apparently i am a seasonal blog writer...
thus, a new season has started in my life and it's not only climate related. i have started my first "true" teaching job (i say that only because being a long-term sub, while many of the responsibilities are the same, is still less pressure/long-term responsibility than being in a stable, year-long position). i think i love it. i think i'm still in the getting used to it phase. however, based on the way the first two weeks have gone, they are just going to get better. the first one was difficult, this last one was much better. there are just so many things you have to learn, being a teacher (ironic...yet in a way, also makes sense, no?). things related to the kids, dynamics of classes (that can fluctuate from one class to another so polarly), and then there's the whole administrative side, meetings, duties, paperwork, etc. it's a lot to get a groove into. but teaching is infinitely unique in its "never the same day twice" construction and of course, the feeling that you've truly changed somebody's life just because you were interested in who they were. that's mainly why i do it. also, summers off. just sayin. built in vacation time.
this past weekend, i did something many of my fellow OU alumni might scowl at me for. i kind of became, in an honorary sense, a Texas Aggie. i got to go to first yell and see Jeff Dunham perform (the ventriloquist...Achmed the dead terrorist...good stuff) and then i got to go to Midnight Yell, where the yell leaders lead a practice of all the yells the Aggies do at games. it's basically a big pep rally, except better, because people actually go and it actually does pep you up!
the game itself was an adventure. our seats were great, almost the middle of the field at the back of the second deck. however, A&M has a little known "bat sanctuary" up there were the third deck hangs over about 10 feet of the second deck...right above our heads. when the game started and things started getting loud, we were caught in the middle of a serious bat exodus, and while kind of cool, it was also kind of eerie to have spastic bats flying mere centimeters over your head. as far as football was concerned, the Aggies did pretty great, considering their recent years of lack-luster seasons (barring the T.U. games of course)and they beat UNM soundly, 41 to something lesser than that. quite lesser, i believe. it was very exciting and i will say that they have some of the most dedicated, energetic (if not the most) student fans in college football. the intensity never changes from start to finish. and that is a feat, one that i cannot claim from my time at Owen Field.
Yes, love will make you do crazy things, like partially give up your own allegiance to your alma mater (though i did follow the OU game on my phone pretty hecticly as it was winding down) and claim devotion for a "conference rival". but i say, it was bound to happen at some point what with my grandfather having graduated from there in 1938 and my brother going down there for school this year. i just happened to find another very good reason first- my boyfriend.
and there ya have it folks.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
summer
this summer has gone by faster than any other summer i've ever experienced....even my summers at camp, and my summer in Espana. i think it has something to do with getting older...and losing track of time....
this summer has been AWESOME. i have managed to:
-get my first, real, big girl job.
-own my first video game system (a Wii, purchased to celebrate first, real, big girl job).
-see my boyfriend often= awesome.
-spend good time with friends and family.
-start saving money.
some things i'd like to do with the rest of the summer...well actually, besides continuing to spend time with family and friends, see my boyfriend and play my Wii, the one thing I'd like to accomplish is TRULY getting my room clean. it remains to be seen if this dream will actually come to fruition. and i am also starting my first scrapbook.
i am so glad that i own The Office on dvd. it is the "comfort food" of tv for me. i also really like sleeping, i've discovered.
my life is good, i'm feeling good, and i am grateful to the good Lord above because i am one blessed girl.
this summer has been AWESOME. i have managed to:
-get my first, real, big girl job.
-own my first video game system (a Wii, purchased to celebrate first, real, big girl job).
-see my boyfriend often= awesome.
-spend good time with friends and family.
-start saving money.
some things i'd like to do with the rest of the summer...well actually, besides continuing to spend time with family and friends, see my boyfriend and play my Wii, the one thing I'd like to accomplish is TRULY getting my room clean. it remains to be seen if this dream will actually come to fruition. and i am also starting my first scrapbook.
i am so glad that i own The Office on dvd. it is the "comfort food" of tv for me. i also really like sleeping, i've discovered.
my life is good, i'm feeling good, and i am grateful to the good Lord above because i am one blessed girl.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
uncomplicated
i wonder how long i've been making some things in my life, whether big or small, more complicated than they should be.
i will be the first to admit that i am an over-thinker. oh Lord, am i an over-thinker. only very recently have i tried to reign this issue in and get disciplined. over-thinking makes things complicated.
i also have discovered i spend a lot of time thinking of really complicated ways to do things simply to save a little time or a little money. what ends up happening is i stress myself out because the "saving time and money way" is actually way more difficult and not at all worth it, therefore often making the situation very complicated.
another teacher who has become my mentor of sorts gave me this book called "100 ways to simplify your life," and i've been reading through it. its been good and humbling...because as much as i would like to say that i am not a really complicated person (that may sometimes be true) i also can be very complicated in certain aspects.
today i decided that i would try making an errand i had to run a little more simple. normally, when i have to go to campus, i park in our campus corner which is a bit of a walk from the place i needed to go, but it only costs a quarter to park there for an hour. what has never failed to happen is that i get to campus corner, and i have no quarter. so i spend 10 minutes digging through my purse, car, looking in the street, to find a silly quarter. by the time i do that, i now have to walk half a mile to get to the building i'm going to. so i go there, and inevitably, there's a hitch in getting the things i need to get- i haven't paid my bursar bill, i haven't signed something, etc. etc. then, i usually end up having to go to another office to get something else i need, because everything isn't in one place. now, as i am sitting in the waiting area, i'm stressing because my meter is about to run out and i'm gonna have to book it to get back so that i don't get a ticket.
ridiculous right? especially when i could just say you know what, i will save myself some trouble, not worry about finding a spot or a quarter, park in the garage on campus, and i bet it will be worth the 2 or 3 dollars i'll have to pay to do that.
and you know what?
it was.
i was close to where i needed to be. i wasn't worried about a meter running out. the people i talked to were very helpful (and you know i may have only noticed this because i wasn't so occupied with my own stress levels!!) and THEN, when i went to pay for my parking, the girl let me go through without paying because i'd just barely stayed over 15 minutes (under that is free). so i'm not saying that because i chose to "simplify" that i'm always going to get free parking- no, i think it was just to show me that things don't have to be stressful when they actually aren't, and that i shouldn't waste so much time worrying about stuff that isn't worth worrying over.
the Lord is so kind about showing me these things. love it.
i will be the first to admit that i am an over-thinker. oh Lord, am i an over-thinker. only very recently have i tried to reign this issue in and get disciplined. over-thinking makes things complicated.
i also have discovered i spend a lot of time thinking of really complicated ways to do things simply to save a little time or a little money. what ends up happening is i stress myself out because the "saving time and money way" is actually way more difficult and not at all worth it, therefore often making the situation very complicated.
another teacher who has become my mentor of sorts gave me this book called "100 ways to simplify your life," and i've been reading through it. its been good and humbling...because as much as i would like to say that i am not a really complicated person (that may sometimes be true) i also can be very complicated in certain aspects.
today i decided that i would try making an errand i had to run a little more simple. normally, when i have to go to campus, i park in our campus corner which is a bit of a walk from the place i needed to go, but it only costs a quarter to park there for an hour. what has never failed to happen is that i get to campus corner, and i have no quarter. so i spend 10 minutes digging through my purse, car, looking in the street, to find a silly quarter. by the time i do that, i now have to walk half a mile to get to the building i'm going to. so i go there, and inevitably, there's a hitch in getting the things i need to get- i haven't paid my bursar bill, i haven't signed something, etc. etc. then, i usually end up having to go to another office to get something else i need, because everything isn't in one place. now, as i am sitting in the waiting area, i'm stressing because my meter is about to run out and i'm gonna have to book it to get back so that i don't get a ticket.
ridiculous right? especially when i could just say you know what, i will save myself some trouble, not worry about finding a spot or a quarter, park in the garage on campus, and i bet it will be worth the 2 or 3 dollars i'll have to pay to do that.
and you know what?
it was.
i was close to where i needed to be. i wasn't worried about a meter running out. the people i talked to were very helpful (and you know i may have only noticed this because i wasn't so occupied with my own stress levels!!) and THEN, when i went to pay for my parking, the girl let me go through without paying because i'd just barely stayed over 15 minutes (under that is free). so i'm not saying that because i chose to "simplify" that i'm always going to get free parking- no, i think it was just to show me that things don't have to be stressful when they actually aren't, and that i shouldn't waste so much time worrying about stuff that isn't worth worrying over.
the Lord is so kind about showing me these things. love it.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
life
life is hard.
life is good.
life is hard, and good, and wonderful, and overwhelming, and so many other things all at the same time.
I am realizing more and more that I am a broken soul, glued back together by grace of God, fragile, still healing, and constantly learning, striving toward something that I can't see but I know is there.
but I am also so afraid. and weak.
yet I'm promised strength in my weakness.
"Lord, help me find it. Help me find You."
this song has gotten me through many nights for years, actually, when I couldn't pray the words myself.
Whisper to Me- Warren Barfield
I lay down and I close my eyes
but I won't go to sleep tonight
there's too much on my mind
Holy God, You seem to be
twice as far away from me
as You have ever been before
Hold me safely in Your arms
and clear my crowded mind
whisper words of peace
in the dark, whisper to me
oh, whisper
I'm afraid but they don't know it
I feel so weak but I can't show it
so here I lay, cryin out with tears
Hold my gently in Your arms
and calm my beating heart
whisper words of hope in the dark
whisper to me
Whisper, make the day sleep
make the noise cease
give me peace
whisper to me
I need to hear You whisper,
whisper to me
Hold me gently in Your arms
and calm my beating heart
whisper words of hope
in the dark, whisper
to me, words of hope
words of peace
whisper to me
life is good.
life is hard, and good, and wonderful, and overwhelming, and so many other things all at the same time.
I am realizing more and more that I am a broken soul, glued back together by grace of God, fragile, still healing, and constantly learning, striving toward something that I can't see but I know is there.
but I am also so afraid. and weak.
yet I'm promised strength in my weakness.
"Lord, help me find it. Help me find You."
this song has gotten me through many nights for years, actually, when I couldn't pray the words myself.
Whisper to Me- Warren Barfield
I lay down and I close my eyes
but I won't go to sleep tonight
there's too much on my mind
Holy God, You seem to be
twice as far away from me
as You have ever been before
Hold me safely in Your arms
and clear my crowded mind
whisper words of peace
in the dark, whisper to me
oh, whisper
I'm afraid but they don't know it
I feel so weak but I can't show it
so here I lay, cryin out with tears
Hold my gently in Your arms
and calm my beating heart
whisper words of hope in the dark
whisper to me
Whisper, make the day sleep
make the noise cease
give me peace
whisper to me
I need to hear You whisper,
whisper to me
Hold me gently in Your arms
and calm my beating heart
whisper words of hope
in the dark, whisper
to me, words of hope
words of peace
whisper to me
Friday, April 03, 2009
sighs of relief
i'll tell you something.
sometimes, in my own secret places in my heart, it is very very ugly. unbecoming. and i hate it when those places come out. but there's good news. a lot of times the Lord BRINGS those places out so that Light can be shown on them and HE can make them more like Him, which in turn, makes them a little more beautiful. thank. the. Lord.
Romans 8:37 says "But in ALL these things we can overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loves us." (emphasis mine). wow. we don't just get by, we don't just say "well i guess i have to live with this" or "it's just the way it is"...no, we OVERWHELMINGLY conquer through Christ. isn't that SWEET!?
"It is precisely there, in the heat of the fire, we are to glorify Him. We do this by exercising perfect faith in His goodness and love that has permitted this trial to come upon us. Even more we are to believe that out of the fire will arise something more worthy of praise to Him than had we never experienced it. To go through some fires will take great faith, for little faith will fail. We must win the victory IN IT." -Margaret Bottome
"You are much neater healed than you would have been well." -Beth Moore
the Lord is all about glory and purpose, not meaningless or haphazard.
sometimes, in my own secret places in my heart, it is very very ugly. unbecoming. and i hate it when those places come out. but there's good news. a lot of times the Lord BRINGS those places out so that Light can be shown on them and HE can make them more like Him, which in turn, makes them a little more beautiful. thank. the. Lord.
Romans 8:37 says "But in ALL these things we can overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loves us." (emphasis mine). wow. we don't just get by, we don't just say "well i guess i have to live with this" or "it's just the way it is"...no, we OVERWHELMINGLY conquer through Christ. isn't that SWEET!?
"It is precisely there, in the heat of the fire, we are to glorify Him. We do this by exercising perfect faith in His goodness and love that has permitted this trial to come upon us. Even more we are to believe that out of the fire will arise something more worthy of praise to Him than had we never experienced it. To go through some fires will take great faith, for little faith will fail. We must win the victory IN IT." -Margaret Bottome
"You are much neater healed than you would have been well." -Beth Moore
the Lord is all about glory and purpose, not meaningless or haphazard.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
the right response
the Lord showed me something HUGE today.
what I love about it is that the big things always seem to come in the smallest, yet greatest whispers.
I've been thinking a lot lately about how thankful I am for the things I have been given in my life. I feel like every day I'm even more awed by the blessings I've received. I've been pretty diligent in having a spirit of thankfulness, because honestly, it's just been over flowing. But I keep thinking that there has to be something more I can do to show and convey my thankfulness to Him...I just didn't know what.
Today in church...there it was. We were talking about the abilities that God has given us, how each of us are "originals"...because God doesn't make copies. So in response to anything good in our life, thankfulness for the things we've been given (we were talking about abilities, but I think it applies to anything) is shown by then going out and LIVING the thankfulness- i.e. using those abilities, or showing the love we've been given, using our gratefulness as an out-pouring onto others. The spiritual response for thankfulness is to SAY it- and the physical response is to LIVE it- to turn that "thankfulness energy" into love, compassion, mercy, grace...because that's what I've been shown.
WOW.
oh, that I would be able to live that.
"faith that moves forward triumphs."
what I love about it is that the big things always seem to come in the smallest, yet greatest whispers.
I've been thinking a lot lately about how thankful I am for the things I have been given in my life. I feel like every day I'm even more awed by the blessings I've received. I've been pretty diligent in having a spirit of thankfulness, because honestly, it's just been over flowing. But I keep thinking that there has to be something more I can do to show and convey my thankfulness to Him...I just didn't know what.
Today in church...there it was. We were talking about the abilities that God has given us, how each of us are "originals"...because God doesn't make copies. So in response to anything good in our life, thankfulness for the things we've been given (we were talking about abilities, but I think it applies to anything) is shown by then going out and LIVING the thankfulness- i.e. using those abilities, or showing the love we've been given, using our gratefulness as an out-pouring onto others. The spiritual response for thankfulness is to SAY it- and the physical response is to LIVE it- to turn that "thankfulness energy" into love, compassion, mercy, grace...because that's what I've been shown.
WOW.
oh, that I would be able to live that.
"faith that moves forward triumphs."
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
good news
Me: "Hey guys, I've got some good news for you!"
Student: "YOU'RE PREGNANT!"
Me: ".........No."
The good news ACTUALLY is that I got certified to be a Spanish teacher in the state of Oklahoma! Everything I have worked for is finally going to pay off....literally, as in a nice, REAL PERSON'S pay check! and also allowing me to legitimately use "teacher" as a description for my profession. Everything went so smoothly, and I should get everything in the mail next week. SO exciting. :) :)
The day was very long though. Classes actually went great, but after school was over, I had to stay to watch some of my kids get inducted into the National Honors Society. I got EVERY OUNCE and BIT of grading done that I have though, which is AWESOME because that means that all I have left to grade is quizzes from tomorrow, and then I'm FINISHED for the week! Which MEANS I'm outta here on Friday at 2:30 and headed to TEXAS, where a very great week most certainly awaits me. can'twaitcan'twaitcan'twait.
also, the Lord is so good. so indescribably good.
Student: "YOU'RE PREGNANT!"
Me: ".........No."
The good news ACTUALLY is that I got certified to be a Spanish teacher in the state of Oklahoma! Everything I have worked for is finally going to pay off....literally, as in a nice, REAL PERSON'S pay check! and also allowing me to legitimately use "teacher" as a description for my profession. Everything went so smoothly, and I should get everything in the mail next week. SO exciting. :) :)
The day was very long though. Classes actually went great, but after school was over, I had to stay to watch some of my kids get inducted into the National Honors Society. I got EVERY OUNCE and BIT of grading done that I have though, which is AWESOME because that means that all I have left to grade is quizzes from tomorrow, and then I'm FINISHED for the week! Which MEANS I'm outta here on Friday at 2:30 and headed to TEXAS, where a very great week most certainly awaits me. can'twaitcan'twaitcan'twait.
also, the Lord is so good. so indescribably good.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
glory in the light of the morning
You satisfy me in the morning
with Your love and kindness
causing me to sing songs of joy
as the light from a new day
brings word of renewed mercy
this light touches everything
instantly making it beautiful
and alive in Your glory
i am humbled by the changing
paintings of the sky
yet i rest in the constance
of the reappearance of the dawn
Your ways are like the rays
of the sun
radiant and far-reaching
unfathomable, untouchable light
reminders of Your majesty
are reflected in all i see
my heart is filled with joy
and thanksgiving
as i remember Your promises
for this day
my soul is full of gladness
to walk in the glory
of Your light in the morning.
with Your love and kindness
causing me to sing songs of joy
as the light from a new day
brings word of renewed mercy
this light touches everything
instantly making it beautiful
and alive in Your glory
i am humbled by the changing
paintings of the sky
yet i rest in the constance
of the reappearance of the dawn
Your ways are like the rays
of the sun
radiant and far-reaching
unfathomable, untouchable light
reminders of Your majesty
are reflected in all i see
my heart is filled with joy
and thanksgiving
as i remember Your promises
for this day
my soul is full of gladness
to walk in the glory
of Your light in the morning.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
dear restless heart
Dear restless heart, be still; don't fret and worry so;
God has a thousand ways His love and help to show;
just trust, and trust, and trust until His will you know.
Dear restless heart, be still, for peace is God's own smile,
His love can every wrong and sorrow reconcile;
just love, and love, and love and calmly wait awhile.
Dear restless heart, be still! Don't struggle to be free;
God's life is in your life, from Him you may not flee;
just pray, and pray, and pray, 'til you have faith to see.
-Edith Willis Linn
what a sweet poem!!
one of the things i love most about it is the last line of each stanza- the repetition there seems to say that you can't just trust once, or love a little bit, or pray one time...you keep on trusting and loving and praying consistently and through anything, good or bad! it's like in thessalonians when Paul encourages us to "excel still more"...love still more, pray still more, trust still more. and thus, the restless heart is stilled.
God has a thousand ways His love and help to show;
just trust, and trust, and trust until His will you know.
Dear restless heart, be still, for peace is God's own smile,
His love can every wrong and sorrow reconcile;
just love, and love, and love and calmly wait awhile.
Dear restless heart, be still! Don't struggle to be free;
God's life is in your life, from Him you may not flee;
just pray, and pray, and pray, 'til you have faith to see.
-Edith Willis Linn
what a sweet poem!!
one of the things i love most about it is the last line of each stanza- the repetition there seems to say that you can't just trust once, or love a little bit, or pray one time...you keep on trusting and loving and praying consistently and through anything, good or bad! it's like in thessalonians when Paul encourages us to "excel still more"...love still more, pray still more, trust still more. and thus, the restless heart is stilled.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
beautiful day
so i'm posting a lot.
but there's a lot going on.
and i just can't help but share.
after all, have any of you ever known me as a girl without SOMETHING to say!? :)
actually, when i think about it, recently, there have been a few times where i've been at a loss for words.
but that's a different topic of conversation.
first:
another fun quote for the day!
Riley: "Ms. Cochran, how do you say "I like your dress"?"
Me: "Me gusta tu vestido."
Riley: "Yeah...um me gusta...well whatever you said."
Me: "Thank you, Riley."
Other student: "The polka dots make it look like a Twister board!"
Student 2: "YEAH! We could play Twister on you!"
Me: "Hmmm, that's kind of awkward."
Jarech: "Well you can just take your dress off!"
this is my life. and i love it.
i really do teach the kids Spanish. te prometo.
here's the deal:
i am kind of ridiculous. one day, i'm totally and completely sure that every bit of faith that i have is in God and that i'm trusting Him with everything, and i'm feelin' great. the next day, i wake up and i can't even remember what it felt like or looked like to be in that place...even though it was just the day before. i'm whiny, and i complain, and do all those other things that silly human beings do. i let myself get overwhelmed because in some twisted way in my mind, i DESERVE it because of "everything i'm going through." well, the Lord has been teaching me...over....and over...and over again....that faith doesn't FEEL. it just IS or it ISN'T. faith doesn't leave at the first sign of trouble. and faith doesn't second guess truth. it doesn't wait for me to FEEL like believing. it just believes. it's the deep breath during those times of overwhelmingness (made up word!!) and it's the written Word that never changes. why can't i get my mind around this!? it's so awesome! shoot.
anyways..........that's all. :)
but there's a lot going on.
and i just can't help but share.
after all, have any of you ever known me as a girl without SOMETHING to say!? :)
actually, when i think about it, recently, there have been a few times where i've been at a loss for words.
but that's a different topic of conversation.
first:
another fun quote for the day!
Riley: "Ms. Cochran, how do you say "I like your dress"?"
Me: "Me gusta tu vestido."
Riley: "Yeah...um me gusta...well whatever you said."
Me: "Thank you, Riley."
Other student: "The polka dots make it look like a Twister board!"
Student 2: "YEAH! We could play Twister on you!"
Me: "Hmmm, that's kind of awkward."
Jarech: "Well you can just take your dress off!"
this is my life. and i love it.
i really do teach the kids Spanish. te prometo.
here's the deal:
i am kind of ridiculous. one day, i'm totally and completely sure that every bit of faith that i have is in God and that i'm trusting Him with everything, and i'm feelin' great. the next day, i wake up and i can't even remember what it felt like or looked like to be in that place...even though it was just the day before. i'm whiny, and i complain, and do all those other things that silly human beings do. i let myself get overwhelmed because in some twisted way in my mind, i DESERVE it because of "everything i'm going through." well, the Lord has been teaching me...over....and over...and over again....that faith doesn't FEEL. it just IS or it ISN'T. faith doesn't leave at the first sign of trouble. and faith doesn't second guess truth. it doesn't wait for me to FEEL like believing. it just believes. it's the deep breath during those times of overwhelmingness (made up word!!) and it's the written Word that never changes. why can't i get my mind around this!? it's so awesome! shoot.
anyways..........that's all. :)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
highs and lows
rough day.
but these at least made me laugh:
Student 1: "What color are the ducks in Mexico?"
Student 2: "NO! Duck in Spanish is TACO!"
Me: "I am so confused right now."
Me: "Cole, take the sweatshirt off your head."
Cole: "IT'S A TURBANNNN!!!"
Evan: "Ms. Cochran! Tell Joe not to throw my book off the desk anymore!"
Joe: "A demon did it!!!"
I give a kid 1 minute to go get a drink of water...another student thought he was going to the bathroom and said this upon his return:
"Dude, he did that in a minute!? I can't even get my pants down that fast!"
Me: "He only went to get a drink AND that's a little more than I needed to know, thanks though."
and the quote of the day:
Student: "How do you say, like, "I am doing something"?"
Me: "For example: Estoy haciendo mi tarea- I am doing my homework."
Joe: "Wait can you say that again?" (with mischievous look on his face)
Me: "No, Joe, we're talking about doing SOMETHING not doing SOMEONE."
Joe: "How did you know I was going to ask that!?"
Me: *shaking my head* "I have an 8th grade mind."
when i can't feel You,
i have learned to reach out just the same
when i can't hear You
i know You still hear every word i pray
and i want You more than i wanna live another day
and as i wait for You, maybe i'm made more
faithful
but these at least made me laugh:
Student 1: "What color are the ducks in Mexico?"
Student 2: "NO! Duck in Spanish is TACO!"
Me: "I am so confused right now."
Me: "Cole, take the sweatshirt off your head."
Cole: "IT'S A TURBANNNN!!!"
Evan: "Ms. Cochran! Tell Joe not to throw my book off the desk anymore!"
Joe: "A demon did it!!!"
I give a kid 1 minute to go get a drink of water...another student thought he was going to the bathroom and said this upon his return:
"Dude, he did that in a minute!? I can't even get my pants down that fast!"
Me: "He only went to get a drink AND that's a little more than I needed to know, thanks though."
and the quote of the day:
Student: "How do you say, like, "I am doing something"?"
Me: "For example: Estoy haciendo mi tarea- I am doing my homework."
Joe: "Wait can you say that again?" (with mischievous look on his face)
Me: "No, Joe, we're talking about doing SOMETHING not doing SOMEONE."
Joe: "How did you know I was going to ask that!?"
Me: *shaking my head* "I have an 8th grade mind."
when i can't feel You,
i have learned to reach out just the same
when i can't hear You
i know You still hear every word i pray
and i want You more than i wanna live another day
and as i wait for You, maybe i'm made more
faithful
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
firsts
i gave my first quiz today.
...it was a disaster.
so now we go from here, and i re-think my teaching strategies and think of ways to get the kiddos to pay more attention.
at first i was frustrated. very frustrated. and then i thought about it on my nice long 46 1/2 minute drive home, and i thought "no. this is good. the only way i can get better is from learning from the disasters!"
thank the Lord that He has put His own better attitude in me than leaving me to be negative in my own!!
:)
...it was a disaster.
so now we go from here, and i re-think my teaching strategies and think of ways to get the kiddos to pay more attention.
at first i was frustrated. very frustrated. and then i thought about it on my nice long 46 1/2 minute drive home, and i thought "no. this is good. the only way i can get better is from learning from the disasters!"
thank the Lord that He has put His own better attitude in me than leaving me to be negative in my own!!
:)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
simply
"rejoice always;
pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 thess 5:16-18
my heart has been humbled by grace.
pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 thess 5:16-18
my heart has been humbled by grace.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
singing
Heal my heart and make it clean
open up my eyes to the things unseen
teach me how to love like You have loved me
break my heart for what breaks Yours
everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
as I go from earth into eternity
-from one of my favorite songs EVER...
Hosanna, Hillsong/Brooke Fraser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we4t0fAnGBA&feature=related
that's the song, give it a listen! good stuff!!!
as a side note...Brooke Fraser has pretty much written all of my favorite songs ever, you know the ones that basically say things that you could never find a good way to say/pray for yourself. yeah, she's stellar.
open up my eyes to the things unseen
teach me how to love like You have loved me
break my heart for what breaks Yours
everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
as I go from earth into eternity
-from one of my favorite songs EVER...
Hosanna, Hillsong/Brooke Fraser
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we4t0fAnGBA&feature=related
that's the song, give it a listen! good stuff!!!
as a side note...Brooke Fraser has pretty much written all of my favorite songs ever, you know the ones that basically say things that you could never find a good way to say/pray for yourself. yeah, she's stellar.
Friday, February 06, 2009
teaching is just funny
this was a great quotes day.
"Ms. C...did you know that using anti-bacterial hand sanitizer can actually cause some bacteria to build up an immunity to it?"
"Yes. I did know that."
"Did you also know that anti-bacterial hand sanitizer tastes like Ever-Clear?"
"I'm sorry..what?
"Ummmm...."
"Riley, how do you know what hand sanitizer tastes like?...better yet...how would you even know what Ever Clear tastes like?"
"Well...I...um...well Ms. C you went to college right!?"
"Yeah......but you didn't."
"Didn't you drink Ever Clear?"
"No, I didn't drink a thing until I turned 21."
"WHAT!? But you went to COLLEGE!"
"Yes."
"Were you in a sorority?"
"Yes."
(other student) "Those are drinking clubs!!!"
"Ok we are not talking about this anymore."
(trying to move on)
5 minutes later...
"Ms. C, you seriously have not ever had Ever Clear???"
"NO! Just play your Bingo Riley!"
hahahahha...oh man. hilarious.
LATER:
I taught the kids how to say "What are you going to do this weekend" in Spanish.
"Ms. C, what are you going to do this weekend?"
"well, I have to take an important test tomorrow morning, a teacher test."
"And then are you going to party?"
"Hmm, probably not."
"WHY NOT!? You should party Ms. C!"
"OK."
"No, seriously. You go to the club this weekend and you get yourself some dudes! You need some dudes!"
UN.REAL.
Then I had a kid tell me he loved me.
Students have started to say hi to me in the hall.
I got a "Happy Gram" from one of my students saying that she was so glad I was her Spanish teacher and that I was really nice. :) :)
I got a note from the principal saying I was doing a good job (that was HUGE to me)
I got the most ADD kid I have ever seen who never participates in anything to play Bingo today. and he won. it was awesome.
I'm starting to settle in...and I think I like this whole "teacher" thing!
"Ms. C...did you know that using anti-bacterial hand sanitizer can actually cause some bacteria to build up an immunity to it?"
"Yes. I did know that."
"Did you also know that anti-bacterial hand sanitizer tastes like Ever-Clear?"
"I'm sorry..what?
"Ummmm...."
"Riley, how do you know what hand sanitizer tastes like?...better yet...how would you even know what Ever Clear tastes like?"
"Well...I...um...well Ms. C you went to college right!?"
"Yeah......but you didn't."
"Didn't you drink Ever Clear?"
"No, I didn't drink a thing until I turned 21."
"WHAT!? But you went to COLLEGE!"
"Yes."
"Were you in a sorority?"
"Yes."
(other student) "Those are drinking clubs!!!"
"Ok we are not talking about this anymore."
(trying to move on)
5 minutes later...
"Ms. C, you seriously have not ever had Ever Clear???"
"NO! Just play your Bingo Riley!"
hahahahha...oh man. hilarious.
LATER:
I taught the kids how to say "What are you going to do this weekend" in Spanish.
"Ms. C, what are you going to do this weekend?"
"well, I have to take an important test tomorrow morning, a teacher test."
"And then are you going to party?"
"Hmm, probably not."
"WHY NOT!? You should party Ms. C!"
"OK."
"No, seriously. You go to the club this weekend and you get yourself some dudes! You need some dudes!"
UN.REAL.
Then I had a kid tell me he loved me.
Students have started to say hi to me in the hall.
I got a "Happy Gram" from one of my students saying that she was so glad I was her Spanish teacher and that I was really nice. :) :)
I got a note from the principal saying I was doing a good job (that was HUGE to me)
I got the most ADD kid I have ever seen who never participates in anything to play Bingo today. and he won. it was awesome.
I'm starting to settle in...and I think I like this whole "teacher" thing!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
after blessings
So I love the movie The Dark Knight. I won't even mention how many times I've watched it over the last 10 days (In my defense, 5 of those days were spent inside because of ice and sleet and whatnot). Yeah, I know. It's ridiculous. And I hardly ever watch "comic book movies". But seriously...stick with me. I'm going somewhere with this.
I was thinking the other day about why I like Batman so much. What is it about him that is captivating? I came up with a few answers.
1. He fights people/things that are evil.
2. He protects people.
3. He's fierce.
4. He's pretty consistent.
There's this part, where the new District Attorney and his girlfriend (who also happens to be the object of Batman's affection) are each tied up and strapped to multiple explosive devices and a bomb timer by the Joker, who is actually at this point captured and being interrogated (or tortured) by Batman. The Joker tells Batman that he can only save one of them, and then tells him the addresses of where they're at. With no hesitation, and absolute determination he is going to go save his girl. (This is where the illustration stops being useful because the Joker lied and mixed up the addresses so....she dies. sorry if you haven't seen it).
The Point: I realized that Batman helped me see that this is what the Lord has been trying to tell me for a very, very long time. That HE will fight for me. He will fight those things that are evil. He'll protect me. The Lord isn't a passive bystander...He's the fiercest fighter that there is. Batman is pretty consistent....but the Lord is constant, never-changing. He would drop everything and forget all else to rescue me from whatever situation I was in.
Ridiculous that I discovered this from Batman? Yes. Applicable? Absolutely.
I feel like this revelation came at a perfect time, and that if I had to pick a theme for my last few weeks, it'd definitely be some kind of battle/warrior/fighting theme. Fighting battles against temptation, lies, all those things that satan likes to throw at you. Fighting off fear and anxiety of starting a new job. Fighting worry about not being able to pay for things. And then that revelation came along and I was like YEAH. I have Someone FIGHTING for me.
Then, things went really well for a bit and I kind of reached this "high point." It was awesome. I'm reminded of a Steven Curtis Chapman song where he says "Faith flowed like a river free and deep, and grace was not so hard to be believed..." and then the next day, I woke up and felt completely empty...and the song continues..."but that was yesterday...and what was close enough to touch now seems a world away." Couldn't have said it better myself. So I got frustrated and thought "well what was all that for then!?" Didn't expect to get an answer so quick.
The devotion for that day in my "Streams in the Desert" book (which is amazing) was about how the Lord will put you in a "desert" of spiritual sorts sometimes after what you might call a spiritual "high". But it said that He doesn't do it because He's casting you out, or doesn't think you're doing it right...it's because He sees you as fit to withstand the test of faith. The quote said "After blessings comes the battle...yet it is a period that always ends in certain triumph for those who have committed the keeping of their souls to God." Mind.blowing. All that revelation WAS for something: that I would know that in this new "battle" the Lord would still be fighting for me, even if I couldn't FEEL it like I did the day before.
I wanted to share this random, random yet extremely significant thing with the world just because I'm sure that others have gone through something similar. Maybe it can be an encouragement of sorts.
So today's devotion in my book mentioned airplanes and flying.....and, well, THAT is just a different story altogether.
I was thinking the other day about why I like Batman so much. What is it about him that is captivating? I came up with a few answers.
1. He fights people/things that are evil.
2. He protects people.
3. He's fierce.
4. He's pretty consistent.
There's this part, where the new District Attorney and his girlfriend (who also happens to be the object of Batman's affection) are each tied up and strapped to multiple explosive devices and a bomb timer by the Joker, who is actually at this point captured and being interrogated (or tortured) by Batman. The Joker tells Batman that he can only save one of them, and then tells him the addresses of where they're at. With no hesitation, and absolute determination he is going to go save his girl. (This is where the illustration stops being useful because the Joker lied and mixed up the addresses so....she dies. sorry if you haven't seen it).
The Point: I realized that Batman helped me see that this is what the Lord has been trying to tell me for a very, very long time. That HE will fight for me. He will fight those things that are evil. He'll protect me. The Lord isn't a passive bystander...He's the fiercest fighter that there is. Batman is pretty consistent....but the Lord is constant, never-changing. He would drop everything and forget all else to rescue me from whatever situation I was in.
Ridiculous that I discovered this from Batman? Yes. Applicable? Absolutely.
I feel like this revelation came at a perfect time, and that if I had to pick a theme for my last few weeks, it'd definitely be some kind of battle/warrior/fighting theme. Fighting battles against temptation, lies, all those things that satan likes to throw at you. Fighting off fear and anxiety of starting a new job. Fighting worry about not being able to pay for things. And then that revelation came along and I was like YEAH. I have Someone FIGHTING for me.
Then, things went really well for a bit and I kind of reached this "high point." It was awesome. I'm reminded of a Steven Curtis Chapman song where he says "Faith flowed like a river free and deep, and grace was not so hard to be believed..." and then the next day, I woke up and felt completely empty...and the song continues..."but that was yesterday...and what was close enough to touch now seems a world away." Couldn't have said it better myself. So I got frustrated and thought "well what was all that for then!?" Didn't expect to get an answer so quick.
The devotion for that day in my "Streams in the Desert" book (which is amazing) was about how the Lord will put you in a "desert" of spiritual sorts sometimes after what you might call a spiritual "high". But it said that He doesn't do it because He's casting you out, or doesn't think you're doing it right...it's because He sees you as fit to withstand the test of faith. The quote said "After blessings comes the battle...yet it is a period that always ends in certain triumph for those who have committed the keeping of their souls to God." Mind.blowing. All that revelation WAS for something: that I would know that in this new "battle" the Lord would still be fighting for me, even if I couldn't FEEL it like I did the day before.
I wanted to share this random, random yet extremely significant thing with the world just because I'm sure that others have gone through something similar. Maybe it can be an encouragement of sorts.
So today's devotion in my book mentioned airplanes and flying.....and, well, THAT is just a different story altogether.
Friday, January 30, 2009
real world v. 1
Well, well, well...
after 3 unprecedented snow days and delayed "first day" start to my job...it finally happened. I entered the real, working, teaching world today, starting nice and bright and early at 5 AM. you know, it wasn't SO bad....i would like to mold myself into a morningish person. and now is my chance, i suppose!
i don't think i could have hand picked a better place to begin my experiment as a school teacher. which is why i'm glad i didn't hand pick it. Someone else obviously did. and for that i am thankful. i went in today not knowing a single thing about what i should be teaching, how the school runs, anything. i have an asst. principal is like a little mother. she checked on me and told me everything would be fine. i have a team of teachers that's spunky and laid back. all of them seemed to just trust me right off the bat. i mean i guess they didn't really have a choice....but i certainly didn't expect the profuse "thank yous" that i got from everyone for being there. THAT was a surprise.
8th grade is my calling. of that i am certain. i can't pinpoint what it is about the age, but i absolutely adore it. all of my classes were successful today and full of really enthusiastic, funny, goofy kids. it's fantastic. i am so excited to get to know them and share the next 4 months with them.
i think i could contribute my complete lack of nervousness to the Lord. it's true that when you spend more time in His presence, you go through life with a kind of protection, this comfort that nothing in the world can get to you. isn't that what He says in His word? kind of a crazy concept, something i wish i'd taken advantage of a lot sooner.
favorite quotes of the day:
"Ms. Cochran, can I ask you a question? I mean, I'm afraid you'll get mad."
"Go ahead."
"You won't get mad?"
"...No, it's fine."
"....What's your dating life like?"
seriously...8th graders. gotta love it.
after 3 unprecedented snow days and delayed "first day" start to my job...it finally happened. I entered the real, working, teaching world today, starting nice and bright and early at 5 AM. you know, it wasn't SO bad....i would like to mold myself into a morningish person. and now is my chance, i suppose!
i don't think i could have hand picked a better place to begin my experiment as a school teacher. which is why i'm glad i didn't hand pick it. Someone else obviously did. and for that i am thankful. i went in today not knowing a single thing about what i should be teaching, how the school runs, anything. i have an asst. principal is like a little mother. she checked on me and told me everything would be fine. i have a team of teachers that's spunky and laid back. all of them seemed to just trust me right off the bat. i mean i guess they didn't really have a choice....but i certainly didn't expect the profuse "thank yous" that i got from everyone for being there. THAT was a surprise.
8th grade is my calling. of that i am certain. i can't pinpoint what it is about the age, but i absolutely adore it. all of my classes were successful today and full of really enthusiastic, funny, goofy kids. it's fantastic. i am so excited to get to know them and share the next 4 months with them.
i think i could contribute my complete lack of nervousness to the Lord. it's true that when you spend more time in His presence, you go through life with a kind of protection, this comfort that nothing in the world can get to you. isn't that what He says in His word? kind of a crazy concept, something i wish i'd taken advantage of a lot sooner.
favorite quotes of the day:
"Ms. Cochran, can I ask you a question? I mean, I'm afraid you'll get mad."
"Go ahead."
"You won't get mad?"
"...No, it's fine."
"....What's your dating life like?"
seriously...8th graders. gotta love it.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
2009
and so begins a new year and a new me....
HAHA
that was so cheesy.
but seriously. i am in the real world now people. like the REAL one. because up until this point, i've been in a fake world. what will the people be like in this new one? will there be trees? a sky? buildings?
ok, again, seriously, this year is going to start out very different for me than it ever has before. that is because i am no longer in school, and now i must get a job that will pay for my bills. honestly, i was worried about being able to make enough money to pay for things, but now, i am very excited. i have no one to answer to, no one to turn in things to, no grades to worry about. in essence, i am my own boss. i feel a great degree of responsibility but i have to admit i kind of like it! it is going to be very interesting to see where this year leads me, but i'm looking forward to it and hope i'll be able to enjoy every minute of it.
HAHA
that was so cheesy.
but seriously. i am in the real world now people. like the REAL one. because up until this point, i've been in a fake world. what will the people be like in this new one? will there be trees? a sky? buildings?
ok, again, seriously, this year is going to start out very different for me than it ever has before. that is because i am no longer in school, and now i must get a job that will pay for my bills. honestly, i was worried about being able to make enough money to pay for things, but now, i am very excited. i have no one to answer to, no one to turn in things to, no grades to worry about. in essence, i am my own boss. i feel a great degree of responsibility but i have to admit i kind of like it! it is going to be very interesting to see where this year leads me, but i'm looking forward to it and hope i'll be able to enjoy every minute of it.
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