Impressions

This evening, I learned of a conversation that occurred yesterday between two other music teachers about me. Ordinarily, this would completely pique my curiosity, and leave me completely obsessing over what others think of me. Instead, I'm kind of speechless. A happy kind of speechless.

One teacher asked the other how well she knew me, because it seemed to her that all I ever talk about is "God, God, God" and "praying, praying, praying." (These impressions have been taken from my Facebook posts.) The second teacher thought that was actually kind of cool, but that I did talk about other things as well.

I find this interesting, as I'm not consciously using Facebook as an avenue for witnessing, but like any interactions I have, I pray about the right words and opportunities.

So if the impression that I make is that I love Jesus, I pray that I reflect Him well.

Strangers and Aliens

This is one of those posts that could stir up a whole hornet's nest. I don't have answers...but I have a gnawing in my gut that won't go away...so here is my train of thought. Follow at your own risk.

Throughout Scripture, we are commanded to care for the orphan and widow. Okay...I've got that one. I have a passion and heart for orphans, and I definitely see the need to care for widows, single moms...I think our church is starting to really reach out to these groups.

But Scripture is also clear to care for the alien, or stranger. Ruth was a Moabitess who came with Naomi back to Bethlehem. She was an outsider. Yet Boaz, an influential man, took her in, married her, and together they had a family that included Christ Himself many generations later.

Many conservative Christians today are downright angry about the immigration situation in our country. And I get it. I really do. I am conservative myself to the core. It's easy to spout opinions about immigration, legal and illegal. And the "America First" mentality is also easy to understand. We're proud of our country, after all. And we work hard to provide for our families. And we obey the laws of the land...

You know, when we went through Immigration for our adoption of Dayna, we saw a beautiful young Mexican bride trying to go through the correct channels to become an American citizen. The poor girl was confused and didn't have a marriage certificate to show her new name. The Immigration officer was screaming at her and berating her; a little compassion would have cleared up the confusion, and the young girl could have returned with the necessary document. Instead, this poor frightened girl was trying to do the right thing and being horribly mistreated by an agent of the country she was trying to enter.

So I get that the Bible says to take care of strangers and aliens, and I get that the Bible says to obey the laws of the land. So logically, that means take care of the strangers who come here through the correct channels.

But life isn't always logical. I think back to WWII when thousands of Jewish people were trying to escape Nazi Germany, but no country would take them in...all the immigration quotas were filled. When the letter of the law was followed, people died.

I think of some of the dear students I teach who have come straight from refugee camps. Children whose families have come to America to escape horrendous situations, or who come here to try to climb out of the pit of poverty. I look into these faces and teach them because I love them. I don't ask if their families are here legally or not. It doesn't matter to me why they are here...I just know that for whatever reason, God has allowed them to be in one of my classes for a brief moment in time, and I need to love them in His name.

I don't know that it's my place to ask why people are coming to America. Yes...a great many are looking for a handout. But...aren't there a lot of Americans who are using the system as well? On the other hand, how many are coming here just trying to survive?

There are no easy answers to the immigration dilemma. But I also think that there needs to be more compassion...after all, what would Jesus do?

Alone Time

It seems now that school is in and our schedules have changed that alone time is getting harder to come by. Dan's home in the mornings now, logging in a few hours before he takes Dayna to school and goes into the office. This means I can't work out alone...I've been getting some early morning walks, but no energy or drive to try to run. When I get home, it's snuggle and read with Dayna, then dinner (which Dan usually has under control...right now, I can smell barbecue beef!), bedtime for Dayna, a little TV, and bedtime for us.

I do manage about 20-30 minutes every morning to spend in Bible Study and devotion. But beyond that, I kind of feel like I'm in "go, go, go" mode.

Anybody else find it difficult to make down time ("alone" time, "me" time...whatever you want to call it) work when life gets so busy?

I know, I know...this is a season. And it's not a bad season. I just wonder if there are other ways I can find to recharge.

Crock Pot Girls

I discovered my new favorite web site of the day:

www.crockpotgirls.com

They set up their Facebook page on the 19th of August. Within ten days, they have 219 thousand followers (and counting...probably 220k by the time I publish this post.)

If you're looking for a great site to save time, check out Crock Pot Girls (or find them on Facebook.)

Update: 24 hours later, they have 565 thousand fans...over a half million in 11 days!!! Why didn't I think of this?

Off and Running

I've got to say...this year has been a much easier transition to teaching than last year. Maybe I'm finally accepting that full-time is my lot for this season of my life. I find myself a bit calmer (okay, a lot calmer) in the classroom. My tone is not as harsh, but still firm. In fact...the only discipline issues I've had so far have really only been with kiddos that are new to my classes. The students who know me have responded very well to the procedures and lessons.

Even our home life is more relaxed. Schoolwork stays at school, and I'm home and emotionally available to my family in the evenings. Things are really on an even keel. The house may not be as clean, and the meals are sometimes grab and go, but really...the stress level in our home at the beginning of this school year has really been manageable.

I pray it stays this way.

BSF Theme Verse

We had our first leader's meeting this morning. I came across this passage in 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, verse 8. It just really jumped out at me and has become my theme verse for my group of ladies this year:

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

I pray that not only will the gospel and God's truth be shared this year, but that our lives would become woven together as relationships build and become dear to us.

Oh...and Dear Jesus...

...could you help my Mom and Dad not to kiss so much?

I'm a Mean Lady

Yup...those words were muttered angrily at me by an indignant six-year-old boy who didn't like the fact that he wasn't supposed to touch things in the classroom that didn't belong to him. It seems that this youngster (like many other new kiddos in my life this year) has never been told "no" before. So as he stomped his little feet and yelled at me that he was going to tell his mom on me, I stifled my giggles and used my serious voice to tell him that I would love to talk to his mom.

Poor kid...I really can't blame his frustration. But rules are rules, and I'm just not the warm, fuzzy teacher type. So I held my ground.

The funny thing is, the next day, we were playing a silly little game and he was giggling and smiling and having a grand time. I asked him at the end of class if I was still mean. His response: "No...you're pretty cool."

That's kind of how life works in Mrs. Wilson's classroom. If you follow the rules, we have a great time; if you don't...

...well, don't make me use my "mean" voice.

*I do find it incredibly interesting that the only "issues" I've had so far this year involve students who don't already know me. So I'll take heart, continue to be firm, and remember that I'm there to help shape future adults...not to make friends.*

Family Game Night

When Papa and Nana came to visit, we decided it was time to teach Dayna how to play Tumbling Towers.
Let me show you how it's done:

Nana's not so sure about his technique.

Nana doesn't seem to have a lot of confidence in Dan.Papa looked almost bored.

Maybe it's easier with only 9 fingers...

The higher the pressure, the tighter the lips.

How can the tower stand up to such pressure?

The deft Dayna demonstrates her dexterity.

It took some intense concentration.

Dan even attempted the Jedi mind trick.
But alas...
...the walls did come tumbling down.
And who was the culprit?
Guilty as charged.

God Laughs

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

I had an appointment this morning, but not the kind of appointment I was expecting. Yes...it was time for my annual exam. You know...the "I'd rather be having a root canal without anesthetic than be here" appointment.

So while I'm sitting there in all my glory, falling out of that skimpy little gown, the conversation turns to a former student (daughter of one of her colleagues). We both attended her graduation party in May. For her guest book, she had a wide-margin Bible where guests could highlight a special verse and write a message. We discussed what a great idea this was. The conversation quickly turned to the book of Isaiah and how hungry my doctor was to dig into the Word.

She shared that she recently turned a corner in her faith and wanted to go deeper into God's Word. Mind you...I'm sitting here mostly undressed in a vulnerable position when she asks if I've ever heard of this Bible study that's "three letters" and "takes seven or eight years." It was in this precarious position that I shared about Bible Study Fellowship and invited her to the intro class in September.

I must say...it's the most unusual place I've ever had a deep spiritual conversation.

I can still hear God snickering as I remember the verse to "always be prepared."