Isaiah 6:8

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Monday, December 15, 2008

I Am What I Am - 100%

My cousin Judy sent me an email today. It caught my eye immediately. It was entitled "I Am A Teacher" and by a man named John W. Schlatter. I had to share it with you all because it pretty much sums me up and it may mean something to many more of you.

I am a Teacher.
I was born the first moment that a question leaped from the mouth
of a child.
I have been many people in many places.
I am Socrates exciting the youth of Athens to discover new ideas
through the use of questions.
I am Anne Sullivan tapping out the secrets of the universe
into the outstretched hand of Helen Keller.
I am Aesop and Hans Christian Andersen revealing truth
through countless stories.
I am Marva Collins fighting for every child's right to an education.
The names of those who have practiced my profession ring like a hall
of fame for humanity...Booker T. Washington, Buddha, Confucius, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Leo Buscaglia, Moses and Jesus.
I am also those whose names and faces have long been forgotten
but whose lessons and character will always be remembered in the accomplishments of their students.
I have wept for joy at the weddings of former students, laughed with
glee at the birth of their children and stood with head bowed in grief and confusion by graves dug too soon for bodies far too young.
Throughout the course of a day I have been called upon to be an
actor, friend, nurse and doctor, coach, finder of lost articles, money lender, taxi driver, psychologist, substitute parent, salesman, politician and a keeper of the faith.
Despite the maps, charts, formulas, verbs, stories and books, I have
really had nothing to teach, for my students really have only themselves to learn, and I know it takes the whole world to tell you who you are.
I am a paradox. I speak loudest when I listen the most. My greatest
gifts are in what I am willing to appreciatively receive from my students.
Material wealth is not one of my goals, but I am a full-time treasure
seeker in my quest for new opportunities for my students to use their talents and in my constant search for those talents that sometimes lie buried in self-defeat.
I am the most fortunate of all who labor.
A doctor is allowed to usher life into the world in one magic moment.
I am allowed to see that life is reborn each day with new questions, ideas and friendships.
An architect knows that if he builds with care, his structure may stand
for centuries. A teacher knows that if he builds with love and truth, what he builds will last forever.
I am a warrior, daily doing battle against peer pressure, negativity,
fear, conformity, prejudice, ignorance and apathy: But I have great allies: Intelligence, Curiosity, Parental Support, Individuality, Creativity, Faith, Love and Laughter all rush to my banner with indomitable support.
And who do I have to thank for this wonderful life I am so fortunate
to experience, but you the public, the parents. For you have done me the great honor to entrust to me your greatest contribution to eternity, your children.
And so I have a past that is rich in memories. I have a present
that is challenging, adventurous and fun because I am allowed to spend my days with the future.

I am a teacher...and I thank God for it every day.
Thank you John W. Schlatter for making me proud of what I do. I am a teacher and what I do everyday makes a difference.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

What You See Is What You Get?

What you see is not always what I see....or what you get? I got out my passport the other day to see if it was current....and got my driver's license out to see if it looked like me....I had to admit....the more I looked at it....and the more I begged God to not let it look like me....it did....and does.....I am who I am.

Yet I worry, what will people think? When it comes to my appearance....but you know....God thinks we are fine just like we are. He made us.....Oh my....I must have found another idol....my image....so here I go.....sinning again.

You know when it comes to idols in my life....there is only one way to loose their hold.....repent, replace, rejoice. I know to know that bad boy specifically....in order to repent.....that is the only way I can take away it's power over me.....I have to identify it as a lie and understand that it is dangerous.....after I repent....I have to replace it with Christ....then rejoice......In the song, "Farther Along" there is a life lesson on idols we should all follow....." Tempted and tried we're oft made to wonder. Why it should be thus, all the day long. While there are others, living around us. Never molested, though in the wrong. There is no magic formula.....no money back guarantee...and you will not see a perfected you in 30 days.....but you will have inner peace and forever satisfaction. Praise God for His love, satisfaction, and being.

Bless you all, K

Friday, December 5, 2008

Idol Chatter

What is your obsession????? What do you feel you were created for??? What worthless idol gets your attention? Is it some famous actor....like Mel Gibson...or Edward Cullen?...or perhaps....shoe shopping???? I was not real excited when I realized that things that had my attention....were my foci....were called idols....why? Simply put...if those things are idols....doesn't that make me an idol worshipper? The truth is....I do have numerous people, places, things...that I turn to before God for comfort, pleasure, satisfaction, purpose, meaning in life.....and yes chocolate could be one of those. I used to get a chuckle out of the t-shirt that read, "Hand over the chocolate and no one gets hurt." I don't laugh at it so much any more. Idols....grab your affection and tell you nothing but big, fat lies. They promise you love, power, comfort, pleasure....but you never really get it....what you end up with is willingly forfeited grace.....and a big, fat empty feeling. So what does capture your attention? I would have to say...mine would be the need for security. I personally need to be approved of and accepted....so what part of the gospel am I NOT believing?? I struggle with this every day of my life and....just when I thought I had it under control.....my mom moved in with me....and the insecurity reared it's ugly head again. The struggle I guess boils down to this....simply....God is God....and I AM NOT!....but maybe I am a little like Adam and Eve in the Garden....when the snake tempted them with a chance to be like God if they sampled the fruit....maybe I want a taste myself.....I am learning....slowly.....that the more I get to know God.....and who He really is.....the more I trust that He does know what is good for me.....and that has a 100% guarantee. There is an old doo-wop song that is very appropriate here:
To know know know Him
Is to love love love Him
Just to see Him smile
Makes my life worthwhile
To know know know Him
Is to love love love Him
and I do.....

Peace to you all.....K