1/15/2010
Yesterday was the anniversay of my mother's death in 1977. 33 years and I still miss her. I have outlived her age and her father's age. Her mother lived to 82, and on my father's side 80-90 years of age was normal. I do have a great-aunt on mom's side who lived to 95. She was known as Aunt Ollie, and I was referred to as little Aunt Ollie.
My father passed away February 14, 2005. Four short months after my father-in-law's death.
This week I think I started out having more compassion on my students. Then the Haiti earthquake struck 3 days ago.
The people of Haiti will always remember January 12, 2010. What a way to start a new year. That date will forever be etched upon their minds.
I know what post traumatic stress will do to the Haitians. Cambodians who lived through Pol Pot's regime experience it still. A very poor country hit by severe adversity. Parallels abound between the two countries and the people--expecially the children.
As you can tell, it is heavy on my mind. I suppose it is from feeling helpless and from realizing the enormity of the consequences. A wave of effect from the earthquake is spreading to nearby poor countries already. This is not going to go away.
Back to what I am able to do. I can pray. I can send encouraging notes. I can give. I wish I could go help, but there are more able people going.
Now to the kids in my classes. What will go through their minds as they see images on the news or internet or newspapers. Some are already very poor and even homeless--couch-surfing or sleeping in cars.
Math seems so unimportant right now. But today I was reminded it is a tool to become better educated and be ready for a better job. One girl refused to believe that and refused to learn. I had her go back to her class. The boy in the class could see the possibilities and he worked hard.
A half an hour later, a boy in the next room became very beligerent and agressive, and he was removed. I talked calmly with his buddy who remained, and he finally softened. I told him his hair looked good in that style, and he smiled. He listened. He took out a worksheet and began to work. He wants a diploma.
Kids in America need hope in their lives inside and outside of school. I want to do what I can to be their cheerleader and point them to all the possibilities. I would like to point them to God directly, but my life and love will suffice. It is God who gives me my life and love for people.
We have so much to sort through these days. Priorities. Core priorities.
On the news tonight, Haitian children at an orphanage were shown singing: 'Waves of mercy, waves of grace, every time I look I see your face." Diane Sawyer was really touched by their faith. I was touched by their faith--I look forward to seeing more orphanages in the news with children singing.
Mark 10:16 (New International Version)
And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
I Can't Resist: 01-11-10
01-11-10
Ok, I can't resist the symmetry of today's date, as written above.
One student called it 'cemetary'.
Another lower-achieving student, informed the class that if you put a mirror down the middle, it's the same. He must have been listening in math class even though he was talking. He got it!!
They learned the term 'line of symmetry'. They learned the proper name for the date written--symmetric.
All of this took place after chairs were put on the desk, during the last 20 seconds of class.
I love to teach!!
Ok, I can't resist the symmetry of today's date, as written above.
One student called it 'cemetary'.
Another lower-achieving student, informed the class that if you put a mirror down the middle, it's the same. He must have been listening in math class even though he was talking. He got it!!
They learned the term 'line of symmetry'. They learned the proper name for the date written--symmetric.
All of this took place after chairs were put on the desk, during the last 20 seconds of class.
I love to teach!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Teaching Junior Highers
Sunday, January 10, 2010
I really enjoy teaching high schoolers math and helping them understand their work. Much of my time is now spent teaching and reviewing algebra and geometry. I help with homework or teaching new skills. Math brings a lot of frustration to students, and I find few parents who are able to help their son or daughter in math. They were also frustrated in school with math.
I'm used to this, especially after teaching math since 1975.
I do get to do higher math at times, helping my son or his friends in their pre-cal class.
But teaching students with learning disiblities gives me, as a teacher, a lot of variety. I may be helping in any subject, even ones I am not strong in. Ones that are full of facts I never use.
So, first we try to take apart the question: what is it asking and how many parts to the answer. Then we identify key words so we can locate the information (either from class notes, the text book, or Google).
I enjoy this part of special ed teaching tremendously. It is like an adventure. And we both learn, or at least I am reminded of the facts I have forgotten.
Probably the part I do not enjoy is editing essays and projects, as you can tell from my blog. I'm a pretty good speller, but didn't quite get the hang of commas. And comma rules change from time to time. Another rule change: only one space after a period. I usually use two.
But I seem to edit way too many papers. That's ok. I can look into a student's thinking as I edit.
Teaching the jr highers has opened up a new way of looking at teaching. They are much more playful and dependent upon the teacher for a good time. I don't need my chair or computer during class. I have no opportunity to sit and take a slow breath.
My mind needs to work in overdrive. I need to change the activity every ten minutes or so.
I need caffeine. Chocolate doesn't even work--the sugar saps your energy after 30 minutes.
Caffeine is the best.
I have grown to love the jr high age. I thought this would never happen.
Dum dum suckers work well as a reward at the end of class or for correct answers when they are getting sluggish. I just tell them not to take offense.
The Bible says a student will be like his teacher after being fully trained: Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
I hope I am training students not only in math, but in critical thinking. I want them to become independent thinkers. I want them to have conviction that they are right in their conclusions. And I want them to learn how to know if their conclusions are right.
I want to have character that students may mimic. I want them to know what good character is. I want them to know how to love one another. And I want them to know there is a God who loves them as precious children. I want them to find God and follow Him eventually.
It is incredible that if I fully train students, they will be like me. I want to pursue the Holy One and become more like Him so it is not only math they see in me.
I really enjoy teaching high schoolers math and helping them understand their work. Much of my time is now spent teaching and reviewing algebra and geometry. I help with homework or teaching new skills. Math brings a lot of frustration to students, and I find few parents who are able to help their son or daughter in math. They were also frustrated in school with math.
I'm used to this, especially after teaching math since 1975.
I do get to do higher math at times, helping my son or his friends in their pre-cal class.
But teaching students with learning disiblities gives me, as a teacher, a lot of variety. I may be helping in any subject, even ones I am not strong in. Ones that are full of facts I never use.
So, first we try to take apart the question: what is it asking and how many parts to the answer. Then we identify key words so we can locate the information (either from class notes, the text book, or Google).
I enjoy this part of special ed teaching tremendously. It is like an adventure. And we both learn, or at least I am reminded of the facts I have forgotten.
Probably the part I do not enjoy is editing essays and projects, as you can tell from my blog. I'm a pretty good speller, but didn't quite get the hang of commas. And comma rules change from time to time. Another rule change: only one space after a period. I usually use two.
But I seem to edit way too many papers. That's ok. I can look into a student's thinking as I edit.
Teaching the jr highers has opened up a new way of looking at teaching. They are much more playful and dependent upon the teacher for a good time. I don't need my chair or computer during class. I have no opportunity to sit and take a slow breath.
My mind needs to work in overdrive. I need to change the activity every ten minutes or so.
I need caffeine. Chocolate doesn't even work--the sugar saps your energy after 30 minutes.
Caffeine is the best.
I have grown to love the jr high age. I thought this would never happen.
Dum dum suckers work well as a reward at the end of class or for correct answers when they are getting sluggish. I just tell them not to take offense.
The Bible says a student will be like his teacher after being fully trained: Luke 6:40
A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.
I hope I am training students not only in math, but in critical thinking. I want them to become independent thinkers. I want them to have conviction that they are right in their conclusions. And I want them to learn how to know if their conclusions are right.
I want to have character that students may mimic. I want them to know what good character is. I want them to know how to love one another. And I want them to know there is a God who loves them as precious children. I want them to find God and follow Him eventually.
It is incredible that if I fully train students, they will be like me. I want to pursue the Holy One and become more like Him so it is not only math they see in me.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year's Day!!
1/1/2010
I couldn't decide whether to write this blog on 12/31/2009 or wait until today, 1/1/2010. As a math teacher, the date is interesting if you only use the month and year: 01/10 or 01-10. I think today I will use 01-10. (I can harldy wait for 10-10-10.) My husband's citizenship certificate is dated 8/8/88. Really.
I love math. But you all knew that. Maybe I will include some number theory this year. Maybe.
Ups and downs of teaching: I still have 2009 classwork papers to grade and record (that is, the year 2009.) And then to file. I have the blank worksheets to also file--but first I have to set up those new plastic files with lids. I have what I need, but I work better under pressure. So, I need to buckle down today and tomorrow, and gear up for Monday.
Teaching requires much discernment and mercy--toward anything and everyone. One needs to understand boundaries and own personal limits. If one is all mercy, boundaries and personal limits fly out the window. If one is only discerning, harshness sets in and a person may become judgmental.
I love the verse: 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Sometimes when I love people and look past weaknesses and bad decisions, I am misunderstood. That's ok. I like to be loved when I am weak and have made a bad decision. Somehow, that love brings me back on track. And I want to pass that on.
I want to pass on some exciting reading from yesterday and today:
Proverbs 2:1-11
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1. My son (or daughter), if you accept My words and store up My commands within you,
2. turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3. and if you call out for insight (discerment) and cry aloud for understanding,
4. and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5. then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
6. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8. for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.
9. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
10. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
I am thankful for a new year. I love to make goals, whether they are called new year's resolutions or not. I will renew my personal mission statement today.
Most of all, I want to be close to my Heavenly Father, be the best mom and wife ever, be healthy, be discerning and merciful, help the hurting, laugh a lot, and be as stress-freeas possible by finding that rest in my soul--often.
I am sure there are more, but I now need to go finish taking down the Christmas decorations.
May the Ducks win roses for us!!
I couldn't decide whether to write this blog on 12/31/2009 or wait until today, 1/1/2010. As a math teacher, the date is interesting if you only use the month and year: 01/10 or 01-10. I think today I will use 01-10. (I can harldy wait for 10-10-10.) My husband's citizenship certificate is dated 8/8/88. Really.
I love math. But you all knew that. Maybe I will include some number theory this year. Maybe.
Ups and downs of teaching: I still have 2009 classwork papers to grade and record (that is, the year 2009.) And then to file. I have the blank worksheets to also file--but first I have to set up those new plastic files with lids. I have what I need, but I work better under pressure. So, I need to buckle down today and tomorrow, and gear up for Monday.
Teaching requires much discernment and mercy--toward anything and everyone. One needs to understand boundaries and own personal limits. If one is all mercy, boundaries and personal limits fly out the window. If one is only discerning, harshness sets in and a person may become judgmental.
I love the verse: 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Sometimes when I love people and look past weaknesses and bad decisions, I am misunderstood. That's ok. I like to be loved when I am weak and have made a bad decision. Somehow, that love brings me back on track. And I want to pass that on.
I want to pass on some exciting reading from yesterday and today:
Proverbs 2:1-11
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1. My son (or daughter), if you accept My words and store up My commands within you,
2. turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3. and if you call out for insight (discerment) and cry aloud for understanding,
4. and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5. then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
6. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8. for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.
9. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
10. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
I am thankful for a new year. I love to make goals, whether they are called new year's resolutions or not. I will renew my personal mission statement today.
Most of all, I want to be close to my Heavenly Father, be the best mom and wife ever, be healthy, be discerning and merciful, help the hurting, laugh a lot, and be as stress-freeas possible by finding that rest in my soul--often.
I am sure there are more, but I now need to go finish taking down the Christmas decorations.
May the Ducks win roses for us!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Luke 2 (New International Version)
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.
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.
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!!
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