Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on May 9, 2012

   I told my students today that they were going to be the inspiration for today’s writing.  You see, now that the year has almost drawn to a close (Woohoo!  Only 15 student days remain!), my students have become “mind readers”.  Not a day goes by without me “looking” at a student and that student “knowing” exactly what I’m thinking.

Let me give you an example.

   One of my students has to be coaxed to sit on his pockets on the floor in front of the rocker when I’m reading aloud.  His language teacher and I call it the “on the mark” stance that he chooses to sit in, looking as if he’s going to run to the door as soon as he’s dismissed.  Today, as I was beginning to read  “School’s Out”, written by Johanna Hurwitz, I noticed this student standing with his backpack on and ready to go.  So, I looked at him.  At that point, he put his backpack on his desk and assumed his ‘on the mark’ stance, so I “looked” at him.  Then, he sat on his pockets and smiled a little knowing grin.  To this I said, “Yep, I have a class full of mind-readers.”

   During language class, my students read silently for the first ten minutes or work on their literacy letters.  They are actually also allowed to work on their book clubs or take AR quizzes on completed books.  However, vocabulary work is set aside at a different time of our class, and my students know this.  So, I looked up and saw a girl working on this week’s vocabulary focus.  I cleared my throat, which caused a few to look at me, including her.  At that point, I simply “looked” at her.  She smiled, and then she took her book out.  During the transition, I remarked, “I do believe I have mind-readers in my class today.”

   Truth is…they couldn’t “read my mind” in August…or October.  Actually, their mind-reading skills probably didn’t kick in until November or December.  Do I teach them how to read my mind?  Of course not!  It’s not an Indiana Acadmic Standard. Ha!  They simply pick up the ability as they get to know me and my expectations.

   As you get to know someone, you know what that person wants you to do.  Let’s face it, when I walk into my house and hear Jasper meowing, I know he wants me to open the door to let him have free roam on the whole house.  When he rubs against my legs, tripping me as I walk, I know he wants me to add some food to the bowl.  If he’s jumping up on the bathroom sink and licking the faucet, I know he needs me to check his water bowl.  Obviously, he doesn’t audibly tell me those things, or I’d die straight away!  I know him.  I spend time with him.  He’s my cat, so I take care of him.

   So…as we spend time with people, we get to know them.  As we get to know them, we learn what they desire of us.

   Yep, our relationship with God is the same way.  The more time we spend with Him, by studying His Word, the more we know what He wants us to do.  The more time we devote to Him in worship, praise, and prayer, the more we understand what He desires of us.  Now, in no way am I saying we can read the mind of God, but I do believe we can know the heart of God more as we grow in our relationship with Him. 

   Obviously, He doesn’t stand in front of me until I notice His attention in order to modify my behavior.  Nope, when I became His child, He gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit that actively prods my conscience and guides me on the path of righteousness. 

   So, as I conclude this and head to pick up my “Little Sister” for dinner, homework, Mother’s Day shopping, and DiscipleTown…I leave you this challenge.

Do you know Him better today than you did a decade ago?
How about a year ago?
A month ago?
Are you closer to Him today than you were yesterday?

   Regardless of the answer, I suggest you spend time with Him.  Read His book.  Talk to Him.  Learn the mind and heart of our Sovereign God.

Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on May 5, 2012

   Well, since I haven’t written anything for a couple days, I thought I’d write down a few of the thoughts swimming through my mind today. As you can see from the title, they were inspired by Lacie who is my “Little Sister” through the Big Brothers & Big Sisters organization.

A little of the back-story…
   Lacie is my second “Little Sister”. My first “Little,” Courtney, moved away. I waited for about 9 months before being matched with Lacie in June 2010.  So, we call June 21st our “Match Anniversary”, and she’s already started talking about what we should do to celebrate our 2nd anniversary this year. 

Let’s see…

   Lacie and I have dinner, do homework, and go to DiscipleTown every Wednesday. When her homework isn’t a big time-consumer, she’ll either run school errands with me, or we’ll go to my house to put together puzzles or play games until it’s time to go to church.
   Also, I try to take her to church with me on Sunday mornings, and then she goes to lunch with me and “the girls”. (The ladies in my Sunday School class).
   Finally, occasionally on Saturdays, we’ll plan something “special”. Today was one of those special Saturdays. Mary, who teaches 3rd grade with me, has a cute little granddaughter named Aleigh. The two girls really enjoy spending time together, so we attempt to schedule an outing periodically for the four of us.

Here’s the play-by-play on our day…

   I texted Lacie’s family last night to remind them I’d be picking her up between 9:30 and 9:45 this morning. I also noted that I hoped to take some pics of the two girls for the BBBS Match scrapbook that Lacie and I attempt to maintain. [Good thing my mom is a super-scrapbooker…Lacie and I are “stick on a picture and add some stickers” scrapbookers.]

   After eating breakfast with my parents at Mike’s Grill, I went to pick her up. As I waited at the door, she came down wearing the Easter dress I bought her…ready for her pictures. Then, her grandma reminded her to brush her hair, and I reminded her to brush her teeth. She fastened on her sandals and off we went.

   However, we weren’t supposed to meet Aleigh and Mary at the library until 10, so she and I made a quick trip to one of my favorite stores…Dollar Tree! I needed to buy some things for school, and we picked up a package of gummies for her to take home to share with her brother, sister, and uncle. As we stood in line, Mary and Aleigh walked into Dollar Tree. Lacie was so excited! She thought it was just hilarious that they came to Dollar Tree too. Next stop was the library.

   Since we reached the library before Mary & Aleigh, we went to pick out my books. I told her I usually read the ones with the yellow cross stickers on them, so she went aisle by aisle pointing out all the yellow stickers. She even suggested I get a book about Jesus, and I reminded her the best book to read about Jesus is the Bible. After we picked out my three books, we headed downstairs to the children’s section.

   The two girls went to the computers. The station Lacie sat at didn’t have headphones at the time, but that didn’t stop her. Aleigh would show her where to go to hear “the best song” and Lacie would go…even though she couldn’t hear a thing. It made Aleigh happy that they were doing the “same thing”. Shortly thereafter, Sarah, a friend from church who works in the children’s library, came in and provided us with headphones. Lacie shared that they only worked in one ear, and we assured her that one ear was better than none. A little before eleven, the girls finished on the computers and began playing in the play area. At this point, Mary and I started being photographers. I would position the girls, they’d smile, and click….their pictures were taken.

   After a ten-minute photo shoot, we headed to Mary’s. Since Lacie came in a dress, we opted to have her change into one of the outfits I had at my house for her, so she could play at Playland after we ate at McDonald’s. She pointed out that she shouldn’t crawl around in there with a dress on. Having a lovely purple spring outfit on, we were off to McDonald’s.

   Let me break for a second to give a little shout out to our local McDonald’s.  They give a 50% discount to BBBS matches. This is great because it allows us to order bigger meals than we want, so she can take leftovers home to her siblings…who are always thrilled with whatever she takes home with her.

   The four of us sat down, and she asked who was going to pray. She then volunteered and offered the blessing. Upon completion of her snack wrap, a few fries, and half a cookie…the girls were off to Playland. Mary and I sat visiting and taking occasional pictures while the girls climbed, crawled, giggled, and slid. A few times during the excitement, Lacie came over for a drink and a rest. Aleigh would charge ahead, but Lacie needed to catch her breath and cool off. [I bet those tubes get really warm as temperatures rise?]

   Due to the storms last night, Mary and Aleigh opted out of putt-putt, so Lacie and I decided we’d save it until we could have “more friends” with us. So, our next stop….was a roadblock. Our church Relay for Life team was collecting money to fight against cancer, so we headed out to Hanover. Lacie wanted to give our money to Miss Roye Ann, her Sunday School teacher. After giving her directions on how to give the donation, we stopped by Roye Ann and gave her our $5. Then, Lacie saw Miss Robin at one of the other stations of the roadblock and wanted to tell her “hi” too. We drove around and went through Robin’s side and gave her another dollar, but we also saw my dad at a third section of the intersection. Yep…you guessed it…we turned right, turned around, and gave Dad another dollar. As we drove away, she was so pleased that everyone was so glad to see her. Plus, she thought it was great that our $7 could fight against cancer.

   Our final stop was the ice cream shop on Main Street. I ordered a scoop of Triple Caramel, and she opted for chocolate. We were greeted by Alex, who is a Miss P. former 3rd grader. Lacie remarked how my third graders are everywhere. So we sat and visited as we ate our ice cream. When mine was finished, I asked Alex for a bowl and spoon, so she could take the rest of hers with us.

   As we got in the car to head up the hill to her apartment, Lacie said,
“Thanks, Jodi, for such a great day. This was a big day.”

Are you tired from reading that? It was a fun morning/afternoon, but I was tired too.

Here’s the lessons we can learn from Lacie. 

 Everyone needs reminders.
Most likely ours isn’t about brushing our hair or our teeth, but we can all be reminded to do what needs to be done. So, here’s your reminder…start your day in prayer and ask Him to guide your steps and your words.

Remember your family.
We probably don’t need to take them leftover McD’s food or gummy candy from Dollar Tree, but we can do small gestures just the same. Sometimes it’s simply sending them an e-mail, thanking them for inviting you over for dinner, eating a meal with them each week to spend time with them, taking a day off if they need you to help them with something, or singing at their renewal of wedding vows’ ceremony. Do something to show them you love them, and they matter.

Be excited to see your friends. 
Even if you see them every day at work…don’t take it for granted. Let them know you appreciate their friendship.

Be happy with what you have. 
Even without the headphones, she loved her time on the computer. When her headphones didn’t work completely, it didn’t matter. As my friend Debra says, “It’s all good.”

Don’t forget you’re a lady… if you are one.
She knew that she shouldn’t crawl around Playland in her dress, so it made sense to change clothes. Be proud of the woman (or man) God made you to be…and be that man or woman.

Don’t be ashamed of your faith.
Since we started our match, I would pray when we would eat together.  This past year, she started praying when it was just the two of us.  Recently, she now volunteers to pray whether we’re with my family, “the girls”, and today…with Mary & Aleigh.  Grow in your faith…God’s got great plans for you.

Rest when you need to.
As a nap-lover, I really like this lesson.  I wanted to take a nap today.  However, it seems my new computer security isn’t a fan of Google Chrome…and Blogger isn’t a fan of Internet Explorer.  So this little writing has taken hours to get to the internet.  Oh well, my bedtime is soon, so rest will come.

Go out of your way for people who matter to you. 
Seeing Miss Roye Ann wasn’t enough…she wanted to say “hi” to her, Miss Robin, and Dad. It’s easy in this busy world we live in to get wrapped up and not spend time with people who you care about. Do it anyway. As Lacie learned, they’ll be so pleased to see you.

The final lessons…

 Enjoy an ice cream cone every once in a while and make every simple day feel like a “big big day” in your heart. It’s a gift from God…so make it count.  And take a hint from Lacie and suggest to those you meet that they ought to read a book about Jesus, I highly recommend the Bible.

Originally posted on May 4, 2012, on Miss P’s Ponderings

Who do you trust?

 The reason I ask is…well, I have thought about trust off and on this week, so I thought I’d jot down my thoughts. 

Trust is one of those topics I talk about frequently in my classroom throughout the year. Sometimes, during our class meetings, I’ll read a book that focuses on a trust issue and then we, as a class, discuss it. Often, during one of the first trust discussions, I share an incident that took place many years ago in my classroom…the students involved are now college graduates. Let’s see…

 We were outside at recess when two students came up to me to report that a third student, with whom they had been shooting baskets, had said a “bad word”. The third student came up, looked me in the eye, and announced that he had not said such a thing. What’s a teacher to do?

 This is what I did…
“Well, all three of you are known as honest and trustworthy students. None of you, to my knowledge, have ever lied to me. So, the three of you can ‘go to the line’ until all three of you agree on what the truth is.”

 At that point, the three went to the line, which told me instantly that the boy had said it. I don’t know many third graders who would give up recess time just to get someone else in trouble with a made-up story. We reentered into the school and went downstairs to take our timed math test. Still, none of the three students changed their stories.

 So, the next step was taken…without giving names I shared something like this… 
“Trust is very important. When we are honest, it’s always best. Even if we have to be honest about a bad choice, it’s better to be honest. Honesty maintains trust. When someone breaks that trust, it’s hard to build it back again.”

 Then, I dismissed my students to the restroom, but…one boy dawdled behind. He came up to “tell me the truth” so that I would continue to “trust” him.

 This week, another incident happened in my classroom. A student made a bad choice. A second student witnessed and reported the action. After the others had left the room, I asked the accused student about the report.

 “Someone reported that you…, did you?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Why would you do that? I know you know it’s wrong.”
“I don’t know why I did it, but I know it would be considered stealing.”

 Without me saying a thing, he started to the behavior board where he proceeded to turn his card. I thanked him for his honesty and encouraged him not to repeat the bad choice. Honesty practiced; trust maintained.

 My final illustration of trust focuses on the staff at my school. Last night, I made a batch of Chex mix to take to my small group tonight. In fact, they’re meeting right now, but due to a sore throat and lack of energy I opted to come home to take meds, drink fluid, and rest. So, I had a couple small containers of Chex mix that I wouldn’t be able to give away at my small group. So, I took them into our teachers’ lounge. I didn’t write my name on the containers nor did I write the type of Chex mix.

 Wouldn’t you know it…when I went in to get my mail at 2:50, both containers were empty. They simply trusted that whomever made it…didn’t have cockroaches crawling on the cabinets.

 So…who do you trust and who trusts you?

 Are you the type of person that people trust? When you slip and tell a half-truth (which is really a full lie), are you quick to admit your failing so that trust can be restored?

 When you make a bad choice (which would be sin) do you not only confess and repent to God but also seek forgiveness from the one your bad choice affected?

 Do you practice trust, like those teachers did, when they ate Chex Mix without knowing who made it? [Umm, only do this in places you know can be trusted.]

 Most importantly, do you trust the One who created you, who sent His Son to die on a cross to take the punishment for all your bad choices? If not, I’d love to share with you how you can learn to trust Him by accepting the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

 “Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.” –Psalm 12:17

 In case you’re wondering, both of those boys learned another lesson…besides the importance of trust. They both experienced a lesson in mercy, too. But that lesson will have to wait for another blog post. Trust me…

Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on May 1, 2012

   I think you’d be hardpressed to find a teacher who finds joy in ISTEP+ or whatever standardized state testing s/he administers.  Do we understand the purpose?  Yes, but it doesn’t make the experience enjoyable. 

   I must admit, however, I was one of those odd students.  I loved “testing week”.  I remember sitting at my elementary desk to take the Iowa Basics Test (I think that was the name…but I never lived in Iowa?)  I remember having that test booklet in front of me, listening to directions, and carefully completing those math problems, reading those stories, and choosing answers to the comprehension and language questions.  I felt “important” completing the test…yes, I’m an odd duck.

   Things changed when I was no longer completing the test but being judged by the test.  Honestly, it doesn’t matter how confident I may feel in the skills and abilities God has given me as a teacher, through my training, experiences, and personality.  That confidence doesn’t alleviate the anxiety that enters a school or a classroom as the standardized tests hit.

   How do we face those anxieties? 
   How do we avoid being overwhelmed by the fear of failure? 
   How do we not let it have power over us?

 My answer is…find the joy. Joy?  In ISTEP+? 

   Yes, I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but if you try…you can do it.  So, I thought I’d give it a shot.  First, I have less grading to do during testing weeks.  Since my students spend several of our school hours completing the tests, they have less time to produce student work which requires assessing.  Second, generally, my classroom is quieter.  With them focusing on their assessments, they are less enticed to have off-task conversations in class.

   Of course, I think my students’ biggest joy is less homework.  My language class doesn’t have a spelling packet this week and during class we’re skipping vocabulary due to shortened class time.  You’d think they received a treasure when I announced on Monday…”We’re taking ISTEP+ this week, so…you have NO SPELLING HOMEWORK or VOCABULARY PACKET!”  [Yes, I announced it with the voice of a game show announcer to add excitement to the news.]

   You see, focusing on the good helps us to endure the bad.

   Aren’t we the same way with our life’s journey?  Gosh, I remember years ago, as a beginning teacher, gathering in Mrs. Stoner’s second grade classroom to begin the day in prayer with other teachers.  As I would stand in her classroom, I looked up to her wall.  I suppose in second grade they post words that need to be readily recognized, and her students had “jobs”.  So, she had the word JOB posted on her wall.

   Do you know where my head went each morning when I saw that?  Yep, you probably guessed it. I didn’t see “job.” I read it as “Job”.  I remember that year was one of my most difficult thus far in my journey.  It was difficult, at times, to keep a joyful spirit.  But, each day when I gathered in prayer with those Sisters in Christ, I would think, “This is nothing compared to what Job went through…so I’ll be fine.”  You see, remembering all Job endured and yet he still praised God encouraged me to do likewise.  

• Are some years harder than others?  Yes.  But…things can always be worse.  Just ask Job.
• Are some things stressful?  Yes.  But…Daniel survived the lions’ den, so surely I can survive ISTEP+.
• Are there times when the finances are tight?  Sure.  But, the Israelites had their needs met by manna from heaven, so I can trust that He will take care of my needs.

You see…there’s always joy.  You can choose to be joyful or you can choose to wish your life away.  You can choose to look on the bright side of life, or you can feel like a dark cloud is hovering over each step you walk.  You choose your attitude…your perspective…your thoughts each day.

   Choose to see Him working and trust that He will work all things together for your good and His glory…even if you can’t see it at the time.  I mean, I really don’t think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were comprehending the purpose when they were tossed in the fiery furnace…but through the fiery flames they saw their Lord leading them through. OK, so the ISTEP+ isn’t fiery flames, but it can still burn.

 …Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.  –Psalm 30:5

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.     –Proverbs 17:22

 Choose wisely, my friends. Choose Joy! 

Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on April 30, 2012

   Yes, I’m a fan of alliteration, so I had fun with the /p/ sound when coming up with today’s title.  It was prompted by two lovely yellow daisies which were delivered to me first thing this morning.  It was such a sweet way to start my Monday and fingers crossed…my landscapers (Mom & Connor) will be able to replant them outside before their life ends.

   You know, as a teacher, I receive lots of gifts of affection throughout the year…through the years.  I’ve had some zany gifts, tasty gifts, crafty gifts, and many…many purple gifts.  Today’s daisies prompted me to think of those gifts.

   Over a decade ago, there was a girl named Laura in my class.  She was such a sweet girl who worked so hard.  Christmas came rolling around.  As I do every year, I told the kids not to get me anything but if they wanted to get something for the classroom that would be great.  However, the day of our Christmas party arrived, and many gifts were eagerly brought to me to open.  I opened candles and mugs.  I opened chocolates and ornaments.  Lots of sweet, sweet gifts.  However, the gift I remember most dearly came from Laura.  You see, her family didn’t have money to go to Wal-Mart and pick up something, so she made me a gift.  She drew pictures, rolled them up like posters, inserted them into an empty wrapping paper tube, decorated the outside of the tube, and then wrapped it.  I made over that colored paper roll just like I made over the candle.  Both gifts were given from the loving heart of one of my little blessings, but I knew Laura…gave all she could.  She gave me her best.

   Many moons ago, I had a sweet blonde girl named Britney in my class.  Her mother was contemplating opening a sweet store.  So, guess what?  Every time she made a new sweet treat, I would receive not a sample but a plate full of tasty treats.  I actually remember the chocolate covered pretzel rods.  They were my favorite.  It wouldn’t have mattered if I had tried to lose weight that year, as those tasty treats, which Britney brought in with a shining smile on her face, would’ve won.  They were delish, and oh they smelled so sweet!

   A few years ago, I had another girl in my class by the name of Kaitlynn.  She was a hoot!  I received countless drawings of horses and every purple candy known to exist.  I received purple Laffy Taffy, purple suckers, and purple Jolly Ranchers.  You see, she loved horses and I love purple, so she shared both with me…frequently.  She gave me what mattered.

   This year, I have a boy in my class who frequently asks me if it’s OK for a student to love his teacher.  I assure him that there are all types of love, so it’s perfectly acceptable.  This year, besides drawings and a flower or two, he brought me a big purple ring.  I wore it proudly that first day and made a point of showing it to the other teachers.  Now, it’s hanging by my “recess bag” to decorate the door, as it made my finger sweat. His gifts undoubtedly say “I love you!” each time they arrive.

   Also, this year, I have a sweet girl in my class who often thinks of me when they eat something sweet at home.  She’s brought me a cinnamon roll, brownies, cookies, and Hershey kisses.  Her mom shared that her daughter always asks if she can bring me something.  Whenever the sweet treats arrive, I thank her joyfully and note that I’ll eat it when the kids go to special class for my morning treat.  In response, she grins from ear to ear.  It seems her thoughts are always directed at bringing me something to show her affection.

   Then, there was today’s daisy.  The girl who brought it to me isn’t in my homeroom, and she isn’t in my language class.  She is in my neighboring class, and our two classes read together daily.  Our two classes also do Fun Friday together and occasionally play Jeopardy games together.  So, I’m the Aunt-Teacher to her class.  Her mom, who also teaches in our building, asked me if I received the gift this morning and shared how her daughter was adamant about getting Miss Pflaumer a flower as well.  Then, she shared how the flower she bought me was purple, but today…the purple flower was looking puny, so her daughter decided she couldn’t give me a gift that wasn’t healthy.  She wanted to give me the best, and she wasn’t willing to settle for something that didn’t measure up.

   Yes, if you want to feel special, become a teacher….at least an elementary teacher.  You may experience lots of stress and a huge workload at times, but your students will make you feel loved by their words and actions.

   So, all those gifts…made me think.  They made me think about the gifts we offer our Teacher, our Father, our God.

Do we use our talents like Kaitlynn and offer gifts from our abilities?   Do we make certain our gifts will matter to the One we give them too…that they’ll mean something?

Do we offer Him presents that have a sweet aroma like Britney?

Are our thoughts constantly prompting to give Him a gift from the heart like my little girl in this year’s class?

Do we bring Him presents from a heart overflowing with love, so He knows how much He means to us…like my student this year?

Do we look at our gifts and realize we can offer something better and exchange it, so He’ll know we gave the best we had to offer like my daisy-giver?

Or…do we do like Laura…and the widow who gave her mite (Mark 12:42-44)…and give all we have to give?

Whatever you give Him…do so with all of your heart…and do so joyfully. 

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.–2 Corinthians 9:7

   Thanks for reading, but my daisies and I are heading home.  Blessings to you all<><

Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on April 27, 2012

 Sorry, e-friends, I had too many titles running through my head this morning to just pick one, so I opted for the above. Ha.

   OK, first the big news…the Lost Camera has been found!!  The purple camera ordered has been cancelled.  This was big, big news for me this morning.  When Mary, my neighboring teacher and friend, came into my room this morning it was the first thing out of my mouth….

“Guess what!  I found it!!”

I was so thrilled…partly because it saved me the 100+ dollars I would have to spend on the new camera and partly due to the sweet pictures of my “little sister” at Easter, third graders singing at their spring concert, and my multiplying maniacs receiving their trophies.  Lots of reasons to be thankful, so I literally rejoiced.  While I waited in the school board room for our in-service to begin, I proclaimed the news to my principal…“The lost has been found!”

Shouldn’t we have the same eagerness when sharing what God has been doing in our life.  Heaven rejoices when the lost come to Christ, and we should rejoice and proclaim all the wonders of our God.

   Then, at the end of our in-service meeting, Mr. Watson announced that our iPads were available to be picked up.  OK, seriously…I felt like a kid waking up on Christmas day to a filled stocking.  I was so excited…only to discover, I am not as techy as I thought.  Alas, deep breath, Mary, the same one I mentioned previously, has had one for a while so she gave me a quick tutorial on setting up my account etc.  We even joked about having FaceTime away from school, but we’re thinking it doesn’t matter how much her husband thinks of me, he may veto that one. Ha.  Of course, my nephew Connor is probably just as excited as I am, since this means I’ll be changing my high speed Internet access to wireless in order to do my prepping for iPad enhanced instruction next year.  Let’s just say…it’s been a good morning.

Are we that eager to jump in and use the tools He’s given us?  We have access to His word in so many places yet how often do we get excited to dive in and see what new truth we can learn.  How often do we offer to help others when they’re learning to live by faith. 

   Let’s see, then…with the task of creating pretests to be used for the RISE-required assessment, we were looking at creating a new assessment.  Wait just a second!  Didn’t I do that five years ago?  Yep.  Could it be…would it be…please let it be still on  my computer.  Guess what!!  It’s there…so we have a starting point.  Huge tasks don’t seem so daunting when you have a starting foundation.  This led to a brief but productive grade level meeting.

One thing I started doing years ago is taking notes during sermons.  I think this is partly due to the way He wired me.  I like to stay focused and taking notes keep me focused.  So, at the age of 41, I have several notebooks filled with notes from sermons.  Hmmm, how long has it been since I sat down and reread those notes.  I have no doubt I’d see new truths and be reminded of applications that would benefit my daily journey.  Maybe I should pull those out and add them to my summer reading list?

   However, I must confess….when I went to bed last night I realized I needed to share about being overwhelmed with life and its responsibilities.  You see, I know I’m not alone, most teachers experience being overwhelmed from the end of spring break until the end of the school year.  For me, as the weeks pass during those two months, it seems my plate becomes more and more full. 

  This week has been one of those weeks…where everyday it seems like there’s “one more thing” added.  To be honest, none of them are bad things…but even good things can become overwhelming. 

   For example, our church has a ladies’ luncheon every spring.  I am a hostess at one of the tables, and I try to make my table look fun and my guests feel special.  Then, I write and act in a skit which goes along or introduces the theme of the luncheon.  Throw in typing a program, typing church meeting minutes, creating a brochure for Celebrate Southwestern‘s Accelerated Math table, putting together luncheon door prize donations, writing notes, grading papers, finding a lost camera, attending small group, spending time with my “Little Sister”, creating a new puppet personality, needing to be at one place from 11-2 and another place from 1-3 on Saturday, and having enough energy for all of the above…I was a little overwhelmed.  Scratch that…yesterday as I decorated my table, put together my gift bags for my table guests, and waited to practice the skit…I was a lot overwhelmed.

   Last night, as I laid down for the night and pondered all that had transpired over the past few weeks and awaited me this weekend…I just thought…
“I need a break!  I can’t do this.  I need to learn to say no and just run away for a bit.” 
And you know what….one of those verses that God has not only hidden in my  heart but I believe etched it in stone there came to my mind and calmed my heart. 

Be still, Jodi, and know that I am God…

   Ahh!  What a refreshment that simple verse was to my overwhelmed soul!  He was there through all of the overbooked scheduling…all the simple tasks that I needed to accomplish…and He simply reminded me to stop…and remember that He IS God.  He doesn’t change.  He’s as present in the midst of the chaos of April and May as He is in the excitement of August and September.  Yes, He calmed my soul in the midst of my personal storm.

   This morning, as I awakened, I was reminded of another truth etched on my heart.

Joy comes in the morning. 

   Today was a new day.  I could choose to be overwhelmed by all I needed to accomplish.  I could be frustrated with all that I’ve been doing lately and gripe that I need to learn to say ‘no’.  I could choose how I would greet this day. I chose to let go of those frustrations and accept the day as it presents itself.

   Then, as you read above, all of those “woohoo” moments took place.  As I pondered anew these past weeks, I realized that whether my life is calm or chaotic…that I must find time to be still and know that He is God and to appreciate the truth that joy comes in the morning.

Thanks for reading, e-friends, I think I need to leave the serenity of my empty classroom with K-love playing online…and go pick up the best nephew in the world…and maybe the two of us and our iPads can get a beverage at McDs and enjoy their free Wifi.  I mean….if you get a new “toy” you need to play with it.  Right?

Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on April 26, 2012

   I’ve come to the conclusion that my memory, which at one time was very accurate, isn’t what it used to be.  The newest dilemma to fall prey to my bad memory is my Olympus camera.  Sadly, it is missing.  Now, to many, this may not be a big deal, but to me…it’s HUGE!

   You see, I keep my blue camera in a purple case in my purse at all times.  Well, it’s usually in my purse at all times, until that dreaded day…when it wasn’t.

   On Monday, April 9th, our third graders had a spring music program at 6:00pm.  Not wanting to mess with my purse, I simply grabbed my purple case and headed into the gymnasium.  All was well.  I took my pictures, and life was good.

   Then, I returned to my car eager to arrive home, so…I merely tossed my blue camera in my purple case into my rolling cart which was already loaded in the car.  No biggie, right?  I can put in my purse later.

   A day or two later, after my language students wrote in their writer’s notebooks, I decided to take a couple pictures of them sharing.  I like having photographs of my students to include in their Third Grade Writing Anthology at the end of the year.  Not a problem…I reached down into my cart and picked up my purple case.  I snapped a few pictures…and….and….

I don’t remember!

  Time passes.  April 23rd arrives, and my homeroom is thrilled to see the seedlings which have popped up in many of our “Seed Manipulation” cups.  So, I think to myself, I should snap a few pics of them observing and recording their observations. 

   Aghast! 

It is not there. Not in my cart, not in my purse,
Not on my desk, could this be worse?
Not on the table, not in my car,
Oh, Camera, tell me where you are!

  So, I think to myself, if it’s not in those places, then I must’ve taken it home.  Yep, that’s where it is…I’m sure.

  Double bummer!

It’s not there! Not on the table, not by my chair,
Not in the office, not anywhere?
Under the couch, is Jasper my stealer?
I give up…let’s find a camera dealer.

  Yes, after looking throughout my classroom, my car, and my house,  I’ve given up.  I’ve returned to Amazon, where I bought my blue Olympus camera and found…a purple Olympus camera just like it.  So, it’s ordered.  I use my camera way too much–whether at church, at school, or spending time with my “Little Sister”–to not have a camera.

   Yes, I realize that as soon as I receive my new camera that my “old camera” may suddenly pop up.  To be honest, I’m hoping that happens as I had some cute pictures of my BBBS “Little Sister” from Easter, which I hadn’t downloaded or printed yet.  Who knows?  Maybe when I’m packing up my classroom at the end of May it’ll suddenly be located?  Or perhaps, when I sort through the stack of “stuff” on my office desk I’ll find it at home?  For now…I’ve given up.

   Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t give up on us? 

   When we’re lost, He seeks us out.  One of my favorite parables in the Bible is The Lost Coin.  Actually, I enjoy the lesson of all of the lost parables whether it’s a coin, sheep, or son.  Yet, these days….with me misplacing things so often, I suppose I relate to the woman searching the house for her coin. 

   I’ve heard many preachers preach about one or all of those parables.  It always brings joy to my heart to hear how heaven rejoices when a lost soul accepts the Savior.  Likewise, it brings me joy when I realize when His wayward children wander away from Him…He lovingly welcomes us back. 

   Yes, I’m glad God loves me enough to never stop seeking me, forgiving me, loving me. 

   Hmmm…maybe I should look again for that camera?  But…I have papers to grade, so maybe later.

Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on April 25, 2012

   In my language arts class, we have started using a website to help with communication, learning, instruction, and assessment.  [If you’re a teacher, visit www.edmodo.com to see what it’s all about.] When my language arts students rotate to the iPad table, the first thing they do is use the Edmodo app.

   Right now, I’ve posted two questions regarding their book club.  Let’s see…I’ve asked them to pick a character from their assigned book club and tell me about him/her including either their personality or what’s going on with them in the story’s plot.  Then, today I added a challenge for them to name a character and write five adjectives to describe him/her.  And, just for fun, I posted a poll asking them to pick their favorite fairy tale out of five I’ve listed.

   What’s the purpose of this?  Well, first, it’s a more engaging and interactive way for them to reflect and communicate about their book.  You see, when they post their thoughts, the rest of our class can see their writing.  Tomorrow, I’m going to pull up “our class page,” and we’re going to examine and discuss the offerings of the various students.  Eventually, fingers crossed, I will be able to fairly assess their understanding as well as their language conventions.

   Now, besides this being “more fun”, as my students have pointed out to me, it’s also good practice for the inevitable move to ISTEP+ online.  The thought of my third graders taking a high-stakes test online, where they can just click through answers, scares me a bit.  Yet, knowing that they’ll eventually have to complete the writing portion of the assessment online as well literally scares me to death.  Well OK, not literally…but it scares me…a lot.

   So, I figure if they get to the point where they can communicate their thoughts appropriately to me using Emodo, then maybe…just maybe, they can meet the challenge.

   Now, you know…I wouldn’t be writing this unless I had an application or challenge in there for my spiritual journey, so here you go.

   If my students were perfect in following directions, then the only writing I would see on our class page would be about their book club characters and their preference of fairy tales.  Alas, that is not the case.  Wow!  My students must not be perfect at following directions, so what else did they write?  Let’s see…

   One student chose to praise another student’s participation and completion of their book club. 
Several students affirmed the character of another student by declaring him nice and awesome, to which someone proclaimed that everyone likes him.  A student who is new to my language class said he enjoyed being in my class.  Several students told me I was a good reader…a really good reader.
And others simply told me they liked me.

   Now, I know it wasn’t their assignment, but how can I possibly correct behavior that affirms others?  I can’t.  So I simply remind them to complete the assignment.  If they want to add affirmations (as we discussed that negative comments were cyber-bullying), I don’t mind…as long as they take care of their responsibilities as well.

   The same goes with me and my time with God. 

   Yes, He wants me to study, to pray, to meditate, to worship, to confess, to serve, to disciple, to witness…  There’s lots of things I can do within my relationship with Him. 

   If I go to Him in prayer and in the midst of my prayer start sharing about my likes and dislikes, does He care that I lost focus?  Nope, I don’t get a composition grade…just an eager Listener who loves me. 

   If I’m confessing and start asking Him to help me to do better, He just sees my heart…not the disorganized manner in which I’m sharing my soul with Him. 

   If I’m praising Him and start sharing how blessed I am because of people in my life, does He become angry because I’ve went off task?  Nope, after all, He’s the Creator of those people who blessed me, so I’m also thanking Him for bringing them into my life. 

   My students are so eager to get to the iPads and share their thoughts on Edmodo.  Is it because it’s a new thing?  Perhaps, but it’s nice to see their excitement just the same.  The same goes with my eagerness to share my journey with others.  Am I eager to share how He has blessed me and used me and taught me?  I’m sure my eagerness brings Him joy as well.

  And the best part…I don’t get a grade.  He doesn’t tell me my participle dangled or I ended with a preposition.  He doesn’t ask me if I used the appropriate punctuation.  He simply sees my heart and accepts it with all its “typos”. 

   You see…just like my students have to be in my “class” to be able to post comments…I must be in His family to have Him see past my “typos” and accept me through the blood of Christ.  Yep, that’s a sweet, sweet thought to end on.

Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on April 24, 2012

   Most teachers have an ample amount of incentives to use in a classroom.  One incentive that I use is called the Lunch Bunch.  To receive this high honor, a student goes six weeks with only losing one sticker. 

   How does a student earn a sticker?  They don’t.  But…they can lose their sticker.  At the beginning of each day, a student starts with a clean slate.  At the beginning of the day, they know they will get a sticker in that day’s spot on their chart.  However, they also know that if they forget their homework or make choices that result in turning two cards (we have color codes, and the first turn is merely a warning), then that sticker will be forfeited. 

   During the first semester, we would have 5-8 students earn the status of Lunch Bunch.  Then, those students and I simply eat lunch in my classroom.  Nothing big…just a 20-25 minute lunch in room 302.

   Well, last Friday we filled a chart, so today we had lunch together. (I always make sure it’s a day I’ll eat the school lunch, so it feels more like we’re having a family dinner.)  Drum roll please…tadatadatada…today, we had a whopping 11!  Now this may not seem like a big deal, but it’s 1 1/2 less than half my class. We were quite proud our total was that high. 

   So, I sat at one end of the table, and there were five students on either side with the final student at the opposite end.  It was like the Waltons with Grandpa or John Boy.

   At the beginning, every time we have this activity, someone will remark how quiet it is and how we can hear the cafeteria (that has about 200 students eating lunch).  Then, slowly but surely, the conversations begin.  After remarking how it felt like we were in a restaurant, the real talking began.  For the next 20 minutes, I had 11 students who couldn’t wait to tell me…something.

   I heard stories about dead dogs, dumb dogs, hospital visits, plane rides, approaching college graduations, and more dog stories.  Sometimes, they’d have quiet conversations, but for the most part…they were eager to talk to me.  To see my face react to the stories they shared.  We finally had to outlaw dead animals stories…I mean it was lunch after all. 

   I glance at the clock and realize it’s time to head to the cafeteria to return our trays and pick up the 12 students (we had two absent today).  And, just like every other time, I hear these types of remarks.

“Already?  I’m not finished.”
“Can I go ahead and finish my story?” [Sure, she told it to me as we walked down the hallway]
“Well, listen to this, Miss P…”

   You see…they had so much to talk about…to share with me about their journey through life that time had zipped by and they weren’t ready for it be finished.

Of course, it made me think….

   As I sat watching hands being raised during lunch…eager to be the next one to tell a story, I thought…”I bet God would love for us to be this eager to talk to Him.”

   Yep, in the midst of my lunch with 11 third graders, I realized I needed to have that same excitement about talking to Him.  He already knows my tears and my joys, but He still wants me to tell Him about it.  From our trivial lunch stories, “I like burnt corn.  Do you?”  To the more personal stories, “I was holding my baby sister in my arms when she died.”  Yes, I should have that same passion to have His attention….to spend talking to Him. 

   Of course, I must admit.  There were also times at lunch when they listened to me.  Whether it was sharing stories about Jasper (my cat) or Connor (my nephew), they were just as eager to know me better.  God is too.  The more time I spend with Him…the more I know Him…the closer I grow to Him.  I can guarantee I know those 11 students more now than I did before sharing lunch and listening to their dog stories.

  Then, I thought…and the best part…He’s always there.  I don’t have to raise my hand and wait my turn.  I don’t have to wait six weeks until there’s time.  I don’t have to worry that I’ll mess up one too many times and lose my chance.  I can do it right now.  But will I?  Will you?

   Learn from my lunch bunch, and sit down to sup with Him.  Share your thoughts, your dreams, your sorrows….share your very soul.

Originally posted on Miss P’s Ponderings on April 23, 2012

  Seems that I-Pads are hitting schools full force, and as an elementary teacher who strives to be techie and engaging…I’m thrilled.  Of course, as of today, I’m I-Padless personally…but I have about an hour each day when my language arts’ students are able to utilize them to reinforce skills as well as challenge their learning.

   I’m wishing I would be able to download and check out apps over the summer…to be up and ready for useful integration in the fall.  Don’t know if our I-Pads will have that capability, so I’ll have to meet with my principal to check it out.  But, I know for most things I would like to use the I-pad for in my classroom, “there’s an app for that!”.  I get excited just thinking about all the opportunities ahead for my instruction and my students.

   Speaking of apps, during the K-Love pledge drive, I heard them share about an app which allowed you to order your Starbucks drinks.  Now, since I don’t drink coffee, I have no use for this app, but I found it hilarious that there was an “app for that”.

   It seems, from what I read online and hear through conversation or radio/television that there’s an app for almost anything you’d like to experience or use the I-Pad for…how cool is that!

   Well, you know what comes next…the connection…to something that has more endurance than an I-Pad, more longevity than technology, and more availability than apps…AND far more valuable.

   This weekend, as I shared in an earlier blog, I attended a Spiritual Disciplines conference at my church.  Friday night, we focused on using the Psalms to guide our prayer life.   Dr. Whitney shared how “there’s a Psalm for every sigh of the soul“.  He pointed out that many of us don’t have the prayer life we’d like to have because “we say the same old things about the same old things“. 

   By using the Psalms to guide your prayers, you may be praying about most of the same old things, but you’ll be praying in a new way and also about additional things.  It really is a great method of improving your prayer life, so I encourage you to learn more about it and try it in your own journey.

   Then, on Saturday morning, after reviewing praying with Psalms (and other passages), he moved on to meditation.  Reminding us that we are to meditate on His Word day and night.  Now, obviously while I’m teaching my third graders, I can’t pull on my Bible and read/reread today’s verse or verses.  However, if I meditate in the morning, then I can recall and ponder that truth throughout the day. 

   For example, today’s verse from K-Love came to my inbox this morning, so I sat at my computer a bit and prayed through it and then meditated on it.  So, as I’m teaching my class, I can think on the fact that His laws our right and will guide my life.  I can reflect on whether the things I do and say are abiding by His right laws.  Therefore, I can meditate on the verse because I’ve hidden it in my heart, not because I have the Book in my hand. 

   Plus, just like there’s an app for almost anything you want to do on an I-Pad, there is a Psalm for anything you’re feeling.
Having a great day? Pray through one of David’s Psalms of joy.
Experiencing heartache? Yep, there’s a Psalm for that experience too.
So, take a gander…there’s a Psalm for that.
Of course, these days…you don’t need a book in your hand. 
Grab your techie tool and read the Bible…there’s an app for that!