Taken back in time...

Wednesday night my brother spoke on the story of Jonah, using his modern day story telling techniques.  Last night, I was talking to a friend about traveling overseas for an extended period of time.  Both of these things took me back in time 8 years ago when I made a very difficult decision to participate in Youth in Mission (YIM).  Not only was it the most difficult thing, it was also the best thing I ever did!!  Even though my trip was a long time ago, bare with me as a reminisce!

You see...I'm a tad bit of a homebody and someone who doesn't really like change, (probably the reason why I still live with my mom and dad!) but I really felt a calling to go on a mission trip.  It was October and I was sitting in chapel at SNU.  People were sharing stories about their YIM experiences when the stirring began and quickly grew.  I tried extremely hard to push it aside and ignore it.  Me? Never!  I can't be away from home that long!!  

Over the next several months, I spent many hours contemplating going, opening up the application, convincing myself it wasn't what God wanted, looking for signs, ignoring blatant signs I requested, talking myself into going, and finally letting the deadline pass! You read correctly, I ignored God's calling and desire to go because I couldn't stand the thought of being away from my family, or missing a dear friend's wedding! 

After missing the deadline and feeling sick about it, I happened to read the story of Jonah.  

Jonah is called to go to Nineveh but instead goes the other direction.  When he's on the boat, a storm comes along and the people on the boat end up throwing him overboard.  He is swallowed by a whale and after being spit on the beach, goes to Nineveh.  He's given a second chance to do what he was called to do originally.  

It was at that moment I knew I had to sign up.  God gave Jonah a second chance, maybe He would give me one.  I emailed YIM and told them the long drawn out version of being called but ignoring until I no longer could. Quickly they responded and told me to fill out the application.  The application was submitted and a placement letter was received in return.  Scotland here I come.  (Really...there I went)

Although the journey leading me to sign up is a good majority of the story, it is by no means the end! One small part of our trip was to plan and carry out a Vacation Bible School at the local church.  How exciting is that?  I wanted to be a teacher and loved organizing events.  It was going to be perfect!  To prepare for the Bible School, we canvased the Town Square and passed out flyers.  Talking to strangers is my mom's strength, not mine!  I definitely was out of my comfort zone as we unsuccessfully tried to convince people to come to VBS.  Crazy Americans with balloons and flyers do not attract masses of Scots!  Who knew we were planning an entire event for less than 15 kids.  Not my idea of a successful VBS.  After the first night, I wanted to be done.  It was rather disheartening to do all that work and have such a small turnout. 

As I spent tonight thinking about my trip to Scotland and my teaching today, I realized that much of my teaching is like this VBS experience.  I pour my heart and soul into what I'm doing only to be let down because only a few students respond, or the scores on the test still suck!  Failure begins to creep in and haunt me (other teachers too.)  In fact, I believe the feeling of failure in teachers is one of the biggest problems education faces.  The let down and lack of payoff quickly cause teachers to lose enthusiasm and spunk.  

We could just stop there...VBS only had a few kids, we were disappointed, so quit!  We tried something new in our class and the scores don't look much better, so we stop trying new things!

BUT - if we gave up there, we would have missed out on ministering to 10 kids.  If we continue to dwell in the lack of improvement, we miss out on celebrating the small successes and joys a few students may see.  Christ sees us everyday, and everyday he is let down by the traps of sin we fall prey to.  The people who miss out on opportunities to reach a lost soul disappoint him.  Talk about feeling defeat and failure...I know I alone fail him daily.  Each day, He gives us another chance, He tries a new approach.  He died for us even if just one accepts.  If He stopped there, we would have no eternal hope!  The wonderful thing is, He doesn't!  No matter how small the turnout is or how many times He teaches us the same thing only to have us fail again, He never becomes too disheartened.  He continues just as much as always!  We are called to be Christ-like, which means, we are called to persevere even when only one child responds to the lesson or the class still isn't getting it! We are called to come to school and begin a new day with a smile even when yesterday was awful! 

 It wasn't about having the biggest and best VBS.  It isn't about seeing growth and change right now all the time with all the students...it's about being Christ-like and continuing the fight even without results!  Sometimes, we don't get the results we want or get to see the results.  

We finished the VBS strong with no more than 15 kids each night!  Throughout the week we connected with a family and ignited an interest in church.  We had success and made a difference!  

YOU CAN DO IT TOO!!! - Don't be defeated - just keep fighting! You ARE making a difference!  You ARE saving lives! Keep fighting for your students.

Words Alone Can Be Powerful...But With Actions...

As a teacher...most of the time, let's be honest, we like "words!" I mean we do stand up in front of kids all day and wah wah wah!  Okay, maybe it's just me...obviously I like words; I write these wordy blog posts and expect people to read them!  Each and everyday most of us (some WAY more than others) express ourselves through words.  Sometimes words are showing compassion and concern for friends, other times words are used to express anger or frustration, while additional words are also used to criticize or judge someone else. Our words whether written or spoken have a way of "touching" people in both positive and negative ways.  

The other day during third grade specials, the class was having a hard time settling in so I said, "I appreciate those students who are sitting quietly!"  Very quickly one of my kids rebutted with,  "You don't appreciate me?  That's not okay!"  Whoa, that is not the message I intended to portray with my words.  But in the eyes of a third grade I had told half the class I didn't appreciate them, and his feelings were hurt. 

This conversation got me talking to some teachers about different words teachers say to students.  As the teachers and I talked about words we hear around the school and in today’s world my heart was saddened.  On Sunday, my favorite preacher spoke about the power of words and actions.  Not only are your words powerful, but they must be backed up by your actions.  Interesting this came so soon after the conversations at school.  All this talk about the power of words rings true today; not just to students but also about students to other teachers.  (This can be applied in any area of life…family, friends, coworkers.)

These words I speak (and I speak A LOT) affect people around me.   As I reflected on the power of words, I began to take more responsibility for ALL my words and actions!  I decided I needed to become more aware of my words and actions.  If my actions don't say the same thing as my words, my words become null and void.  What am I saying and doing that shares God’s love?  What am I saying and doing to encourage others?  What am I saying and doing to inspire kids?  I must be careful to voice uplifting words when talking to my students and coworkers.  All people have a heart and words cut deep!  All people have a heart and most people are starving for encouragement!  All people have a heart and NEED to hear about God's love!  How many times are you discouraged because you don't see anything God is doing? What if someone shared about what God was doing and lived it out through their actions?  We could change lives.

Here is what I leave you with; I encourage you to be mindful of not only your words but also your actions. Whether they act like it or not, words sink deep into the heart and soul of children and adults. Words can also be empty promises if not backed up with loving actions.  You can make or break a day, plant a seed, seal the deal!  How are you using God's gift of words to back up those actions?

Five Loaves and Two Fish - Part 2

About a year ago, I posted a blog about the Bible story of the five loaves and two fish (if you haven't read it, you should go back and read it! Nov, 2013) This morning, we read Matthew 14:13-21 in Sunday School and interacted with the text. While I listened to the discussion and questions this scripture taught me another life lesson from God. 

As we picked apart the story we looked at three different groups of people; Jesus who had compassion on others, the disciples who were worn out, and the crowd of people hungry for God. The departing Sunday school question was who in this story are you? As I thought about the different emotions the identified groups felt, I began looking at myself as a teacher and co-worker. 

Christ, who was looking for solitude with his closet friends still had compassion when he saw the crowd. So much so he gave everything He and his disciples had in order to "satisfy" the people. (When it says satisfy, I feel that is true satisfaction, a peaceful satisfaction.)  The disciples on the other hand, were really ready for the quiet time. It seems to me they even felt frustrated they were called on to "provide food."  Many, many many times I find myself worn out and frustrated that I have to do one more thing for someone else or answer the same question 3 more times for students.  As a teacher, many times we have reached our max with people and are looking forward to quiet time in our classroom or lunch with other adults. It's at this moment that a student or other teacher might have the greatest need and it is important that as a servant of Christ we follow His example and "have compassion on them."  This week, as you are at work and relishing the quiet moments, don't miss the opportunity to be Christlike to someone who is "hungry" for God. 

I also think it is important to point out another lesson within this scripture.  One of the wise teenagers pointed out that Jesus did (and still does) find solitude and quiet important.  He seized opportunities to pull his closest family and friends together.  Make sure you take time to rest, relax, and cherish those you love.

- God, help me to give like you do but provide the solitude and rest when I need it. 

I am the five loaves and two fish...

WHAT A WHIRLWIND SEMESTER!!!  It was August...I blinked...and it's the middle of the November.

I cannot begin to describe the variety of emotions I have experienced with all the changes this school year has brought.  I have experienced excitement for new things, anxiety with change, negativity because of the negativity in education, discouragement with lack of engagement in my classroom, frustration with new iPad management program, stress in meeting deadlines, and exhaustion!  The excitement was short-lived and soon overtaken by the rest of the emotions.  

Last month, I decided to look at teaching in a different way; Christ was a teacher, surely He has something to show me about my career?!?  As I began reading Matthew I was overwhelmed (in a good way) with a refreshing insight of education and teaching.  

The biggest lesson I have learned comes from Matthew 14:13-21, "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand."  

Many of you know this story I am sure.  Christ is given five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand people.  Talk about minimal resources-yet Christ was able to feed FIVE THOUSAND PEOPLE!  Can we say "SPREAD a little thin?"  As I studied this story, God brought it to my attention that I myself am like the five loaves and two fish.  I am one person "feeding" 26 young minds at 26 different levels.  I am "feeding" them math, reading, science, social studies, writing, life lessons, responsibility, and on and on!  One person feeding all those little people all those things is "spreading teachers thin!"  The beauty of Christ's story is every single person was fed and no one left hungry.   IF I trust Christ, He will take me, (the five loaves and two fish) bless me, and "feed" the "five thousand."  WOW!!!

HE WILL AND IS BIG ENOUGH TO TEACH/REACH each child in my classroom in every area they need!!  I now pray every morning, as I enter the "battlefield," that Christ will take the minimal resources and bless them so they reach ALL children.  That my friends is our hope as educators.  It is not humanly possible to meet all of our students' needs, but Christ will join forces and lead our class.  Will you let him?