Alrighty so school has started again and that means that I don't have a life. Well I don't really have much of a social life in general but now if I wanted one, I might have some difficulties.
Anyways, this year I am teaching math for the first time. For the past two years I have taught social studies (7th grade and 6th grade) and everyone has told me "Oh my gosh, you are such a math teacher". I think it may be because of my over organization or my logical brain because I am not sure my patience and strength are up for this challenge. I came in assuming (yeah, yeah I know that assuming is bad), anyway, I came in assuming that the students would know certain things - like multiplication facts, and how to add decimals, and how to use a pencil sharpener, and how to keep their snot and cooties to themselves. Let me tell you, they don't know any of those things!!!!
I am only slightly kidding. I did tell my kids that if they ever saw me having a heart attack or panic attack that they needed to know how to dial 221. (That is the extension for the front office. Haha!) This was after we were "reviewing" multiplying with two digits and all I got were completely BLANK STARES. But I had an epiphany the other day. Instead of assuming the kids know how to do something and flipping out and over stressing when they don't, I will assume they know how to do nothing so that when they do understand something, or at least vaguely remember it, from the past I will be really excited.
Oh, did I also mention that I am teaching three 80-minute class periods of 6TH GRADERS? And that one of those classes includes a high number of students that require special services? And that I am currently the only math teacher in 6th grade that actually taught at my school last year so I am the go-to person for the other 4 math teachers? And that I am my team's leader? And that I am the head, and only, coach of boys' soccer? And that our first game is next Tuesday? And that the boys' soccer team went undefeated last year - the only team in the county to ever do that?
All of these things combined leave me running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I never can get caught up. The moment I think I am almost up-to-date I get another thing (or 5 things) thrown my way. Stress and exhaustion are just barely touching the surface but are pretty good indicators of how I am feeling.
In the midst of all of this I also happen to be a part of a wonderful women's Bible study group at church. These ladies come from every walk of life and walk with Jesus but are completely encouraging. I am also reminded of several verses of Scripture that help me refocus my thoughts and motivations.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11
As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success. 2 Chronicles 26:56
So whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
These are just a few of the awesome examples of how I can believe that God has a plan for my life and no matter what I am going through now, He is always with me.
So if you begin to wonder where I am and why I am not updating you with the wonders of my life, just know that I am in the middle of a craziness that I am not sure I can really describe or understand but I am loved by an AWESOME God who will see me through it!
When is it summertime again?
Anyways, this year I am teaching math for the first time. For the past two years I have taught social studies (7th grade and 6th grade) and everyone has told me "Oh my gosh, you are such a math teacher". I think it may be because of my over organization or my logical brain because I am not sure my patience and strength are up for this challenge. I came in assuming (yeah, yeah I know that assuming is bad), anyway, I came in assuming that the students would know certain things - like multiplication facts, and how to add decimals, and how to use a pencil sharpener, and how to keep their snot and cooties to themselves. Let me tell you, they don't know any of those things!!!!
I am only slightly kidding. I did tell my kids that if they ever saw me having a heart attack or panic attack that they needed to know how to dial 221. (That is the extension for the front office. Haha!) This was after we were "reviewing" multiplying with two digits and all I got were completely BLANK STARES. But I had an epiphany the other day. Instead of assuming the kids know how to do something and flipping out and over stressing when they don't, I will assume they know how to do nothing so that when they do understand something, or at least vaguely remember it, from the past I will be really excited.
Oh, did I also mention that I am teaching three 80-minute class periods of 6TH GRADERS? And that one of those classes includes a high number of students that require special services? And that I am currently the only math teacher in 6th grade that actually taught at my school last year so I am the go-to person for the other 4 math teachers? And that I am my team's leader? And that I am the head, and only, coach of boys' soccer? And that our first game is next Tuesday? And that the boys' soccer team went undefeated last year - the only team in the county to ever do that?
All of these things combined leave me running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I never can get caught up. The moment I think I am almost up-to-date I get another thing (or 5 things) thrown my way. Stress and exhaustion are just barely touching the surface but are pretty good indicators of how I am feeling.
In the midst of all of this I also happen to be a part of a wonderful women's Bible study group at church. These ladies come from every walk of life and walk with Jesus but are completely encouraging. I am also reminded of several verses of Scripture that help me refocus my thoughts and motivations.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11
As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success. 2 Chronicles 26:56
So whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
These are just a few of the awesome examples of how I can believe that God has a plan for my life and no matter what I am going through now, He is always with me.
So if you begin to wonder where I am and why I am not updating you with the wonders of my life, just know that I am in the middle of a craziness that I am not sure I can really describe or understand but I am loved by an AWESOME God who will see me through it!
When is it summertime again?
