Inspiration

So...this past Sunday morning I was just sitting at the table having a waffle for breakfast...and some coffee. I happened to look down and saw a magazine that I thought I'd pick through while I was eating. It was from Liberty University - the college where Aaron and I have both finished Master's degrees. I was just scanning the articles, read the one about Glenn Beck speaking at Spring 2010 commencement. Then, I came across a small insert that shocked me. It was about a death in the Liberty community. As I read on, I was shocked even more to find out that, of the few professors that I actually met in person, (my coursework was mostly online) the woman who died was actually Dr. Jill Jones, one of my intensive class teachers. Intensives are 1 week long classes where you go from 8-5 Monday-Friday and receive 3 credit hours. (As a teacher candidate, you have to do this 3 times)! Man was my heart saddened. I remember the first summer I went for my first intensives, 2 back-to-back. All the people I saw in the "break room" were telling me how hard the next class I was taking was going to be - the one with Dr. Jill. I can still remember being so nervous to meet her. And then...it's like I walked into the room and met an instant friend. I loved Dr.  Jill's class...challenging, definitely, but also so enlightening about my career. I didn't go back to Liberty to take my last intensive until 2 summers later, and who did I see one day in the hallway? Dr. Jill. She remembered me! How crazy is that? She remembered about a specific prayer requested I had mentioned (2 years before, mind you) and asked me how the situation had been resolved. I walked away with such a smile on my face! But not before she told me that she would be looking for me in the doctorate program. Holy cow!


That particular class that I took with Dr. Jill was called Methods of teaching Middle School. I focused on the lack of foreign language programs in MSs and why it was so crucial and necessary. I don't think it's a coincidence that I just happen to be teaching that very thing right now! It was such an inspiration to have met her, and I know, even now that she's gone, she'd want all of us, her students, to continue working hard for our students. 


She played us a song one day in class, while asking if any of us had a "life song." Hers was "Legacy" by Nicole Nordeman. She just wanted to make a difference, and I know at least for me, she did. We all need a reminder by someone like her that how we treat people is the biggest key to making a difference, in any line of work. 


I won't ever forget Dr. Jill. And who knows, maybe I will end up in that doctorate program, crazy as it sounds. Sheesh

Surprise

I have been feeling so guilty lately for not studying my Bible like I should. Don't get me wrong...I love to study scripture. I have a great study Bible that has notes that are so interesting to me, and I'll find myself sitting for hours sometimes just checking all the cross-references! That is - when I have time! Don't judge me! I have to get up early every day for work and while those morning hours are the most quiet and practical times to do my Bible study, I just find myself wanting to snooze and get in more sleep.

So...I mentioned to Aaron the other day the idea of maybe getting the Bible on CD so that, in my 40 minute roundtrip commute everyday, I can at least use those minutes more efficiently. Much to my surprise he had ordered me the complete New Testament on CD to keep in my car and it was waiting for me when i got home today :)

Now...I know that I don't want this to be my only Bible study that I do all week. I still want to actually "read" my Bible but I am so excited to get in some time with Jesus on my way to work and I can't wait to see how it actually affects my attitude and my day with my 8th graders...

My husband is so great. He has proven to me again how much he listens when I talk about things that concern me and bother me. He is a great spiritual leader that I look up to and he helps me to want to be a better Christ-follower. I am so proud of him!

Oh and btw, he preached last Sunday at church...a great sermon on Evangelism. You can check it out at www.grace-bible.net - media resources.