I used to think I was good at being happy for others. I came face to face with my "selfish-I-don't-really-want-change-thank-you-very much" self these past few months. It makes sense because it shares a space with gratitude and contentment. At the heart of the matter of this : does God really have what's best for me ? Can I trust Him that I'm not missing out? Once again, my time spent with 5 year olds really helps in this situation ...
sometimes I wonder how much I sound like them in my head. "But I wanted that one, God." "Her life is easier than mine." (insert whiny, 5 year old voice here)
I've had plenty ...and I mean plenty-of opportunities the past 2 months to practice this "being happy for others" thing. A few times I did pretty well. Once I cried right in front of the person. And at least once I figuratively fell flat on my face and had to apologize for myself later. However, my friend was gracious and quickly forgave me. But most of the time, I'm in this little "in between" space. I have this ongoing conversation in my head between me and God or me and myself (sometimes it's hard to tell) and I don't want the other person to know my selfish, inner thoughts. Of course, I ruin that now by telling others about it:)
I got to thinking that this "comparing" is a sin, although a socially acceptable one. It makes me think of the rules I have for my kids at school...like the one about "we don't swing our bodies between the tables." And I explain that I'm not being mean, I just don 't want you to get hurt. And it's the same with us...God isn't saying "Don't compare" because he's mean. He's saying it because he loves me and wants the best for me.
I once had a mentor say "Don't feel your way to an action, but act your way to a feeling. "How true this is! Yesterday, I had another situation where someone was telling me something fortunate they were getting to do and on the inside I started whining to myself. But what came out of my mouth was "Oh, I"m so happy for you. Yay!" And it really sounded convincing. And the truth is, I really was happy for this person. I can "act my way to a feeling" in this way.
Here are a few things I've found are sure fire ways to not being content and to make the problem described above worse.
1. Spend more time than necessary on Facebook. It doesn't take long looking at pictures of people's babies or new houses before I start feeling sorry for myself.
2. Thinking that somehow someone has THE life with no worries, all desires fulfilled, etc... That's a lie! Simply not true. We're all on a journey and in a process. One of my good friends said one time "The grass might be greener on the other side of the fence, but you've still got to water , mow, and fertilize that grass."
3. Not spending time keeping track of the small, simple gifts that stack up day after day.
endless gifts
Showing posts with label teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching. Show all posts
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Pressing on to 1000
902. Joey the cat lapping up milk
903. camp fire under the stars
904. holding a baby under the night sky
905. afternoon playing games on the deck on a beautiful Sunday afternoon
906. He is bigger than "to do" lists and responsibilities
907. the "gooeyness" factor of smores
908.coconut cake
909. someone pulling up a chair to help me with an overwhelming task
910. reading in bed at night
911. a card made by a student "stickered" with love for me (probably at least 30 stickers on a 5 x 6 surface area)
912. Trader Joe's peanut butter cups
913. friend who has "been there and done that."
914. good conversations with parents of students
915. parents of my students who trust my judgement and opinion
916. Veteran's Day
917. an unexpected glimmer of hope
918. victory over temptation
919. saturday afternoon at a coffee shop
920. trick or treating children
921.sleeping in and a snuggle with the kitty
922. chocolate chip pumpkin muffins from a friend
923. new possibilities
924. a clean house that looks and smells like it
925. reflection of the stoplight on the wet pavement
926. full moon on my way home from school
927. homemade ice cream in November
928. silhouettes against a November orange sky at dusk
929. a "crafternoon" with friends at church
930. Friday night pizza
931. migraine relief
932. spaghetti sauce made by my husband
933. meeting new people and hearing their stories
934. squirrel on our deck (Joey somehow missed it, he would have gone crazy if he'd seen it!)
935. nest of birds in a near by tree
936. Saturday morning walk with my husband
937. student from last year who came to read to my class
938. new morning show on the radio
939. the choice to press on
940. extra hour of sleep
941. student who thinks "Mrs. G makes learning fun." (his words, not mine)
942. a "no plans weekend"
943. wearing favorite sweaters again
944. Monday night date
945. principals who have "got my back"
946. flowers from my husband just because (on 11.11.11 no less)
947. accidentally being called "mom" or "grandma" by a student
948. hot chocolate with friends after a hard day
949. watching "Elf" for the first time of the season
950. the food I brought to the church potluck being devoured within minutes:)
951. friends who tell you a Word they heard from the Lord that was meant just for you
952. Saturday morning breakfast at one of our favorite places
953. friends who ask questions
954. cold and windy Sunday afternoon that gives me a good excuse to stay in
955. homemade oatmeal for breakfast
956. God's clear guidance
957. favorite recipes
903. camp fire under the stars
904. holding a baby under the night sky
905. afternoon playing games on the deck on a beautiful Sunday afternoon
906. He is bigger than "to do" lists and responsibilities
907. the "gooeyness" factor of smores
908.coconut cake
909. someone pulling up a chair to help me with an overwhelming task
910. reading in bed at night
911. a card made by a student "stickered" with love for me (probably at least 30 stickers on a 5 x 6 surface area)
912. Trader Joe's peanut butter cups
913. friend who has "been there and done that."
914. good conversations with parents of students
915. parents of my students who trust my judgement and opinion
916. Veteran's Day
917. an unexpected glimmer of hope
918. victory over temptation
919. saturday afternoon at a coffee shop
920. trick or treating children
921.sleeping in and a snuggle with the kitty
922. chocolate chip pumpkin muffins from a friend
923. new possibilities
924. a clean house that looks and smells like it
925. reflection of the stoplight on the wet pavement
926. full moon on my way home from school
927. homemade ice cream in November
928. silhouettes against a November orange sky at dusk
929. a "crafternoon" with friends at church
930. Friday night pizza
931. migraine relief
932. spaghetti sauce made by my husband
933. meeting new people and hearing their stories
934. squirrel on our deck (Joey somehow missed it, he would have gone crazy if he'd seen it!)
935. nest of birds in a near by tree
936. Saturday morning walk with my husband
937. student from last year who came to read to my class
938. new morning show on the radio
939. the choice to press on
940. extra hour of sleep
941. student who thinks "Mrs. G makes learning fun." (his words, not mine)
942. a "no plans weekend"
943. wearing favorite sweaters again
944. Monday night date
945. principals who have "got my back"
946. flowers from my husband just because (on 11.11.11 no less)
947. accidentally being called "mom" or "grandma" by a student
948. hot chocolate with friends after a hard day
949. watching "Elf" for the first time of the season
950. the food I brought to the church potluck being devoured within minutes:)
951. friends who tell you a Word they heard from the Lord that was meant just for you
952. Saturday morning breakfast at one of our favorite places
953. friends who ask questions
954. cold and windy Sunday afternoon that gives me a good excuse to stay in
955. homemade oatmeal for breakfast
956. God's clear guidance
957. favorite recipes
Thursday, October 20, 2011
to 900 and beyond!
859. husband who takes the trash out
860. cold slush on my sore throat
861. inspiring computer desktop background (the Grand Tetons in the Fall)
862. the smell of fall outside
863. student who makes progress!
864. a favorite family spot (Weston Bend State Park)
865. not having to cook dinner after a full day outside
866. standing in a small town, quiet church
867. hearing a squirrel eating his nut in the tree
868. sitting on a bench, reading in the park
869. sun peeking up over the horizon as I drive to school
870. picnic under a lovely fall tree
871. KFC picnic
872. before and after pictures of a garden
873. pulling vines out of a garden
874. seeing progress
875. old houses with history
876. cupcakes with filling in the middle
877. sidewalk cafe, reading magazines, "people and dog watching"
878. old stairs that creak when you walk on them
879. rest when wearied
880. shaving an inspirational source with a friend
881. talking on the phone or in person with a friend versus text, facebook, or email
882. husband filling my car with gas
883. kitchen sink dripping to the rhythm of the music
884. neighbor running across the parking lot to help with a heavy load
885. "stockinged" feet in bed at night
886. using different voices when reading a story
887. sleeping baby
888. outstretched arms of a baby
889. Halloween oreos
890. wise and aptly spoken words from a friend
891. skittering of the leaves on the sidewalk
892. child looking up from his work long enough to say "I love you, Mrs. G"
893. child practicing independently what I've shown them
894. child with tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth in concentration
895. lesson plans done in record time
896. little girls playing "wedding" in their backyard
897. kids jumping in the leaves
898.changing clothes after school
899. hearing a friend's familiar voice
900. seeing a "mommy to be's" growing baby belly
901. organic produce delivered to my door
860. cold slush on my sore throat
861. inspiring computer desktop background (the Grand Tetons in the Fall)
862. the smell of fall outside
863. student who makes progress!
864. a favorite family spot (Weston Bend State Park)
865. not having to cook dinner after a full day outside
866. standing in a small town, quiet church
867. hearing a squirrel eating his nut in the tree
868. sitting on a bench, reading in the park
869. sun peeking up over the horizon as I drive to school
870. picnic under a lovely fall tree
871. KFC picnic
872. before and after pictures of a garden
873. pulling vines out of a garden
874. seeing progress
875. old houses with history
876. cupcakes with filling in the middle
877. sidewalk cafe, reading magazines, "people and dog watching"
878. old stairs that creak when you walk on them
879. rest when wearied
880. shaving an inspirational source with a friend
881. talking on the phone or in person with a friend versus text, facebook, or email
882. husband filling my car with gas
883. kitchen sink dripping to the rhythm of the music
884. neighbor running across the parking lot to help with a heavy load
885. "stockinged" feet in bed at night
886. using different voices when reading a story
887. sleeping baby
888. outstretched arms of a baby
889. Halloween oreos
890. wise and aptly spoken words from a friend
891. skittering of the leaves on the sidewalk
892. child looking up from his work long enough to say "I love you, Mrs. G"
893. child practicing independently what I've shown them
894. child with tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth in concentration
895. lesson plans done in record time
896. little girls playing "wedding" in their backyard
897. kids jumping in the leaves
898.changing clothes after school
899. hearing a friend's familiar voice
900. seeing a "mommy to be's" growing baby belly
901. organic produce delivered to my door
Friday, October 7, 2011
799-858
Good grief...it's been a month. Here are a handful of the "gifts" I've witnessed in the past 4 weeks.
799.listening to Mat Kearney in the morning
800.encouragement from a friend in email form
801. promise of a 3 day weekend
802. student waving and calling goodbye from the bus window ("I love you Mrs. G!")
803.school picture day and how especially nice they look
804. student who ties anothers' shoes
805. my principal's sense of humor
806. new lunch boxes
807. straightened hair
808.enthusiasm for learning in a child
809.Gilmore Girls
810. getting to talk to people who are far away
811. choosing not to be a slave to "the fear of man"
812.early morning sounds
813. not having to cook dinner
814. bear hug from my husband and all seems right in the world
815. clouds that resemble mountain peaks
816. a choice of shoes
817. crunchy pickle
818. a car accident that didn't happen
819. pumpkin spice coffee and homework oatmeal (compliments of BCG)
820. a grasshopper on my windshield
821. carrot cake cookie with cream cheese frosting
822. holding my husband's warm hand
823. spontaneous date with my husband
824. wearing my favorite hooded sweatshirt for the first time this season
825. dusty country road
826. inside jokes that I know about
827. public library
828. brakes on my car
829. fun jewelry
830. peeling paint on a farmhouse
831. a song in my heart
832. rest from a headache
833. friend with a tangible need met by God
834. making the choice to rejoice (I didn't mean to make it rhyme)
835. seeing an entire rainbow
836. hearing the marching band in the morning from across the highway
837. card in the mail
838. spying the first changing tree!
839. pumpkin spice latte on Saturday morning
840. little girl on the monkey bars and how her hair swings back and forth
841. hooray for October!
842. Friday night in the city
843. steam coming out of the vents
844. free upgrade to a king size suite
845. gelato
846. city lights from the 19th floor
847. the golden glow in the air
848. new recipe with my students that went well!
849. soft English muffins
850.student who was so excited about his mom announcing she's expecting...He kept saying the baby would be here in 7 days (instead of 7 months).
851. pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin dip with apples, and 2 bite pumpkin pies all in one day
852. being asked to make my Christmas list
853. friendly looking chrysanthemum
854. running water where I live whenever I turn on the faucet
855. black and white change from 2 weeks ago
856. home again
857. decorating for a new season
858. 2 years with my sweet husband
799.listening to Mat Kearney in the morning
800.encouragement from a friend in email form
801. promise of a 3 day weekend
802. student waving and calling goodbye from the bus window ("I love you Mrs. G!")
803.school picture day and how especially nice they look
804. student who ties anothers' shoes
805. my principal's sense of humor
806. new lunch boxes
807. straightened hair
808.enthusiasm for learning in a child
809.Gilmore Girls
810. getting to talk to people who are far away
811. choosing not to be a slave to "the fear of man"
812.early morning sounds
813. not having to cook dinner
814. bear hug from my husband and all seems right in the world
815. clouds that resemble mountain peaks
816. a choice of shoes
817. crunchy pickle
818. a car accident that didn't happen
819. pumpkin spice coffee and homework oatmeal (compliments of BCG)
820. a grasshopper on my windshield
821. carrot cake cookie with cream cheese frosting
822. holding my husband's warm hand
823. spontaneous date with my husband
824. wearing my favorite hooded sweatshirt for the first time this season
825. dusty country road
826. inside jokes that I know about
827. public library
828. brakes on my car
829. fun jewelry
830. peeling paint on a farmhouse
831. a song in my heart
832. rest from a headache
833. friend with a tangible need met by God
834. making the choice to rejoice (I didn't mean to make it rhyme)
835. seeing an entire rainbow
836. hearing the marching band in the morning from across the highway
837. card in the mail
838. spying the first changing tree!
839. pumpkin spice latte on Saturday morning
840. little girl on the monkey bars and how her hair swings back and forth
841. hooray for October!
842. Friday night in the city
843. steam coming out of the vents
844. free upgrade to a king size suite
845. gelato
846. city lights from the 19th floor
847. the golden glow in the air
848. new recipe with my students that went well!
849. soft English muffins
850.student who was so excited about his mom announcing she's expecting...He kept saying the baby would be here in 7 days (instead of 7 months).
851. pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin dip with apples, and 2 bite pumpkin pies all in one day
852. being asked to make my Christmas list
853. friendly looking chrysanthemum
854. running water where I live whenever I turn on the faucet
855. black and white change from 2 weeks ago
856. home again
857. decorating for a new season
858. 2 years with my sweet husband
Sunday, August 28, 2011
gratitude list:: #704-765
Finally reading Ann VosKamp's One Thousand Gifts (starting a new book after school has started...that's preposterous!) and I ran across this in the book that really spoke my heart:
"And blind eyes see: It's this sleuthing for the glory that shows a life gloriously...Giving thanks for one thousand things is ultimately an invitation to slow time down with weight of full attention. In this space of time and sphere, I am attentive, aware, accepting the whole of the moment, weighing it down with me all there."
704. a mother holding her baby while praying
705. watching Food Network while working out (I get a weird kind of satisfaction out of this)
706. breakfast in bed made by my husband
707. guy at the car place honoring our warranty that expired the day before
708. having more time than i thought I did
709. watching a "bride to be" at a bridal shower
710. Peace in the midst of uncertainty
711. whispers of truth
712. new recipe that is a new favorite
713. being invited by a child for her birthday dinner
714. inspirational teacher movies (and the movie marathons that ensue with Brooke)
715. a clean closet whipped into shape!
716. sunbeams
717. early morning runners
718. glow from the nightlight
719. relief from physical pain
720. rain puddles
721. not allowing discouragement to settle in
722. one full week of school under my belt
723. blueberry whole wheat pancakes
724. Sonic Thursday at school
725. child holding the door open for his friends
726. kitty on my lap while my Bible is open in front of me
727. book orders at school
728. butter toffee coffee
729. contented sighs of a baby
730. cute old lady crossing the street for church
731. opening new school supplies
732. cooler weather after extremely hot and record breaking weather
733. peace that passes understanding
734. freshly grated lemon peel
735. new basil plant
736. white tennis shoes and stiff shoe laces on my students
737. a project completed
738. being trusted with a confidence
739. desperate mews of Joey the cat locked outside
740. concerned friends
741. conversation with our pastor
742. how moving furniture transforms a room
743. "dinner to go" on the first day of school
744. mango salsa
745. first day of school flowers from my husband
746. relief of a stomachache
747. feeling rested
748. city skyline at Twilight
749. trying new food from a different culture
750. my students catching onto routine
751. sitting in a plush recliner in a movie theatre (I highly recommend the "Cinema Suites" at the Power and Light district...so much fun!)
752. baby turtles
753. fun date night with my husband
754. listening to Disney soundtracks from days gone by (those days when I used to sing with my "finger microphone")
755. cattails waving in the golden morning glow on the side of the road
756. Nutella on an English muffin for breakfast
757. husband's haircut that he did himself (and it looks great!)
758. kitty lying on a slice of afternoon sun on our bedroom floor
759. reading the newspaper on a Sunday afternoon
760. cooking with my husband
761. listening to opera while eating Italian food
762. flour on my cheek while baking cookies
763. perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (the secret seems to be oatmeal that has been in the food processor til it's fine like flour)
764. new sheets on the bed
765. no wrinkles
"And blind eyes see: It's this sleuthing for the glory that shows a life gloriously...Giving thanks for one thousand things is ultimately an invitation to slow time down with weight of full attention. In this space of time and sphere, I am attentive, aware, accepting the whole of the moment, weighing it down with me all there."
704. a mother holding her baby while praying
705. watching Food Network while working out (I get a weird kind of satisfaction out of this)
706. breakfast in bed made by my husband
707. guy at the car place honoring our warranty that expired the day before
708. having more time than i thought I did
709. watching a "bride to be" at a bridal shower
710. Peace in the midst of uncertainty
711. whispers of truth
712. new recipe that is a new favorite
713. being invited by a child for her birthday dinner
714. inspirational teacher movies (and the movie marathons that ensue with Brooke)
715. a clean closet whipped into shape!
716. sunbeams
717. early morning runners
718. glow from the nightlight
719. relief from physical pain
720. rain puddles
721. not allowing discouragement to settle in
722. one full week of school under my belt
723. blueberry whole wheat pancakes
724. Sonic Thursday at school
725. child holding the door open for his friends
726. kitty on my lap while my Bible is open in front of me
727. book orders at school
728. butter toffee coffee
729. contented sighs of a baby
730. cute old lady crossing the street for church
731. opening new school supplies
732. cooler weather after extremely hot and record breaking weather
733. peace that passes understanding
734. freshly grated lemon peel
735. new basil plant
736. white tennis shoes and stiff shoe laces on my students
737. a project completed
738. being trusted with a confidence
739. desperate mews of Joey the cat locked outside
740. concerned friends
741. conversation with our pastor
742. how moving furniture transforms a room
743. "dinner to go" on the first day of school
744. mango salsa
745. first day of school flowers from my husband
746. relief of a stomachache
747. feeling rested
748. city skyline at Twilight
749. trying new food from a different culture
750. my students catching onto routine
751. sitting in a plush recliner in a movie theatre (I highly recommend the "Cinema Suites" at the Power and Light district...so much fun!)
752. baby turtles
753. fun date night with my husband
754. listening to Disney soundtracks from days gone by (those days when I used to sing with my "finger microphone")
755. cattails waving in the golden morning glow on the side of the road
756. Nutella on an English muffin for breakfast
757. husband's haircut that he did himself (and it looks great!)
758. kitty lying on a slice of afternoon sun on our bedroom floor
759. reading the newspaper on a Sunday afternoon
760. cooking with my husband
761. listening to opera while eating Italian food
762. flour on my cheek while baking cookies
763. perfect oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (the secret seems to be oatmeal that has been in the food processor til it's fine like flour)
764. new sheets on the bed
765. no wrinkles
Thursday, May 5, 2011
#456 and on and on and on
456. working windshield wipers
457. sweet potato friends, olive oil, and rosemary
458. Seeing one of my sweet students reunited with her mom after a month of not seeing her...I was in tears and swallowing all kinds of lumps in my throat. I've walked this hard road with this little girl the past month and it's been so heart wrenching but it was rewarding to see her joy today!
459. my husband's excitement over his new birthday gift
460. having an apartment full of people that I have "history" with
461. a crayon "masterpiece" by a 2 year old
462. the sky after it rains
463. God using me in the right place at the right time
464. witnessing someone open the card I made them and seeing their face light up
465. a two day break
466. the connection we have with the Father...I can talk to Him anytime! I take that for granted.
467. a laugh with coworkers at 7:30 am
468. hearing someone's story of their walk with the Lord
469. homemade-ish rolls (love Rhodes rolls!)
470. that Thursday afternoon mantra..."One more day, one more day..."
471. knowing I was made for more than this
472. hearing my favorite new song on the radio ("Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher)
473. mexican food on cinco de mayo
474. notes written from moms in kids' lunchboxes
475. being missed
476. rare card making time after school
477. my Michael Buble pandora station
478. a fabulous selection on etsy! One click=awesome and personal gift
457. sweet potato friends, olive oil, and rosemary
458. Seeing one of my sweet students reunited with her mom after a month of not seeing her...I was in tears and swallowing all kinds of lumps in my throat. I've walked this hard road with this little girl the past month and it's been so heart wrenching but it was rewarding to see her joy today!
459. my husband's excitement over his new birthday gift
460. having an apartment full of people that I have "history" with
461. a crayon "masterpiece" by a 2 year old
462. the sky after it rains
463. God using me in the right place at the right time
464. witnessing someone open the card I made them and seeing their face light up
465. a two day break
466. the connection we have with the Father...I can talk to Him anytime! I take that for granted.
467. a laugh with coworkers at 7:30 am
468. hearing someone's story of their walk with the Lord
469. homemade-ish rolls (love Rhodes rolls!)
470. that Thursday afternoon mantra..."One more day, one more day..."
471. knowing I was made for more than this
472. hearing my favorite new song on the radio ("Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher)
473. mexican food on cinco de mayo
474. notes written from moms in kids' lunchboxes
475. being missed
476. rare card making time after school
477. my Michael Buble pandora station
478. a fabulous selection on etsy! One click=awesome and personal gift
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Lessons from the Pit...
my "love pit" that is. He continues hands down to be the most energy sapping student I've ever had (I'd like to hope that i will ever have but i know that would be wishful thinking).
If I received a dollar for every time he argued with me or threw a fit about something, I would be able to stop teaching and start a non-profit organization (I might call it "Coalition Against Arguing Children). Or maybe I would be less altruistic and buy fun things .But either way...
However much this child amazes me with the new levels of "ridiculousness" he achieves, one thing is for sure: God is making good on His promise to work all things good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). I have learned more about God's character, grace, and love for me through this one child than I have through any other child in the past 7 years.
Yesterday we were talking and he was mad at me about something. He said something like "If I were the teacher, I would be nice." Instead of getting mad and wanting to foolishly defend myself to a very unreasonable 6 year old, I felt the Spirit calm me and what came out of my mouth was something like "Well sometimes good teachers need to say 'no' and have rules." The bottom line with him is this: He doesn't think I have the best in mind for him. He thinks I want to keep good things from him. Even after 8 months of being (sometimes patient) with him, he still thinks I am against him.
Here's the realization that came to me this week (rather the Spirit brought to me) as i was getting ready for school one morning. I was talking with Bob about our recent small group study at church on Romans 12 (with Chip Ingram...I highly recommend it!) and discussing what I'd concluded about surrendering to God. We can try to keep so many parts of our lives from Him...and we think we're helping ourselves. "You can take this...but not this. I want the control here because I know best God. It's not like you created the world or planned salvation or anything like that." What feels like loss and letting go feels like death to us when really it's LIFE at it's fullest. I've been trying to argue with God about what is best (maybe not argue...just having a lot of thoughts float around in my head, asking a lot of hard questions, and saying things like "But I don't see how this can't be part of your plan for me right now". Please don't get me wrong, I'm all about processing things with God and having doubts and know He's big enough for that, however it seems to have become a theme lately and I'm sure how good that is. Job 38 is the ultimate "put you in your place" passage for sure.)
I really think the root of it is this: I don't think he has the best in mind for me. I keep thinking he wants to keep his best from me. When nothing could be farther from the truth. Even after 18 years of walking with the Lord, I still doubt His love for me. I still doubt that he's the most loving parent there ever was. I still forget the paradox that not always getting what you want is often the most loving thing. I still am very near sighted as far as my spiritual vision is concerned. I barely look past my own life. Nobody wants better for me than Him.
BAM! "Maybe you and the love pit have more in common than you think." Yikes, Lord!
" 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. " (Romans 12:1)
I don't offer my life as a sacrifice and surrender to him to repay him for what he's done...I do it "in view of God's mercy"...it's my response to His goodness and what he's done.
And the really funny thing about it is that He knows I'm not going to get it right and I know I'm not always going to get it right. (this is another way of His grace I know) But surrendering the things that I think are best is the only way I'm going to know Him fully and have the kind of Kingdom life that He promises.
"Sometimes a good God needs to say no and give you something better instead."
So I will just do what I remember doing when I was little after crying myself silly about something (most likely not getting my way about something)....after the hiccups leave, just get up, heave a sigh, and say "Okay, okay."
Eventually, my love pit did what I asked (I often say to him "Can you do it---follow directions--even though it's hard?") I don't know if he finally "saw the light" and understood I really was on his side and wanted the best for him (I highly doubt this) or if he just knew that was the quickest way to move on with his day. But I do know that God is using this precious little guy to teach me in a practical way how this sometimes whiny, "all knowing" Child of His is so in need of Him. And to get up once again, heave a sigh, and say "Okay, okay. You get the big picture and I don't. You love me beyond what I will ever understand and you make good on your promises. I can trust You (even when it's hard.)"
If I received a dollar for every time he argued with me or threw a fit about something, I would be able to stop teaching and start a non-profit organization (I might call it "Coalition Against Arguing Children). Or maybe I would be less altruistic and buy fun things .But either way...
However much this child amazes me with the new levels of "ridiculousness" he achieves, one thing is for sure: God is making good on His promise to work all things good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). I have learned more about God's character, grace, and love for me through this one child than I have through any other child in the past 7 years.
Yesterday we were talking and he was mad at me about something. He said something like "If I were the teacher, I would be nice." Instead of getting mad and wanting to foolishly defend myself to a very unreasonable 6 year old, I felt the Spirit calm me and what came out of my mouth was something like "Well sometimes good teachers need to say 'no' and have rules." The bottom line with him is this: He doesn't think I have the best in mind for him. He thinks I want to keep good things from him. Even after 8 months of being (sometimes patient) with him, he still thinks I am against him.
Here's the realization that came to me this week (rather the Spirit brought to me) as i was getting ready for school one morning. I was talking with Bob about our recent small group study at church on Romans 12 (with Chip Ingram...I highly recommend it!) and discussing what I'd concluded about surrendering to God. We can try to keep so many parts of our lives from Him...and we think we're helping ourselves. "You can take this...but not this. I want the control here because I know best God. It's not like you created the world or planned salvation or anything like that." What feels like loss and letting go feels like death to us when really it's LIFE at it's fullest. I've been trying to argue with God about what is best (maybe not argue...just having a lot of thoughts float around in my head, asking a lot of hard questions, and saying things like "But I don't see how this can't be part of your plan for me right now". Please don't get me wrong, I'm all about processing things with God and having doubts and know He's big enough for that, however it seems to have become a theme lately and I'm sure how good that is. Job 38 is the ultimate "put you in your place" passage for sure.)
I really think the root of it is this: I don't think he has the best in mind for me. I keep thinking he wants to keep his best from me. When nothing could be farther from the truth. Even after 18 years of walking with the Lord, I still doubt His love for me. I still doubt that he's the most loving parent there ever was. I still forget the paradox that not always getting what you want is often the most loving thing. I still am very near sighted as far as my spiritual vision is concerned. I barely look past my own life. Nobody wants better for me than Him.
BAM! "Maybe you and the love pit have more in common than you think." Yikes, Lord!
" 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. " (Romans 12:1)
I don't offer my life as a sacrifice and surrender to him to repay him for what he's done...I do it "in view of God's mercy"...it's my response to His goodness and what he's done.
And the really funny thing about it is that He knows I'm not going to get it right and I know I'm not always going to get it right. (this is another way of His grace I know) But surrendering the things that I think are best is the only way I'm going to know Him fully and have the kind of Kingdom life that He promises.
"Sometimes a good God needs to say no and give you something better instead."
So I will just do what I remember doing when I was little after crying myself silly about something (most likely not getting my way about something)....after the hiccups leave, just get up, heave a sigh, and say "Okay, okay."
Eventually, my love pit did what I asked (I often say to him "Can you do it---follow directions--even though it's hard?") I don't know if he finally "saw the light" and understood I really was on his side and wanted the best for him (I highly doubt this) or if he just knew that was the quickest way to move on with his day. But I do know that God is using this precious little guy to teach me in a practical way how this sometimes whiny, "all knowing" Child of His is so in need of Him. And to get up once again, heave a sigh, and say "Okay, okay. You get the big picture and I don't. You love me beyond what I will ever understand and you make good on your promises. I can trust You (even when it's hard.)"
Saturday, March 5, 2011
long overdue stories
thought I should update with some school stories...
The other day one of my students was found skipping down the hall saying "The book fairy's here...the book fairy's here." (he had just visited the book fair)
One of my little girls wrote in her "learnal" (journal) the other day:" I mist Mrs. G so mush the othr day. Thn i lookt in my BEE bindr and saw her pictur. Thn I was happy agin." (translation: I missed Mrs. G so much the other day. Then I looked in my BEE binder and saw her picture. Then I was happy again.) I had tears welling in my eyes when she read it to me. They were threatening to spill over. She was writing about the day where I was gone with a migraine. She is so thoughtful. This is the same little girl who asked me last week how my finger was healing about cutting it with a knife while washing dishes, wrote me a "thank you" note for buying things for the classroom with my own money, wrote in her learnal about wanting to be my facebook friend but her mom said "no",and who in general is wise and thoughtful beyond her 6 years. I haven't met many kindergartners with the level of compassion and sensitivity she has. I want a little girl of my own like this.
Speaking of buying things for the classroom, I've tried to be better about this and Bob is so funny and has a line in the budget for school supplies for me:) Anyway, we were running low on playdough in the classroom (I still accept donations!)--which is especially great for indoor recess! My kids asked me if I'd get more and I said "Mr. Bob won't let me ... I spend too much money on school." I said this jokingly (and I did confess to Bob when I got home that I made him the "bad guy" in the situation. He just laughed about it) but my kids took me seriously like they always do. I finally did buy more playdough this past week and there was quite the commotion about that. I overheard one of my students telling another: "Mr. Bob let Mrs. G buy more playdough!" I smiled to myself.
One of my students (she's my "Junie B.") said to her mom when I told my kids I was going to the dentist "Mrs. G's teeth are dirty...the dentist had to clean them up." I also told her earlier that day that i loved her shoes and if she thought her mom could get me some in her size. She told her mom that night they needed to get me some too.
Posted part of this on facebook, but left out a few details. I was playing basketball at recess with my newest student, who happens to have skin the color of creamy chocolate. She is so cute! (I really want a black baby.) Anyway, this girl can dribble a basketball like no one's business. She dribbles circles around me, dribbles backwards, dribbles on one foot while hopping, etc... I asked her how she got so good (she took pity on me and was trying to teach me to be a better dribbler I guess) and she replied "I been practicin wid my homies." I had to turn away when I laughed about it. She was so serious about it. I wanted to ask who her "homies" were, but figured it was where she used to live.
My "love pit" was not happy with me on Valentine's Day. I had been very firm with him that morning and not given him an inch (because he'll take 3 miles) and he "threatened" me by saying "Mrs. G, if you're nice to me, I'll give you a Valentine." I replied by saying "Well, if you make good choices today, you're welcome to participate in our Valentine's party." That put him in his place pretty quickly.
Hope you enjoyed!
The other day one of my students was found skipping down the hall saying "The book fairy's here...the book fairy's here." (he had just visited the book fair)
One of my little girls wrote in her "learnal" (journal) the other day:" I mist Mrs. G so mush the othr day. Thn i lookt in my BEE bindr and saw her pictur. Thn I was happy agin." (translation: I missed Mrs. G so much the other day. Then I looked in my BEE binder and saw her picture. Then I was happy again.) I had tears welling in my eyes when she read it to me. They were threatening to spill over. She was writing about the day where I was gone with a migraine. She is so thoughtful. This is the same little girl who asked me last week how my finger was healing about cutting it with a knife while washing dishes, wrote me a "thank you" note for buying things for the classroom with my own money, wrote in her learnal about wanting to be my facebook friend but her mom said "no",and who in general is wise and thoughtful beyond her 6 years. I haven't met many kindergartners with the level of compassion and sensitivity she has. I want a little girl of my own like this.
Speaking of buying things for the classroom, I've tried to be better about this and Bob is so funny and has a line in the budget for school supplies for me:) Anyway, we were running low on playdough in the classroom (I still accept donations!)--which is especially great for indoor recess! My kids asked me if I'd get more and I said "Mr. Bob won't let me ... I spend too much money on school." I said this jokingly (and I did confess to Bob when I got home that I made him the "bad guy" in the situation. He just laughed about it) but my kids took me seriously like they always do. I finally did buy more playdough this past week and there was quite the commotion about that. I overheard one of my students telling another: "Mr. Bob let Mrs. G buy more playdough!" I smiled to myself.
One of my students (she's my "Junie B.") said to her mom when I told my kids I was going to the dentist "Mrs. G's teeth are dirty...the dentist had to clean them up." I also told her earlier that day that i loved her shoes and if she thought her mom could get me some in her size. She told her mom that night they needed to get me some too.
Posted part of this on facebook, but left out a few details. I was playing basketball at recess with my newest student, who happens to have skin the color of creamy chocolate. She is so cute! (I really want a black baby.) Anyway, this girl can dribble a basketball like no one's business. She dribbles circles around me, dribbles backwards, dribbles on one foot while hopping, etc... I asked her how she got so good (she took pity on me and was trying to teach me to be a better dribbler I guess) and she replied "I been practicin wid my homies." I had to turn away when I laughed about it. She was so serious about it. I wanted to ask who her "homies" were, but figured it was where she used to live.
My "love pit" was not happy with me on Valentine's Day. I had been very firm with him that morning and not given him an inch (because he'll take 3 miles) and he "threatened" me by saying "Mrs. G, if you're nice to me, I'll give you a Valentine." I replied by saying "Well, if you make good choices today, you're welcome to participate in our Valentine's party." That put him in his place pretty quickly.
Hope you enjoyed!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Time: Nemesis or a Gift?
I've concluded that time is my nemesis. I looked it up and it fits me and my relationship with time to a T: "Something a person cannot conquer or achieve" or "an opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome." No matter what I do...I feel like I'm always checking my watch or wishing I had left 10 minutes sooner or setting another clock ahead 5 minutes in an attempt to be "on time." Story of my life. If I had a dollar for every time I've set a clock forward 5 minutes so I could be on time, I could quit my job and start a non-profit organization. (see: exaggeration) But really, this happens a lot.
But really, where did this obsession with time come from? I feel if I could purchase an extra hour in the day, I would seriously consider it. But why...so I can accomplish more? So I can work even harder? So I can enjoy life more? I'm sure if my time increased my "to-do" list would as well.
This is eerily beginning to sound like the book of Ecclesiastes....maybe I will turn there for wisdom. (Before breaking out into "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds...my dad would be proud!)
This stands out to me...
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end" (3:11) I will not even pretend to really get the second part of that verse (I was tempted to just add an ellipses there after "hearts," but thought better. I know that the Bible is best read in context. And even a verse quoted is often sorely out of context. )
And then there's the oft quoted Ecclesiastes vs. 1-8 which begins with "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
Time for me is a performance and a "recovering perfectionist" issue (some days I'm more recovering than others...some days I go on a "perfectionist binge" and then I think "What am I doing? This is not okay and not what I was made for." ) Time for me (in my flesh) is a chance to prove just how efficient, organized, and sadly, sometimes "Super Christian" I really can be.
What if that's not what time is really about? What is time isn't about how many things I can cross of my list or how many projects I can fit in or how far I can get in a given amount of time? What if time is really just a grace gift? We're not guaranteed any certain amount of time on Earth (although I do know my time has no limits in heaven...can't quite wrap my brain around that one)
It's funny...on my snow days(and the blessed summer time) from school-you know, when time seems frozen (pardon the pun), time and I get along so much better. Time and I are not enemies anymore...we're more like acquaintances or even neighbors who exchange recipes. I have time to turn around. And time to pee without worrying if I'll be late to pick up my kids from music. I say to myself at times that a "murphy's law" principle of time would be: "I'll use up whatever time I've given." And it's true. Whether i get up at 4:30 or 5:00 on a school day, I never look around looking for something to do as I get ready for my day-for that moment at 8:37 each morning when 20 little faces speed down the hallways (similar to the "running of the bulls in Spain" I'm convinced) whether I'm ready or not. Without even realizing it, I am subconsciously making decisions about what is important and what is not as important in order to "use my time wisely."
I look again at Ecclesiastes 3 vs. 1-8 and it seems that "a time (to keep and a time to lose)" is speaking more in terms of seasonally in one's life. Not in a mathematical time sort of way ("you have 3 years, 5 months, and 2 days to keep this." )
I guess time really is a grace gift. We don't really know how much it's going to be or how long a certain season will last. And maybe the setting forward of my clocks so I'm not late places is a way I'm trying to cheat time. I guess I need to stop looking at time like an enemy to cheat or conquer, but a gift to receive.
But really, where did this obsession with time come from? I feel if I could purchase an extra hour in the day, I would seriously consider it. But why...so I can accomplish more? So I can work even harder? So I can enjoy life more? I'm sure if my time increased my "to-do" list would as well.
This is eerily beginning to sound like the book of Ecclesiastes....maybe I will turn there for wisdom. (Before breaking out into "Turn, Turn, Turn" by the Byrds...my dad would be proud!)
This stands out to me...
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can’t find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end" (3:11) I will not even pretend to really get the second part of that verse (I was tempted to just add an ellipses there after "hearts," but thought better. I know that the Bible is best read in context. And even a verse quoted is often sorely out of context. )
And then there's the oft quoted Ecclesiastes vs. 1-8 which begins with "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
Time for me is a performance and a "recovering perfectionist" issue (some days I'm more recovering than others...some days I go on a "perfectionist binge" and then I think "What am I doing? This is not okay and not what I was made for." ) Time for me (in my flesh) is a chance to prove just how efficient, organized, and sadly, sometimes "Super Christian" I really can be.
What if that's not what time is really about? What is time isn't about how many things I can cross of my list or how many projects I can fit in or how far I can get in a given amount of time? What if time is really just a grace gift? We're not guaranteed any certain amount of time on Earth (although I do know my time has no limits in heaven...can't quite wrap my brain around that one)
It's funny...on my snow days(and the blessed summer time) from school-you know, when time seems frozen (pardon the pun), time and I get along so much better. Time and I are not enemies anymore...we're more like acquaintances or even neighbors who exchange recipes. I have time to turn around. And time to pee without worrying if I'll be late to pick up my kids from music. I say to myself at times that a "murphy's law" principle of time would be: "I'll use up whatever time I've given." And it's true. Whether i get up at 4:30 or 5:00 on a school day, I never look around looking for something to do as I get ready for my day-for that moment at 8:37 each morning when 20 little faces speed down the hallways (similar to the "running of the bulls in Spain" I'm convinced) whether I'm ready or not. Without even realizing it, I am subconsciously making decisions about what is important and what is not as important in order to "use my time wisely."
I look again at Ecclesiastes 3 vs. 1-8 and it seems that "a time (to keep and a time to lose)" is speaking more in terms of seasonally in one's life. Not in a mathematical time sort of way ("you have 3 years, 5 months, and 2 days to keep this." )
I guess time really is a grace gift. We don't really know how much it's going to be or how long a certain season will last. And maybe the setting forward of my clocks so I'm not late places is a way I'm trying to cheat time. I guess I need to stop looking at time like an enemy to cheat or conquer, but a gift to receive.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
#251 and beyond
So typing is a little hard right now (as I cut my finger pretty good last night on a knife while doing dishes), we'll see how far I can go...
251. half days off of school so I can go to a 20 minute doctor's appointment. I got a nap out of it with Joey the cat!
252. being a kindergarten teacher on Valentine's day (how can you not feel loved with chocolate and cards?)
253. my sister's boyfriend writing a song and singing it for her...it really wasn't cheesy at all actually!
254. the pointer finger on my dominant hand...it does so much in an average day!
255. students who rub off my rough edges
256. my teacher friend who brought me sour patch kids (one of my favorite sour candies) one day to cheer me up after a rough day before
257. students who ask me"What's wrong with you Mrs. G? Are you sick?" when I tell them I'll be gone in the afternoon.
258. getting 2 hand written notes in the mail today
259. chapter to read for free from Ann Voskamp's new book
260. snow and slush melting off the fields and from the "mountains" in parking lots (never mind that the Farmer's Almanac predicts another blizzard much like the "Groundhog Day" one the end of February...)
261. breakfast in bed
262. pink shoes on a gray day
263. highs in the 60s and 70s in February
264. outdoor recess and the sound of balls bouncing
265. five years olds and hula hoops
266. popcicles on a sore throat
267. my husband who anticipates my needs
268. the worship and visual arts team at my church and the little things they do that enhance our worship experience
269. gift cards in the mail...thanks mom and dad!
270. being trusted
271; studying God's Word and application with a good friend
272. breakfast date at Ginger Sue's in Liberty
273. antique stores...if only something being old actually made it less expensive in this case! I could spend days antique shopping.
274. town squares
275. creating something I know others will love
276. my funny husband who bought me a Valentine's Day card that meows...he gets me! (every time Joey the cat hears it, he comes running)
What is something you are thankful for today? An "endless gift?" A blessing from above. Nothing is too small...
251. half days off of school so I can go to a 20 minute doctor's appointment. I got a nap out of it with Joey the cat!
252. being a kindergarten teacher on Valentine's day (how can you not feel loved with chocolate and cards?)
253. my sister's boyfriend writing a song and singing it for her...it really wasn't cheesy at all actually!
254. the pointer finger on my dominant hand...it does so much in an average day!
255. students who rub off my rough edges
256. my teacher friend who brought me sour patch kids (one of my favorite sour candies) one day to cheer me up after a rough day before
257. students who ask me"What's wrong with you Mrs. G? Are you sick?" when I tell them I'll be gone in the afternoon.
258. getting 2 hand written notes in the mail today
259. chapter to read for free from Ann Voskamp's new book
260. snow and slush melting off the fields and from the "mountains" in parking lots (never mind that the Farmer's Almanac predicts another blizzard much like the "Groundhog Day" one the end of February...)
261. breakfast in bed
262. pink shoes on a gray day
263. highs in the 60s and 70s in February
264. outdoor recess and the sound of balls bouncing
265. five years olds and hula hoops
266. popcicles on a sore throat
267. my husband who anticipates my needs
268. the worship and visual arts team at my church and the little things they do that enhance our worship experience
269. gift cards in the mail...thanks mom and dad!
270. being trusted
271; studying God's Word and application with a good friend
272. breakfast date at Ginger Sue's in Liberty
273. antique stores...if only something being old actually made it less expensive in this case! I could spend days antique shopping.
274. town squares
275. creating something I know others will love
276. my funny husband who bought me a Valentine's Day card that meows...he gets me! (every time Joey the cat hears it, he comes running)
What is something you are thankful for today? An "endless gift?" A blessing from above. Nothing is too small...
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Grace whispers
So today was not the best of days at school for me. A lot of really little pesky things that my flesh didn't like...just kind of mixed together to make one large batch of "Grumpy Mrs. G." I didn't feel in control about a lot of things. Parents blatantly ignoring my requests.(I don't care what color the icing is on the birthday cupcakes...no cupcakes means please no cupcakes...if you want to supervise 20 five and six year olds with the cupcakes for 20 minutes, armed with wet wipes while I leave the room for a little bit, be my guest. Seriously.) My students have been acting like crazy people...but really, can I blame them when we went to school what seemed hardly any this last month? My "love pit" has now been replaced by an "energy pit." This other student just sucks the life right out of me. One of my students touched another student's "pee pee" during center time.(2 more phone calls I get to make tonight to talk to two sets of parents) Other people's actions that I interpret as inconsiderate...when really, they probably just don't know better. Hardly had time to pee. No plan time today because I had a meeting. But nothing life-altering happened. My words that I often say to others "If that's the worse thing that happens today, it will be a good day" come to haunt me at moments like this. And that's a healthy dose of perspective for you.
But as I was driving home I was thinking about an exchange with one of my students today that made me smile and wince internally all at the same time. It will most likely be on my thankful list next week. I know she doesn't have a lot at home and she's the youngest of 3 sisters. She's the kind of little girl I just want to take home with me...she seems neglected at times. Anyway, she mentioned to me during indoor recess (when I had 40 kids in my room) "Hey Mrs. G, do you have any extra valentines?...I don't think my mom will get me any." I retrieved her a box from my closet (there were at least 30 boxes in there...they were there when I went through the closet 2.5 years ago. I kept them because I figured I would feel badly throwing them out. Anyone else want some? Come and get yours too) You would have thought I gave her tickets to a Justin Beiber concert. She thanked me no less than 5 times this afternoon and gave me a hug each time. The thing is...she's one of those students whom I love (I say I love all my students but some of them are easier to like than others)...but who gets under my skin really easily. And I know she's there to chip away at some of those rough edges I have ... impatience, pride, need for control...you name it, I probably have a need to get rid of it. I know it sounds so ugly, but she can really annoy me at times even though she's extremely precious. And I hate admitting that. But it's true and I try to be truthful on here. I'm sure you've figured out why this entire exchange made me smile...maybe you're starting to see why it made me wince too. She loves me with such loving abandon...and I get annoyed that I have to tell her 5 times in 20 minutes to sit "criss cross applesauce" so others can see behind her. She loves me with no strings attached...and I get annoyed that she's off task once again. I guess she was rubbing off another one of those rough edges I have...thank you Jesus for putting that sweet little girl in my class. I'm sorry for being so "me" focused. I get so impatient with this whole "transformation process" thing. I just want to snap my fingers and be Christ-like yesterday. I get weary from this nagging humanity. But then I hear a whisper...it's Grace I know. That His love for me is not dependent on my actions. And that it takes time to change from building "my kingdom" to building "His kingdom." And His Holy Spirit resides in me to take note of when change or action in needed.
"...being strengthened by all power, according to His glorious might, so that you may have great patience and endurance, giving thanks joyfully to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance with his holy people in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:11-12 (my verses I'm memorizing this week...the plan is to memorize the book this year...never say never)
So thank you Jesus for whispering Grace to me when I needed it. I guess that's the beauty of memorizing His Word...it comes to mind or becomes almost natural after while (not that walking in the Light is ever really natural).
But as I was driving home I was thinking about an exchange with one of my students today that made me smile and wince internally all at the same time. It will most likely be on my thankful list next week. I know she doesn't have a lot at home and she's the youngest of 3 sisters. She's the kind of little girl I just want to take home with me...she seems neglected at times. Anyway, she mentioned to me during indoor recess (when I had 40 kids in my room) "Hey Mrs. G, do you have any extra valentines?...I don't think my mom will get me any." I retrieved her a box from my closet (there were at least 30 boxes in there...they were there when I went through the closet 2.5 years ago. I kept them because I figured I would feel badly throwing them out. Anyone else want some? Come and get yours too) You would have thought I gave her tickets to a Justin Beiber concert. She thanked me no less than 5 times this afternoon and gave me a hug each time. The thing is...she's one of those students whom I love (I say I love all my students but some of them are easier to like than others)...but who gets under my skin really easily. And I know she's there to chip away at some of those rough edges I have ... impatience, pride, need for control...you name it, I probably have a need to get rid of it. I know it sounds so ugly, but she can really annoy me at times even though she's extremely precious. And I hate admitting that. But it's true and I try to be truthful on here. I'm sure you've figured out why this entire exchange made me smile...maybe you're starting to see why it made me wince too. She loves me with such loving abandon...and I get annoyed that I have to tell her 5 times in 20 minutes to sit "criss cross applesauce" so others can see behind her. She loves me with no strings attached...and I get annoyed that she's off task once again. I guess she was rubbing off another one of those rough edges I have...thank you Jesus for putting that sweet little girl in my class. I'm sorry for being so "me" focused. I get so impatient with this whole "transformation process" thing. I just want to snap my fingers and be Christ-like yesterday. I get weary from this nagging humanity. But then I hear a whisper...it's Grace I know. That His love for me is not dependent on my actions. And that it takes time to change from building "my kingdom" to building "His kingdom." And His Holy Spirit resides in me to take note of when change or action in needed.
"...being strengthened by all power, according to His glorious might, so that you may have great patience and endurance, giving thanks joyfully to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance with his holy people in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:11-12 (my verses I'm memorizing this week...the plan is to memorize the book this year...never say never)
So thank you Jesus for whispering Grace to me when I needed it. I guess that's the beauty of memorizing His Word...it comes to mind or becomes almost natural after while (not that walking in the Light is ever really natural).
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
#237-250
237. sharing cosmic brownies with Dawn at school from the leftover snack basket...because "if you eat half, it doesn't count."
238.how using Ivory dishwashing soap in the kitchen makes me think of my Mamaw and Papaw's house in Georgia (and washing dishes with them when I was little...and how much fun I thought it was!)
239. the peace I gain from an afternoon of crafting and creating
240. sharing the blizzard with our neighbor and friend with a movie we'd never heard of before and tortilla soup
241. new recipes and when they turn out like I hoped they would
242. so thankful that the shower didn't break on a day I had school!
243. the heated corn sack (that my friend BJ made me) that lies at my feet each night when I got to bed
244. renewed relationships
245. my school friend Janie popping in to my classroom to say good morning and good bye everyday
246. joey the cat being entertained by a pen for at least 10 minutes
247. the blizzard imposed "snowcation" and how it's a perfect excuse for staying inside like a little hermit crab and cuddle up with my husband while watching the adventures of Michael,Dwight, Jim, and Pam (otherwise known as the Office)
248. one of my most frustrating students giving me a heartfelt hug when he's remorseful
249. sending Valentines in the mail
250. sweet little girl in my class with a new haircut...she had at least 6-8 inches chopped off!
She was so excited to show me!
238.how using Ivory dishwashing soap in the kitchen makes me think of my Mamaw and Papaw's house in Georgia (and washing dishes with them when I was little...and how much fun I thought it was!)
239. the peace I gain from an afternoon of crafting and creating
240. sharing the blizzard with our neighbor and friend with a movie we'd never heard of before and tortilla soup
241. new recipes and when they turn out like I hoped they would
242. so thankful that the shower didn't break on a day I had school!
243. the heated corn sack (that my friend BJ made me) that lies at my feet each night when I got to bed
244. renewed relationships
245. my school friend Janie popping in to my classroom to say good morning and good bye everyday
246. joey the cat being entertained by a pen for at least 10 minutes
247. the blizzard imposed "snowcation" and how it's a perfect excuse for staying inside like a little hermit crab and cuddle up with my husband while watching the adventures of Michael,Dwight, Jim, and Pam (otherwise known as the Office)
248. one of my most frustrating students giving me a heartfelt hug when he's remorseful
249. sending Valentines in the mail
250. sweet little girl in my class with a new haircut...she had at least 6-8 inches chopped off!
She was so excited to show me!
Monday, January 31, 2011
#s 202-236
Endless gifts and blessings from above...(once you get started, it's hard to stop!)
202. little girls who wear lacy socks to church
203. babies who are always smiling and happy!
204. babies in overalls
205. driving to church with the SUN SHINING!
206. eating at a new restaurant (wanted to go there since forever!)
207. my assistant principal who lifts up the wind shield wipers on my car and everyone else's in the parking lot so they don't get stuck to the windshield
208. seeing a student again after they've been sick for several days! (don't get me wrong, I love seeing them everyday...just especially good to see them after you've missed them several days in a row!)
209. a good friend telling me something I should add to my "thankful" list
210. a good friend sharing with me her burden
211. trees that are ice covered, glistening on the way to school
212. weathermen...they may not always be right...but they're a lot more right than i would ever be!
213. gift cards to Cold Stone!
214. the guy at Cold Stone accidentally giving me a larger size than what I ordered (no extra charge)
215. sharing ice cream...best of both worlds
216. birthdays giving us a reason to celebrate life a little bit more
217. a student writing about going to church and learning about God
218. someone I admire asking me to have coffee with her...I know I could learn a lot from her as we've walked similar roads
219. finishing a book
220. Barnes and Noble dates with my husband...how you can get coffee, cheesecake, and just sit and look at books for hours in comfy chairs...what more could I ask for?
221. finding a CD I haven't listened to in way too long
222. my husband who cleans the house, goes grocery shopping, does the laundry, and updates finances so I don't have to...seriously.
223. visiting with those older and wiser than me
224. hair cuts and how they make me feel so much better!
225. good attitudes and how they're contagious
226. Sunday afternoon naps
227. encouragement...it's oxygen to the soul
228. unexpected visits
229. the Joey cat curled up in a perfect ball
230. possibilities
231. my school family
232. pregnant women and the cute "baby bumps"
233. Truth that I need to hear
234. the promise of spring...no matter how long this winter is or how many snow days I will have to make up later...
235. one of my past students who gets recipes and coupons for "Mrs. G and Mr. Bob" from the grocery store every time she goes with her teacher mom:)
236. memorizing the book of Colossians...so good to have God's Word on the "tip of my tongue"
202. little girls who wear lacy socks to church
203. babies who are always smiling and happy!
204. babies in overalls
205. driving to church with the SUN SHINING!
206. eating at a new restaurant (wanted to go there since forever!)
207. my assistant principal who lifts up the wind shield wipers on my car and everyone else's in the parking lot so they don't get stuck to the windshield
208. seeing a student again after they've been sick for several days! (don't get me wrong, I love seeing them everyday...just especially good to see them after you've missed them several days in a row!)
209. a good friend telling me something I should add to my "thankful" list
210. a good friend sharing with me her burden
211. trees that are ice covered, glistening on the way to school
212. weathermen...they may not always be right...but they're a lot more right than i would ever be!
213. gift cards to Cold Stone!
214. the guy at Cold Stone accidentally giving me a larger size than what I ordered (no extra charge)
215. sharing ice cream...best of both worlds
216. birthdays giving us a reason to celebrate life a little bit more
217. a student writing about going to church and learning about God
218. someone I admire asking me to have coffee with her...I know I could learn a lot from her as we've walked similar roads
219. finishing a book
220. Barnes and Noble dates with my husband...how you can get coffee, cheesecake, and just sit and look at books for hours in comfy chairs...what more could I ask for?
221. finding a CD I haven't listened to in way too long
222. my husband who cleans the house, goes grocery shopping, does the laundry, and updates finances so I don't have to...seriously.
223. visiting with those older and wiser than me
224. hair cuts and how they make me feel so much better!
225. good attitudes and how they're contagious
226. Sunday afternoon naps
227. encouragement...it's oxygen to the soul
228. unexpected visits
229. the Joey cat curled up in a perfect ball
230. possibilities
231. my school family
232. pregnant women and the cute "baby bumps"
233. Truth that I need to hear
234. the promise of spring...no matter how long this winter is or how many snow days I will have to make up later...
235. one of my past students who gets recipes and coupons for "Mrs. G and Mr. Bob" from the grocery store every time she goes with her teacher mom:)
236. memorizing the book of Colossians...so good to have God's Word on the "tip of my tongue"
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Making it to 200!
189. children who are thankful for what they have (as there are many who are not-very refreshing when you find those who are)
190. squinting outside because the sun is shining in January
191. outdoor recess for about the first time in a month it seems!
192. not having to cook dinner
193.a friend sharing a recipe
194. encouraging words/reports from a doctor
195. the anticipation a child has for his/her birthday
196. lending a listening ear or having one lent to me
197. custodians who clear the sidewalk
198. hearing my husband's voice on the phone
199. receiving an eagerly awaited package in the mail (Valentine Cards!)
200. newly organized spaces
Only 800 left to go! It has become a highlight of each day looking for "the silver lining" and for the "little" blessings.
190. squinting outside because the sun is shining in January
191. outdoor recess for about the first time in a month it seems!
192. not having to cook dinner
193.a friend sharing a recipe
194. encouraging words/reports from a doctor
195. the anticipation a child has for his/her birthday
196. lending a listening ear or having one lent to me
197. custodians who clear the sidewalk
198. hearing my husband's voice on the phone
199. receiving an eagerly awaited package in the mail (Valentine Cards!)
200. newly organized spaces
Only 800 left to go! It has become a highlight of each day looking for "the silver lining" and for the "little" blessings.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
when God speaks in the shower
I have my best thoughts in the shower.
This is not something I would admit on Facebook. But I figure if you are reading my blog, you know me well enough and you're my friend, so it's not too weird to tell you this. Or maybe you've even heard me say it in person.
So one morning back in November when I was in the shower, I was mentally "flipping through" my school day and found this Thought (from above-AKA-Holy Spirit) invading my less holy thoughts: "Have your students raise money at school for clean water."
And that was it.
"What? Really? That's sort of random, God."
But I got to thinking about it. Here's what I realized: Two of our objectives in kindergarten we teach are identifying pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters and identifying needs and wants.
Hmm. They could bring in all variety of change. We could talk about how most of their daily needs are met (and if not there are resources to help) and how TV is not a need. Water is a need.
So we talked about it. I shared with my 20 "kids" (whom I borrow from their parents each day) that there are boys and girls in the world who can get sick and maybe even die if they do not have clean water. And they looked at me wide-eyed. This was not a concept they'd thought about before. And it almost made me cry when I saw the compassion on their little faces. So I encouraged them to bring in coins, we would sort them, and then after Christmas count it all up and donate the money to www.water.org (where $25 is enough for clean water for one person's entire lifetime). And I thought to myself "Well, we might raise $25 or 30."
And then the other three kindergarten teachers said they wanted to do it too.
And then I thought..."Well, maybe we could possible raise $75 or dare I think $100?"
My students brought in the coins by the ziploc-baggie-full. They were so sweet about it.
"I brought money for the kids who need water!"
"Is this one a quarter or a nickel, Mrs. G?"
"Wow, that's a lot of pennies!"
And I even had one little girl bring in $1 from her allowance.
One of my teacher friends took all of the change to the bank last week. She sent me a text and I totaled the rest of what I had...$175! Wowie wow wow! (as my favorite Junie B. book character says)
So I conclude that it was good that I heard Him in the shower. And that I obeyed. Even though I thought it sort of odd at first. Maybe one day in 10 or 15 or 20 years my kids will remember that when they were five (or six), they made a difference in the lives of at least 7 people. They made their lives better. Maybe even literally saved their lives. And even though I can't say it, maybe they will realize that that sort of thing is what flows out of a relationship with God.
And that TV and the Wii is not a need but a want.
This is not something I would admit on Facebook. But I figure if you are reading my blog, you know me well enough and you're my friend, so it's not too weird to tell you this. Or maybe you've even heard me say it in person.
So one morning back in November when I was in the shower, I was mentally "flipping through" my school day and found this Thought (from above-AKA-Holy Spirit) invading my less holy thoughts: "Have your students raise money at school for clean water."
And that was it.
"What? Really? That's sort of random, God."
But I got to thinking about it. Here's what I realized: Two of our objectives in kindergarten we teach are identifying pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters and identifying needs and wants.
Hmm. They could bring in all variety of change. We could talk about how most of their daily needs are met (and if not there are resources to help) and how TV is not a need. Water is a need.
So we talked about it. I shared with my 20 "kids" (whom I borrow from their parents each day) that there are boys and girls in the world who can get sick and maybe even die if they do not have clean water. And they looked at me wide-eyed. This was not a concept they'd thought about before. And it almost made me cry when I saw the compassion on their little faces. So I encouraged them to bring in coins, we would sort them, and then after Christmas count it all up and donate the money to www.water.org (where $25 is enough for clean water for one person's entire lifetime). And I thought to myself "Well, we might raise $25 or 30."
And then the other three kindergarten teachers said they wanted to do it too.
And then I thought..."Well, maybe we could possible raise $75 or dare I think $100?"
My students brought in the coins by the ziploc-baggie-full. They were so sweet about it.
"I brought money for the kids who need water!"
"Is this one a quarter or a nickel, Mrs. G?"
"Wow, that's a lot of pennies!"
And I even had one little girl bring in $1 from her allowance.
One of my teacher friends took all of the change to the bank last week. She sent me a text and I totaled the rest of what I had...$175! Wowie wow wow! (as my favorite Junie B. book character says)
So I conclude that it was good that I heard Him in the shower. And that I obeyed. Even though I thought it sort of odd at first. Maybe one day in 10 or 15 or 20 years my kids will remember that when they were five (or six), they made a difference in the lives of at least 7 people. They made their lives better. Maybe even literally saved their lives. And even though I can't say it, maybe they will realize that that sort of thing is what flows out of a relationship with God.
And that TV and the Wii is not a need but a want.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Snow days are for not having anything to show for yourself
So here I am. The coveted snow day. Joey the cat probably thinks "Wow, mom, you're making lots of progress in the sleeping-in department. Way to go!" (as sleeping is his favorite pasttime) Yesterday I got up at still a decent time but today I'm embarrassed to say how late i slept. It was the whole "I knew we were having a snow day" thing. No alarm. I did wake up at 6 this morning and think "Oh no, I overslept!"; then I quickly remembered that this was okay. I vaguely remember my husband kissing me goodbye and I think I rolled over and grunted or maybe mumbled "love you" as he left to face the arctic temperatures and navigating the snowy roads.
I do have the whole "survivor's guilt" thing about me getting to stay home and him not. Sure, there's the whole "The kids are crazy!" thing when at school and there's snow and the whole liability and transportation thing. But seriously, everyone else has the whole transportation thing too. And sometimes people who aren't teachers think we're big babies or something for not being able to make it out in the snow or something when everyone else has to put on their boots, coats, and wield the ice scraper. But really, for their being many down sides to being a teacher (I will not elaborate here, there are other posts for that; wouldn't want anyone to think I'm complaining), having the potential for snow days is a bright spot. I will put up with my "love pit" because I know there are days that I will not have to. Speaking of, he was gone Friday and that was like a "snow day" from my love pit in itself.
But I digress. My favorite Ann Voskamp has posts for the weekends that are titled something like "Weekends are for..." And it got me to thinking about snow days and the reasons I love them. Hence my title. Snow days are for not having anything to show for yourself. Snow days are for enjoyment. If I want to make homemade clam chowder and it takes me an hour to do it, that's okay. If I want to reorganize my craft cabinet and watch a movie, that's okay too. In the whirlwind and regular "wear and tear" of each day, I get caught up in the ongoing "to-do" list and whole being productive thing (it's overrated). But I feel like there's really no other alternative. And something about snow days makes it's okay to not get anything done that day. Like the world and normal "laws" of productivity don't apply that day. And even though I did get things done yesterday, it was like a "freebie." And my to-do list wasn't determined by "hustle and bustle" but by "I feel like doing ..." (although lugging the pieces to my old desk down to the dumpster or the boxes of Christmas decorations down to storage were not in the "feel like" category but the "need to"-however, this meant I didn't have to do it at night or make my husband do it.)
So I will pour myself some more Earl Gray tea and curl up with the kitty. And do something else to make our home more cozy. If I feel like it. For tomorrow is coming, and probably school and probably my precious "love pit." And I will probably have more energy to tolerate and love him because I had these days.
I do have the whole "survivor's guilt" thing about me getting to stay home and him not. Sure, there's the whole "The kids are crazy!" thing when at school and there's snow and the whole liability and transportation thing. But seriously, everyone else has the whole transportation thing too. And sometimes people who aren't teachers think we're big babies or something for not being able to make it out in the snow or something when everyone else has to put on their boots, coats, and wield the ice scraper. But really, for their being many down sides to being a teacher (I will not elaborate here, there are other posts for that; wouldn't want anyone to think I'm complaining), having the potential for snow days is a bright spot. I will put up with my "love pit" because I know there are days that I will not have to. Speaking of, he was gone Friday and that was like a "snow day" from my love pit in itself.
But I digress. My favorite Ann Voskamp has posts for the weekends that are titled something like "Weekends are for..." And it got me to thinking about snow days and the reasons I love them. Hence my title. Snow days are for not having anything to show for yourself. Snow days are for enjoyment. If I want to make homemade clam chowder and it takes me an hour to do it, that's okay. If I want to reorganize my craft cabinet and watch a movie, that's okay too. In the whirlwind and regular "wear and tear" of each day, I get caught up in the ongoing "to-do" list and whole being productive thing (it's overrated). But I feel like there's really no other alternative. And something about snow days makes it's okay to not get anything done that day. Like the world and normal "laws" of productivity don't apply that day. And even though I did get things done yesterday, it was like a "freebie." And my to-do list wasn't determined by "hustle and bustle" but by "I feel like doing ..." (although lugging the pieces to my old desk down to the dumpster or the boxes of Christmas decorations down to storage were not in the "feel like" category but the "need to"-however, this meant I didn't have to do it at night or make my husband do it.)
So I will pour myself some more Earl Gray tea and curl up with the kitty. And do something else to make our home more cozy. If I feel like it. For tomorrow is coming, and probably school and probably my precious "love pit." And I will probably have more energy to tolerate and love him because I had these days.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thoughts on God and teaching...
So the more I come to know God (Jesus is included here as they are the same, yet different...what a crazy concept)...the more I realize it pours out into my life as a teacher/surrogate parent/"shepherder of young hearts" etc... For example, this morning I was studying in my devotional about how God's commands (or "rules" if you will) are how he expresses His Love for us. At first this seems to have a negative connotation. One might think "well, if he really loves me, he'll let me do what I want." But really in "being a slave" to Christ and being obedient to God's "rules", we are living in freedom. Breaking "rules" and laws lead into slavery of a different kind...misuse of money, broken relationships, addiction (of all sorts!) etc... It reminded me of what I say to my students "I love you, but that's not okay!" and "Am I saying that to be mean, or because I love you and want what's best for you?" This is basically what God is saying to us with his "rules" and guidelines. This also makes me think of the verse in Hebrews about God disciplining those he loves.
You've probably heard me refer to my "love pit" student...his problems are a combination of extreme impulsiveness, major deficit of social skills , and lack of boundaries and rules in his young life thus far. When I set boundaries with him, he doesn't like it and pouts and carries on. But his parental unit was telling me yesterday at conferences he has a big respect for me and she attributed it partly to my not giving in to him and being firm with him. Any education class focusing on "classroom management/discipline" involving young children that's worth it's salt will emphasize that children need and "want" boundaries (subconsciously) even if they don't realize it. It makes them (subconsciously ) know they are safe and loved. It seems to me that God would agree whole-heartedly. Because God does have boundaries (rules/laws/"statutes"/principles) for us, He is communicating His love for us. Knowing Him and His love, leads to trusting Him and trusting Him leads to obedience. Hopefully as my students come to know me (I am not equating myself with God here, please don't get me wrong. I am seeing God as a parent and how in many ways I am a "surrogate parent" to my students), they will know of my love for them and that I want only what's best for them (and therefore have their best interest in mind). And as they experience this, they will trust me and my ways with them. And in return, they will obey because they know I can be trusted and have their best interest at heart.
This is not complicated I realize and not "anything new under the sun" as Ecclesiastes states, but a realization I had this morning that at least made me have an "ah ha!" moment.
You've probably heard me refer to my "love pit" student...his problems are a combination of extreme impulsiveness, major deficit of social skills , and lack of boundaries and rules in his young life thus far. When I set boundaries with him, he doesn't like it and pouts and carries on. But his parental unit was telling me yesterday at conferences he has a big respect for me and she attributed it partly to my not giving in to him and being firm with him. Any education class focusing on "classroom management/discipline" involving young children that's worth it's salt will emphasize that children need and "want" boundaries (subconsciously) even if they don't realize it. It makes them (subconsciously ) know they are safe and loved. It seems to me that God would agree whole-heartedly. Because God does have boundaries (rules/laws/"statutes"/principles) for us, He is communicating His love for us. Knowing Him and His love, leads to trusting Him and trusting Him leads to obedience. Hopefully as my students come to know me (I am not equating myself with God here, please don't get me wrong. I am seeing God as a parent and how in many ways I am a "surrogate parent" to my students), they will know of my love for them and that I want only what's best for them (and therefore have their best interest in mind). And as they experience this, they will trust me and my ways with them. And in return, they will obey because they know I can be trusted and have their best interest at heart.
This is not complicated I realize and not "anything new under the sun" as Ecclesiastes states, but a realization I had this morning that at least made me have an "ah ha!" moment.
Friday, October 15, 2010
stories and a few more thankfuls
38. that great anticipation and craning of your neck to see the bride getting ready to walk down the aisle...you can almost feel it
39. what a good cry can accomplish...
40. donuts, milk, and cookies
42. what you can do with paper, some glue, ribbon, and buttons-fun paper creations like cards :)
43. A God (and a husband for that matter) who absolutely gets me...even when I don't get myself
*The other day we were walking back in from recess and everyday I remind the kids "We're going to keep our hands in our pockets when we walk by the teeter totter..." and one of my funny little girls says "Don't worry Mrs. G...I won't touch the 'tator totter.' " I definitely laughed to myself on that one.
*One of my students' moms emailed me the following:
"I wanted to tell you that when I picked him up from daycare yesterday, he was so excited to show me something that he had in his bag. When we got home, he opened his BEE binder and took out your picture. He said "mommy, isn't she so pretty?" I just want you to know that he thinks the world of you and you have made a huge difference in his attitude and his behavior."
I got that email on a morning when I really needed it too!
*We are making family label books in writing workshop and I encouraged the kids to bring in a family photo to help with the process. One of my students comes to me the other day with a very concerned look on his face . "Mrs. G, _____ said something about my mom...and I don't think it's good." (I started thinking "your mama" jokes) I go talk to student B who also happens to be my "love pit" student. I asked him what the problem was and he responded "I called his mom "hot."
I said: "Well, we don't really say that at school about people's moms. You could say she's really pretty instead."
Love Pit: But she's not pretty...she's hot!
I said: That might be so, but I don't think ____ likes it very much when you say that about his mom. Please just say she's pretty instead.
Anyway, had those on my mind while getting ready for bed. Thought you might smile.
39. what a good cry can accomplish...
40. donuts, milk, and cookies
42. what you can do with paper, some glue, ribbon, and buttons-fun paper creations like cards :)
43. A God (and a husband for that matter) who absolutely gets me...even when I don't get myself
*The other day we were walking back in from recess and everyday I remind the kids "We're going to keep our hands in our pockets when we walk by the teeter totter..." and one of my funny little girls says "Don't worry Mrs. G...I won't touch the 'tator totter.' " I definitely laughed to myself on that one.
*One of my students' moms emailed me the following:
"I wanted to tell you that when I picked him up from daycare yesterday, he was so excited to show me something that he had in his bag. When we got home, he opened his BEE binder and took out your picture. He said "mommy, isn't she so pretty?" I just want you to know that he thinks the world of you and you have made a huge difference in his attitude and his behavior."
I got that email on a morning when I really needed it too!
*We are making family label books in writing workshop and I encouraged the kids to bring in a family photo to help with the process. One of my students comes to me the other day with a very concerned look on his face . "Mrs. G, _____ said something about my mom...and I don't think it's good." (I started thinking "your mama" jokes) I go talk to student B who also happens to be my "love pit" student. I asked him what the problem was and he responded "I called his mom "hot."
I said: "Well, we don't really say that at school about people's moms. You could say she's really pretty instead."
Love Pit: But she's not pretty...she's hot!
I said: That might be so, but I don't think ____ likes it very much when you say that about his mom. Please just say she's pretty instead.
Anyway, had those on my mind while getting ready for bed. Thought you might smile.
Friday, September 24, 2010
School Stories
I feel like my blog needs a hearty helping of school stories. I've gotten kind of lazy and share some of them on facebook...but I miss the old days where I described them in detail on my blog. So here goes...
"hey Mrs. G, his nose is leaking." one student concerned about another who had snot running down his face
"Hey Mrs. G, are you a car rider or a bus rider?" (student on the way to the bus one day)
"well, I'm a car rider I guess...really a car driver because I drive my car to school." (me)
"Your mom lets you drive your car to school?!? Wow!" (student easily impressed)
"____ what color are your eyes?" me (I'm drawing a picture of her as a demonstration)
"Purple!" student (her favorite color mind you)
Your eyes aren't purple!" me
"But I want them to be!" student
"Don't worry Mrs. G, I don't think he's allergic to you...just something in the air." (student A after student B sneezes so much I thought he was going to go into cardiac arrest)
"Mrs. G...you smell good...like cookies."
One of my students was drawing a picture of his family at writing time and labeling the people. He was telling me who everyone was (included extended family-Grandpa Keith, Uncle Joe, etc...) and then I pointed to one he hadn't mentioned. "Who is that right there?" me
"Oh, that's you!" student
"really, I'm a part of your family?" me
"of course" student
"Hold on...my idea got lost in my brain." one of my students from last year when his first grade teacher called on him in class
I overheard this one on my way in from recess:
(two little girls holding hands and skipping down the sidewalk)
"You are my new best friend. I'm going to invite you to all of my birthday parties forever and ever...what's your name again? " (because who you invite to you birthday party when you are five is the utmost test of friendship)
Those are the good ones I can think of at the moment. Hope you enjoyed!
"hey Mrs. G, his nose is leaking." one student concerned about another who had snot running down his face
"Hey Mrs. G, are you a car rider or a bus rider?" (student on the way to the bus one day)
"well, I'm a car rider I guess...really a car driver because I drive my car to school." (me)
"Your mom lets you drive your car to school?!? Wow!" (student easily impressed)
"____ what color are your eyes?" me (I'm drawing a picture of her as a demonstration)
"Purple!" student (her favorite color mind you)
Your eyes aren't purple!" me
"But I want them to be!" student
"Don't worry Mrs. G, I don't think he's allergic to you...just something in the air." (student A after student B sneezes so much I thought he was going to go into cardiac arrest)
"Mrs. G...you smell good...like cookies."
One of my students was drawing a picture of his family at writing time and labeling the people. He was telling me who everyone was (included extended family-Grandpa Keith, Uncle Joe, etc...) and then I pointed to one he hadn't mentioned. "Who is that right there?" me
"Oh, that's you!" student
"really, I'm a part of your family?" me
"of course" student
"Hold on...my idea got lost in my brain." one of my students from last year when his first grade teacher called on him in class
I overheard this one on my way in from recess:
(two little girls holding hands and skipping down the sidewalk)
"You are my new best friend. I'm going to invite you to all of my birthday parties forever and ever...what's your name again? " (because who you invite to you birthday party when you are five is the utmost test of friendship)
Those are the good ones I can think of at the moment. Hope you enjoyed!
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