Luke 2
The Birth of Jesus
1. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
2. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3. And everyone went to his own town to register.
4. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
6. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
7. and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
12. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18. and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
21. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
22. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord
23. (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"
24. and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
25. Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
26. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,
28. Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29. "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30. For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31. which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32. a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
33. The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.
34. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
35. so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36. There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37. and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
38. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.
40. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41. Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.
42. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom.
43. After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.
44. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.
45. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.
46. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49. "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"
50. But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Merry Christmas!!!
12/22/2009
Merry Christmas to all of you!!
We have enjoyed 2009, and we’ll share some of it with you.
Velma finished the special education endorsement program at PSU in March. It was a wonderful experience with the cohort (group) of teachers and professors. She has been teaching in special ed for 3 years, helping kids in any subject, and teaching several math lab classes—both high school and junior high.
Vung Chan continues his night job at Ogden Middle School, but his real love is farming. He has strawberries, raspberries, marion berries, black caps, blueberries, and all kinds of vegetables. His mom, Lyda, is well and just moved to Carver.
Joe is 17 years old, a driver, a flip-thrower in soccer, and a great student in almost all advanced classes. He loves to play his electric and acoustic guitars, and is taking piano and music theory from a great teacher. He misses gymnastics, though.
Have a great new year, 2010, and we look forward to our Lord’s Return!!
Merry Christmas to all of you!!
We have enjoyed 2009, and we’ll share some of it with you.
Velma finished the special education endorsement program at PSU in March. It was a wonderful experience with the cohort (group) of teachers and professors. She has been teaching in special ed for 3 years, helping kids in any subject, and teaching several math lab classes—both high school and junior high.
Vung Chan continues his night job at Ogden Middle School, but his real love is farming. He has strawberries, raspberries, marion berries, black caps, blueberries, and all kinds of vegetables. His mom, Lyda, is well and just moved to Carver.
Joe is 17 years old, a driver, a flip-thrower in soccer, and a great student in almost all advanced classes. He loves to play his electric and acoustic guitars, and is taking piano and music theory from a great teacher. He misses gymnastics, though.
Have a great new year, 2010, and we look forward to our Lord’s Return!!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The Week before Christmas Break
12/13/2009
This week will be louder than any other time when teaching school. In the past years, I have scheduled carpal tunnel surgery, trips to Cambodia, and anything else that can legally get me out of teaching this week. If I can call it teaching.
First, I DO love the kids I teach. It is so natural for the excitement of two weeks off, probably with gifts and extra sweets, to affect any of us. Plenty of sleep is so important for staying patient with the students, but who can sleep? Last year, we missed this week in the district I'm in because of snow and ice. Remember?
Last Friday, I brought home the poinsettia from my desk, just in case. It was a gift from a retired teacher-friend. So far it looks like we having school tomorrow. The ice and snow storms just didn't happen.
Students are highly stressed anticipating this week. We all are. One student told me his mom is divorcing his step-dad--he is quick to add he didn't like him anyway. Another large group will not have their free breakfasts and lunches for two weeks. And probably no heat. And no doubt, some will get no gift(s). After the Christmas break, I must remember to not ask about 'what they got for Christmas'. Nor write an essay about their break. Maybe they will write in their private journals that most English classes require. Anything, to help get that pain out.
I have always prayed for students as they tell me about difficult things they face at home. The ones that don't tell me, but I still know, I also pray for them.
What can I recommend to people in this stressfull time? If there is something on your heart that is unbearable, find a friend who listens and says little, unless it is to give words of hope. Words of hope take our focus off the unbearable to what is bearable. And it may take awhle--keep at it.
Next, go out for lunch with friends who laugh constantly. I like the verse/proverb: Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." I've had enough dry bones, how about you? I love to laugh! In this life, there is plenty to laugh about. I surround myself with friends who like to laugh--a lot!!
Maybe I can be the friend who loves to laugh with people and give medicine to someone's soul.
It is easy for stress to be internalized, and then to become depressed. I have found the Psalms to be a source of strength. King David and others wrote some of these in their times of depression and fear, and can point us out of these pits.
As Hanukkah is being celebrated this week to remember the Miracle of Oil and as a time of dedication, let's look forward to our Saviour's birthday (also my husband's) in less than two weeks. God gave His Son to anyone who receives the Gift. Our gift-giving is a great time to see how joyously kids young and old receive their gifts. Let's receive God's Gift to us in the same way.
Joy to the World!!
This week will be louder than any other time when teaching school. In the past years, I have scheduled carpal tunnel surgery, trips to Cambodia, and anything else that can legally get me out of teaching this week. If I can call it teaching.
First, I DO love the kids I teach. It is so natural for the excitement of two weeks off, probably with gifts and extra sweets, to affect any of us. Plenty of sleep is so important for staying patient with the students, but who can sleep? Last year, we missed this week in the district I'm in because of snow and ice. Remember?
Last Friday, I brought home the poinsettia from my desk, just in case. It was a gift from a retired teacher-friend. So far it looks like we having school tomorrow. The ice and snow storms just didn't happen.
Students are highly stressed anticipating this week. We all are. One student told me his mom is divorcing his step-dad--he is quick to add he didn't like him anyway. Another large group will not have their free breakfasts and lunches for two weeks. And probably no heat. And no doubt, some will get no gift(s). After the Christmas break, I must remember to not ask about 'what they got for Christmas'. Nor write an essay about their break. Maybe they will write in their private journals that most English classes require. Anything, to help get that pain out.
I have always prayed for students as they tell me about difficult things they face at home. The ones that don't tell me, but I still know, I also pray for them.
What can I recommend to people in this stressfull time? If there is something on your heart that is unbearable, find a friend who listens and says little, unless it is to give words of hope. Words of hope take our focus off the unbearable to what is bearable. And it may take awhle--keep at it.
Next, go out for lunch with friends who laugh constantly. I like the verse/proverb: Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." I've had enough dry bones, how about you? I love to laugh! In this life, there is plenty to laugh about. I surround myself with friends who like to laugh--a lot!!
Maybe I can be the friend who loves to laugh with people and give medicine to someone's soul.
It is easy for stress to be internalized, and then to become depressed. I have found the Psalms to be a source of strength. King David and others wrote some of these in their times of depression and fear, and can point us out of these pits.
As Hanukkah is being celebrated this week to remember the Miracle of Oil and as a time of dedication, let's look forward to our Saviour's birthday (also my husband's) in less than two weeks. God gave His Son to anyone who receives the Gift. Our gift-giving is a great time to see how joyously kids young and old receive their gifts. Let's receive God's Gift to us in the same way.
Joy to the World!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Talkers and Teaching Respect
11/30/2009
I remember now 30 years ago saying I would never again teach 8th graders. Jeff took over my 8th grade math classes after that.
Today, when I began afternoons at the jr hi, it got crazy in one class. Mostly 7th graders, but an 8th grade regular ed girl would not be quiet. Non-stop. Talking right in my face while I was talking to her. I removed her to a room next door with no students. Mike Feil was in charge.
Remember him from NCCS? He has that wonderful smile. He is an Educational Assistant at the jr hi, and puts up with nothing. He said the talker complained the entire time she was in the room.
Some kids have disabilities that affect their behavior. Others just misbehave. I got all 15 of them during period 6. I began to wonder what period 7 would be like, but they were angels. Comparatively speaking, of course.
I am going to use my time at home to make THE seating chart. I don't even know their names, but the alphabet always works at least one day.
The first few words I heard about themselves were "retard" "stupid" "dumb". Then there was "shut-up" "I hate you", etc. Not to me. Just to each other. Now to teach the good words and behavior. Maybe I'll assign each student write one positive rule tomorrow that they think of.
Their insecurities are spilling out everywhere.
Do I try to talk louder than God?
I remember now 30 years ago saying I would never again teach 8th graders. Jeff took over my 8th grade math classes after that.
Today, when I began afternoons at the jr hi, it got crazy in one class. Mostly 7th graders, but an 8th grade regular ed girl would not be quiet. Non-stop. Talking right in my face while I was talking to her. I removed her to a room next door with no students. Mike Feil was in charge.
Remember him from NCCS? He has that wonderful smile. He is an Educational Assistant at the jr hi, and puts up with nothing. He said the talker complained the entire time she was in the room.
Some kids have disabilities that affect their behavior. Others just misbehave. I got all 15 of them during period 6. I began to wonder what period 7 would be like, but they were angels. Comparatively speaking, of course.
I am going to use my time at home to make THE seating chart. I don't even know their names, but the alphabet always works at least one day.
The first few words I heard about themselves were "retard" "stupid" "dumb". Then there was "shut-up" "I hate you", etc. Not to me. Just to each other. Now to teach the good words and behavior. Maybe I'll assign each student write one positive rule tomorrow that they think of.
Their insecurities are spilling out everywhere.
Do I try to talk louder than God?
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Multi-tasking
11/28/2009
I am not certified ADHD, but I seem to have to have a lot of projects going on at one time just to accomplish anything. The house is quiet. Joe is playing in the Turkey Bowl soccer game at Meldrum Bar Park, and Vung Chan left to take the 2 cans of food (for the hotdog) Joe forgot. He also said something about 'looking at cars'. Yikes!!
Anyway, I have 3 computers going: my laptop to write the IEP document for 7 am Monday morning (the one that got postponed because I was sick); the school laptop to catch up on documenting specially designed instruction (SDI) I did with kids on my caseload; and the cheap emachine which runs fastest because it is not wireless. I do facebook, games, email, and read the news on the emachine.
All said, I should get SOMETHING accomplished today. I am also putting away fall/Thanksgiving decorations and mentally: putting up the fake tree (didn't get to it yet), arranging the Nativity, and setting out the village. And the kitchen floor needs to be mopped.
I am also trying to write a letter to my nephew, Doug. I am almost two weeks late for his birthday, so I will also send a Christmas letter.
Oh yes, the annual Christmas letter also keeps floating through my mind.
No wonder I like to play FreeCell so I can free up my mind.
I did get up and exercised with Adonica at 7 am. I rode 40 minutes on the recumbunt bike--my longest yet.
My friends are selling Christmas trees in our front driveway, so I can also watch that.
A good reminder while I multi-task:
Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
It should help with heart disease and stress.
Go in constant peace.
I am not certified ADHD, but I seem to have to have a lot of projects going on at one time just to accomplish anything. The house is quiet. Joe is playing in the Turkey Bowl soccer game at Meldrum Bar Park, and Vung Chan left to take the 2 cans of food (for the hotdog) Joe forgot. He also said something about 'looking at cars'. Yikes!!
Anyway, I have 3 computers going: my laptop to write the IEP document for 7 am Monday morning (the one that got postponed because I was sick); the school laptop to catch up on documenting specially designed instruction (SDI) I did with kids on my caseload; and the cheap emachine which runs fastest because it is not wireless. I do facebook, games, email, and read the news on the emachine.
All said, I should get SOMETHING accomplished today. I am also putting away fall/Thanksgiving decorations and mentally: putting up the fake tree (didn't get to it yet), arranging the Nativity, and setting out the village. And the kitchen floor needs to be mopped.
I am also trying to write a letter to my nephew, Doug. I am almost two weeks late for his birthday, so I will also send a Christmas letter.
Oh yes, the annual Christmas letter also keeps floating through my mind.
No wonder I like to play FreeCell so I can free up my mind.
I did get up and exercised with Adonica at 7 am. I rode 40 minutes on the recumbunt bike--my longest yet.
My friends are selling Christmas trees in our front driveway, so I can also watch that.
A good reminder while I multi-task:
Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
It should help with heart disease and stress.
Go in constant peace.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Thanksgiving
11/22/2009
I have been sick this past week, but ready to start a new week with great enthusiasm!!
Starting 11/30/2009, I will teach in the afternnoon at the jr. hi. I love change--I love the teachers there, the administrative team, and I'm sure I will love the kids. I just need to meet my new students.
I will continue at the high school in the mornings with kids I have known for 4 years, and some much, much longer. Everyone of them is a bright spot in the day. I just have to cram all these bright spots into the morning now.
The jr. hi is heading up a big Thanksgiving dinner called Thanks for Giving. Basically the entire community is invited. We are such a small town that this is possible. District staff --mostly jr. hi and high school--are fixing the meal.. We have cash donations and food donations. Today--Sunday--is the food prep beginning. I wish I knew for sure I was not contagious, then I would help if not. Tuesday is the dinner. Maybe by then......... Servers, clean-upers, all kinds of help will be needed.
I am thankful for the life God has given me. I am thankful for my husband and son--I look forward to another 26 years together, and more.
I am thankful for my exercise buddy--we go daily to the gym.
I am thankful for Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord.
I have been sick this past week, but ready to start a new week with great enthusiasm!!
Starting 11/30/2009, I will teach in the afternnoon at the jr. hi. I love change--I love the teachers there, the administrative team, and I'm sure I will love the kids. I just need to meet my new students.
I will continue at the high school in the mornings with kids I have known for 4 years, and some much, much longer. Everyone of them is a bright spot in the day. I just have to cram all these bright spots into the morning now.
The jr. hi is heading up a big Thanksgiving dinner called Thanks for Giving. Basically the entire community is invited. We are such a small town that this is possible. District staff --mostly jr. hi and high school--are fixing the meal.. We have cash donations and food donations. Today--Sunday--is the food prep beginning. I wish I knew for sure I was not contagious, then I would help if not. Tuesday is the dinner. Maybe by then......... Servers, clean-upers, all kinds of help will be needed.
I am thankful for the life God has given me. I am thankful for my husband and son--I look forward to another 26 years together, and more.
I am thankful for my exercise buddy--we go daily to the gym.
I am thankful for Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Two house fires.
11/18/2009
A real downer is having two students lose their houses to separate fires. They both have lost everything.
The first one happened a few weeks ago. He has grandparents to live with, and the love has really been shown by the community to them.
The second happened this past weekend. I talked with him today and he is living with friends, while the parents are on the property to keep looters away.
He said the school provided him with a travel toothbrush--so I asked him if a Mickey Mouse or Spongebob tooth brush is ok. He said yes, then I said, how about Winnie the Pooh? Nope. hee hee He laughed.
It's hard to think about losing everything. He now has deodorant and shampoo. A family with two boys will provide some clothes. As people find out, more generosity.
My husband has lost everything. He walked away from the Khmer Rouge with only his memories , and the clothes on his back. His mom carried a few photos, but not many.
His mom is going to move from Sandy to Carver soon. She tended to throw away everything in the past when she moved. We try to save photos and important legal papers. But she understands that where we live on earth is so temporal. Her real home is where she needs nothing from earth. And where the loves of her life are.
My husband tries to get me to get rid of stuff in the basement that I haven't even looked at in years. I do, bit by bit.
I am thankful for a home, memories, photos, and my loved ones. Neither of those boys lost family or pets--just stuff. They have been really brave.
A real downer is having two students lose their houses to separate fires. They both have lost everything.
The first one happened a few weeks ago. He has grandparents to live with, and the love has really been shown by the community to them.
The second happened this past weekend. I talked with him today and he is living with friends, while the parents are on the property to keep looters away.
He said the school provided him with a travel toothbrush--so I asked him if a Mickey Mouse or Spongebob tooth brush is ok. He said yes, then I said, how about Winnie the Pooh? Nope. hee hee He laughed.
It's hard to think about losing everything. He now has deodorant and shampoo. A family with two boys will provide some clothes. As people find out, more generosity.
My husband has lost everything. He walked away from the Khmer Rouge with only his memories , and the clothes on his back. His mom carried a few photos, but not many.
His mom is going to move from Sandy to Carver soon. She tended to throw away everything in the past when she moved. We try to save photos and important legal papers. But she understands that where we live on earth is so temporal. Her real home is where she needs nothing from earth. And where the loves of her life are.
My husband tries to get me to get rid of stuff in the basement that I haven't even looked at in years. I do, bit by bit.
I am thankful for a home, memories, photos, and my loved ones. Neither of those boys lost family or pets--just stuff. They have been really brave.
Oh, Mrs. Sou, did you lose your voice?
11/18/2009
No matter how hard I try, it is difficult to sound like laryngitis with a normal voice. Does it make kids feel nervous that I am different, that they question the obvious: "Mrs. Sou, did you lose your voice?"
It was an interesting day. One noisy class was extra quiet and everyone worked hard on make-up work.
Another girl yelled and argued with me at the beginning of the day (the argument was one -sided since I had no voice), yet showed up to class her sweet, wonderful self.
I have an IEP meeting with parents everyday this week, beginning yesterday.
Where is my voice when I need it?
I am glad God doesn't get laryngitis. His still, quiet voice never goes silent. Maybe we need laryngitis so our heart's ears get stronger.
He speaks to me through his Word. I am reminded that part of my life mission statement is to bring good news to the afflicted. His clear voice gently reminds me of that commitment.
Go in Peace.
No matter how hard I try, it is difficult to sound like laryngitis with a normal voice. Does it make kids feel nervous that I am different, that they question the obvious: "Mrs. Sou, did you lose your voice?"
It was an interesting day. One noisy class was extra quiet and everyone worked hard on make-up work.
Another girl yelled and argued with me at the beginning of the day (the argument was one -sided since I had no voice), yet showed up to class her sweet, wonderful self.
I have an IEP meeting with parents everyday this week, beginning yesterday.
Where is my voice when I need it?
I am glad God doesn't get laryngitis. His still, quiet voice never goes silent. Maybe we need laryngitis so our heart's ears get stronger.
He speaks to me through his Word. I am reminded that part of my life mission statement is to bring good news to the afflicted. His clear voice gently reminds me of that commitment.
Go in Peace.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Evil Eye
11/17/2009
My Evil Eye:
Losing my voice--won't be able to nag kids to
do homework tomorrow. I'll sit and smile and
sometimes give them the evil eye.
That oughta work.
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