Sunday, September 24, 2006
Today's sermon at church was about change. As soon as Jamie introduced the subject, I whispered to his wife, "Great. I hate change. Its' so not easy. I think that's why God wants me here because everything is always changing, and I am never in a "comfort zone."
His sermon basically was, "No one like change. It's not easy. God brings us to places in our life to step out of our comfort zones." His wife and I started laughing (which made Jamie really nervous).
But, his main point was that if the change was God-started then it will bear fruit.
I needed to hear that. I so needed to hear that. Yesterday I was able to visit a friend from Puerto Rico who was in town for a short time for a convention. In the three hours we sat in a hot tub, talked and reminisced, I missed Puerto Rico so much! And whenever I start really missing La Isla Encanta I doubt my decision to move back-- even after 2 years.
And then there was Jamie's sermon. If the change is God-started, it will bear fruit. Has this change bore fruit? Yes. It has. Then it was God-started. There is peace in that.
On a lighter note, I am celebrating fall. I decorated my house with festive leaves and small pumpkins. The windows are cracked, and I am drinking hot apple cider. I roasted marshmallows on my stove.
I am also eating Chex Mix, which has nothing to do with fall, but I do love the Sweet and Salty Chex Mix. Although, I leave all the pretzels. I save them in a baggie for desperate snack times.
His sermon basically was, "No one like change. It's not easy. God brings us to places in our life to step out of our comfort zones." His wife and I started laughing (which made Jamie really nervous).
But, his main point was that if the change was God-started then it will bear fruit.
I needed to hear that. I so needed to hear that. Yesterday I was able to visit a friend from Puerto Rico who was in town for a short time for a convention. In the three hours we sat in a hot tub, talked and reminisced, I missed Puerto Rico so much! And whenever I start really missing La Isla Encanta I doubt my decision to move back-- even after 2 years.
And then there was Jamie's sermon. If the change is God-started, it will bear fruit. Has this change bore fruit? Yes. It has. Then it was God-started. There is peace in that.
On a lighter note, I am celebrating fall. I decorated my house with festive leaves and small pumpkins. The windows are cracked, and I am drinking hot apple cider. I roasted marshmallows on my stove.
I am also eating Chex Mix, which has nothing to do with fall, but I do love the Sweet and Salty Chex Mix. Although, I leave all the pretzels. I save them in a baggie for desperate snack times.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Even non-Christians call teaching a "calling." You can't help, but know that the good ones are called. It takes such a careful balance of personality characteristics or quirks to really make a good teacher. When some well-meaning people ask me if I ever considered "full-time ministry" I have to just smile.
Because I know what I do is ministry. I have been called. I know this with confidence. I know you have to make kids believe that there is nothing else you'd rather be doing than being with them. You have to be willing to give up your lunch to make a few kids feel special because no one else does. You have to get to school early enough to walk a few through why x doesn't always equal 4, even if you teach reading. You have to sometimes trade yelling for laughing, even if you are furious.
But I am still learning that I have to merge what I do with a sense of direct purpose. I need to be the woman, friend, student, child, sister, and teacher that God has called me to be.
Because I know what I do is ministry. I have been called. I know this with confidence. I know you have to make kids believe that there is nothing else you'd rather be doing than being with them. You have to be willing to give up your lunch to make a few kids feel special because no one else does. You have to get to school early enough to walk a few through why x doesn't always equal 4, even if you teach reading. You have to sometimes trade yelling for laughing, even if you are furious.
But I am still learning that I have to merge what I do with a sense of direct purpose. I need to be the woman, friend, student, child, sister, and teacher that God has called me to be.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Being a middle school teacher is not always easy. I am not sure I would ever call it easy actually. For many of us, middle school was an Awkward time. We didn't get along with our parents. Our fickle friends were our whole world. We were messes in so many ways. We thought our world was in a constant state of almost crumbling.
Somedays, I feel that I relive that awkwardness through my students.
Middle school teachers are hardly recognized. We are not cute like elementary teachers and not stoic enough to be high school teachers. We are louder and a bit more unruly. Our happy hours are legendary. Most of us have understand the healing power of humor and the trouble too much sarcasm can bring.
These students that I only see for three years can break my heart sometimes. I am not a good "letting go" teacher. My students are mine. Some of them I want to take home.
I know this post is so random. I can't help it. There is just so much I am thinking about, and I can't seem to express it well tonight.
Somedays, I feel that I relive that awkwardness through my students.
Middle school teachers are hardly recognized. We are not cute like elementary teachers and not stoic enough to be high school teachers. We are louder and a bit more unruly. Our happy hours are legendary. Most of us have understand the healing power of humor and the trouble too much sarcasm can bring.
These students that I only see for three years can break my heart sometimes. I am not a good "letting go" teacher. My students are mine. Some of them I want to take home.
I know this post is so random. I can't help it. There is just so much I am thinking about, and I can't seem to express it well tonight.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
I wish my house would decorate itself.
That's not true-- I just wish I had unlimited funds in which to decorate.
The house is good though, and I am happy with how is turning out. There have been quite a few "new homeowner moments." There are a few mistake holes in the wall. There is a shelf that is hung at an angle.
I bought a larger electrical outlet switchplate because I chipped a bit at the wall when removing wallpaper. I did almost cry when painting the wall, so I called a good friend who happens to paint and he came over the next day and painted. I also learned how to attach PVC pipe to my wash machine and attach the big silver hose to the back of the dryer. I have learned the importance of duct tape and putty. I remember trash pick-up is on Tuesdays and Fridays. I am trying to work on my fear of the gas stove. I have realized that manicures and pedicures need to take a temporary hiatus from my budget.
For the first two weeks, I did not have cable. I developed two embarrassing addictions. 1) Gilmore Girls-- I can't help it. 2) I bought Star Trek: The Best Time Travel episodes. It is fabulous! Wow, I am such a nerd sometimes.
I started classes again (not that I took anymore than a brief 1 month recess). Man, this semester is going to be hard. I am taking educational research, my reading practicum, and another class that I can't recall right now. I really want to drop educational research because I think the professor hates me already. All because I whispered to Joe that I liked his pants (yes, Joe and I are taking classes together). The prof. said, "Yes, they are nice. When I am talking I expect people to pay attention and listen." Later he looked at me and shook his head when I was looking at Joe in shock that he already bought the book for the class. See, he hates me.
I am so excited that tomorrow is Labor Day! I love holidays!!
That's not true-- I just wish I had unlimited funds in which to decorate.
The house is good though, and I am happy with how is turning out. There have been quite a few "new homeowner moments." There are a few mistake holes in the wall. There is a shelf that is hung at an angle.
I bought a larger electrical outlet switchplate because I chipped a bit at the wall when removing wallpaper. I did almost cry when painting the wall, so I called a good friend who happens to paint and he came over the next day and painted. I also learned how to attach PVC pipe to my wash machine and attach the big silver hose to the back of the dryer. I have learned the importance of duct tape and putty. I remember trash pick-up is on Tuesdays and Fridays. I am trying to work on my fear of the gas stove. I have realized that manicures and pedicures need to take a temporary hiatus from my budget.
For the first two weeks, I did not have cable. I developed two embarrassing addictions. 1) Gilmore Girls-- I can't help it. 2) I bought Star Trek: The Best Time Travel episodes. It is fabulous! Wow, I am such a nerd sometimes.
I started classes again (not that I took anymore than a brief 1 month recess). Man, this semester is going to be hard. I am taking educational research, my reading practicum, and another class that I can't recall right now. I really want to drop educational research because I think the professor hates me already. All because I whispered to Joe that I liked his pants (yes, Joe and I are taking classes together). The prof. said, "Yes, they are nice. When I am talking I expect people to pay attention and listen." Later he looked at me and shook his head when I was looking at Joe in shock that he already bought the book for the class. See, he hates me.
I am so excited that tomorrow is Labor Day! I love holidays!!
