Welcome to 2010!

With the new year here we have a chance to look back at the previous year and look ahead to the coming year.
Ecc 3: 1-8 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."
In 2009 I saw many of these "times." I have wept many days, and I have enjoyed laughing with friends many days. I have enjoyed the time I got to dance, play, and have fun with my students. I have had to spend some time searching and I am still looking! I have enjoyed being able to keep old friends close while I had to throw away bad habits of the past. I have learned that often I need to be silent when I speak too quick. I have loved my family and friends, both old and new. I have enjoyed getting to know other educators that have encouraged and inspired me, even though we have never met face to face. I know that I should love more, or at least show it more. I know that my life has been in the mist of a spiritual war, but I enjoy the peace of God.
I look forward to the good times of the coming year, but I also know that I have to expect the hard times that will come. I know I need to lean on the Lord in those difficult times. I thank the Lord for the blessings of 2009 and thank Him in advance for the blessings of 2010. Please take the time to share your blessings of the past and your hopes for the future here!

Dear Teachers

To my dear friends who are teachers. The time of year has come that you are dreading...the end of summer. At the same time the time of year has come that you are anticipating...the beginning of a new year! As I am still looking for a teaching job, my heart breaks as I am not in the anticipation phase. Instead I see signs for back to school sales, teacher appreciation days, Smilemakers and Oriental Trading Co advertisements, and I want to cry.

Teaching is not a job, it’s not even a career. It is a passion and a calling. Teaching is changing the world...one life at a time. As the school year approaches, I want to encourage you all...don't dread the coming days...embrace them...go into this school year ready and excited. Take a look at last year, pick three things you really want to change this year, it may be as simple as the way you do attendance, and come up with a new way to do those three things. Then pick three things that you did really well, that you want to make sure you do again this year...write them down and make sure you do them again this year.

I will pray that you each have a wonderful year. If you are going into a year that you think will be difficult know this...the students will focus on you and you set the tone. Don't worry about anything but them! It does not matter if you are in a Christian, private, public, or home school, pray over your class and your students. Love them, and have FUN teaching this year!

I know you are seeing your summer days go away, but enjoy the last few that you may have, and prepare for a school year that you can use to change the life of every student you teach. Remember you are a Professional Educator!

Please share this with other educators that need some encouragement!