I'm back! I had an amazing time (see my travel journal or ask me for all the details!), but I am glad to be home with my familiy, friends and my own shower :)
The night before I left for the Netherlands I was starting to freak out. I had never been away from my family and friends for so long and I knew I would miss them. I was starting to cry. I picked up my Bible to do my nightly reading. I am currently going through Psalms and this was the next Psalm I came to, "Weeping may remain for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5). God is so amazing! That was just the verse I needed.
Repeating it to myself helped me calm down and quieted my tears. I knew that though I was nervous and anxious and upset that night, the next day and all of the days I was in Europe I would be happy and rejoicing in the wondrous oppportunity I had been given! With this in mind I slept peacefully that night. I wrote the verse on an index card to take with me in case I needed it. And boy did I!
Our first day in Maastricht was a challenge. We had been traveling for hours and got to our hostel and were in a very bad mood. The towels were too small, the showers turned off ever 45 seconds, the rooms were small, we had no drawers to keep our clothes in... We were crabby to say the least.
I pulled out my index card and read the verse aloud to my fabulous roommates (love you guys!!!) We all needed a reminder that things were looking bad that night, but in the morning after a good night's sleep everything would look different. And of course they were. The next morning things didn't look so bad :)
God is so amazing. He knew I needed that verse and made sure I read to that verse at just the right moment.
xoxo
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
What I Make
I stole this from a friend...
What do teachers make?
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." (aside: hate this expression...)
To emphasize his point he said to another guest, "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"
Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"(She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.
You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)
"I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America.
I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."
(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued...)
"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr.. CEO?"
His jaw dropped, he went silent.
Amen!
What do teachers make?
The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." (aside: hate this expression...)
To emphasize his point he said to another guest, "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"
Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?"(She paused for a second, then began...)
"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.
You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)
"I make kids wonder.
I make them question.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.
I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.
I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.
I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.
I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, because we live in the United States of America.
I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."
(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued...)
"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr.. CEO?"
His jaw dropped, he went silent.
Amen!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wisdom from Michael Scott
Hi all!
I'm back with some words of wisdom from an unlikely source, Michael Scott, The Office's bumbling boss (currently President of The Michael Scott Paper Company, formerly of Dunder-Mifflin Scranton).
"Sometimes it's not about whether Cinderella gets her slipper back but it's about the fact that the prince even picked up the slipper at all." Michael Scott, The Office
Michael (Steve Carrell) said this a while back and I always meant to write about it, but never found the time. I think it is a pretty sweet quote. So often we concentrate on the final product, the long-term results of our actions, but sometimes it is just about taking that first step. Being willing to put yourself out there, take a chace, take a risk and not worry about what may come. I know this has been pertinent in my life a lot lately, being worried about the outcome before I even start. I need to be more willing to just start, to try and see what happens and be proud of myself for taking that step, not worrying about how it ended.
I challenge you to do the same. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, take a chance and remember that sometimes picking up the shoe is the most important thing! :)
Good Luck on finals!!!
P.S. When I went to copy this quote from my favorite quotes on Facebook, I was totally embarrassed to see that there were two typos in it :( The English major is shamed, but now they are fixed :)
I'm back with some words of wisdom from an unlikely source, Michael Scott, The Office's bumbling boss (currently President of The Michael Scott Paper Company, formerly of Dunder-Mifflin Scranton).
"Sometimes it's not about whether Cinderella gets her slipper back but it's about the fact that the prince even picked up the slipper at all." Michael Scott, The Office
Michael (Steve Carrell) said this a while back and I always meant to write about it, but never found the time. I think it is a pretty sweet quote. So often we concentrate on the final product, the long-term results of our actions, but sometimes it is just about taking that first step. Being willing to put yourself out there, take a chace, take a risk and not worry about what may come. I know this has been pertinent in my life a lot lately, being worried about the outcome before I even start. I need to be more willing to just start, to try and see what happens and be proud of myself for taking that step, not worrying about how it ended.
I challenge you to do the same. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, take a chance and remember that sometimes picking up the shoe is the most important thing! :)
Good Luck on finals!!!
P.S. When I went to copy this quote from my favorite quotes on Facebook, I was totally embarrassed to see that there were two typos in it :( The English major is shamed, but now they are fixed :)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Fairness
In my Educational Psychology class today we watched a very interesting video on Learning Disabilities. A group of teachers, parents, administrators, psychologists, etc were put through a simulation of what it would be like to be a student with a learning disability. As a future teacher it gave me a lot to think about in terms of how we think of and treat learning disabled students and all of our students in general.
At the end of the video the person who conducted the simulation (sorry can't remember his name, it might have been Lavoie??) was talking about fairness. He said that if we treat our students with learning disabilities differently than "regular" students parents will surely say it isn't fair. It isn't fair that they are given extra time or extra help or different resources. His rebuttal went after our definition of fairness.
We always think about fairness, he argued, as everyone should get exactly the same thing. We should teach all students in exactly the same way and provide them with exactly the same opportunities. We apply this elsewhere in the real world as well. When things are distributed unevenly, it isn't fair. He proposed that that is not the real definition of fairness. He said that if you look fairness up in a dictionary it will say that everyone gets exactly what he or she needs, not that everyone gets exactly the same thing.
I thought this was very profound. If we accept this definition of fairness our view of the world changes. We must give our learning disabled students the resources and exercises they need to succeed in the classroom. We are not being unfair by not providing those resources to all of our students as long as those students' needs are being met. My professor challenged us that if we adopt this view of fairness it should also be extended outside the classroom, influencing our view of social and political issues. With this view how can we argue that welfare, healthcare for all, student financial aid or food stamps are unfair to the taxpayers who fund them? The people receiving these services are simply and fairly being given what they need. Those that can are not in need of these resources and are blessed to be able to provide for themselves do not need to receive them. That seems fair to me.
At the end of the video the person who conducted the simulation (sorry can't remember his name, it might have been Lavoie??) was talking about fairness. He said that if we treat our students with learning disabilities differently than "regular" students parents will surely say it isn't fair. It isn't fair that they are given extra time or extra help or different resources. His rebuttal went after our definition of fairness.
We always think about fairness, he argued, as everyone should get exactly the same thing. We should teach all students in exactly the same way and provide them with exactly the same opportunities. We apply this elsewhere in the real world as well. When things are distributed unevenly, it isn't fair. He proposed that that is not the real definition of fairness. He said that if you look fairness up in a dictionary it will say that everyone gets exactly what he or she needs, not that everyone gets exactly the same thing.
I thought this was very profound. If we accept this definition of fairness our view of the world changes. We must give our learning disabled students the resources and exercises they need to succeed in the classroom. We are not being unfair by not providing those resources to all of our students as long as those students' needs are being met. My professor challenged us that if we adopt this view of fairness it should also be extended outside the classroom, influencing our view of social and political issues. With this view how can we argue that welfare, healthcare for all, student financial aid or food stamps are unfair to the taxpayers who fund them? The people receiving these services are simply and fairly being given what they need. Those that can are not in need of these resources and are blessed to be able to provide for themselves do not need to receive them. That seems fair to me.
Monday, March 16, 2009
You Have Him
I was watching Lost reruns online the other day and found a fabulous quote in the season two finale. Desmond is hanging out in the hatch on the island before the plane crashes and he is about to kill himself. Then a letter from his girlfriend Penny falls out of one of his books. Part of her letter says, "Please don't give up, Des. Because all we really need to survive is one person who truly loves us. And you have her." Which is very sweet and makes Penny and Desmond fans (like me) very happy and smiley.
But I love the meaning behind it. That all we really need is one person who loves us. One person who will be there to support us and be there for us when we need someone. Someone to listen when we need to vent, to dry our tears, to make us laugh, to celebrate our victories. I am lucky enough to have many of these people in my life.
As I was ruminating on this quote I thought of another profound implication. Change the "You have her," to "You have Him" and the meaning becomes quite different. The Him being God. I began to like the quote even more. All we really need to survive is the love of God. With him we can do anything, be anything. His love and sacrifice for us allows us to survive eternally with him in Heaven. So if you are ever feeling depressed or unloved remember the wisdom of Penelope Widmore and don't give up. All you really need to survive is one person who truly loves you and you have him, God.
But I love the meaning behind it. That all we really need is one person who loves us. One person who will be there to support us and be there for us when we need someone. Someone to listen when we need to vent, to dry our tears, to make us laugh, to celebrate our victories. I am lucky enough to have many of these people in my life.
As I was ruminating on this quote I thought of another profound implication. Change the "You have her," to "You have Him" and the meaning becomes quite different. The Him being God. I began to like the quote even more. All we really need to survive is the love of God. With him we can do anything, be anything. His love and sacrifice for us allows us to survive eternally with him in Heaven. So if you are ever feeling depressed or unloved remember the wisdom of Penelope Widmore and don't give up. All you really need to survive is one person who truly loves you and you have him, God.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Knoxville :)
Hi everyone!
I just got back from spending an amazing week in Knoxville for Spring Break. I went on a trip through Campus Ministries. A group of fourteen beautiful women went to Knoxville and served at the Florence Crittenton Agency there. The Center houses 28 teenage girls who have been in some sort of trouble with the law. It was a fabulous experience for me. I formed connections with 13 other wonderful women of God and they made the trip a blast!!! Working with the girls who live at Crittenton was a really special experience and I hope that our being there left an impact on them and that God was able to work through us.
It was fantastic to see what the girls who lived there taught us. I was having a conversation with a girl I met there, who I ate pretty much every meal with, and she said, "We're not bad people." Of course I immediately said that we knew that and didn't think that they were. And it was true. Meeting these girls and getting to know them and form connections really helped me to see that. Not that I went there thinking that everyone who breaks the law or does drugs or drinks alcohol is a bad person, but I certainly had stereotypes going into the trip. But meeting these girls, I saw that these were great girls who came from tough, often broken, families, who had made some bad choices, but who, for the most part, wanted to change their lives. We Michiganders talked about this one night and how we judge people so quickly based on what we've heard about them or how they look or act on first glance. But I think that this trip helped open our eyes and helped us to see that we need to hold off on judging people and get to know them. It helped us to see that we are not that different from the girls at FCA and that with a couple of different choices in our lives we could have been in their shoes.
Another really wonderful thing this trip made us all think about was how lucky we are to have the childhoods and the families that we do. I am so thankful to my amazingly supportive and loving family who has always been their for me. And my fantastic friends as well. A lot of the girls we were working with didn't grow up in those types of environments and don't have that kind of support. Those of us that do should thank God every day for the blessings he has given us of family and friends.
It was awesome to see God working while on this trip. He brought 14 fabulous women on the trip and helped us to bond and share to together and laugh and laugh and laugh :) He also worked through us to help the girls at FCA. All week I was eating with on particular girl. We always had conversation and were laughing and getting along, but I am shy and I was worried that I wasn't doing enough to, I guess, help her, make a difference, be a good role model. I'm not really sure was I was expecting, but whatever it was I didn't think it was happening. I kept thinking if I had been less shy that I would have made a deeper connection with her and had more of an impact on her. Well, God must have known I was feeling that way because the last night we were there, we had a movie night with the girls. We gave them all a bag of candy and a card, in which we had written a note. While we were watching the movie, the girl I had been eating with tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a note she had written to me. It said thank you for coming and helping out. It said she wished that the week had lasted longer and wished us a safe trip home. It wasn't long or overly profound, but it showed me that I had an some sort of impact on her. Hopefully I planted a seed in her and God will continue to work to grow that seed and help her turn her life around. Thank you to all who were praying for us while we were there! Now it is back to real life and school and I am already missing my fellow Knoxies, but we had a fantastic trip!!
That's it for now I guess. If you want to hear more about the trip, I would love to tell you, so give me a call!!
I just got back from spending an amazing week in Knoxville for Spring Break. I went on a trip through Campus Ministries. A group of fourteen beautiful women went to Knoxville and served at the Florence Crittenton Agency there. The Center houses 28 teenage girls who have been in some sort of trouble with the law. It was a fabulous experience for me. I formed connections with 13 other wonderful women of God and they made the trip a blast!!! Working with the girls who live at Crittenton was a really special experience and I hope that our being there left an impact on them and that God was able to work through us.
It was fantastic to see what the girls who lived there taught us. I was having a conversation with a girl I met there, who I ate pretty much every meal with, and she said, "We're not bad people." Of course I immediately said that we knew that and didn't think that they were. And it was true. Meeting these girls and getting to know them and form connections really helped me to see that. Not that I went there thinking that everyone who breaks the law or does drugs or drinks alcohol is a bad person, but I certainly had stereotypes going into the trip. But meeting these girls, I saw that these were great girls who came from tough, often broken, families, who had made some bad choices, but who, for the most part, wanted to change their lives. We Michiganders talked about this one night and how we judge people so quickly based on what we've heard about them or how they look or act on first glance. But I think that this trip helped open our eyes and helped us to see that we need to hold off on judging people and get to know them. It helped us to see that we are not that different from the girls at FCA and that with a couple of different choices in our lives we could have been in their shoes.
Another really wonderful thing this trip made us all think about was how lucky we are to have the childhoods and the families that we do. I am so thankful to my amazingly supportive and loving family who has always been their for me. And my fantastic friends as well. A lot of the girls we were working with didn't grow up in those types of environments and don't have that kind of support. Those of us that do should thank God every day for the blessings he has given us of family and friends.
It was awesome to see God working while on this trip. He brought 14 fabulous women on the trip and helped us to bond and share to together and laugh and laugh and laugh :) He also worked through us to help the girls at FCA. All week I was eating with on particular girl. We always had conversation and were laughing and getting along, but I am shy and I was worried that I wasn't doing enough to, I guess, help her, make a difference, be a good role model. I'm not really sure was I was expecting, but whatever it was I didn't think it was happening. I kept thinking if I had been less shy that I would have made a deeper connection with her and had more of an impact on her. Well, God must have known I was feeling that way because the last night we were there, we had a movie night with the girls. We gave them all a bag of candy and a card, in which we had written a note. While we were watching the movie, the girl I had been eating with tapped me on the shoulder and handed me a note she had written to me. It said thank you for coming and helping out. It said she wished that the week had lasted longer and wished us a safe trip home. It wasn't long or overly profound, but it showed me that I had an some sort of impact on her. Hopefully I planted a seed in her and God will continue to work to grow that seed and help her turn her life around. Thank you to all who were praying for us while we were there! Now it is back to real life and school and I am already missing my fellow Knoxies, but we had a fantastic trip!!
That's it for now I guess. If you want to hear more about the trip, I would love to tell you, so give me a call!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Age as an excuse
Something I've been seeing a lot lately has really started to bug me. People (mostly famous people) using their young age as an excuse for the illegal things they have done. First, Michael Phelps, now A-Rod. Both have been caught using illegal drugs. When Michael Phelps apologized he mentions that he is 23 years old and acting youthful. During A-rod's press conference he many times referenced being young and ignorant. Both offered up their age as an excuse for their wrongdoing. As if being young somehow means it's ok for you to break the law.
Now I'm not saying that I think they are bad people or should be thrown in jail, but I am very tired of people excusing or explaining their bad behavior because they are young. There are millions of teenagers and twentysomethings out there that know it is illegal to do drugs and don't. There are many major league baseball players who were young, but didn't take steroids. Why can't you just say you were stupid and ignorant and leave it at that? Which is true, they were stupid and ignorant. But why bring your age into it?
We all make mistakes, but take full responsibility for your actions. I see blaming it on your age as not taking full responsibility for what you have done. "Yes, I did it, but only because I was young." That isn't an excuse or a reason.
Ok, that rant is over... :) I do respect A-rod for admitting what he did and stating that he would like to take part in anti-steroid advertising, but I still think the guy is a scumbag :)
p.s. personally I think that they should put lovely asterisks next to all of A-roids records and stats and if he passes the homerun record it should be met with nothing but boos!!!!
Now I'm not saying that I think they are bad people or should be thrown in jail, but I am very tired of people excusing or explaining their bad behavior because they are young. There are millions of teenagers and twentysomethings out there that know it is illegal to do drugs and don't. There are many major league baseball players who were young, but didn't take steroids. Why can't you just say you were stupid and ignorant and leave it at that? Which is true, they were stupid and ignorant. But why bring your age into it?
We all make mistakes, but take full responsibility for your actions. I see blaming it on your age as not taking full responsibility for what you have done. "Yes, I did it, but only because I was young." That isn't an excuse or a reason.
Ok, that rant is over... :) I do respect A-rod for admitting what he did and stating that he would like to take part in anti-steroid advertising, but I still think the guy is a scumbag :)
p.s. personally I think that they should put lovely asterisks next to all of A-roids records and stats and if he passes the homerun record it should be met with nothing but boos!!!!
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