that your magazine should model that ideal. On a personal level, as a teacher with a Masters degree, I am fully able to research each candidate/party and come to my own conclusions about whom I wish to support through my vote. Rather than pushing a particular candidate, why not simply urge your membership to become involved in the political process through voting or joining public office?
Not only is sending out expensive advertisements a waste of money, it is also environmentally unfriendly as the glossy ads end up in our landfills. I urge you to consider the demographic of your entire membership and to quit the political pandering to a certain group. We are in the business of educating all students of all races, religions, and backgrounds. I feel the NEA should reflect that ideal.
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