Because It Matters

I have to start off by saying this post is not directed toward anyone in particular. Nor am I irritated or frustrated in any way. This is simply something that I have always felt strongly about :-)

Currently, I am coaching junior high girls track. I have really started to love it. Not only do I get to create workouts for the girls, but we are becoming a little family. When it comes to extra-curricular activities, it is important for kids to be involved in something. It doesn't matter if it's a club that meets once a month, a sports team that has two-a-days, or a youth group that meets after school. What matters is that kids are a part of something; they need to feel like they belong, that they matter. Why? Because not only do they matter, what they do matters.

What bothers me beyond words is when people "diss" a group or a certain kid that is involved in a group. "You guys don't do anything in track." "Golf isn't even a sport." "Only goodie-goods are in student council." "You know the kind of people that go out for the play." No... actually I don't. In fact, I don't understand at all what gives one person the right to knock down another person based on the activities he or she may participate in. These sports and clubs are important -- each one of them. Just because the school doesn't put a lot of money into a specific one doesn't make it any less important. It doesn't mean that they work those people put into that group matters any less. Why do I say this? Because it does matter. We all matter and so do the activities that we participate in. Everyone deserves to feel appreciated, and that is one of the best parts about being a part of a sport or club. People get together with a common interest and create lasting bonds and memories. It's a really neat part of life, and no one has the right to put anyone else down. Bottom line:

But It's Simple

Last night I went with a friend to see "God's Not Dead." To be honest, I hadn't even heard of the movie until last Friday when a student suggested I see it. A quick movie synopsis: College freshman, Josh, is being forced to make an argument for the existence of God to a philosophy class taught by a stubborn atheist professor. As he takes on the challenge, stories of Christians weave together throughout the movie. It showcases how far some Christians have to go in order to defend their faith.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. There were times when it was a little over-the-top, but the message was straight-forward and touching. It really made me think about how I show my faith to those around me -- Am I a light? Also, would I go to the lengths that the main character did in order to defend what I believe in?

There was a part in the movie when Josh is make his decision on whether or not to accept this challenge. The answer he gets from his minister is far from complex, and Josh was expecting a little more guidance. The minister's answer: "It's not easy. But it's simple." Living out a Christian life is not meant to be hard; there are not a lot of hoops to jump through. In fact, it's rather simple if you ask me -- Love the way He loves me. Treat others with respect. Spread the word of God through words, but also through actions.

Don't complicate things.

The Silver Lining

This morning, I woke up thinking: "This is not the way it is supposed to be." I have been stressing out, moping about over things that I have little control over. I had to run 8 miles for my half-marathon training, so I decided to listen to a podcast as I laced up my running shoes. It was a youth sermon based on God's Plan. It's something I have been wrestling a lot with lately -- trusting God's plan and realizing that I need to live out His purpose. 

While the sermon was very rich, a few things stood out to me. The minister had two teenagers do a demonstration where one directed the other to take steps forward, left, and right. He used this to show that we don't always know why we take the steps God has planned. In fact, to us it might seem as though we are moving back and forth. The best part is that He does know. He is planning each step, and sometimes His steps keep us from getting hurt or being put in the wrong situation. 

Also, God doesn't make mistakes. We take risks and it sometimes feels like we fail. If we have accepted Christ and have decided to live out His purpose, then there are no such thing as failures. It is all simply a part of the grand plan.

I don't know what is next for me, but what I do know is my prayer is: 

Living Through a Lens

Well hello there! It has been a LONG time... too long. I have had a lot of thoughts running through my mind, but haven't been able to put them into words. On top of that, I have been traveling a lot. I spent spring break in Indianapolis with great friends. The following weekend I was on a trip to Washington D.C. with a group of kids from school. This weekend, I directed our spring play. Needless to say, it's been busy. All of the experiences were extremely rewarding, leaving me feeling very blessed. My busyness will not stop there as we make our way through track season and the last quarter of the year... crazy to say!

As I traveled, I watched people taking pictures. Of course, I was right there with them, capturing moments, monuments, and scenes on my phone and with my camera. It was in the middle of doing so that I realized that I wasn't really even looking. I was only seeing the views through the lens of my camera. While doing so, I was missing out on life. I stood back to see my students with their iPhones in hand, discussing how much battery was left, and missing out on what they were actually taking pictures of. This was an observation that I have been thinking about ever since I returned home. Are we really seeing what is out there, or are we living through a lens?

Food for thought... Happy Sunday :-)

Knowledgable Skills

Knowledge is power. It's something we have been told all along. Not only is knowledge powerful, but it's also incredibly sexy. We are intrigued by those that have acquired a lot of knowledge, been extraordinary places, and share incredible experiences. But what about those who don't have those opportunities? Are they unable to have that sexy, knowledgable appeal?

In education, we have always focused on knowledge. How to find the best ways to ensure students KNOW the material. What they KNOW for the test. While there is a lot of value in students obtaining as much knowledge as possible, I would say that there is a shift in this way of thinking. 

Our students have changed. Many people are uncomfortable with this, some even turning their heads to the changes. This is only doing a disservice to our students. The fact is, people can obtain knowledge within minutes. It's this crazy little thing called Google. Yep. It doesn't take long to figure out when the Declaration of Independence was written. I can figure out within seconds who ran for president in 1860. That knowledge is right at my fingertips. So, do we do away with teaching these facts in the classroom? Not necessarily. We shift our way of teaching. Now the focus must be on teaching the skills to obtain this knowledge. HOW do I find things out? WHERE do I go to find that information? Some may think this sounds lazy, but it's the world we live in. It has changed, and we must too. 

Changes Aren't Always Comfortable

I have had the opportunity to attend some enriching professional development workshops over the past few weeks. The days do get long. My brain is generally fried, and my butt is mostly numb, but I have found myself "professionally developed." For those of you who are not teachers, I won't bore you with crazy acronyms or the latest buzz words in the educational world. What I will tell you is something you may already know - every student deserves a rich education. The ways that we get there are long and difficult for some. As a teacher, it is my job to give each student the gift of being a life-long learner. This is something that excites me beyond words. I have the most complex and rewarding job on the planet, and I love it.

What I really wanted to share about today is the idea of change. There are many changes going on right now in the field of eduction. As you may know, we are adopting the Common Core to ensure that when students leave our schools they are career and college ready. A pretty difficult task, huh? Yes... and extremely important.

What I have found in talking to other teachers is fear. Yep, many of us are afraid of change. Old strategies and lessons are going to have to be forgotten and replaced. These changes can be uncomfortable. We may feel like we are failing at first, but eventually they will benefit the needs of our students. Why change? Because it's what is in the best interest of our students. It's not about the teachers, not about their comfort. It's about our duty to provide the best possible education for each student that walks into our classrooms. They all deserve a chance.

It's time for teachers to step aside and place the needs of our students before our own. No, changes are not always comfortable, but they are often worth it.

Good Things

- belly laughs
- my grandma's quilt
- when I know my students "get it"
- the gift of time
- eight hours of sleep
- the smell of an old book
- long phone conversations
- clean sheets
- the feeling after a long run
- country music on a slow summer night
- the stillness of lake water
- my sister's paintings
- a smile from a stranger
- a smile from anyone
- hot tea
- long visits with my mom
- the promise of tomorrow
- fresh flowers
- leggings and chunky sweaters
- bear hugs
- checking things off my to-do list
- my dad's giggle
- the feeling of knowing I'm right where I need to be
- love