In a state of shock....

As you know, I'm presently getting myself ready to become certified as a teacher in the State of Georgia. I've enrolled in classes at UGA and will be starting the beginning of June. (Yikes!) I have applied for several jobs in multiple counties, but have not received any calls. I have been substitute teaching for 18 months...and have been trying to rub elbows with all the right people, so that when jobs become available, they think of me first.

I've taken, and passed, the State Certification exam for Special Education and decided that I would go ahead and take a couple of Middle Grades Content Exams so that I would look a little better on paper than I do now. Right now, on paper, I'm almost useless as a teacher. Nothing on my resume indicates I should be standing in front of kids teaching them Math, Language Arts, or Reading. It's all ministry or retail work. Nothing in the way of education.

So, last month, I took the Middle Grades Math and the Middle Grades Language Arts tests. I prepared. I studied. I did Math problems. I graphed. I solved equations. I read stories. I studied grammar. I perused vocabulary and spelling words. I brushed up on angles, the Pythagorean Theorem, and exponents. I felt like I did all I could to be ready for these tests.

When I sat down to begin, I decided to take the Math test first. I wanted to give myself ample time to work each problem...making sure I didn't make any dumb mistakes. About halfway through the test, I found myself relaxing....and actually feeling good about what I was doing. The vast majority of the problems made sense. I was able to figure out the answers. And I answered with confidence. The Essay question.........not so much, but I decided I wasn't going to stress over that.

Because I spent so much time on the Math test.... I left myself only about 90 or so minutes for the Language Arts test. And when I began to read the test, I almost couldn't focus. I realized I'd spent too much time on Math...and had nothing left for Language Arts. Oh well. No biggie. I don't have to be Highly Qualified (High Q'd) in content classes yet anyway. So, I walked out---almost laughing at the fact that I actually sat for two Middle Grades Tests. What was I thinking?

So, when people asked me how it went, my answer was pretty standard. "I doubt I did well. (Yes, I'm a realistic pessimist)...but that I would be surprised if I didn't pass the Math test....for no other reason than the fact that I spent so much time on it....being oh so careful with each operation. Language Arts. No way I passed. My brain was fried."

Now here we are today. April 28. The day the Scores are released. According to the website, scores are released after 5 pm. I am not that patient and decided I would log-on and see if they happened to post them early. 8 am. No. 8:15. Nope. 9:00. 10:00. 10:42. 11:48. 12:16. Still nothing. 12:45. I try again. And sure enough. There it is. The log-on window...asking me for my ID#. My hands nervously begin to type. Then it asks me to verify that I am me. I do. And in front of me are the two test scores I can verify. I click on Language Arts first.

And it says........

PASSED.

Huh? You must be joking. I hit the back button and started again. Sure enough, I passed the Language Arts test. Unbelievable. And all that's left is my Math score. I click the button. It flashes to the screen.

Did Not Pass.

My heart sank. I couldn't believe it. The test I spent so much time preparing for. The test I spent so much time taking. I didn't pass. I stared at the screen thinking that maybe I had accidentally infiltrated someone else's test scores. But, No. I hadn't. I just plain didn't pass. I missed the passing score by 13 points...and frankly, I can't imagine what I messed up on. After much thinking and much consternation, though, I've come to the conclusion that the essay question was what did me in.

So, now I'm High Q'd to teach Language Arts...but not Math. Whooda thunk it?

So, on June 14...I'll be taking that goofy test again. And hopefully this time....I'll pass.

Standing Ovation...

I am ashamed to admit that I rarely think about those who are persecuted for their faith. Those who must worship in secret. Those who are arrested, interrogated, beaten, taken from their families, imprisoned, and killed. Beaten and killed for no other reason than because they love the Lord. Because they have chosen to go against man and praise the Name of the Lord despite the earthly consequences. Because they have chosen to risk their lives in order to bring the lost to a saving knowledge of Christ.

But here I sit, in my home. On my couch. Watching a baseball game on TV. Typing on my laptop. Wearing clothes. And shoes. I'm clean. My hair is curled. I have makeup on. I am able to go to church without fear. Without having to look over my shoulder. I can raise my hands and worship my God for His many blessings. Without hesitation. I can go to work and pray over my lunch without wondering if anyone is going to beat me for doing so. I can read my Bible during my planning period without worry that someone will take it from me....or demand I put it away or be fired.

Tonight, our High School Choir presented a powerful musical honoring those who have been persecuted for their faith. Those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice because they chose God over man. They gave their lives because they loved the Lord. Wow. What a sacrifice. It is literally unfathomable to me that there are people who have done this, but yet there are many.

It was an incredible time tonight as we learned about Polycarp, Betsy Ten Boom, Graham Staines, and Georgy Slesary. Those who were killed because they loved and worshipped Jesus. And it got me thinking. How dare I ever feel put upon when God asks me to serve Him. How dare I. What am I being asked to sacrifice? My time. Yes. Money. Sure. But my life? No. My family's lives? No.

Yes, there are times when I just don't feel like it. When I'm tired. Tapped out. Spent. But, that's just me being selfish, really.

God, forgive me for my complacency. Forgive me standing pat. Forgive me for being so busy that I forget to Praise Your Name. Father, create in me a clean heart. Use me to glorify You. Remove me from the equation. It's all about You. You have placed me into the mission field of teaching. Give me opportunity to share You with those around me. May I glorify You, Father, every day I'm in the classroom.

Thank You, God, once again for Your grace in my life. I praise You for Who You are. You are the Almighty. The All-Powerful. The Resurrection and the Life. Thank You, Father, for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, so the rest of the world can have the opportunity to get to know You.

Thank You, Father for two parents who took me to church every Sunday while I was growing up. Thank You, Father, for grandparents who took my parents to church every Sunday they were growing up.

I just want to be a blessing, Father. I want others to look at me and see You.

God, be with those all over this world....who are under attack. Who are under the threat of beatings or even death if they share Jesus. Father, if it be Your will...keep them safe. Give them strength to stand up for what they believe. Give them Hope. Courage. And Peace. Give them a glimpse of Your glory, Father. Show them that their work is not in vain.

Thank You, Father for the reminder tonight that we have much to do in the remaining days until You return for Your children. Thank You for Frontline. What a blessing they were tonight.

Learning more and more every day.....

I've learned a lot these last few weeks.

I've learned that Middle School Math is not that bad.

I've learned that I have more patience than I realized.

I've learned that Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are very important to me.

I've learned that some children who suffer from disabilities want to be treated like they have disabilities....and not like every other average learner in the school. (Too bad for them.....they're going to be treated like they're 'normal' kids in my classroom)

I've learned that repeating myself is something I 'have' to do to get through to the children I've been charged to teach...and it doesn't bother me like I thought it would.

I've learned, again, that God provides an extra measure of grace right when I need it....and He always infuses me with extra energy to tackle the next task....right when I thought I was tapped out.

Wow. It's been an interesting 5 weeks since I started my long term job. A lot of teachers ask me how things are going....and my answer is always the same. "Some days are better than others, but I wouldn't trade my opportunity for anything." I love what I'm doing. It's funny, though. I'm tired....but that tired doesn't show itself until late at night. And every morning when I get up....I can't wait to get back to the school and see the kids.

Thank you, Lord for this. It's so great!

This last week the kids have testing...and it's been tough on both the students and the teachers. The state uses the results of the tests to determine which schools and which school systems are meeting the minimum standards set by the government. The results of these tests are basically the 'report card' for the teachers, the schools and the school system. We finished yesterday....and it was a relief. The hardest test, according to the kids, was Social Studies. Even my own personal 6th grader said it was hard, so it will be interesting to see how they do.

4 weeks of school left. Unbelievable!

Pictures from our day

Here ya go.....Some snapshots of our day at Augusta National. Joe got some great shots of the players and of the amazing scenery.

Enjoy!


Gorgeous azaleas in front of one of the cabins


Three legends of golf. Arnie, Jack and Gary.


Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus


Historic No. 12


Ernie Els


Phil Mickelson and his caddy


Stewart Cink and last year's champ....Zach Johnson.

It was a great day! Thanks, Mom and Dad.

Our Day at Augusta National

I so enjoy watching sports....both in person and on TV. Baseball, basketball, football.....Heck, I'll even watch a hockey game every now and then. Golf is one of my favorite sports to watch. It's something I know I'll never be able to do. Hit a baseball...no problem. Shoot some hoops....yep, I can do that. I can even throw and catch a football. But golf. Nope, I'm no good. I've tried it and I can't do it. Which is why I'm so fascinated with what these men (and women) can do with a golf club and a little white, dimpled ball.

My parents live in Oklahoma City. My father plays golf three times a week, and TiVo's golf tournaments so he can both play one of his favorite sports and watch the rounds of golf on TV without missing out on anything. I've even called him after the end of the tournament to talk about Tiger or Phil and he'll say...."Don't tell me. I haven't watched it yet!"

So, when my mom called me a couple of months ago to tell me that she and my dad had BOTH won the opportunity to purchase four tickets to the Wednesday practice round and Par 3 Contest at Augusta National, I was pretty excited. They had 8 tickets between them....so, Joe and I got to go.

And it was wonderful. Beautiful green grass. Immaculate fairways and greens. Amazing scenery. Gorgeous azalea and camelia bushes. I was awed by the beauty of the grounds. And was reminded that all of it came from the Lord. God created such awesome wonder. And we were able to enjoy it yesterday. The sun was shining. A slight breeze. Conditions were ideal for golf. And for hanging out with family and friends.

We got to see Phil, Fred, Nick, and Tripp. We even saw Jack, Arnie and Gary....that was a highlight. No Tiger, though. He didn't play in the Par 3, but it was a great day nonetheless. I'll post pictures once I get them off my camera.

Spring Break is now coming to an end. Just a couple more days of no alarm clock, then it's back to reality and state testing that begins next week.

It's been a great few days, too. We've cleaned up the house...made piles of things to donate...and had a nice time with my parents. Joe is now in Norfolk for the weekend and my parents are on their way back to OKC.

God is good.

I'm being called a 'Teacher'

These first few weeks of my full-time teaching job have been absolutely wonderful. The kids have been great. For the most part, they've really tried hard and they've adapted to my way of running the classroom quite well. I have had to do some re-teaching of things....like, not getting on the classroom computers without asking first. Going to the bathroom and getting a drink of water 'between' classes....and not 10 minutes after we've begun. (big problem). Raising their hands when they want to speak. Not saying 'shut-up' to each other...(one of my least favorite words in our slang language).

They now have homework several nights a week and quizzes are a regular part of our time together. I'm not sure how much of that was being done before I took over the class, but suffice it to say, they are behind in both Math and Language Arts. A real shame.

Trying to get them exposed to some things before State testing has been a bit of a challenge, but thankfully, I have a lot of support at the school, and if I need anything, I just ask.

Still no word on whether there is a permanent job for me. Oddly enough, there is a surplus of Special Education teachers in our County, so no hiring is taking place. The school has let me know they'd love to have me there on a permanent, full-time basis, but the 'numbers' may not allow it. I'm still praying that the Lord will open the door for me at this school. I love it there. The kids seem to like my being there and the teachers have been phenomenal.

I start classes this summer at UGA and have taken two more certification exams. Middle Grades Math and Middle Grades Language Arts. I get my results at the end of the month and once again, I'm not optimisic. The Math one wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I spent a lot of time on each problem, making sure I performed each operation correctly. I didn't want to make any dumb mistakes. The Language Arts test was ridiculous. I'm sure I didn't pass that one...if only because I gave everything I had to the Math test.

And now, it's Spring Break. And I need the break. Working every day...preparing lesson plans, exams and homework takes a lot out of me. Saturdays are spent on cleaning and laundry, leaving little room for rest. Standing over the kids and helping them with their work has my back in a frenzy, so I've been told to wear shoes with less of a heel. That, my friends, is not an easy task. I have worn high heels for years. Almost every job I've had required me to look professional or in my Sunday Best at all times. High heels are natural for me. Problem is, I'm now dealing with kids are still shorter than I, so my posture has changed. So, I am now having to re-think how I dress each day.

But, God is good. I love going to work. I love being with the kids. I love helping them understand things like equations, Pythagorean theorem, and coordinate planes. Big fun! And helping them remember how a compound sentence is constructed is a blast. After state testing, we're going to bring out the Literature books and start some vocabulary and spelling lessons. Some of my all-time fondest memories of school! Spelling test. :Sigh:

In the mortal words of Archie Bunker...........Those were the days!