Top of the Mountain

I wish I could say that I am at the top of the mountain, yet I think I am at the bottom trying to climb up. I've been challenged to take a step back and look at it as a process. It will take little steps at a time to reach the top. I am 3 weeks in to my student teaching, and already seeing God's hand in my mentor teacher. Praying it continues to go well, as my supervisor will be in to evaluate soon. My class is challenging to say the least. I have students who cry every morning, or get in trouble on the bus, and whine, and baby talk, those who are really needy and want my every help. And others who struggle with letter sound and recognition. Then the other half of the class, who listen and work hard, and seem to get work done before I'm done handing out papers. This week's goal::Seek Him first. Morning devotions have been more than a blessing, even with having to get up really early. It has brightened my morning. A full day's schedule will begin this week, and the year is getting off to a crazy, wild start. Learning the curriculum has been challenging, but I think teaching all day on a full schedule will help settle my mind.

The eyes of a second grader

QUOTES!
My pencil is broke

When is it lunch?

When is it time to go home?

I'm hungry

I"m done

Tie my shoe

I can't see the boad


The week was intense as we started the new year. A group of 25 second graders entered the classroom ready to talk and not ready to learn. They enjoy lunch, and recess, and hate writing, and only like looking at pictures in books. They loved music class with the new teacher, and they love using markers. We allowed them to use scissors this week. The Janitor asked what happened to our room, and I said Mrs. Zeiters let them loose with scissors.
Mrs. Zeiters and I have been fairly nice to the children, except I think we finally raised our voices, and heads went on the desk Friday afternoon before they left. Behavior charts are going to be implemented fast!!!!!
We are well on our way to not knowing how to teach this year, with a new reading program. So it seems like there are 2 student teachers in the room, trying to get through each morning, without answering "What time is lunch".

The days have been fine, and I am learning the routines. There is still much to learn, obviously but week 1 seemed like an eternity. I love my mentor teacher, and this week I get to give the spelling test, and continue on with reading the magic tree house series. "And then everything was still.
Absolutely still." All except a classroom of 25 students.
— Mary Pope Osborne

Jack and Jill went up the hill but only to fall far on the ground later...well our heads felt like they hit the ground hard. Taking a 2 day break, and on to another week we try.

Student Teaching

Report:
sleep---went to bed after 9:30p, thought I overslept at midnight, woke up at 6:611 am.
I had time for coffee and devotions. So sweet.
Lunch was left in my car...Praise God they gave the staff lunch.
Sharpen pencils don't stay sharpen...It should be mandatory that they come with sharpened pencils.
21 kids on list: 2 no shows and 4 added.
Crazy day, but we got through it. It was a long day. I think I finally left about 4:30p. Came home to try and organize my night. Ran a quick errand/ went for a run/watched half a tv show, printed out my Teacher Work forms...and now preparing for a report for my 1st homework assignment.




First Day of School Jitters:

Oversleep the alarm.
Forget Lunch.
--I feel like I'm a kid packing up for my first day of school. My bag is ready with pens and pencils and notebooks. My mind is ready to learn (sort of).

Here goes the 1st day of Student Teaching in 2nd grade...meeting the students, learning the routine, finding the classrooms, meeting new teachers.

In my Weakness

So many worries, so many fears, so many "what ifs"...My God is a strong God, and he will supply all my needs. He is a sovereign God and everything happens for a reason. He does not make mistakes. Nothing is impossible and with His grace and power, he sustains us.
I am weak...weak..weak. I feel like friends are leaving me left and right, but right beside me there are still those encouraging my weak heart and My God is a Big God!


Leaving it all behind at the foot of the cross, because that is where it needs to be left, in His hands, and my trusting heart will increase the faith of my Big God.

The Stand - Hillsong United

Debate

LIVING LIFE OR MY LIFE is Boring!
DO I HAVE FRIENDS OR NO FRIENDS
WILL I SUCCEED OR FAIL
LIVING WATER OR WATER

Finally, brethen, whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely. Whatever is true, think on these things (phil. 4:8)

...Some would tell me that I am just bored. Others might say that my life is boring. Most would say I have plenty of good friendships. I can succeed, but only by God's amazing strength. But what am I believing? The lies that tell me I live a boring life. Or the lies that tell me I'm bored, when I really am not. Hmmm. What is real?
The truths that come from God....

• "That I am fearfully and wonderfully made"

• "I am loved and accepted by God"

• "I can have a rock-solid relationship with God, and His truths will never change"

• "I am redeemed by His blood"

This is what I am setting my heart on today...Whether or not I feel like I am bored, or that I think I live a Useless life....The life Christ gave to me, is a life that is full of truth, and full of His glory. That is what I can wake up to and rejoice about. And yes...as I woke up this morning at 7am on a Sat. I was feeling the debate of why I was getting up, and what was I living for, and what was the purpose???---no plans, no activities, no set goals today....what was the point again (the pillow was inviting to sleep more). I argued as I stood by the bed thinking. But grab a cup of coffee and the word of God and decided this is what needs to be fulfilled in the morning..THE WORD OF GOD.

Grace

"Our worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."
— Jerry Bridges
GRACE
My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.
I see the things You do through me as great things I have done. And now You gently break me, then lovingly You take me and hold me as my father and mold me as my maker.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged, knowing that someone, somewhere could do a better job. For who am I to serve You?I know I don't deserve You. And that's the part that burns in my heart and keeps me hanging on.

Chorus*
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."
You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You, I'm learning what Your grace really means. The price that I could never pay was paid at Calvary. So, instead of trying to repay You, I'm learning to simply obey You
by giving up my life to you For all that You've given to me.