My random thoughts on a Friday night

I want to share a few things, all of which address different passions in my life: education, faith, and kids, particular my students at SVIS.

First, a friend of mine posted this on facebook, and I loved it. It made me think, and made me really evaluate what I think about teaching and learning. That's not to say I agree with everything, or think it will solve the worlds problems, but something to think about. Besides, I think it presents the ideas in a new and different way that kept my attention- always a good thing! (Thanks Tori!)

Second, I have been thinking recently about what it means to be a woman of God. I'm pretty sure there is no box we all fit in, after all I know many women who love and follow God with their whole heart, and they are not all the same. They are all different, which leads me to believe that there is no one path we all must follow. (Not that this is news to anyone, but just has been in my thoughts recently.) But I'd love to hear your thoughts. What does it mean to be a woman of God? How do we as women live passionately for Jesus? What does it look like for you personally?

Third, I had a wonderful moment with one of my girls this week. There is a spot on the board that we right prayer requests. On Tuesday, one of my students asked to write one down. She asked for prayer for the teachers, dorm parents, and staff. Coming from a student who regularly tells me she hate me (which translates to I don't like what you are asking me to do right now) it was really cool to see an acknowledgement of the staff, and know she had a desire to pray for us. How cool is that!

Now, it's Friday night, and I have great ambitions to sleep in tomorrow... all the way till about 7:30 AM!!!! Let's hope the girls all sleep that long, and allow the tired dorm parents a little extra sleep. (I usually wake up about 6:15, so this really is sleeping in!)

A New Year!

I have these great intentions of blogging more often, but some how life gets in the way. The kids have been back a week now, and for the most part, we are back to normal. Of course, 'normal' doesn't really exist, so who knows what we are back to. We did get 6 new kids so far this semester: two 7th graders, and then a 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd grader. This adds 4 new girls to the dorm, which is pretty exciting, bringing us up to 15 total. I'm torn between being sad there are no new 5th graders, and being relieved. I mean a new student would be fun, but a lot of work, and strangely, I don't really need any more of that. These three provide plenty of work themselves. :)

We also have already begun the lice fight this year. Amazing how quick that stuff takes over. Seriously, it never ends! Some day the bug will all be gone. On a cool note though, we got to look at a lice in a  microscope, which was great for the kids! Gross, but great. I mean, have you ever seen a lice in a microscope? That is one gross bug! Especially when you can see the blood in it that came out of someones head.
I'd like to leave you with these lyrics. A friend posted this song on her facebook, and I listened to it today with the kids. I love it, because it is so true. (And no, I am not in great suffering or anything, I just love the message of believing in God's hope, and taking Him at his word.)

Carry Me (written by Audrey Assad and Phillip Larue, sung by Audrey Assad)
Pain is a forest we all get lost in
Between the branches hope can be so hard to see
And in the darkness we've all got questions
We're all just trying to make sense out of suffering but

You say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, You'll carry me
Help me believe it

Fear is a current we all get caught in
And in its motion faith can be so hard to find
And we all falter 'cause we're all broken
We're all just trying to turn the shadows into light but

You get glory in the midst of this
And You're walking with me
And you say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, You'll carry me

And I know Your promises are faithful
And God, I've seen Your goodness in my life
And oh, I've found Your mercy is a river
Your love is an ocean wide

You say I am blessed because of this
You get glory in the midst of this
And You're walking with me

And You say I am blessed because of this
So, I choose to believe
As I carry this cross, as I carry this cross
'Cause as I carry this cross, You'll carry me

You'll carry me, God
You'll carry me
And Your love is an ocean wide