Today's class presentations were awful! It was really stressful and a lot of them didn't realize that when something is due it is DUE.
Ask them- why did you think you could hand it in late or finish it the day that it was due?
Just ask them- where did things go wrong?
They WERE excited about what they did their projects on, so what exactly do I grade on?
The point was...
Research
Connecting- Doing something they love and connecting it to things they may not love as much like MLA format and citing sources. It was an adventure, not just a research project. I got to see them get excited about certain topics and
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
What I learned before 12:00 today
As I walked into the classroom today a parent and his son were standing in the classrooom wondering why his son got a 0 on an assignment that made him inelligable for the track team.
I needed some prep time, some time to think. But didn't have any.
I told him I needed some time to think about this and what I can do for his son.
Here's what I've learned..
1. Don't just give completion grades as a 0 or 100%.
2. Make a set due date, then I can justify something not being turned in.
3. Help this kid more with researching and give more grace to him.
4. Have more proof of what I told the class. Maybe write directions on the bellwork pages?
What I do now is diffuclt, because if I give him more work to do that's unfair and unbeneficial. If I let him go back and finish the assignment and hand it in to me, it's been so long and it won't help him because it was to help him take notes for the outline.
The parent SHOULD have...
1. Known about this beforehand
2. Not come down on me like I have to do something for his kid
3. Not point out my wrongs "so it wasn't clear to you..."
I needed some prep time, some time to think. But didn't have any.
I told him I needed some time to think about this and what I can do for his son.
Here's what I've learned..
1. Don't just give completion grades as a 0 or 100%.
2. Make a set due date, then I can justify something not being turned in.
3. Help this kid more with researching and give more grace to him.
4. Have more proof of what I told the class. Maybe write directions on the bellwork pages?
What I do now is diffuclt, because if I give him more work to do that's unfair and unbeneficial. If I let him go back and finish the assignment and hand it in to me, it's been so long and it won't help him because it was to help him take notes for the outline.
The parent SHOULD have...
1. Known about this beforehand
2. Not come down on me like I have to do something for his kid
3. Not point out my wrongs "so it wasn't clear to you..."
Friday, March 16, 2012
faith·ful adj \ˈfāth-fəl\
1. steadfast in affection or allegiance: loyal
2. firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty
4. given with strong assurance
Today the kids chose if they wanted to present their testimonies in class, and it was a sweet time! The first class was a breeze- only 3 people wanted to share. But the 2nd class something different happened. This one girl that I wasn't too fond of (she seems like she hates everyone at this school but herself, has a bad attitude and doesn't do her work very well) shared her testimony. As she was sharing about the bullies in her life, she just got all emotional and started crying. It was crazy. It was like I really realized for the first time- "she's only 13." She went to the bathroom and then we as a class prayed for her and then I went to the bathroom and just sat and rubbed her back as she spilled everything out. She said that she saw how this other girl who shared her testimony said she was insecure- and that was exactly how she felt. She was hurt because some of the same people who bullied her are still in the class with her and that nothing has changed. She said that she seems like she's tough and tries to be defensive, but really she knows that is what God doesn't want her to do. I prayed over her and just asked God to strengthen her through these trials, to love her enemies through the Jesus who laid down His life for her and for her enemies. When she finished her testimony she admited that after LCW she wanted to get closer to the Lord and then as she is reading her Bible more she doesn't feel spiritually ready to be baptized yet but she wants to. The Lord is working on her heart in drammatic ways right now, I just hope this spring break gets her more closer to the Lord. I wonder what she means by "spiritually ready" ??
Either way, I learned a lot. I learned that you just never know when someone is going to burst into tears, and you just never know who in my class could die tonight and not go to Heaven.
How can I incorporate the Gospel more and more into our classroom?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
3/14
wait \ˈwāt\
1:
1:
Today I finally got to talk to the future jr. high principal. It was really relaxed so that was so nice! He asked me my thoughts on the curriculum and the content of what I'm teaching right now.
Part of me felt like I already have the job, it was weird.
He said he knew my passion for the kids and the passion for Christian education, and it was weird that he knew that. I felt like I haven't been able to talk to him at all but he knows all of this about me--> so weird. But completely by the Lord's grace that the principal can see that in me.
He then asked me why PCS. The journey God has taken me on this past year- going to the HS and hating every bit of it, then realizing this would be my dream job- a place where I can explore the fun side of English while teaching life lessons with God's word! It's great. I hope my answer doesn't sound cheesy or lame. It's the truth!
Mid- April he is going to hire. He has an interview today for the position with another candidate.
I need a job. But I don't NEED this job. I want to trust in the Lord's character as my Father who knows exactly what I need while taking care of me intimately and delighting in me
Eph 3:16-20: Let me receive your love, let me believe you can do things beyond my asking or imagining.
to stay in place in expectation of : await <waited the result of the advertisement — W. M. Thackeray> <wait your turn> erbTuesday, March 6, 2012
So much has happened the past week.
I had a meeting with a parent and a student about some issues with his grade. I told him that I wanted to help him and that he can come to me any time- now he has asked me so many questions in just the past couple days, it's soo encouraging to see him really want to know how to do an assignment.
My supervisor said "you're going to be a good teacher- just don't keep yourself from becoming a great teacher- you know, the one who will dress like Louisa May Alcott to talk about Little Women or puts a raven on their shoulder when talking about Poe."
I want to be that teacher.
I can see already that it is easy to get stuck in a rut. Today I was assessed for my midterm, and I see that becoming a great teacher needs time and experience. I won't just arrive, but I can persevere. God has given me this passion and this calling, and I want to do everything I can to make sure my students master everything I teach them.
What does it take for all of them to master it? I'm not just giving out assignments and things to see how they can fail- I see that these assessments are to help them master a skill. What can I do to help them MASTER these things?
We are doing a nonfiction project- "Say it like you mean it" I guess I was a little vague in what the assignment was- as I was explaining I realized I wasn't anticipating their questions. I need to know how to better anticipate what they will ask and how much direction they should have.
Amy had a great idea of reading something- each group pick out a theme in the passage and then they have to teach it to the class. That's awesome! I'm writing it here so that I can come back to it later.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Stuck-
How are my students learning? I feel like I need to change up what we are doing. I feel like we have been beating the dead horse of Nonfiction, and I want to know how much they have learned. Maybe tomorrow we will actually finally define nonfiction and they must use evidence from our class discussions.
What do I want from them? is the question I need to ask. What is the end result?
I feel like they are really getting into their testimonies, so I think tomorrow we will work on our testimonies. First, define nonfiction by using our Venn diagram and then we will get into working on our testimonies. I can also introduce our "Say it like you mean it" project!
How are my students learning? I feel like I need to change up what we are doing. I feel like we have been beating the dead horse of Nonfiction, and I want to know how much they have learned. Maybe tomorrow we will actually finally define nonfiction and they must use evidence from our class discussions.
What do I want from them? is the question I need to ask. What is the end result?
I feel like they are really getting into their testimonies, so I think tomorrow we will work on our testimonies. First, define nonfiction by using our Venn diagram and then we will get into working on our testimonies. I can also introduce our "Say it like you mean it" project!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
2/22/12
Lots has been going on, but because I'm not really writing this to anyone, I don't have to update :)
per·se·vere [pur-suh-veer] v. 1. to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
Yesterday I decided to work on Job applications and figure out my portfolio. However, it only caused me to freak out because as I was looking at job availabilities in Peoria I saw that there aren't any real job openings for middle school English. I was freaking out- have I waited too long? Is the window of opportunity gone? I have no idea what I'm doing, and everyone whose advice I ask for always gives me some answer that causes me to freak out. "Apply everywhere" "Get your name out there" "Just wait." SO MANY OPINIONS, so much advice.
The "man" is now my "boyfriend" and I know that God is using Him in big ways in my life: he has such a gentle perspective about God, and I'm learning about new sides of God that I wouldn't have if he would not be in my life: God is a gentle God who wants to fulfill our desires, not fight against them. WOW. And to think that I hadn't operated under that knowledge for so long!! Praise be to God!!
So, he told me this image:
"Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10
God has what I want in His hands, and he is holding it out over a cliff: He might drop it, He might not. But, He has it in His hands!
Then this morning something amazing happened. Today's Utmost for His Highest talked about "Spiritual Perseverene" and it's like when we persevere it's completely denying that the enemy will overpower and knowing that love, joy, peace, justice, etc. (Everything that God is) will eventually be fulfilled "Refusing to believe that our hero is going to be conquered"! But Spiritual perseverence is working hard knowing that in the end: God's will WILL BE DONE! He will never be defeated!!
"If our hopes seem to be experiencing disappointment right now, it simply means that they are being purified. Every hope or dream of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and of God. But one of the greatest stresses in life is the stress of waiting for God. He brings fulfillment, 'because you have kept My Command to ersevere...' (Rev.3:10)."
Spiritual perseverence: Be still- God's will is going to be complete. His will is also to make His love complete in me, and right now he is making me sit in a place of waiting to hear back from this job offer and to apply to jobs that are available and in accordance with what God is placing on my heart to do.
I love you and your steadfast Love, O Lord! Create in me a pure heart!! Renew a steadfast spirit within me to spiritually persevere!!!!
Monday, February 6, 2012
2/6/12
surrender
[suh-ren-der] v.1. to yield (something) to the possession or power of another;deliver up possession of on demand or under duress
2. give up, abandon, or relinquish (comfort, hope, etc.)
Yesterday a friend encouraged me. I'm starting to think about this man more and more throughout my day, and I desire to be around him more and more. It's really hard and it scares me because I'm constantly thinking about other relationships that I've been in and how this one compares/contrasts. It's almost embarrassing just typing this all out, but this is the mind of a woman, I suppose!
I thought about him a lot today, and I want to talk with him, but I refuse to text him/call him/e-mail him or ANYTHING. I've been praying for him to have wisdom and discernment, and so I'm going to trust that God is moving him to move whenever he needs to with the details of our friendship.
It was so encouraging though yesterday seeing how he sees opportunities to be with people who need Jesus. He met a guy at church yesterday and was going to spend some time with him to share his faith with this guy. That's the best "excuse" for not hanging out that I'd ever accept! It also reminded me of how I really admire that I will never be his "everything." He values the Gospel over one evening joking and laughing and talking with a girl. I love that.
My friend told me this feeling I'm experiencing- that I desire him more than I want to be desiring him right now, is a signal that this is a time of "uncomfortable surrender." Whatever God desires for this friendship is what will happen! I am learning to surrender this friendship to whatever He wants!
Life Change Week is happening at the middle school today, and I'm just so encouraged by what is happening and I'm just honored to be a part of it! I'm praying for the students and praying for a big work to be done in their lives! I want to see the bigger picture with them, that one day they will be parents, future teachers, businessmen/women, etc.!
One elementary school teacher recommended me for the 8th grade position to the administrator. I'm going to talk to the principal of the H.S. and tell him that I'm interested in the position, etc. I'm so excited and I just have a great peace about whatever happens. EVERYTHING is in the Lord's hands.
Today I was really frustrated with all the talking in class, it's really hard to teach when it's such a crazy week. it's like a Friday every day! I need more patience and discernment with how I manage the classroom.
"For you are great, you do wondrous things! You ALONE are God,
Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I might walk in your truth
Unite my heart to fear your name!"
There's this song that is just Psalm 86, and it's just so beautiful to think about that!
Also, 2 Corinth 12:8-10... It never occurred to me that when I'm weak God IS strong and is glorified!
Lord, you rejoice in my weaknesses, You love to be the strong hero! Help me to be silent with you and cultivate an undivided heart to fear your name! To see you how I need to see you right now at this moment!
I love you, Sweet Abba!
Friday, February 3, 2012
2/3/12
un·der·stand
[uhn-der-stand] n., v.1. to have knowledge or background, as on a particularsubject: He understands about boats.
Random schedules, questioning about how much time I spend with Aaron and when I'm the only girl. Lots to consider. I think that I just want a black and white thing when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex. It's soo hard to be friends with someone when you had a 12 hour 'date' with them. However, I learned last night that I really just like the idea of having a relationship with him, not necessarily HIM. I still don't know enough about him, so that's what is keeping me sane right now.
Whatever is true....
The Lord has been so good to me. I've learned so much about teaching and just about His grace. I run to him to find peace and rest... Today I cracked open Proverbs 19 because I saw a little thing on my calendar about "A man desires unfailing love." And that just sounded too good to be in the Bible, and here's the context:
20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
22 What a person desires is unfailing love[b];
better to be poor than a liar.
better to be poor than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life;
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
One study Bible says that "unfailing love" is really "loyalty" We want loyalty. That's the truth. I think God's been showing me more about my identity in Him. He is ALWAYS in love with me, but only because he is in love with His son, Jesus. No matter how I feel, no matter how I think I've done today, He still loves me unconditionally. I have definitely tried to place what I think about myself at the same level as what Christ thinks of me! How ridiculous! Colossians 1:27- the mystery: Christ in me, the HOPE of GLORY! I am glorified in Christ, I bring Him glory! If you think I'm being selfish, I feel bad for you, because you have not experienced what it is like to live in the unconditional love of the almighty God.
I think this little passage from Proverbs really sums up a lot about my life right now. Proverbs 3 says to not lean on your own understanding. God knows everything about me, and everything that will be. His purpose prevails. Fearing Him brings LIFE. I have a full life when I view God as he ought to be viewed!
So teaching today was very exhausting! I think I OVER-taught. I want to remember today for a long time, because I was so exhausted and I realized it was because I just had planned to do too much. All day I was adjusting the lessons because I needed everything to fit flawlessly in order to get all of it done, and that's just crazy! Teaching a lesson is NEVER flawless!
My supervisor had a lot of great compliments and wisdom. She said I should slow down when it comes to reading a passage- let them soak it in. I definitely needed to slow down with it, but I knew we had things to do the second hour of the day so I couldn't NOT get everything done. ahh so crazy!
But, now I know... NEVER plan that much again!! haha. I guess I won't have too much of a problem ending class too early ;)
My ct also mentioned about me teaching here, she said 'is there an opening here?' she also said that as she walked in 3 people in the office said they loved me! What a blessing :) I love when God lets you in on little secrets like that. It seriously just made my day. I really feel like I belong there. But, today is today, and while I'm student teaching I'm giving this "4 month job interview' all I've got!!
Better start planning for "The Miracle of Mod Podge!"
I love you and your steadfast love, Father. Keep it pouring down on me, Abba!
Monday, January 30, 2012
1/30/12
Word of the day:
God knows the plans he has in store for me. He has planned out my days. God plans for me to live in hope. "a hope and a future...good and not harm." Jer. 29:11. He is soo good, and why do I think I know what I need. The Lord is showing me more and more about letting Him be my rock. I am so reliant on His grace. He may be letting me hang in the air, or be tied to the tracks, but it is because He knows exactly how to rescue me. A rock is steady, firm, stable. I need to really just keep my feet planted on the rock. One day I'll think that this job is completely for me, the next moment I'm down in despair. AHH!!
School today was soo sweet! The kids were really receptive to the cupcakes. I don't want them to think I am bribing them, but I want them to know that I will put time and energy into helping them and serving them. I see these kids and I see soo much more than just a 7th grader. I hope they know that. I want them to know that I love them so deeply.
Lesson planning is actually fun! I remember when last semester in the senior class, I hated planning the lessons because I didn't enjoy what I was teaching. I seriously LOVE what I'm doing. It's not really because I'm getting a lot of glory or that I feel good doing it, I guess it's just the sense that this was what I was made to do. That God has put specific things in my life just for this. I have the opportunity to be excited about things to get the kids excited about them. Nothing great has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm!
I pray I keep the enthusiasm. I am so thankful right now...
I'm in a beautiful school
I have a wonderful cooperating teacher
I have challenges
I have joy
I have peace
I enjoy what I'm doing
I have strength
I THINK my headaches are subsiding?
I have sweet friendships
hope/hōp/ n.
|
God knows the plans he has in store for me. He has planned out my days. God plans for me to live in hope. "a hope and a future...good and not harm." Jer. 29:11. He is soo good, and why do I think I know what I need. The Lord is showing me more and more about letting Him be my rock. I am so reliant on His grace. He may be letting me hang in the air, or be tied to the tracks, but it is because He knows exactly how to rescue me. A rock is steady, firm, stable. I need to really just keep my feet planted on the rock. One day I'll think that this job is completely for me, the next moment I'm down in despair. AHH!!
School today was soo sweet! The kids were really receptive to the cupcakes. I don't want them to think I am bribing them, but I want them to know that I will put time and energy into helping them and serving them. I see these kids and I see soo much more than just a 7th grader. I hope they know that. I want them to know that I love them so deeply.
Lesson planning is actually fun! I remember when last semester in the senior class, I hated planning the lessons because I didn't enjoy what I was teaching. I seriously LOVE what I'm doing. It's not really because I'm getting a lot of glory or that I feel good doing it, I guess it's just the sense that this was what I was made to do. That God has put specific things in my life just for this. I have the opportunity to be excited about things to get the kids excited about them. Nothing great has ever been accomplished without enthusiasm!
I pray I keep the enthusiasm. I am so thankful right now...
I'm in a beautiful school
I have a wonderful cooperating teacher
I have challenges
I have joy
I have peace
I enjoy what I'm doing
I have strength
I THINK my headaches are subsiding?
I have sweet friendships
Friday, January 27, 2012
1/27/12
Word of the day:
rev·e·la·tion/ˌrevəˈlāSHən/ n.
Last night I applied for the PCS job online, and I became overwhelmed at the kind of questions they were asking me. I immediately switched into "I have to be perfect" mode and then the Lord used that man to show me that character shines brighter than a piece of paper. If this man can see my passion and love for the kids, then the people at PCS can see that too, and especially the students. Today we don't have school because of a water main break. I was sort-of bummed about not having school because I really wanted to be with the kids. That's really silly I'm sure, but it's the truth. HOWEVER. God revealed so much to me today! Last night in my talk with the man, he was telling me that when we think of God's will, sometimes we think it should be hard, and we won't get our desires because God gives what He knows is best for us. But what if his best for us is what we want?! Woah!
I asked God a serious question- Who are you?! The job at PCS just seems "too good," "too loving," and "too perfect." But He is all of those things!
I was humbled at how I was viewing God in such a way that is not who He is at all. I have neglected to see God as FIRST a Father, and then good, just, loving, kind, etc. If he is not my Father, I turn toward myself for salvation, I seek to strip away what I want and desire because that's what God wants from me. NO!!! Beloved, do not get into this trap!
I broke down and cried this morning because I was reading in Psalm 103:
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him
and in Deuteronomy 32:
10 In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
I am the child who sprinted down the hall with tears in her eyes into the open arms of the One who had been waiting for me with tears in His eyes. It feels so good to be home again.
rev·e·la·tion/ˌrevəˈlāSHən/ n.
|
Last night I applied for the PCS job online, and I became overwhelmed at the kind of questions they were asking me. I immediately switched into "I have to be perfect" mode and then the Lord used that man to show me that character shines brighter than a piece of paper. If this man can see my passion and love for the kids, then the people at PCS can see that too, and especially the students. Today we don't have school because of a water main break. I was sort-of bummed about not having school because I really wanted to be with the kids. That's really silly I'm sure, but it's the truth. HOWEVER. God revealed so much to me today! Last night in my talk with the man, he was telling me that when we think of God's will, sometimes we think it should be hard, and we won't get our desires because God gives what He knows is best for us. But what if his best for us is what we want?! Woah!
I asked God a serious question- Who are you?! The job at PCS just seems "too good," "too loving," and "too perfect." But He is all of those things!
I was humbled at how I was viewing God in such a way that is not who He is at all. I have neglected to see God as FIRST a Father, and then good, just, loving, kind, etc. If he is not my Father, I turn toward myself for salvation, I seek to strip away what I want and desire because that's what God wants from me. NO!!! Beloved, do not get into this trap!
I broke down and cried this morning because I was reading in Psalm 103:
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him
and in Deuteronomy 32:
10 In a desert land he found him,
in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded him and cared for him;
he guarded him as the apple of his eye,
I am the child who sprinted down the hall with tears in her eyes into the open arms of the One who had been waiting for me with tears in His eyes. It feels so good to be home again.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
1/23-1/25
joy [
joi] n.
1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation: She felt the joy of seeing her son's success.
2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated: Her prose style is a pure joy.
Moment of joy for the day that kept me going: Little Thomas in response to the similie "He was quiet as a_____?" "Baby... bull...frog??? I loved it so much!
It's been awhile since I've updated. I've tried to have a life after school and be with people, while going to 7th grade boys basketball games. I'm just pooped today!
Last night he went to the game with me, and it was so much fun just having someone to chat with and laugh with, then he said he owed me a coffee, we got salted caramel hot chocolates at starbucks (he even paid for my way into the basketball game... who does that?!). It was a sweet night, and they even had to kick us out of the starbucks. Every time we hang out I still think 'I just don't know what I think about this guy as a potential husband' I just want to be with him again. That's all I know for now about that.
I realized just now, that I can choose to have fun with the kids or to be a pain to the kids the whole time. How do I get them to be quiet?! Today they were working on cards for another teacher, and I wanted them to be quiet and so I was playing some music, I told them that they could listen to Lecrae if they proved it to me that they could be quiet. They succeeded. It was really sweet.
I just don't want them to "like" me. I want them to see me as their teacher. I'm praying already for Monday's class where I can really convey that I love them and I've been praying for them since last year when I applied to student teach here at PCS.
Also, I'm going to ask the principal if he would do a mock interview for me. I'm getting all of my things ready to apply. We'll see what God has in store.
He knows the plans for me, they aren't plans to fail, but I have a hope and a future with Him.
I will strive BY His grace that so powerfully works in me.
Christ IS my life. He is my joy. He has given me this portion today, and I want to recieve it with great joy, because HE IS MY PORTION!!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
1/20-1/22
Trust [truhst] n.
1. reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence.
2. confident expectation of something; hope.
I've realized the sin in my heart has been lack of trust. I know who God is- He is a God who provides grace in time of need.
Colossians 1:28-29 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
He has given me the grace that gives me a purpose- He is my life- Colossians 3:1-3- Set my mind on Him because HE IS MY LIFE, and I will appear in glory with him one day.
Why do I worry? Matthew 7 says that it would be ridiculous for a father to give his child a stone when she asked for a piece of bread, or to give a snake when she asked for a fish.
God I ask you for that job as an 8th grade teacher at PCS. If that is not the good gift you have designed for me, then I don't want it. I trust you.
Proverbs 21 1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will.
I envision all of the streams of water that you have made in my life so far, and it is crazy to see how you have moved those streams to put me in the middle of Peoria with a beautiful community of believers and so many opportunities to share you with those around me. How great you are, Lord. I trust you and your grace! I am a part of your Romance story!!
I just want to have your energy, to strive by your grace, and to live on your love this week! I'm excited to see what you are going to continue teaching me. Here I am, Lord!!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
1/19/12
e·quip (
-kwp
)
English teacher, mentor, follower, teacher of the word, lover, encourage-r, trainer, leader, director...
I do not feel equipped for any of these, and I am supposed to be all of them. This Saturday is our retreat "2:22 on 1/21" and I am doing a portion of a talk on modesty: Doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it. I'm really excited, but for some odd reason I also signed up to talk to the boys about questions they may have about girls. I have the questions they asked and I think "I don't even know why I do this, but I do!?" I have no idea how to answer them, and I'm supposed to "prepare scriptural evidence" for my answers. I do not feel equipped.
The man who asked me to coffee/dinner/lunch has been texting me more and more lately about random silly things. I absolutely love it, but hate it at the same time. Michele said that I am trying to control it and to try to make this man come on my terms: which would be not now. I want to know what his intentions are, why is he doing this, what Michele calls a "DTR" talk (Determine the Relationship for those who have not attended a christian school at ANY point in time).
She's right. I'm really being silly about all of this, but I can't help it. I don't want to invest time and then later on think "I could have invested it better." but then Michele said that's regrets and God always allows us to learn through them.
I guess I want to walk in wisdom in this friendship. yeah, that's right... FRIENDSHIP. I have already taken it to the next level without getting to know him that much. So much in my head, but this man is definitely in my head.
Here's what I do know:
He knows and loves the Lord and His word.
He has a biblical perspective on God's will.
He is a leader in the church.
He is a teacher of the word.
He is quiet, but strong in what he does say.
He can make me laugh at the drop of a hat.
He is not manly in the sense that he works out, is a super good handyman, could fix a car, or make steak.
He wants to get to know me.
There it is. That's it. I think there is a lot more that I need to know before I can clearly see what God is trying to do here.
Lord, I want to trust you. I want to be led by you. I want you to lead that man however You have it planned. I want to obey you and trust you. Give me patience, give me strength.
Psalm 121:5
The LORD watches over you --
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
Psalm 61:2c
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Oh LORD, you are such a shelter! Christ is in me, He is the one who is equipped, not I.
Guide my steps according to your word. I am humbled at your feet. I want to pour out all my best on your beautiful, worthy feet.
-kwp)tr.v. e·quipped, e·quip·ping, e·quips
1. To supply with necessities such as tools or provisions
2. To furnish with the qualities necessary for performance:
2. To furnish with the qualities necessary for performance:
English teacher, mentor, follower, teacher of the word, lover, encourage-r, trainer, leader, director...
I do not feel equipped for any of these, and I am supposed to be all of them. This Saturday is our retreat "2:22 on 1/21" and I am doing a portion of a talk on modesty: Doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it. I'm really excited, but for some odd reason I also signed up to talk to the boys about questions they may have about girls. I have the questions they asked and I think "I don't even know why I do this, but I do!?" I have no idea how to answer them, and I'm supposed to "prepare scriptural evidence" for my answers. I do not feel equipped.
The man who asked me to coffee/dinner/lunch has been texting me more and more lately about random silly things. I absolutely love it, but hate it at the same time. Michele said that I am trying to control it and to try to make this man come on my terms: which would be not now. I want to know what his intentions are, why is he doing this, what Michele calls a "DTR" talk (Determine the Relationship for those who have not attended a christian school at ANY point in time).
She's right. I'm really being silly about all of this, but I can't help it. I don't want to invest time and then later on think "I could have invested it better." but then Michele said that's regrets and God always allows us to learn through them.
I guess I want to walk in wisdom in this friendship. yeah, that's right... FRIENDSHIP. I have already taken it to the next level without getting to know him that much. So much in my head, but this man is definitely in my head.
Here's what I do know:
He knows and loves the Lord and His word.
He has a biblical perspective on God's will.
He is a leader in the church.
He is a teacher of the word.
He is quiet, but strong in what he does say.
He can make me laugh at the drop of a hat.
He is not manly in the sense that he works out, is a super good handyman, could fix a car, or make steak.
He wants to get to know me.
There it is. That's it. I think there is a lot more that I need to know before I can clearly see what God is trying to do here.
Lord, I want to trust you. I want to be led by you. I want you to lead that man however You have it planned. I want to obey you and trust you. Give me patience, give me strength.
Psalm 121:5
The LORD watches over you --
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
Psalm 61:2c
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Oh LORD, you are such a shelter! Christ is in me, He is the one who is equipped, not I.
Guide my steps according to your word. I am humbled at your feet. I want to pour out all my best on your beautiful, worthy feet.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
1/18/12
I started this blog NOT because...
I'm one of those artsy people
I love having people read about my life
I think I have something worth saying.
Just the opposite, in fact. The title of this blog comes from the end of John, when John says "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written" (21:25). It just came to me today as I locked my car up tonight to return to my cozy bed and ponder on this new journey ahead for God and me. I was wondering, what if John had the internet?! Well, I do. And even though Jesus is sitting at the right hand of our Father, I have His anointing Spirit upon me and I am experiencing those "other things" that Jesus is doing today.
I'm one of those artsy people
I love having people read about my life
I think I have something worth saying.
Just the opposite, in fact. The title of this blog comes from the end of John, when John says "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written" (21:25). It just came to me today as I locked my car up tonight to return to my cozy bed and ponder on this new journey ahead for God and me. I was wondering, what if John had the internet?! Well, I do. And even though Jesus is sitting at the right hand of our Father, I have His anointing Spirit upon me and I am experiencing those "other things" that Jesus is doing today.
Every day I want to reflect on my days of student teaching. That is why I chose the medium of blog, so that I can easily type out my ramblings.
So. To begin.
Word of the day: shack·le (sh
k
l) n.
kl) n.1. A metal fastening, usually one of a pair, for encircling and confining the ankle or wrist of a prisoner or captive; a fetter or manacle.
4. A restraint or check to action or progress.
Carl Cannon came and spoke to the kids on my first day of student teaching during chapel. He said that the difference between those in his life and the people in the students' lives were the shackles. Teachers are not shackled to the desks, we are not forced to be here. I want to remember this for the rest of my life: I am not shackled to the desk! I want to be here!! I want to help these students know what hope is. I want them to know who God is. I want them to know that I respect and love them, and they can give respect in return.
"Do not mistake affection for respect"
Second word (or I guess you could say
Ms. (mz) n. pl. Henrichs
z) n. pl. Henrichs1. Used as a courtesy title before the surname or full name of a woman or girl:
Ms. Henrichs is...
A woman who cares
A teacher who respects
NOT someone who needs more middle school friends, but is the leader these middle schoolers are looking for.
A woman who has strength powered by the Holy Spirit to have great endurance and patience, who joyfully gives thanks because she is part of the inheritance in the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:11-12)!!
I refuse to say that I will be tired all the time. I have the power of Christ with me. He is the one who gives life! HE IS LIFE!
One thing I want to do tomorrow that I didn't do today was to focus on God being with me in the classroom. It is so easy to remember because we pray before every class, but I want to make it a personal thing between God and me... He is by my side.
Amazed by the One who IS Life,
Ms. Henrichs
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