Sunday, January 27, 2013
Resolution Verse - Week 1/27/13
Tonight as I was talking to my mom, she mentioned a verse that she has always treasured. This week I am honoring her, in part because of her strength, but also because of her love for me and our family. She has always walked in the Lord, and whether she has known it or not, been a missionary. This week, I am focusing on Isaiah 40:31 - "But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint" (NKJV). Through Christ our Lord we have SO much strength, we can do ANYTHING if we rely on Him because He always provides. I hope this verse speaks to each of you and encourages you this week!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Stop talking and Listen
I have yo-yoed with reading daily devotionals as of late; my reason, er excuse, being that I couldn't relate to each one after a while, they no longer related to me, etc. Recently I found an online devotional called "Encouragement for Today". It is geared towards women and based on Proverbs 31. The testimonials are relatable and inspiring for me and I ENJOY reading them, the prayer that is provided and the meditation that follows.
The first "Encouragement" I read was about a week ago and it was about being silent. It mentioned how so many times, day in and day out, we pray and talk to God yet so rarely do we listen. At the end of teh testimonial there was a pledge-prayer. I took this, stating that I would spend every day over the next month taking 5 minutes to LISTEN to God. I still say my prayers at night, and multiple times during the day, but before I go to sleep I spend 5 minutes not talking and just listening to what God is telling me. This has been so good for me. I feel like I have had so many questions, issues, problems, faults (the list goes on) and I have spend so much time telling God about these that I haven't stopped and listened to His will.
I feel that I have a better understanding of things; although I am still confused, and still need His guidance, and still have questions, I am starting to see the clarity, see His way, and know the answers.
Take a moment and read an "Encouragement for Today". You will be enlightened!
The first "Encouragement" I read was about a week ago and it was about being silent. It mentioned how so many times, day in and day out, we pray and talk to God yet so rarely do we listen. At the end of teh testimonial there was a pledge-prayer. I took this, stating that I would spend every day over the next month taking 5 minutes to LISTEN to God. I still say my prayers at night, and multiple times during the day, but before I go to sleep I spend 5 minutes not talking and just listening to what God is telling me. This has been so good for me. I feel like I have had so many questions, issues, problems, faults (the list goes on) and I have spend so much time telling God about these that I haven't stopped and listened to His will.
I feel that I have a better understanding of things; although I am still confused, and still need His guidance, and still have questions, I am starting to see the clarity, see His way, and know the answers.
Take a moment and read an "Encouragement for Today". You will be enlightened!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Christmas Wreath Success!!
After cleaning up after our 6th Annual Turkeys Gone Wild party it suddenly felt odd to be sitting around with nothing to do. I decided to take on a new task and make my first Christmas Wreath.
I ran to AC Moore and grabbed a foam wreath, 4 spools of ribbon, and a few sprigs of berries.
(PS - I did not want to use hot glue because it is so messy so everything in attached to the foam via staples and straight pins)
Step 1 - I covered the outer part of the wreath with red ribbon, stapling the ribbon in place in mulitple places.
Step 2 - I cut 6 1/2 in strips of the green and light gold ribbon
Step 3 - I folded and stapled the green and light gold ribbon to the wreath, alternating the colors.
Step 4 - I added the sprigs of berries
Step 5 - I cut 6 1/2 inch strips of the red ribbon and stapled it to the undersid of the wreath.
Step 6 - I used straight pins to put 4 inch strips of the deep gold ribbon in behind the green ribbon
Step 7 - I took red ribbon and wrapped it around the top of the wreath for hanging.
(The flash made the wreath look a lot shinier than it really is - I will retake a picture during the day and repost soon)
In all this wreath took me about 35 minutes to assemble... I can't wait to see what I can do with more time on my hands!
I ran to AC Moore and grabbed a foam wreath, 4 spools of ribbon, and a few sprigs of berries.
(PS - I did not want to use hot glue because it is so messy so everything in attached to the foam via staples and straight pins)
Step 2 - I cut 6 1/2 in strips of the green and light gold ribbon
Step 4 - I added the sprigs of berries
Step 5 - I cut 6 1/2 inch strips of the red ribbon and stapled it to the undersid of the wreath.
Step 6 - I used straight pins to put 4 inch strips of the deep gold ribbon in behind the green ribbon
Step 7 - I took red ribbon and wrapped it around the top of the wreath for hanging.
(The flash made the wreath look a lot shinier than it really is - I will retake a picture during the day and repost soon)
In all this wreath took me about 35 minutes to assemble... I can't wait to see what I can do with more time on my hands!
Until the next craft . . .
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
There'd be no butterflies if nothing ever changed...
Three years ago, I decided to go back to school and earn my Master's Degree in Instructional Technology. I contemplated for many years as to what I wanted to do in terms of a Master's Degree. The more I thought about my teaching career the more I realized how much I enjoyed using technology in the classroom and engaging my students in the lecture/lesson. While getting my degree, I began interviewing for Technology Facilitator positions within my school system. For two years I interviewed at every level (elementary to high to opportunity schools); 4 of my 6 interviews came down to myself and another candidate, the other candidate always being chosen. In June of this year, I interviewed at yet another school. The principal called me specifically to tell me that she was undecided between another interviewee and myself and wanted me for a second interview. I went, knocked it out of the ballpark, and waited to for "the" call. It came, the job went, and the tears flooded (I honestly don't think my husband has ever seen me cry like that - he looked startled). I told my husband that I would try again, but that for once I was starting to feel defeated.
This August, during our teacher workdays, I was contacted once again for an interview (taking place the day before school started). This time I was interviewing for a position at an elementary school and began to get very nervous as people started questioning how I would handle the change from high school students to elementary-aged. I went to the interview, it was the shortest one I've had thus far, and waited for the call. The call came, the same night as the Britney Spears concert, and I got the job! Finally, my tears of joy came! In October of this year, I will be changing my career status from that of classroom teacher to technology facilitator. Although, I am sad to leave the classroom and the 96 students that I am getting to know this semester, I am thrilled to open a new chapter in my life. I expect a lot of challenges with this new title and set of duties, but I am looking forward to helping educators enhance their teaching techniques. And once I get my footing, I look forward to going back to school and getting my doctorate. This is a long road to be traveled, but I am full of energy and ready run!
Until next time,
This August, during our teacher workdays, I was contacted once again for an interview (taking place the day before school started). This time I was interviewing for a position at an elementary school and began to get very nervous as people started questioning how I would handle the change from high school students to elementary-aged. I went to the interview, it was the shortest one I've had thus far, and waited for the call. The call came, the same night as the Britney Spears concert, and I got the job! Finally, my tears of joy came! In October of this year, I will be changing my career status from that of classroom teacher to technology facilitator. Although, I am sad to leave the classroom and the 96 students that I am getting to know this semester, I am thrilled to open a new chapter in my life. I expect a lot of challenges with this new title and set of duties, but I am looking forward to helping educators enhance their teaching techniques. And once I get my footing, I look forward to going back to school and getting my doctorate. This is a long road to be traveled, but I am full of energy and ready run!
Until next time,
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Summer is FINALLY Here!
After the long awaited break, teachers around the state can finally shout "Summer has arrived!" This year, more than any other recent year, summer break is a true blessing for educators. I hope that each colleague will be resting this summer as a rigorous new school year awaits.
Because teachers need such a break from school work, students, and even administration, I have compiled some ways that I will be relaxing this summer.
First and foremost - is a reading list. Each year I create a summer reading list and my goal is to complete all readings before the end of summer. For some, this may seem like a task, but for me this is serious relaxation.
My reading list this year consists of:
1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - finished earlier this week and recommend it for everyone!
2. Toxin by Robin Cook - a medical thriller about corporate malevolence and bacterial poisoning
3. Tan Lines by J. J. Salem - a novel full of scandal, sex and murder. Some have even called it a "bitchy beach read".
4. The Testament by John Grisham - A 78 year old billionaire outfoxes his heirs with his last will and testament and a surprising death.
5. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - A story of a librarian who involuntarily travels through time and falls in love
6. The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell - the 17th book in the Scarpetta series, a forensic science novel - PS if you haven't heard of Patricia Cornwell or her character Kay Scarpetta, I ask - "Have you been living under a rock?" Pick up a book and start reading!!
7.Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwartz - An Oprah's Book Club read, this novel discovers two sisters and the factors that bond them and tear them apart.
And the last book on my reading list for summer?
Drumroll Please.............
8. Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich - Also, book 17 from another author whom I have followed closely - New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum once again finds herself trying to chase down the bad guys, uncover a murder mystery and figure a way out of her ongoing love triangle with two hot, hot men!
Once you have your books determined, it is necessary that you pillage the ABC store, pack up swimsuits and sunscreen and park your toosh in a lounge chair. You can now begin soaking up the rays and drinking a toast to your favorite characters while the new school year awaits.
Cheers!
Because teachers need such a break from school work, students, and even administration, I have compiled some ways that I will be relaxing this summer.
First and foremost - is a reading list. Each year I create a summer reading list and my goal is to complete all readings before the end of summer. For some, this may seem like a task, but for me this is serious relaxation.
My reading list this year consists of:
1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - finished earlier this week and recommend it for everyone!
2. Toxin by Robin Cook - a medical thriller about corporate malevolence and bacterial poisoning
3. Tan Lines by J. J. Salem - a novel full of scandal, sex and murder. Some have even called it a "bitchy beach read".
4. The Testament by John Grisham - A 78 year old billionaire outfoxes his heirs with his last will and testament and a surprising death.
5. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - A story of a librarian who involuntarily travels through time and falls in love
6. The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell - the 17th book in the Scarpetta series, a forensic science novel - PS if you haven't heard of Patricia Cornwell or her character Kay Scarpetta, I ask - "Have you been living under a rock?" Pick up a book and start reading!!
7.Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwartz - An Oprah's Book Club read, this novel discovers two sisters and the factors that bond them and tear them apart.
And the last book on my reading list for summer?
Drumroll Please.............
8. Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich - Also, book 17 from another author whom I have followed closely - New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum once again finds herself trying to chase down the bad guys, uncover a murder mystery and figure a way out of her ongoing love triangle with two hot, hot men!
Once you have your books determined, it is necessary that you pillage the ABC store, pack up swimsuits and sunscreen and park your toosh in a lounge chair. You can now begin soaking up the rays and drinking a toast to your favorite characters while the new school year awaits.
Cheers!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
End of School Countdown
It's that time of year again, when most teachers have the "days of school" countdown on their boards. Each teacher has his or her own way of counting down. Some include the current day, some only include instructional days (exam days don't count), and some don't count the "exam make up days" which most students opt out of coming to anyway. Teachers choices also vary as to when they begin the countdown - some begin on the first day of the semester, some begin after Spring Break, and others begin when they are at their wits end and it offers piece of mind. I never realized how a few numbers on the board could make the last few weeks of school seem bearable when I have little, if any patience left.
This year as the school year is once again coming to an end, I have found myself with so much more work than usual, that the countdown doesn't quite serve enough "help". Coming back from Spring Break, our school implemented a new Intervention System - this caused teachers to rearrange their schedules because 6 minutes were shaved off of each class period, and we "gained" 30 minutes of homeroom/intervention. For this to work effectively, teachers must do the following:
1. Determine new goals to for each Course - Now, granted the state has its own Standard Course of Study, but why use that, when you can reinvent the wheel?
2. Create assessments to show that students have mastered the above mentioned goals.
3. Analyze these assessments to determine which students have not mastered the goals, and which part of the goal needs to be retaught (during intervention) to those failing students.
4. Reteach each goal, in 30 minutes - I mean, if the kid didn't get it after 90 minutes of instruction, of COURSE he or she will understand in 30 minutes.
This is in addition to all other paperwork and duties that have been "requested" of us lately.
Do not get me wrong, I do believe that students can benefit from extra instruction; however, I do not believe that a new schedule and set of expectations should be introduced to teachers after a long awaited and much needed Spring Break (after all we taught for 10 weeks straight due to makeup snow days).
As you can imagine, there are many teachers needing summer "break" or "recovery". As I look at the countdown each day, I gain a little hope that summer is right around the corner and I can spend many days and nights on the beach or by the pool soaking up the sun and drinking many ice cold adult beverages!
Until next time . . .
This year as the school year is once again coming to an end, I have found myself with so much more work than usual, that the countdown doesn't quite serve enough "help". Coming back from Spring Break, our school implemented a new Intervention System - this caused teachers to rearrange their schedules because 6 minutes were shaved off of each class period, and we "gained" 30 minutes of homeroom/intervention. For this to work effectively, teachers must do the following:
1. Determine new goals to for each Course - Now, granted the state has its own Standard Course of Study, but why use that, when you can reinvent the wheel?
2. Create assessments to show that students have mastered the above mentioned goals.
3. Analyze these assessments to determine which students have not mastered the goals, and which part of the goal needs to be retaught (during intervention) to those failing students.
4. Reteach each goal, in 30 minutes - I mean, if the kid didn't get it after 90 minutes of instruction, of COURSE he or she will understand in 30 minutes.
This is in addition to all other paperwork and duties that have been "requested" of us lately.
Do not get me wrong, I do believe that students can benefit from extra instruction; however, I do not believe that a new schedule and set of expectations should be introduced to teachers after a long awaited and much needed Spring Break (after all we taught for 10 weeks straight due to makeup snow days).
As you can imagine, there are many teachers needing summer "break" or "recovery". As I look at the countdown each day, I gain a little hope that summer is right around the corner and I can spend many days and nights on the beach or by the pool soaking up the sun and drinking many ice cold adult beverages!
Until next time . . .
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