Things happen quickly so reflect….Sabbath Ponderings
Writing this post tonight because Baylee, Heather and I have a volunteer opportunity tomorrow. Yes it is good to help out the community but were getting a free Disney ticket out of it. Woohoo!
Here’s what I spent time thinking on this week.
- Upsetting to see a ton of teacher losing their jobs this week. It’s like we took a 5 year backward step. Usually things like this you expect to get it back but I don’t know this time. I don’t like talking politics on the blog but I am not talking people but talking situations. The state takes care of the education and so because of some recent legislation on a Federal level (health care) it is going to be even harder to have some extra money for education (because of taxes). It’s the trickle down effect, you do the math. Just to be clear the federal government has been making decisions effecting everyone and not taking into consideration of implications down the road for the states. Wondering when the states will start sticking up more for their people.
- Had a chance to meet with a lot of people last week which is what I love to do. I love to hear about what is going on in the lives of others and see how God is moving. I actually saw a couple of times where God, being divinely strategic, had set up people’s heart before I ever talked with them. I am going to do my best to break away from the office more and more. Watch out, because next year I am going to do my best and try to make at least half my time hanging out with our folks. If you think God is calling you to do something at our church or you need some direction consultation then let’s get together.
- Noticing that my kids are growing up way too fast. I took the time this week to contemplate how each one is unique. I need to revisit what is my vision for each child. I have actually started praying for them specifically based on what God is showing me as a need in their life.
- Talking about prayer, I started writing down my prayers again a while back. I actually preached on prayer about two months a go so ‘how’ one would pray has been on my mind. One of the things that you see in the Lord’s prayer is the fact that we are to pray for others just as we are to pray for ourselves. One of the things that I noticed about my prayer journal is that for the first time in my life it is filled with prayers for others and not me. I aint pattin myself on the back but it is nice not to be so wrapped up in myself. Want to know a secret? The more you are concerned for others the less you are concerned for yourself. I think this is why the Apostle Paul talked about and found some contentment in his work.
Alright I really need to get to bed for our work day tomorrow. I am hoping that you found some time to rest and reflect this week.
Blessings!
April 16th, 2010 at 10:24 PM
Rest? Reflection? Not much of the first, but a bit of the latter. OLU is really causing me to think more about what kind of person God would have me be and re-think the steps that are necessary to get me there. Truly, thinking more about others and their needs causes your own needs and “problems” to seem insignificant. By focusing on those needs and lifting them up to God, not only do our needs and “problems” become insignificant, but many times, they are no longer even a consideration.
April 17th, 2010 at 1:17 AM
Jody, thank you so much for taking the time to recognize the loss that the world of education has faced this week. It is very heartbreaking. I agree with you 100% on the issues of the recent “legislation”. Honestly, I think that the most troubling thing that happened to education was politics. I won’t even go down that road, because I could ramble for days. I believe as an educator, I could create my own blog on this one. I understand that money is short, and certain sacrifices must be made. However, it troubles me deeply that the government is cutting teaching positions, while the so called “legislators” just took a pay raise. The cut in these positions will mean that OUR kids will be effected. Class sizes will increase a great deal. This will make it harder to meet each child on his/her level. It’s funny to me how athletes, singers, and actors/actresses, ect. get paid millions of dollars when we can’t pay educators enough to even keep a job. Don’t get me wrong, I love sports and entertainment. I just think that not only the state, but the country needs to focus on what matters the most. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
April 17th, 2010 at 6:39 PM
Sarah, I am glad to hear that you are seeing those things now. I think that Starting Point is helping both of us.
Sherry, want to start home schooling some kids:)? I know some parents that would probably like to hire you…
April 17th, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Good post dude. Education in the US is definately flying upside down. If they keep trying to rise using the methods current, we will be dead in the ground. Some good math tips on effective teaching, check out the website. Still need to meet with you dude, looking forward to it
April 17th, 2010 at 9:45 PM
LOL. Well now there is a thought. I mean, we already have an Oakleaf University. Why not have an Oakleaf Elementary? Just some food for thought. First suggestion…….there WILL BE no such assessment with any of the letters CRCT!! I have a dream….that one day, my job will not depend on what a 9 year old decides to put on a piece of paper.
Hmmm……I wonder if I could get a discount on my dentist bills if I can prove that a certain percentage of his patients have cavities? I mean, since the government is now wanting to base teacher salaries on their “students’ performance.” The bad thing is, if the government would just leave me alone, I LOVE to teach! There is nothing more rewarding!