321 Days have passes since we arrived in sunny California. This time last summer we were busy winding down from Mission Possible and getting ready for the madness of July: VBS, MC2 Camp, Game Nights, Bowling Trips, Mission Nights, softball games, and all the spontaneous fun that summer youth ministry brings. Parts of us still deeply miss those things. We miss the known. We miss the youth. We miss the families that we grew to love so deeply! However, we are continuously grateful for our West Coast adventure. Since we have come all this way, we decided early on to make the most of our time out here. With such a decision in the forefront of our minds, we decided to kick our summer off with a couple trips. Allow us to fill you in:
My (Megan) classes ended June 15. After completing my first year of doctoral studies I was ready for a break from the reading, studying, and researching for a bit (I have summer assignments to do). With a break needed we headed off to San Diego on June 17. We spent the day at the San Diego Safari Park Zoo. It was so nice to spend the day together. We rode the tram around the animal park and saw tons of cool animals. It’s the closest thing to an African Safari we’ve ever been on. We also walked around the park and checked out all the exhibits. It was a great day!
Shortly after our zoo adventure we packed up and headed east to Vegas. Since Chris had to work on our 4th Anniversary he planned the whole Vegas trip as an Anniversary surprise. Those of you that know me (Megan) well know I HATE surprises. I have to have a plan and I have to know the plan. However, he was relentless and would not divulge details. I knew we were going to Vegas but knew little more than that.
Upon our arrival we checked into the Luxor Hotel (it’s the pyramid shaped hotel) and changed to head down to the strip. We ate dinner at an Italian restaurant at the MGM and then saw the Jabbawockeez perform. It was awesome. (They are a dance crew if you’re not familiar with them).
The next day we got up early and walked around Vegas. We visited the Venetian Hotel and rode the famous Gondola ride. It was nice. (Side note: the couple that rode with us was celebrating their 25th Anniversary). We also walked around the Bellagio Hotel and toured an art exhibit in the hotel. That hotel was HUGE! We then headed back to our hotel for lunch and some down time before the big surprise.
Around 3pm we got ready and Chris informed me that we would be going to the Grand Canyon---via helicopter! I was so excited! It was an amazing trip. I’m convinced it is the only way to see the Grand Canyon. We flew over the Hoover Dam and right into the Canyon. It was awesome. God truly is the artist of all artists. It was a sight to see. I could have stayed there all day enjoying the beauty of it all! After taking a million pictures we enjoyed a picnic and then flew back to Vegas.
Our final evening in Vegas we walked around the strip, visited some additional hotels, and saw the Bellagio water/lights show. We concluded our evening with a ride on the Vegas Monorail. That was an experience. We have a really funny story of a lady we had the pleasure of accompanying on our ride back to the hotel. But words on a page just won’t do it justice. We die laughing every time we hear the word “monorail” now.
Wednesday morning we made the 4 hour drive back to CA. The rest of our summer will include Chris going to a conference, taking classes, Megan’s family visiting, Haley and Jay’s wedding in OH, and surely plenty of other adventures. We’ll keep you posted! What are your summer plans? We’d love to hear from all of you.
--Megan
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Professional Development
On Saturday, I went to an AP Economics conference in Los Angeles. While I'm sure a lot of teachers would hate to have to give up an entire Saturday, to talk about the subject that they taught all week, I'm always excited to go to these conferences and workshops. Teaching is not something that you ever master. It is something that you must continue to develop. The same can be said for our content knowledge. History and the social sciences is one of the few subject areas that you truly never stop learning in. New history is constantly being created, new trends develop in the field of political science, and economic models are disproved and new models created. I am always trying to find some time to read a great book on one of these subjects, but we all know time can be very scarce.
For me, this is what makes these conferences so great. First, the simple ability to get together with other teachers who are passionate about their subject, and the success of their students is always refreshing. Plus, for me, still being a relatively new teacher, it is always great to be able to pick their brains for new ideas, strategies they've had success with, and to have the opportunity to bounce ideas off of them. While it was a long day, I left with many wonderful resources and ideas, and a renewed vigor to be the best teacher that I can possibly be.
On a similar note, I have also begun to look into some opportunities for this summer, again in the area of professional development. I have applied/in the process of applying for several week long institutes, and even some 6-8 week fellowships. Here are a few of the ones that I have applied for or will apply for in the next week or so:
James Madison Fellowship: A program where they choose a teacher from every state to spend the summer in Washington D.C. with an emphasis on constitutional theory. If chosen as a fellow, they also award you $24,000 to put towards a Masters program. The hardest part of the application, however, is finding a master's program I would be interested in that would meet the requirements.
University of Delaware's Masters in Economic Education: This master's program is largely paid for, but they only select 35 in each cohort. You would spend 6 weeks for two summers on their campus, and complete the rest of your work during the school year online.
College Board AP Fellow: This would award $1000 to go towards attending a week long AP Summer Institute. Even if I don't get this, I will most likely still attend one for Economics. The AP Summer Institute I attended for US Government was fantastic, and an invaluable experience.
FTE's Economics for Leaders: A fantastic week long workshop for teachers of economics. Every time I've been around an economics teacher that has attended one of the FTE's workshops, they all say at some point, you have to try and go to one of these. They only have five or six sites around the country, and only take 30 at each site, so it is fairly hard to get chosen for these. I applied for the one in Santa Barbara, CA.
TAH's week long programs: I also applied for a couple of the TAH seminars (Teaching American History) in political parties and Congress. They are probably best known by teachers for the grants that many districts have across the country, and very well respected in the social studies field. Plus, the program is free, and you actually receive a stipend for attending.
I'll keep you posted as I hear back from these great opportunities. Hopefully, I'll be able to do one or two of them this summer. I'm positive any of these experiences would make me a better teacher.
For me, this is what makes these conferences so great. First, the simple ability to get together with other teachers who are passionate about their subject, and the success of their students is always refreshing. Plus, for me, still being a relatively new teacher, it is always great to be able to pick their brains for new ideas, strategies they've had success with, and to have the opportunity to bounce ideas off of them. While it was a long day, I left with many wonderful resources and ideas, and a renewed vigor to be the best teacher that I can possibly be.
On a similar note, I have also begun to look into some opportunities for this summer, again in the area of professional development. I have applied/in the process of applying for several week long institutes, and even some 6-8 week fellowships. Here are a few of the ones that I have applied for or will apply for in the next week or so:
James Madison Fellowship: A program where they choose a teacher from every state to spend the summer in Washington D.C. with an emphasis on constitutional theory. If chosen as a fellow, they also award you $24,000 to put towards a Masters program. The hardest part of the application, however, is finding a master's program I would be interested in that would meet the requirements.
University of Delaware's Masters in Economic Education: This master's program is largely paid for, but they only select 35 in each cohort. You would spend 6 weeks for two summers on their campus, and complete the rest of your work during the school year online.
College Board AP Fellow: This would award $1000 to go towards attending a week long AP Summer Institute. Even if I don't get this, I will most likely still attend one for Economics. The AP Summer Institute I attended for US Government was fantastic, and an invaluable experience.
FTE's Economics for Leaders: A fantastic week long workshop for teachers of economics. Every time I've been around an economics teacher that has attended one of the FTE's workshops, they all say at some point, you have to try and go to one of these. They only have five or six sites around the country, and only take 30 at each site, so it is fairly hard to get chosen for these. I applied for the one in Santa Barbara, CA.
TAH's week long programs: I also applied for a couple of the TAH seminars (Teaching American History) in political parties and Congress. They are probably best known by teachers for the grants that many districts have across the country, and very well respected in the social studies field. Plus, the program is free, and you actually receive a stipend for attending.
I'll keep you posted as I hear back from these great opportunities. Hopefully, I'll be able to do one or two of them this summer. I'm positive any of these experiences would make me a better teacher.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Different Kind of Education
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| Megan, Mr. & Mrs. Temple, and Emily at Kerri and Tim's wedding. |
She was born the oldest, only daughter, of five children. Her parents divorced when she was in elementary school. She moved more times than I can accurately account. She endured her teenage years in less than desirable circumstances with an alcoholic stepfather. She met a tall red-headed bag boy at the local grocery store at age fifteen. A few years later she graduated high school and got married to that bag boy a few months later. She entered the work force and within five years, after my birth, filled the role of stay-at-home-mom. Obviously, I spent countless hours with her. She taught me how to say my ABC’s, write my name, recognize colors, and countless other things. She even read my favorite book, Martha’s House, so many times that I had it memorized by age three or four and she thought I could read it (yeah, I’ve been fooling people for years). As I reflect upon my mother I can rarely remember a time that she was not reading something. She loved to read and still does. Her love of reading, study, and the world has led to her vast knowledge base. While she has never set foot in a college classroom she knows more than many college graduates. Let me be clear: if I were going to be on a trivia based game show like, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” she would be at the top of my phone-a-friend list.
We are all on a specific path in life. Each path is distinctly different. Educationally speaking, God places each of us in a different place. Sure, we should all seek to be continual learners; however, for some people this does not mean additional formal education. Some are supposed to work right after high school, some are supposed to go to a trade/technical school, some are supposed to go to college, some are supposed to go on to graduate school, medical school, law school, or some other form of higher education, and some are supposed to be parents right away. In the end, the formal education story we have to tell is not as important as the educational journey we are on. Some of the most learned, wise, knowledgeable people I know have never taken a single class beyond high school! Education comes in many forms.
Lately, I have been reflecting on where my path has taken me. Many of my friends are done with school, have full-time jobs, have purchased homes, and have started families. Sometimes I wonder why my path is so different. I wonder if I am going in the right direction. And, sometimes (ok–often), I am a bit jealous of their lives.
This week in one of my classes the professor offered the following bit of his personal story for encouragement. He told us how he too, as a young graduate student, felt inferior to others around him with full-time teaching positions. However, he stressed not to worry. God has placed us on our particular paths. We have no need to complain, apologize, or doubt that which we cannot control. God has a plan. God will guide. As my professor encouraged: your path, as long as you are following the Lord in obedience, is the perfect path for you.
So, in light of my constant self-doubt and uncertainty I am reminded that God has a plan. My path is not exactly “traditional” or just how I imagined it would be—but it is mine. I am assured that the desires of my heart will be fulfilled in God’s good time. I will, one day, have a full-time job, my own home, and a family. For now, I am privileged to be a part of a Ph.D. program and have wonderful friends and family behind me as I “endure” this formal education process of my journey!
--Megan
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Joy of Reading: Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries
Mark DeVries and I have never met face-to-face; however, I know we’d be best friends! He believes in the same kind of youth ministry I believe in and even uses the term I thought my New Pleasant students coined, “youth family.”
In the book he addresses everything from documents you need within a youth ministry, to how to create the right atmosphere, to how to keep the ministry going with or without a hired youth director. Everything from the behind the scenes details to the wide open in front of everyone details are addressed. It is a great handbook for those that oversee the hiring, evaluating, and “firing” of staff. And it’s a great text for youth pastors to read too.
In light of all my reading, particularly within the youth ministry field, and stories I have heard from NPBC I have been encouraged. I walked away from my ministry at NPBC in August tired, weary, and feeling as though I failed in so many ways. I felt I did not clearly cast my vision, prepare my team, train mentors and volunteers effectively, or show my students what it means to be a “family,” see a need and meet it, and follow God at all costs. However, in taking a God-required sabbatical from youth ministry to pursue further education I have been refreshed, encouraged, and revived. In fact, many of the things I did were right! I was by no means perfect, but for a first-timer I was on the right track. I learned a great deal of valuable lessons during my time at NPBC and I have gained even more since I arrived at Talbot. If, and when, God does call me to church ministry I feel better prepared and encouraged that I do have something to contribute. I am foundationally skilled at transforming a ministry from frail and floundering to faithful and “family-like.”
Buy Sustainable Youth Ministry
--Megan
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Joy of Reading: Deep Ministry in a Shallow World by Chap Clark and Kara E. Powell
She is so right.
Often churches realize they need change and instead implement more of what they already have and call it something new! Or, we hear that our friend down the street is doing x and it’s working great so we assume it will work for us too; however, too often we get jealous of our friends successful ministries and instead of celebrating their successes we wallow in our failures. As ministers we must do better about that! Finally, we are all guilty of reading a great book with great programs, ideas, concepts, and ministry plans and trying to steal its ideas. Never mind the fact that the book was about a multi-million dollar mega-church with a $200,000 youth budget, 500 students, 15 support staff, in the middle of Los Angeles and we work off a $2000 budget, have twelve students, no support staff, and are located in the middle of nowhere. We need to get real. We need to realistically address our situation and take what we have and make it all God expects, desires, and calls our ministry to be.
The whole book is about a “plan” to take ministries from shallow to deep. Kara and Chap suggest that we follow four steps (25):
1. Now--discernment
2. New--reflection
3. Who--observation
4. How--application
They address the plan in accordance to discipleship, assets, mentoring, parents, communication/teaching, missions, worship, and expectations. Along the way they offer suggestions, examples, and possible pitfalls. This book is an all around asset to youth ministry! I really enjoyed reading it.
Buy Deep Ministry in a Shallow World by Chap Clark and Kara E. Powell
--Megan
Monday, February 7, 2011
Reading During the Super Bowl
I mean really, who finishes reading a book during THE GAME?
The “Super Bowl” just isn’t the “Super Bowl” without a house full of teenagers, children, and their families. This year was quite different from years past. Chris and I sat in the living room all alone (even Mo didn’t join us). I made popcorn and read a book while watching the game and Chris fried some mushrooms and zucchini. It was rather anti-climatic. There was no checking stats at half-time to award door prizes, no arguing over the last snacks, no random hall sliding, no laughter, no opening devotion, nothing. It felt strange. Calm. Quiet. Empty. Lonely. I mean really, who finishes reading a book during the game?
I missed the friendly taunting that takes place as one group’s team scores to take the lead or an exciting play arouses the group with cheers, boos, and chatter. I missed printing off 15+ guessing sheets and shopping for silly prizes. I missed cooking wings, chicken nuggets, mini-pizzas, cookies, brownies, and other goodies all afternoon. I missed that sick feeling you get from eating way to much junk food in the place of a decent dinner and following it with incessant, uncontrollable laughter. I missed cleaning up half the night following the party. In short, I missed the chaos.
This year was just different. I watched the game. Worked on some homework. Did P90X. Ate dinner. Got ready for bed. Wrote this post. And went to bed . . . Thinking of all the people and all the fun I so deeply missed. How I cherish those memories!
--Megan
The “Super Bowl” just isn’t the “Super Bowl” without a house full of teenagers, children, and their families. This year was quite different from years past. Chris and I sat in the living room all alone (even Mo didn’t join us). I made popcorn and read a book while watching the game and Chris fried some mushrooms and zucchini. It was rather anti-climatic. There was no checking stats at half-time to award door prizes, no arguing over the last snacks, no random hall sliding, no laughter, no opening devotion, nothing. It felt strange. Calm. Quiet. Empty. Lonely. I mean really, who finishes reading a book during the game?
I missed the friendly taunting that takes place as one group’s team scores to take the lead or an exciting play arouses the group with cheers, boos, and chatter. I missed printing off 15+ guessing sheets and shopping for silly prizes. I missed cooking wings, chicken nuggets, mini-pizzas, cookies, brownies, and other goodies all afternoon. I missed that sick feeling you get from eating way to much junk food in the place of a decent dinner and following it with incessant, uncontrollable laughter. I missed cleaning up half the night following the party. In short, I missed the chaos.
This year was just different. I watched the game. Worked on some homework. Did P90X. Ate dinner. Got ready for bed. Wrote this post. And went to bed . . . Thinking of all the people and all the fun I so deeply missed. How I cherish those memories!
--Megan
The Joy of Reading: Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry by Houston Heflin
Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry by Houston Heflin is a text I ran across while perusing Amazon. I have been interested in reading up on Youth and Young Adult ministry texts so I quickly ordered and devoured it. It was a short book but packed with great info. Heflin offers five units in the book that overview the tasks of youth ministry and the necessary roles of a youth ministry. It was a great little book and would prove very helpful if I teach an “Intro to Youth Ministry” class (which I hope to do) in the future. I may come back and add more information on this book later---I have currently submitted a formal book review to AYME on this text--hopefully, you can read my take on it there. If you aren't able to read it there one day, I'll be sure to post it here!
Buy Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry
--Megan
Buy Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry
--Megan
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Joy of Reading: Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick
Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick is a less-scholarly book (no offensive Steven). It is all about faith, vision, prayer, and spiritual prowess. Steven challenges us all to pray with certainty that God can and will act. The whole premise of the book is based on Joshua’s “Sun Stand Still” prayer in the Old Testament. (If you’re not familiar with the story check it out in Joshua 10). Throughout the book Steven offers stories of his life, those he ministers alongside, and those he has been privileged to minister to. He offers a five step “plan” toward our own “Sun Stand Still” prayers. Instead of giving it all away---help my buddy out and purchase the book! It is a quick and easy, yet, challenging read. It will challenge your faith and renew your soul.
Buy Sun Stand Still
--Megan
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Long Days
There are some days, where I absolutely love my job.
Friday, was definitely one of those days.
My day started like most of mine do, with the alarm clock going off at 4:00 AM. I stumbled out of bed, to start the process of getting ready. By 5:00 AM, I was out the door, with my breakfast in hand, and on the road. I arrived at school at 6:00 AM, still dark outside, to begin preparing for the day. Classes began, and by noon, I was done with my "teaching" for the day.
Now, on most days, I am able to leave at 2:00. However, Friday was no ordinary day. As 2:00 PM came and went, I was in my room, grading papers, looking forward to the events to come. Before I left the school, I stopped by and watched part of the boy's soccer game. I didn't get to watch all of it, but they ended up tying, which bumped them up into 4th in the conference, the cutoff to make the playoffs. I headed over to King High School, one of Poly's biggest rivals (who all of our teams were playing on Friday), to watch our girl's soccer team play at 5:00 PM. Our girls team have had a great season so far, and is in a tight race for 1st place in the conference. The game against King, who is tied for third, would go along way to deciding the conference champion. In a great game, they were able to hang on for a 2-1 victory. So far, 2-0 against King.
As soon as the game ended, I hung around just long enough to congratulate some of my students on the big win, before heading back to Poly for the Senior Night basketball games. I got back to school in time to see our girl's start the second half. They were down, but played hard and fought back. With a few clutch free throws down the stretch, the Lady Bears were able to hang on for a 46-43 win.
Poly 3- King 0
The guys game tipped off right around 8:00 PM. Poly jumped out early, with King coming back to take the lead. It was a back and forth game, with all the intensity a rivalry game would normally entail. The game headed into overtime, and Poly was able to hold on for the 70-67 win.
Poly 4-King 0
I headed back to my car as the clock struck 10:00 PM. Tired, I headed back down Highway 60 to head home, finally arriving at home just a little before 11:00 PM.
I'm amazed how many times I get asked "why do you teach?" On this same day, actually, I had a student ask why I wanted to teach, and not do something, you know, more important. It is these long days, where I come home late, exhausted that I often love my job the most. Friday I not only got to teach a subject that I love and think is so vital to know, but I also got to spend my day around some amazing kids. I got to see them struggle with new ideas in the classroom, work through their own thought processes to understand and comprehend new ideas, and use knowledge they already had. I got to witness first hand them struggle, fight, sweat, display emotion, work together, and demonstrate the talents they have worked for years to hone. I saw them triumph, celebrate, and show true joy.
I am lucky enough to be a part of these students' lives. There is nothing else I would rather be doing. That my friends, is why I teach.
Friday, was definitely one of those days.
My day started like most of mine do, with the alarm clock going off at 4:00 AM. I stumbled out of bed, to start the process of getting ready. By 5:00 AM, I was out the door, with my breakfast in hand, and on the road. I arrived at school at 6:00 AM, still dark outside, to begin preparing for the day. Classes began, and by noon, I was done with my "teaching" for the day.
Now, on most days, I am able to leave at 2:00. However, Friday was no ordinary day. As 2:00 PM came and went, I was in my room, grading papers, looking forward to the events to come. Before I left the school, I stopped by and watched part of the boy's soccer game. I didn't get to watch all of it, but they ended up tying, which bumped them up into 4th in the conference, the cutoff to make the playoffs. I headed over to King High School, one of Poly's biggest rivals (who all of our teams were playing on Friday), to watch our girl's soccer team play at 5:00 PM. Our girls team have had a great season so far, and is in a tight race for 1st place in the conference. The game against King, who is tied for third, would go along way to deciding the conference champion. In a great game, they were able to hang on for a 2-1 victory. So far, 2-0 against King.
As soon as the game ended, I hung around just long enough to congratulate some of my students on the big win, before heading back to Poly for the Senior Night basketball games. I got back to school in time to see our girl's start the second half. They were down, but played hard and fought back. With a few clutch free throws down the stretch, the Lady Bears were able to hang on for a 46-43 win.
Poly 3- King 0
The guys game tipped off right around 8:00 PM. Poly jumped out early, with King coming back to take the lead. It was a back and forth game, with all the intensity a rivalry game would normally entail. The game headed into overtime, and Poly was able to hold on for the 70-67 win.
Poly 4-King 0
I headed back to my car as the clock struck 10:00 PM. Tired, I headed back down Highway 60 to head home, finally arriving at home just a little before 11:00 PM.
I'm amazed how many times I get asked "why do you teach?" On this same day, actually, I had a student ask why I wanted to teach, and not do something, you know, more important. It is these long days, where I come home late, exhausted that I often love my job the most. Friday I not only got to teach a subject that I love and think is so vital to know, but I also got to spend my day around some amazing kids. I got to see them struggle with new ideas in the classroom, work through their own thought processes to understand and comprehend new ideas, and use knowledge they already had. I got to witness first hand them struggle, fight, sweat, display emotion, work together, and demonstrate the talents they have worked for years to hone. I saw them triumph, celebrate, and show true joy.
I am lucky enough to be a part of these students' lives. There is nothing else I would rather be doing. That my friends, is why I teach.
The Joy of Reading: New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus by David Bivin
Over the course of the last month I have been able to do something I have not had time to do in . . . well, longer than I can remember. After the completion of my January term class and the literature review assigned I had the privilege of reading books I wanted to read. Here are the books I read:
The first book is an excellent read! If you are not familiar with David Bivin you should look him up. His take on Jesus’ words, teachings, sayings, and the biblical text is incredible. He lived and worked in Jerusalem for more than forty years studying with both Christian and Jewish scholars. He has carefully studied Jewish culture, history, language, and a host of other things. While the book is sprinkled with tons of interesting insights and I could go on for pages I’ll just mention a few things you may find of interest.
1. Many people suggest that Jesus was not a Rabbi; however, countless passages in scripture suggest otherwise. Furthermore, all kinds of people addressed Jesus as “Rabbi.” As Bivin points out in the text, “a lawyer, rich man, Pharisees, Sadducees, and regular people address Jesus by such a title” (9). In addition to the title Jesus’ lifestyle was consistent with the “normal” rabbi’s of his time. Rabbi’s, or itinerant rabbi’s, were travelers. They were like itinerant preachers today. They traveled around from place to place teaching. Their disciples followed--being “covered in the dust of their rabbi” (13-14). And many rabbi’s also had trade skills---like carpentry, fishing, tent making, etc. Pretty interesting, huh? This concept totally slams what Roy Zuck claims in his book, Teaching as Jesus Taught (however, it is a good book as far as Christian Ed. is concerned).
2. We Christians often bless our food . . . This custom that we believe has been borrowed from Judaism and Jesus is flawed. Offering a blessing before meals has been customary for centuries; however, blessing the food is new. Bivin points out that the original custom was to bless God by stating, “bless the One who provides the food” (46). Our blessing of the food we eat is just one of the many ways we have misunderstood and misinterpreted a Jewish custom. So, the next time you sit down to eat--think about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Blessing food is not a biblical concept. Blessing the One who provided the food---that is more like it.
3. If you know Jewish practices well you know that followers of Judaism are supposed to pray daily. A central Jewish prayer is know as the Eighteen, or more formally as Shemoneh Esreh, or Amidah, or Tefillah (59). However, some rabbi’s would give their worshippers a shortened version of the eighteen for times when it was not possible to complete the full prayer (however, a fluent Hebrew-speaking Jew could complete the prayer in about five-ten minutes) (59). Nonetheless, it may be quite feasible that Jesus offered an abbreviated version for his followers as well. We call it: The Lord’s Prayer. After reviewing the information Bivin offers in the book, including the full Eighteen prayer, I am fairly convinced of this premise. I wish I had discovered this information several years ago when my church focused VBS on the Lord’s Prayer. I believe the learning experience would have been greatly enriched for the youth with this info.
Buy New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus
Check for the rest of the book overviews throughout the week!
--Megan
New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus by David Bivin
Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick (I sort-of know him)
Youth Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Youth Ministry by Houston Heflin
Deep Ministry in a Shallow World by Chap Clark and Kara E. Powell
Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark DeVries
1. Many people suggest that Jesus was not a Rabbi; however, countless passages in scripture suggest otherwise. Furthermore, all kinds of people addressed Jesus as “Rabbi.” As Bivin points out in the text, “a lawyer, rich man, Pharisees, Sadducees, and regular people address Jesus by such a title” (9). In addition to the title Jesus’ lifestyle was consistent with the “normal” rabbi’s of his time. Rabbi’s, or itinerant rabbi’s, were travelers. They were like itinerant preachers today. They traveled around from place to place teaching. Their disciples followed--being “covered in the dust of their rabbi” (13-14). And many rabbi’s also had trade skills---like carpentry, fishing, tent making, etc. Pretty interesting, huh? This concept totally slams what Roy Zuck claims in his book, Teaching as Jesus Taught (however, it is a good book as far as Christian Ed. is concerned).
2. We Christians often bless our food . . . This custom that we believe has been borrowed from Judaism and Jesus is flawed. Offering a blessing before meals has been customary for centuries; however, blessing the food is new. Bivin points out that the original custom was to bless God by stating, “bless the One who provides the food” (46). Our blessing of the food we eat is just one of the many ways we have misunderstood and misinterpreted a Jewish custom. So, the next time you sit down to eat--think about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Blessing food is not a biblical concept. Blessing the One who provided the food---that is more like it.
3. If you know Jewish practices well you know that followers of Judaism are supposed to pray daily. A central Jewish prayer is know as the Eighteen, or more formally as Shemoneh Esreh, or Amidah, or Tefillah (59). However, some rabbi’s would give their worshippers a shortened version of the eighteen for times when it was not possible to complete the full prayer (however, a fluent Hebrew-speaking Jew could complete the prayer in about five-ten minutes) (59). Nonetheless, it may be quite feasible that Jesus offered an abbreviated version for his followers as well. We call it: The Lord’s Prayer. After reviewing the information Bivin offers in the book, including the full Eighteen prayer, I am fairly convinced of this premise. I wish I had discovered this information several years ago when my church focused VBS on the Lord’s Prayer. I believe the learning experience would have been greatly enriched for the youth with this info.
Buy New Light on the Difficult Words of Jesus
Check for the rest of the book overviews throughout the week!
--Megan
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Signing Day
Signing day, especially the middle one in early February, is almost like a holiday for many Southerners who are college football fans. As a Clemson fan, I know a lot of the top recruits by name. I know who the targets are, who the five star recruits are. For the hardcore fan, signing day is the day they look forward to the most once the bowl games end. The thing that the average fan sometimes forgets, no matter how "sure-fire" the recruit is, how successful they become, or how big of a "bust" they become, right now they are high school students. They are so excited at this point in their life. Many are living their dream, and their hard work over the past year, four years, and in most cases much longer, have paid off.
Tomorrow on signing day, I want to honor my students this year, and my three years at Chesnee, who participated in one of the three NCAA signing days. I have so much respect for these students, because I know the hard work and dedication that it takes to reach that point. Working with the football team at Gardner-Webb for two years gave me a much better understanding of just what a different level college athletics really is. So here is a list of my former students, sport, and school. (Let me know if I forgot any!)
Tomorrow on signing day, I want to honor my students this year, and my three years at Chesnee, who participated in one of the three NCAA signing days. I have so much respect for these students, because I know the hard work and dedication that it takes to reach that point. Working with the football team at Gardner-Webb for two years gave me a much better understanding of just what a different level college athletics really is. So here is a list of my former students, sport, and school. (Let me know if I forgot any!)
Poly High School
Kara Howard (Softball) University of Kentucky
Cori Reinhardt (Softball) Cal State Monterey Bay
Sara Macias (Water Polo) University of Southern California
Jillian Yocum (Water Polo) Univerisity of California Irvine
Nicole Frank (Soccer) Lamar University
Kenzie Estes (Cross Country) Northern Arizona University
Casey Foster (Soccer) University of California Riverside *{signing in Spring}
Chesnee High School
Haley Gregg (Softball) North Greenville University
Raheem Hughes (Football) North Greenville University
Zack Miller (Football/Track) North Greenville University
Austin High (Cross Country/Track) Lees-McRae University
Stephen Cantrell (Baseball) Wofford
David Jones (Baseball) Southern Wesleyan University
Sierra Wilkinson (Softball) Spartanburg Methodist College
Holly Woodrum (Softball) Lander
Jalen Martin (Basketball) Erskine
Corey Frye (Baseball) Anderson University
Justin Blackwell (Cross Country/Track) Spartanburg Methodist College
Marcus Ovalle (Wrestling) Spartanburg Methodist College
Allyson Brislinger (Volleyball) Huntingdon College
Cedric Proctor (Football) South Carolina State
Josh Jones (Track) University of South Carolina
Gaffney High School
Hillary Key (Softball) North Greenville University
Julie Sarratt (Softball) University of South Carolina
(yeah, I know... I never taught there, but I claim these two also)
Gaffney High School
Hillary Key (Softball) North Greenville University
Julie Sarratt (Softball) University of South Carolina
(yeah, I know... I never taught there, but I claim these two also)
There may be a couple more in the spring that I'll be able to add. Sorry if I forgot anyone... just let me know and I'll add them. I'm so proud of not just these kids, but all of my students who have gotten music, theater, band, cheering, and just regular ol' academic scholarships. SO PROUD OF ALL OF THEM!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Lights, Camera, Action...
One of the joys of being here on the west coast in Los Angeles is Megan and I have an opportunity to do things that are unique to here, that otherwise, we may have never been able to do. We've already driven a good section of the Pacific Coast Highway, gone to San Francisco, drove through Malibu, and rode down Sunset Boulevard. Last night, we went to a taping of the sitcom of Mike and Molly, which even in its first season, has quickly become one of Megan's favorite shows on TV.
We left our apartment at 3:30 to drive to Burbank where Warner Brothers Studios is located. Traffic wasn't too terrible, and we finally saw the "Hollywood" sign. Megan's attempts at taking a picture failed, but we'll get one soon. We arrived at the studio around 4:30, and found the place where we were to wait in line. After about 40 minutes, we headed towards the lot and went through security. We finally arrived at the studio where Mike and Molly is filmed around 5:15. It is the same studio where Friends and Full House was filmed, in case you were curious.
We waited in the studio until 6:00, when they began by showing us a previous episode. Apparently, there were a lot of people there that had never seen the show before. I guess they just wanted to see any show filmed. Once the show completed, they began with the introduction of the cast. I must say, while there are no "big names" in the cast, it was very cool to see people that you typically only see on TV only a few feet away from you. They were filming their Valentine's Day show, and the show was filmed in the order that the scenes will go on the episode, which I had always heard that they bounced around during filming. The scenes that they didn't film, they reenacted for us.
During all of the breaks, there was an emcee that tried to keep the audience engaged. What normally happened, was they would film one segment, reset, and film it a second time. It was interesting, at least to me, to see how the writers altered the lines in between takes. If we, the audience, didn't respond like they wanted, they would change a line. It typically resulted in a much bigger laugh the second time through. (They may do that intentionally to get that big laugh. I will say, the laughter was not as genuine the third or fourth time you heard a line, but whenever it suddenly changed, and they said something you weren't expecting, it made the line that much more hilarious)
Filming an episode is a long process. They started at 6:30, and we left right around 10:00. At least in the middle, they did provide pizza for the audience. Megan and I both had a great time, definitely a unique experience. I think we are going to try and go see a couple of other shows filmed. I personally would love to get tickets to see either The Big Bang Theory or Two and a Half Men be filmed, but those tickets are hard to get due to the popularity of the shows. Also, Megan wants to get tickets for the Ellen Show (which had a huge crowd and line for it). Those tickets are all "sold out" into March.
If you haven't seen the show, you should definitely tune in Mondays at 9:30 on CBS. The show is hilarious, and maybe in a few weeks, you will hear our laughter in the background.
We left our apartment at 3:30 to drive to Burbank where Warner Brothers Studios is located. Traffic wasn't too terrible, and we finally saw the "Hollywood" sign. Megan's attempts at taking a picture failed, but we'll get one soon. We arrived at the studio around 4:30, and found the place where we were to wait in line. After about 40 minutes, we headed towards the lot and went through security. We finally arrived at the studio where Mike and Molly is filmed around 5:15. It is the same studio where Friends and Full House was filmed, in case you were curious.
We waited in the studio until 6:00, when they began by showing us a previous episode. Apparently, there were a lot of people there that had never seen the show before. I guess they just wanted to see any show filmed. Once the show completed, they began with the introduction of the cast. I must say, while there are no "big names" in the cast, it was very cool to see people that you typically only see on TV only a few feet away from you. They were filming their Valentine's Day show, and the show was filmed in the order that the scenes will go on the episode, which I had always heard that they bounced around during filming. The scenes that they didn't film, they reenacted for us.
During all of the breaks, there was an emcee that tried to keep the audience engaged. What normally happened, was they would film one segment, reset, and film it a second time. It was interesting, at least to me, to see how the writers altered the lines in between takes. If we, the audience, didn't respond like they wanted, they would change a line. It typically resulted in a much bigger laugh the second time through. (They may do that intentionally to get that big laugh. I will say, the laughter was not as genuine the third or fourth time you heard a line, but whenever it suddenly changed, and they said something you weren't expecting, it made the line that much more hilarious)
Filming an episode is a long process. They started at 6:30, and we left right around 10:00. At least in the middle, they did provide pizza for the audience. Megan and I both had a great time, definitely a unique experience. I think we are going to try and go see a couple of other shows filmed. I personally would love to get tickets to see either The Big Bang Theory or Two and a Half Men be filmed, but those tickets are hard to get due to the popularity of the shows. Also, Megan wants to get tickets for the Ellen Show (which had a huge crowd and line for it). Those tickets are all "sold out" into March.
If you haven't seen the show, you should definitely tune in Mondays at 9:30 on CBS. The show is hilarious, and maybe in a few weeks, you will hear our laughter in the background.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Mike and Molly
Tomorrow, Megan and I will be crossing another item off of our "West Coast Bucket List", of things we want to do while we are on the west coast. We will be going to Warner Brothers Studios to watch the sitcom Mike and Molly be filmed.
This show is "the funniest show on TV" according to Megan. Should be a fun and interesting experience! If it goes well, we will most likely try and get tickets to see Big Bang Theory next.
These are a part of Megan's birthday present, except I messed up, because initially, she thought they were expensive tickets. I shouldn't have told her they were free... haha oh well.
Check back to see how it was.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Missing the Beta Life
One of the reasons I absolutely love being a teacher is all of the learning and growing that you get to witness. As a high school teacher, it still is an amazing sight to see a student have their "ah-ha" moment or accomplish something individually or as a group. One thing that I think is often neglected is that learning does not just happen in a classroom. In fact, I believe that some of the best learning experiences occur after school, in the different sports and extracurriculars that are offered.
One thing that I still haven't been able to do is get involved with a club or sport at Poly. I have been able to attend a lot of different games, but it is not the same as working with those kids day in and day out. Recently, I've gone to a couple of girls' water polo matches and some soccer games. However, this time of the year, I cannot help but think about those Beta days. Countless hours of practices, making props, and preparing for those trips.
I am still amazed by the talent that those kids displayed, and it always reminds me that all high schoolers have amazing talents, and one of our main jobs as teachers is helping kids find those talents, and develop them so they can have the confidence to display those talents to the world.
I'll leave you with some examples of just how talented high schoolers can be.
(A little background... the following videos are the group talents we did the last three years at Chesnee at the Beta Club conventions. They are seven minute performances, and I think you'll see all the hard work that they put into the performance. The Lion King performance and the Alice in Wonderland performance won at Nationals.)
One thing that I still haven't been able to do is get involved with a club or sport at Poly. I have been able to attend a lot of different games, but it is not the same as working with those kids day in and day out. Recently, I've gone to a couple of girls' water polo matches and some soccer games. However, this time of the year, I cannot help but think about those Beta days. Countless hours of practices, making props, and preparing for those trips.
I am still amazed by the talent that those kids displayed, and it always reminds me that all high schoolers have amazing talents, and one of our main jobs as teachers is helping kids find those talents, and develop them so they can have the confidence to display those talents to the world.
I'll leave you with some examples of just how talented high schoolers can be.
(A little background... the following videos are the group talents we did the last three years at Chesnee at the Beta Club conventions. They are seven minute performances, and I think you'll see all the hard work that they put into the performance. The Lion King performance and the Alice in Wonderland performance won at Nationals.)
The Lion King Group Talent 2008
National Champs
Alice in Wonderland Group Talent 2010
National Champs
The Little Mermaid Group Talent 2009
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Internship
“Ask and you shall receive.” A few weeks ago I posted an update chronicling 2010 reflections. In the post I mentioned how nice it has been to have a break from ministry, teaching, and church responsibilities; however, toward the end of the post I stated, “This year, let’s hope he [God] has plans for me to find a ministry/teaching position and get back to doing what I love; but, I’m grateful for the rest, vacation, and time for reflection.”
In recent weeks God has been hard at work! While I have been reading, researching, and working on my literature review God has been orchestrating an internship for me. After meeting with my new advisor last month I was informed that I should try to organize an internship for earlier in my program than I was previously advised . . . I was planning to do my internship at the end of the program (as suggested by the program director); however, my new advisor said she thinks that is a crazy idea with all the requirements that come in the last semester of course work looking forward to the candidacy process and dissertation proposal.
So, as advised I talked with another professor and emailed all of the people suggested. In the end, an undergraduate professor is teaching a Youth Ministry course this Spring---and I’m going to help! I’m excited about the opportunity but I’m also terrified. I’ve never taught college students. Teaching middle school=no big deal---teaching college students=big deal! What I say can affect the future of their lives, ministries, and all the kids they will teach. (Don’t hear me wrong---teaching middle school is important and teachers affect the lives of middle schoolers, but it’s a different level. Middle school kids will have a lot more teachers to straighten out all the wrong stuff you tell them before they hit the streets and start making adult decisions).
On Monday January 31, 2011 I will be walking into the classroom of a college level course to co-teach students how to be effective youth ministers! I ask that you pray for me, the students, and the poor professor that agreed to this madness! We will be in class every Monday night from 4:30-6:30 from January through the end of May! I’ll let you know how it goes!
--Megan
In recent weeks God has been hard at work! While I have been reading, researching, and working on my literature review God has been orchestrating an internship for me. After meeting with my new advisor last month I was informed that I should try to organize an internship for earlier in my program than I was previously advised . . . I was planning to do my internship at the end of the program (as suggested by the program director); however, my new advisor said she thinks that is a crazy idea with all the requirements that come in the last semester of course work looking forward to the candidacy process and dissertation proposal.
So, as advised I talked with another professor and emailed all of the people suggested. In the end, an undergraduate professor is teaching a Youth Ministry course this Spring---and I’m going to help! I’m excited about the opportunity but I’m also terrified. I’ve never taught college students. Teaching middle school=no big deal---teaching college students=big deal! What I say can affect the future of their lives, ministries, and all the kids they will teach. (Don’t hear me wrong---teaching middle school is important and teachers affect the lives of middle schoolers, but it’s a different level. Middle school kids will have a lot more teachers to straighten out all the wrong stuff you tell them before they hit the streets and start making adult decisions).
On Monday January 31, 2011 I will be walking into the classroom of a college level course to co-teach students how to be effective youth ministers! I ask that you pray for me, the students, and the poor professor that agreed to this madness! We will be in class every Monday night from 4:30-6:30 from January through the end of May! I’ll let you know how it goes!
--Megan
Did You Know?
For those of you that facebook stalk me, you already know this . . . Over the course of the past few weeks I have been researching and reading a lot about young adults, youth ministries, and church-based retention strategies for a literature review project. This project is an assignment from my week-long class earlier this month. For those of you that may not be familiar with literature reviews---the purpose is to identify a problem, issue, or concern in your area of interest; in my case, youth and young adult ministry. After identifying the problem you then research scholarly articles, current findings, and uncover possible solutions to the problem through the literature review process. In my research, I have found some really great stuff! Some of the information I’ve read I already knew, had a hunch, or just good common sense leads you to such conclusions; however, I’ve also read some stuff that was quite interesting. Let me teach you a little about what I’ve discovered . . . .
While pouring over journal article after journal article and monograph after monograph (books) I found myself deeply encouraged and deeply hurt. I was encouraged by the ministries and families I have been a part of and witnessed that work hard to do the very things mentioned. But, at the same time I was hurt by how many ministries and families are failing because they will not open their eyes and change.
With the above in mind, did you know . . . seventy percent of young adults no longer attend church? That leaves only 30 percent active in church life! Among teenagers, nearly 90 percent stress the importance of religion, church attendance, and spirituality. Furthermore, 95 percent of teenagers believe in God! Those are encouraging numbers! And, “fifty percent of teenagers report attending church in the last week; however, only thirty-five percent of young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 report attending church in the past week” (Lindsay, 2003).
Did you know parents are ranked the highest among young adults in regard to religious influence? Parents have the greatest influence upon their children when it comes to church involvement---that’s right parents, they do hear you, see you, and follow you---even if they pretend not to notice what’s going on!
Did you know young adults that were raised by seemingly non-caring, over protective parents rank the highest in church dropout? Yeah, I know you’re thinking of all the kids you knew growing up that had THAT MOM . . . and they don’t go to church anymore do they? I know---I thought of those families too.
Did you know you’re mom was right when she told you, “You are what you hang out with!”? Young adults that lack good, quality, faith-minded, church-going friends are more likely to skip out on church.
Did you know how important mentorship and discipleship really are? Today’s young adults that had meaningful relationships with 2 or more adults that intentionally cared about them, poured into them, and loved them during teenage years are more likely to attend church as young adults.
Did you know youth groups that incorporate true community, a family feel, spiritual depth, and focus on quality spiritual formation reap the most retention benefits? And, young adults that attended youth groups that fostered the things listed above are more likely to remain faithful to the church.
Did you know young adult’s needs are not all that drastically different from teenagers needs? Both groups are looking for meaningful relationships, ways to live out their faith, genuine worship, and a walk that matches the talk. Young adults and teens are looking for the real deal! Too bad tons of churches don’t offer the real deal!
The “did you knows” could go on forever . . . but think about it. If you go to church do you intentionally set an example that shows the younger generations around you that Christ is in you, he is real, he meets needs, and he is worth living for? Do you mentor others? Do you live the way Christ has called us to live? Do you seek ministry opportunities? Do you? Does your church? How many young adults are still active in your church’s ministry? Just think about it.
--Megan
While pouring over journal article after journal article and monograph after monograph (books) I found myself deeply encouraged and deeply hurt. I was encouraged by the ministries and families I have been a part of and witnessed that work hard to do the very things mentioned. But, at the same time I was hurt by how many ministries and families are failing because they will not open their eyes and change.
With the above in mind, did you know . . . seventy percent of young adults no longer attend church? That leaves only 30 percent active in church life! Among teenagers, nearly 90 percent stress the importance of religion, church attendance, and spirituality. Furthermore, 95 percent of teenagers believe in God! Those are encouraging numbers! And, “fifty percent of teenagers report attending church in the last week; however, only thirty-five percent of young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 report attending church in the past week” (Lindsay, 2003).
Did you know parents are ranked the highest among young adults in regard to religious influence? Parents have the greatest influence upon their children when it comes to church involvement---that’s right parents, they do hear you, see you, and follow you---even if they pretend not to notice what’s going on!
Did you know young adults that were raised by seemingly non-caring, over protective parents rank the highest in church dropout? Yeah, I know you’re thinking of all the kids you knew growing up that had THAT MOM . . . and they don’t go to church anymore do they? I know---I thought of those families too.
Did you know you’re mom was right when she told you, “You are what you hang out with!”? Young adults that lack good, quality, faith-minded, church-going friends are more likely to skip out on church.
Did you know how important mentorship and discipleship really are? Today’s young adults that had meaningful relationships with 2 or more adults that intentionally cared about them, poured into them, and loved them during teenage years are more likely to attend church as young adults.
Did you know youth groups that incorporate true community, a family feel, spiritual depth, and focus on quality spiritual formation reap the most retention benefits? And, young adults that attended youth groups that fostered the things listed above are more likely to remain faithful to the church.
Did you know young adult’s needs are not all that drastically different from teenagers needs? Both groups are looking for meaningful relationships, ways to live out their faith, genuine worship, and a walk that matches the talk. Young adults and teens are looking for the real deal! Too bad tons of churches don’t offer the real deal!
The “did you knows” could go on forever . . . but think about it. If you go to church do you intentionally set an example that shows the younger generations around you that Christ is in you, he is real, he meets needs, and he is worth living for? Do you mentor others? Do you live the way Christ has called us to live? Do you seek ministry opportunities? Do you? Does your church? How many young adults are still active in your church’s ministry? Just think about it.
--Megan
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
CTEL Results Are In!
I finally received my results from the CTEL test I took back in December. This is the test that deals with English Language Learners, that I needed to pass to get my clear credential here in California.
I passed all three parts on the first time! Woohoo! Especially considering I am still not exactly sure what all was on the test. Again, it goes to show that standardized test results are not always indicative of actual knowledge... but hey, I'll take my passing scores and run.
The last thing that I need to do now is to complete my "First Year Teacher Program", which here is called BTSA. The program is very similar to the program in South Carolina that I went through, but because I only had three years of teaching experience, my induction program in South Carolina did not transfer over. I am in the "fast-track" part and should be able to complete that program this year. So hopefully, come the end of May or early June, I will have my clear California credential. That will make me feel much more secure about future job security.
I passed all three parts on the first time! Woohoo! Especially considering I am still not exactly sure what all was on the test. Again, it goes to show that standardized test results are not always indicative of actual knowledge... but hey, I'll take my passing scores and run.
The last thing that I need to do now is to complete my "First Year Teacher Program", which here is called BTSA. The program is very similar to the program in South Carolina that I went through, but because I only had three years of teaching experience, my induction program in South Carolina did not transfer over. I am in the "fast-track" part and should be able to complete that program this year. So hopefully, come the end of May or early June, I will have my clear California credential. That will make me feel much more secure about future job security.
Monday, January 17, 2011
MLK Day
One of the things that I think we often do on days like today, if forget exactly why it is that we have the day off. From a historical sense, Martin Luther King Jr. is just one of the transcending figures. Someone who defined the time, and did not let the time define him. Hearing some of his most famous speeches still gives me chills. I really believe it is one of those things that even hearing it, you cannot appreciate just how moving it was to be there and hear him speak in person. I believe this is similar with any transcendent figure or time of crisis.
I'll leave you with arguably his best known speech, and two of my favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"I Have a Dream Speech"
"He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it."
"History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people."
--Martin Luther King, Jr.
I think all Christians need to take these words to heart. What is going on in out world today, both locally and globally? What tragedy are we allowing to happen as we silently stand by? What evil are we cooperating with because we do not speak out against it? I challenge you to constantly take King's words to heart, and more importantly, find your passion and your mission, and when you do, get involved and make a difference.
Obituary of J.T. Brown
Today, my grandfather was laid to rest. I hate that I was not able to be there, but it sounds like it was a very fitting service. Papa was given a full military funeral, with echo taps being played and a 21 gun salute.
I really believe that we all need people in our lives that we can look up to. Role models that we can strive to reach a life like they had. Papa will forever be one of those people in my life. I will always remember the way that he lived his life.
Below, is his obituary.
J T Brown, of 230 Bow Street, more recently of Wilkinson Center of Toccoa, GA widower of the late Jeanette Laura Timms Brown, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2011 at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.
Born in Hart County, GA to the late Thomas J. and Bettie Byrum Brown, he was a clerk with the U S Postal Service. He was a member of the Westminster Baptist Church where he was a former member of the Men's Adult Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Westminster American Legion and a Life Mason with the Westminster Masonic Lodge. Mr. Brown was a veteran of the US Army, having served in WWII as a Paratrooper in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
Survivors include sons Thomas Glavan Brown and wife Sharon, Jerry Timothy Brown and wife Laura, both of Toccoa, GA and Theron Lane Brown and wife Liselotte of Greer, SC; brother Thomas James Brown of Seneca; sister Betty Lou Richardson of Seneca; 10 Grandchildren and 9 Great- Grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents; brothers Robert, Charles and Ray Brown; sisters Mary Brown Roberts, Leona Brown and Beatrice Mason preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be 10 AM, Monday, January 17, 2011 from the Chapel of the Sandifer Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oconee Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends 3-5 PM, Sunday, January 16, 2011 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in Mr. Brown's memory may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road Anderson, SC 29621. The family is at their respective homes. A message of condolence may be written to the family by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com
I really believe that we all need people in our lives that we can look up to. Role models that we can strive to reach a life like they had. Papa will forever be one of those people in my life. I will always remember the way that he lived his life.
Below, is his obituary.
J T Brown, of 230 Bow Street, more recently of Wilkinson Center of Toccoa, GA widower of the late Jeanette Laura Timms Brown, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2011 at the Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.
Born in Hart County, GA to the late Thomas J. and Bettie Byrum Brown, he was a clerk with the U S Postal Service. He was a member of the Westminster Baptist Church where he was a former member of the Men's Adult Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Westminster American Legion and a Life Mason with the Westminster Masonic Lodge. Mr. Brown was a veteran of the US Army, having served in WWII as a Paratrooper in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
Survivors include sons Thomas Glavan Brown and wife Sharon, Jerry Timothy Brown and wife Laura, both of Toccoa, GA and Theron Lane Brown and wife Liselotte of Greer, SC; brother Thomas James Brown of Seneca; sister Betty Lou Richardson of Seneca; 10 Grandchildren and 9 Great- Grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents; brothers Robert, Charles and Ray Brown; sisters Mary Brown Roberts, Leona Brown and Beatrice Mason preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be 10 AM, Monday, January 17, 2011 from the Chapel of the Sandifer Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oconee Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends 3-5 PM, Sunday, January 16, 2011 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials in Mr. Brown's memory may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road Anderson, SC 29621. The family is at their respective homes. A message of condolence may be written to the family by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com
Saturday, January 15, 2011
One Semester in One Week
Yeah, you read that correctly---one semester in one week. The first week of January I, along with a host of others, took the introductory teaching class for Ph.D. credit: Theories of Teaching and Learning. The course met from 8am to 5pm each day with a 45min--1 ½ hour break for lunch and research. The purpose of the course was to prepare students that plan to teach Christian Education classes in the future, or better equip those that currently teach, by over viewing many of the foundational aspects of Christian Education. During the course we talked about various definitions, practices, and themes within the Christian Education field. It was a long day and often a bit irritating as I listened to things I had already heard at least twice from previous undergraduate and master’s courses; however, I enjoyed the discussions and hearing the diverse voices that filled the classroom. One thing that is unique to the one-week courses is the mixture of residential students and current faculty track (CFT) students that come in from all over the world to take the course. Let me briefly introduce you to my classmates:
The CFT Students:
Mark--a young man who teaches in Uganda for a CCCU exchange program.
Malachy--a middle-aged woman that teaches at New York Theological Seminary (which I was excited when she introduced herself because NYTS is VERY liberal---too bad she isn’t).
Nancy--an elderly Chinese woman that teaches and helps her husband run a Chinese Theological Seminary in Australia
My Residential Friends:
Jennifer from SoCal (a former missionary in India).
Beatrice--who is originally from Korea, then lived in Brazil, and now lives in SoCal working as a professor and Christian counselor.
Mariette who is originally from Iran and a pastors wife.
Laura from SoCal who works at Biola in the registrars office (bless her heart).
Joseph a pastor and teacher from Korea.
And of course the professor--Dr. Kim who is Korean-American. He grew up in Chicago and has a wealth of interesting stories to tell.
As you can see, my class was filled with diverse voices! I loved it! The best part of the week was the last day. After a week full of lectures, group discussions, researching for a literature review proposal (which I am currently working on to turn in before the end of January), reading, studying, and preparing for a final oral “test” we all went out to lunch as a class. Jennifer offered to take us to her favorite local Indian restaurant. It was so fun to chat and experience a culture that belonged to none of us (except maybe Jennifer since she was a missionary in India for three years). And, we convinced Dr. Kim to do lunch will all his inter-term classes (present and future) the last day!
Now that the whirlwind week is over I am finishing up research and reading on Youth Group Graduate and Young Adult Retention in the Church and writing up a literature review based on my findings (I know sounds thrilling huh?). I should have it done by the middle of next week. It’s been interesting to do some extensive research and add to my knowledge of the youth and young adult ministry fields! I hope what I find will be of use someday and help with my upcoming dissertation!
The course aside I have also been working on P90X with Chris, enjoying the unseasonably (so they say) warm weather, and preparing for the coming semester. I have been asked to join the PhD Task Force (a group that plans special events and helps better the program) and I am in the process of finding an internship. Hopefully, I’ll be teaching in an undergraduate class this Spring or Fall and interacting with some students! I’ll keep you posted on what lies ahead!
--Megan
The CFT Students:
Mark--a young man who teaches in Uganda for a CCCU exchange program.
Malachy--a middle-aged woman that teaches at New York Theological Seminary (which I was excited when she introduced herself because NYTS is VERY liberal---too bad she isn’t).
Nancy--an elderly Chinese woman that teaches and helps her husband run a Chinese Theological Seminary in Australia
My Residential Friends:
Jennifer from SoCal (a former missionary in India).
Beatrice--who is originally from Korea, then lived in Brazil, and now lives in SoCal working as a professor and Christian counselor.
Mariette who is originally from Iran and a pastors wife.
Laura from SoCal who works at Biola in the registrars office (bless her heart).
Joseph a pastor and teacher from Korea.
And of course the professor--Dr. Kim who is Korean-American. He grew up in Chicago and has a wealth of interesting stories to tell.
As you can see, my class was filled with diverse voices! I loved it! The best part of the week was the last day. After a week full of lectures, group discussions, researching for a literature review proposal (which I am currently working on to turn in before the end of January), reading, studying, and preparing for a final oral “test” we all went out to lunch as a class. Jennifer offered to take us to her favorite local Indian restaurant. It was so fun to chat and experience a culture that belonged to none of us (except maybe Jennifer since she was a missionary in India for three years). And, we convinced Dr. Kim to do lunch will all his inter-term classes (present and future) the last day!
Now that the whirlwind week is over I am finishing up research and reading on Youth Group Graduate and Young Adult Retention in the Church and writing up a literature review based on my findings (I know sounds thrilling huh?). I should have it done by the middle of next week. It’s been interesting to do some extensive research and add to my knowledge of the youth and young adult ministry fields! I hope what I find will be of use someday and help with my upcoming dissertation!
The course aside I have also been working on P90X with Chris, enjoying the unseasonably (so they say) warm weather, and preparing for the coming semester. I have been asked to join the PhD Task Force (a group that plans special events and helps better the program) and I am in the process of finding an internship. Hopefully, I’ll be teaching in an undergraduate class this Spring or Fall and interacting with some students! I’ll keep you posted on what lies ahead!
--Megan
Friday, January 14, 2011
One of the Greatest Men I've Ever Known
Tom Brokaw called them the "Greatest Generation". I just called him Papa. Grandparents always hold a special place in our hearts and I was truly blessed to have four wonderful ones. My Papa was a great man. There are so many stories I could tell of how I will remember him.
Rest in peace, J.T. Brown and enjoy the celebration. Oh, and I bet he is passing out those packets of Teddy Grahams to any angel that passes...
From having popsicles stocked in the freezer non-stop for all of us grandkids to passing out packets of Teddy Grahams that he got from the Wilkinson Center, my Papa was a very giving man. He would do about anything for us grandkids. I loved sitting and listening to his stories. He was a paratrooper in World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service. I've always wanted to skydive, just so I could experience the same feeling that he did, minus of course, the getting shot at while you float down. He never did speak a lot about what happened in World War II, but the little that he did open up about, I knew he experienced much more than I can ever imagine.
He also was a great father and husband. Papa and Mema set an amazing Godly example of what a marriage and family should be like. I'll never forget when my grandmother died. Papa stayed by her bed at the hospice house day in and day out. The staff took good care of him during that time, bringing him meals (even though they weren't suppose to) and checking on him almost as much as her. In a way, I think it is fitting that Papa passed away at the same hospice facility.
Papa lived a full life. He served his country as a soldier. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He was married for over 50 years and had three children. He was a grandfather and a great-grandfather. He was kind and loving. He was funny and always had a joke and would try to make you laugh.
Tonight, my Papa is having a reunion. He has been reunited with his beloved wife. He has been reunited with many members of his family. He has been reunited with his fallen comrades, who served with him defending this country on the battlefields of France.
Papa, you will always be my hero, and I hope that I can become half the man that you were.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Wrapping Up the First Semester
I am closing in on the end of my first semester here at Poly High School. Things have gone relatively smoothly. The long drive still wears on me, and by the end of the week, I am still exhausted, and as gas goes up in price, it is becoming more and more expensive to drive to work each week. With all of that said, I am still so blessed to have found a place here at Poly.
We are wrapping up AP Government and beginning to look ahead to starting AP Macro for the first time. It should be an interesting experience to say the least. One thing that I am always amazed at, whether it was my first year teaching, or this year (which for those wondering, is my fourth), are the connections I make to the students. I think it is fascinating how at the beginning of the year, the 150+ students I have go from simply being names on a roster, me having no clue of anything about their "story", to so much more. While I wish I could honestly say that I will never forget a student, I can honestly say that I will never forget my "students".
People have asked me why I teach. I often feel when that question is asked that there is some sort of negative connotation that they attach to the profession of teaching. I even have had some students ask "Why do you teach, when you could have done ...". I think what most people miss, is that they view teaching as simply a 8:00-3:00 job. Almost one where you work in isolation, and that students are the "customers" that you have to deal with every day. I absolutely love my job, and I love my students. I see my role more as someone who works with my students. I try to guide them more than just pour knowledge into their heads. Plus, teaching to me is no 8-3 job. You are becoming a part of a high schoolers life. In my case, with having all seniors, there is no more critical time in their high school careers. I love being able to discuss future plans, helping them think through the process for themselves, and helping them see options they may have not thought about. It is a fascinating time, because you can see a change mid-year in that you can tell they are realizing for the first time that an "end" to the life they are familiar with and a new "beginning" is on the horizon.
As we wrap up the first semester, this becomes all too clear for many of the students I have had the privilege to teach. I am looking forward to the second semester, and seeing my current students off into their new "beginnings" hopefully, as best prepared as they can be. It is a daunting task and responsibility. One that I love being a part of.
We are wrapping up AP Government and beginning to look ahead to starting AP Macro for the first time. It should be an interesting experience to say the least. One thing that I am always amazed at, whether it was my first year teaching, or this year (which for those wondering, is my fourth), are the connections I make to the students. I think it is fascinating how at the beginning of the year, the 150+ students I have go from simply being names on a roster, me having no clue of anything about their "story", to so much more. While I wish I could honestly say that I will never forget a student, I can honestly say that I will never forget my "students".
People have asked me why I teach. I often feel when that question is asked that there is some sort of negative connotation that they attach to the profession of teaching. I even have had some students ask "Why do you teach, when you could have done ...". I think what most people miss, is that they view teaching as simply a 8:00-3:00 job. Almost one where you work in isolation, and that students are the "customers" that you have to deal with every day. I absolutely love my job, and I love my students. I see my role more as someone who works with my students. I try to guide them more than just pour knowledge into their heads. Plus, teaching to me is no 8-3 job. You are becoming a part of a high schoolers life. In my case, with having all seniors, there is no more critical time in their high school careers. I love being able to discuss future plans, helping them think through the process for themselves, and helping them see options they may have not thought about. It is a fascinating time, because you can see a change mid-year in that you can tell they are realizing for the first time that an "end" to the life they are familiar with and a new "beginning" is on the horizon.
As we wrap up the first semester, this becomes all too clear for many of the students I have had the privilege to teach. I am looking forward to the second semester, and seeing my current students off into their new "beginnings" hopefully, as best prepared as they can be. It is a daunting task and responsibility. One that I love being a part of.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Reflections on 2010 (from Megan)
2010 . . . It was filled with joy, sorrow, excitement, stress, uncertainty, and, as usual, God shaking up my plans! As I flipped back over our calendar, like I do at the end of every year, transferring birthdays, anniversaries, and special dates to remember to our new calendar (I got for $.99 at the BIG 99, I might add) I noticed all the red ink spilled across my calendar pages from January to August! For those that don’t know me well, when my life is busy (ok, all the time) I color code my calendar. Typically, I have a color for church (red), a color for my school events (green), a color for the youth school events (yellow for Chesnee, purple for Gaffney), a color for birthdays and anniversaries (black), and a color for vacations or special family events (teal). As I reflected back on the months gone by I realized just how often I was at church, church events, church related functions, and school functions. I never realized just how severely the church ran my life. There were some months that lacked a single day without red, yellow, green, or purple ink!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I do not look back on the months gone by with regret or sorrow. I deeply treasure the moments spent at church events whether it was simply office time for study and preparation, chatting with George, Joyce, Mack, or other visitors, playing games with the youth/children, attending worship, leading bible study, decorating for an event, gorging myself at one of the church family dinners, attending a youth sporting event, texting students, or facebook chatting into the late house of the night because someone had a question, crisis, or just wanted to chat. However, I am also grateful for a new season in my life . . . A life of rest. Rest from the chaos of planning. Rest from the drama, responsibility, and crowd management. Rest from study focused on youth events, bible studies, and issues. Rest from the church calling the shots.
During my fall semester the required introductory course was comprised of five students total: Yvana, Agam, Beatrice, Jennifer, and me. During the semester, led by our professor, we took time to pray over one student each week. I’ll admit, this was a highly uncomfortable situation for me. I don’t like people in my personal space. I don’t like discussing personal information and prayer requests. And I am overall a rather introverted person. So the idea of five other people entering my personal space----possibly touching me----and praying for ME was, well, overwhelming. However, during the course of the prayer time Beatrice, very prophetically, prayed that God would help me enjoy this season he has brought me to, that I would treasure being alone in the comfort of his presence. Being with just Chris. Being away from family and friends. Understanding that it is a part of his plan. I think she was so right. God has brought me to this time and place. God had a plan to send me ~2,600 miles away from what I had grown to know. He shoved me outside of my routine. He sent me here. And while it has had its trying, challenging, frustrating, stressing, and lonely moments he sent Chris and Mo along with me!
So, in thinking about 2010, there are many memorable moments I could mention. I could talk about all the youth events: Winter Jam, Valentine Dinner, Lock-ins, Flower Sales, Ball Games, Camp, Mission Nights, and the Farewell Service; I could mention family events; I could reflect on my teaching experiences; I could talk about my “coaching” experience; I could think about how Chris and I house hunted, chose a house, and received an acceptance letter from Talbot--literally--the day before we wrote up an offer; I could talk about my sister’s college graduation; I could talk about all the weddings I had the privilege of attending and/or officiating; I could talk about a lot of things! But the thing that stands out the most is the decision to follow God, pack up my things, and move across the country in pursuit of God’s call with no prior plans or clear course of action---something I have never done so haphazardly.
In the end, God has proven to me that he is in control. He does have a plan. He did call me to come here. And even though I have had moments of wonder, frustration, irritation, loneliness, confusion, felt both encouraged and discouraged, and seen the “are you crazy” look more times than I can count, it has been worth it. God has provided every step of the way. I assume, as I leave 2010 behind and step into 2011 God will continue to provide, guide, and shock me. This year, let’s hope he has plans for me to find a ministry/teaching position and get back to doing what I love; but, I’m grateful for the rest, vacation, and time for reflection. Here’s to a new year, new adventures, new surprises, new knowledge, and new challenges. And here’s to the moments I have been blessed to experience. I will always remember the days when church ruled my schedule and I loved it! I will always remember the students that won my heart. And I will always have a place in my life for a group of teenagers (that will unfortunately grow up) and their precious families. In summation, 2010 was a year of change and surprises. In reflecting upon it, as we often do, I can see God’s careful hand planning each step and guiding me to the place where I currently stand. Perhaps, this year I will be more attentive and see the steps as he prepares them?
--Megan
Now, don’t get me wrong, I do not look back on the months gone by with regret or sorrow. I deeply treasure the moments spent at church events whether it was simply office time for study and preparation, chatting with George, Joyce, Mack, or other visitors, playing games with the youth/children, attending worship, leading bible study, decorating for an event, gorging myself at one of the church family dinners, attending a youth sporting event, texting students, or facebook chatting into the late house of the night because someone had a question, crisis, or just wanted to chat. However, I am also grateful for a new season in my life . . . A life of rest. Rest from the chaos of planning. Rest from the drama, responsibility, and crowd management. Rest from study focused on youth events, bible studies, and issues. Rest from the church calling the shots.
During my fall semester the required introductory course was comprised of five students total: Yvana, Agam, Beatrice, Jennifer, and me. During the semester, led by our professor, we took time to pray over one student each week. I’ll admit, this was a highly uncomfortable situation for me. I don’t like people in my personal space. I don’t like discussing personal information and prayer requests. And I am overall a rather introverted person. So the idea of five other people entering my personal space----possibly touching me----and praying for ME was, well, overwhelming. However, during the course of the prayer time Beatrice, very prophetically, prayed that God would help me enjoy this season he has brought me to, that I would treasure being alone in the comfort of his presence. Being with just Chris. Being away from family and friends. Understanding that it is a part of his plan. I think she was so right. God has brought me to this time and place. God had a plan to send me ~2,600 miles away from what I had grown to know. He shoved me outside of my routine. He sent me here. And while it has had its trying, challenging, frustrating, stressing, and lonely moments he sent Chris and Mo along with me!
So, in thinking about 2010, there are many memorable moments I could mention. I could talk about all the youth events: Winter Jam, Valentine Dinner, Lock-ins, Flower Sales, Ball Games, Camp, Mission Nights, and the Farewell Service; I could mention family events; I could reflect on my teaching experiences; I could talk about my “coaching” experience; I could think about how Chris and I house hunted, chose a house, and received an acceptance letter from Talbot--literally--the day before we wrote up an offer; I could talk about my sister’s college graduation; I could talk about all the weddings I had the privilege of attending and/or officiating; I could talk about a lot of things! But the thing that stands out the most is the decision to follow God, pack up my things, and move across the country in pursuit of God’s call with no prior plans or clear course of action---something I have never done so haphazardly.
In the end, God has proven to me that he is in control. He does have a plan. He did call me to come here. And even though I have had moments of wonder, frustration, irritation, loneliness, confusion, felt both encouraged and discouraged, and seen the “are you crazy” look more times than I can count, it has been worth it. God has provided every step of the way. I assume, as I leave 2010 behind and step into 2011 God will continue to provide, guide, and shock me. This year, let’s hope he has plans for me to find a ministry/teaching position and get back to doing what I love; but, I’m grateful for the rest, vacation, and time for reflection. Here’s to a new year, new adventures, new surprises, new knowledge, and new challenges. And here’s to the moments I have been blessed to experience. I will always remember the days when church ruled my schedule and I loved it! I will always remember the students that won my heart. And I will always have a place in my life for a group of teenagers (that will unfortunately grow up) and their precious families. In summation, 2010 was a year of change and surprises. In reflecting upon it, as we often do, I can see God’s careful hand planning each step and guiding me to the place where I currently stand. Perhaps, this year I will be more attentive and see the steps as he prepares them?
--Megan
10 Things I'll Never Forget About 2010
Reflecting on the year that has been on New Year's Eve always evokes a lot of memories. Thinking back to last year at this time, I never could have foreseen all the changes that would come our way this past year. Here, I hope to recap some of the happy, exciting, dramatic, and heart-breaking moments of 2010.
(I'll try to do them in chronological order as best I can.)
1.) Megan Gets Accepted!
We were looking at purchasing our first home in March of this past year. We hadn't heard any news from the schools that Megan had applied to. We found a home that we were finally ready to make an offer on. It was over spring break, and the realtor that we had been working with was out of town with her family for vacation, and even though we were ready to put an offer in on the house on Friday, we decided to wait until the following Monday. It was during that weekend when Megan received her acceptance letter from Talbot School of Theology, and set off a chain of events that would shape the rest of our year.
2.) John Ledford
April 16th was one of those days that a teacher, or anyone for that matter never want to experience. It was lunch time, and I was getting ready for third period to start. I went to stand outside of my classroom, like I did so often, and I saw two students walking up the hill crying. They asked if I had heard anything about a couple of students, both students that I taught. Rumors had begun to swirl around school about something tragic. I immediately jumped online to see if I could find anything from the local news sites, since the rumors involved a car accident. I went down to the office, and the worst was confirmed. John Ledford, a sophomore that I had in my 3rd period class, was killed that morning in a car accident driving his girlfriend to school.
It was by far the most difficult class period I have ever had to go through, and seeing so many young students struggle and experience pain was difficult. I will never, ever forget the funeral service and seeing so much pain in the eyes of high schoolers, made it so difficult for me to get through. John wasn't the best student, but he was one that I liked. It doesn't matter for me how good or smart a student is, they are all my children. And what I would imagine a parent would feel, even when they do things that drive us crazy or things that are stupid, we still love them. John and I joked around alot in class and he was a good kid.
I'm sure at some point in my teaching career, I'll have to go through another experience like this, but I pray that not only I, but the schools and students that I work with never have to experience something like that.
3.) Decision to Leave
It was late April/early May when we finally had received all of the financial aid information from Biola. I remember that I had told Megan if they would cover half of the tuition expense, then we would go, that we could afford to cover the rest. Well, Biola came through with exactly half. It was one of the hardest decisions that I know I have ever had to make personally, but I knew that I needed to trust God and take the leap. I had to leave the comfortable path and jump out unto the unknown.
4.)AP Exam Day
The day of the AP Government exam was an exciting day for me. It was the culmination of something that I had been working on for well over a year. I started the year before trying to start an AP Government program at Chesnee to offer another AP level class. After a year of work, we finally got the class approved as a semester class. Starting in January, I had 9 students go through AP Government with me for the first time. With any of the "high stakes testing", I felt a little nervousness for my students. There is always that feeling that I could have prepared them better, but I knew I had some smart students. I brought them breakfast that morning and hung out with them a little bit before they started. Overall they did pretty well. I had a student get a 5, two others get a 4, and one other get a 3. Almost a 50% passage rate the first time you teach an AP class is pretty good.
5.) State Championships
When I was in high school, I was fortunate to go to a school where state championships were a fairly common occurrence. I thought it was something that everyone experienced. I realized that it wasn't something that everyone got to experience. Chesnee hadn't won a state championship since the early 80s, and in a three day period, won two team state championships. On Saturday, the boy's track team won a state championship with only 8 competitors. There were some awesome individual performances, Zack Miller winning the 100 Hurdles, Austin High winning two individual events, and Josh Jones' long jump of 24'8 that he sat back on were truly unbelievable. Then, the following Monday, the Eagles baseball team capped off their state championship with a win over Hanahan. Everyone at Chesnee was truly blessed to be able to see a pitcher of Brandon Henderson's quality. He finished his senior year with a 14-0 record, 0.30 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 88 innings pitched. He was drafted in the 15th round by the Tampa Bay Rays. Also, to see Coach Jones go out with a state championship after 47+ years and 730+ was very fitting. I always love to see students excel.
6.) Louisville Beta Convention
Over the past two years, Beta Club is one thing that took up a lot of my time. I loved working with the kids in Beta Club. Just like in athletics, these kids are so talented. This year's talent was Alice and Wonderland, and they did not disappoint. Frankie did an awesome job as well. One of the things that I will miss the most is working with Ritchie and Stephanie. I learned so much from them over the couple of years that I worked with them.
7.) Last Sunday at New Pleasant
As much time as I spent with the kids from Beta, I spent even more time with the youth at New Pleasant Baptist Church. They became my family. All summer was difficult, because it was a summer of lasts. Last time we would go to camp, last time we would (fill in the blank), etc. The last Sunday service at New Pleasant was so touching, to see how much Megan had impacted their lives, and how much they loved us. I love those kids with all my heart. We experienced so much together, and I am so impressed at how much they have grown over the past few years. I still miss them every day, and every Sunday morning I am reminded at how lucky I was to be apart of such a great youth family.
8.) Cross Country Drive
One thing I think everyone wants to do at some point in their life is go on a cross country trip. This August, I was able to drive cross country with my best friend and our dog Mo. We spread the trip over four days, stopping in Little Rock, AR, Amarillo, TX, Flagstaff, AZ, and ultimately arriving in La Mirada, CA. We took I-40 basically the entire way, and if we ever drive back to the east coast, I am pretty sure we will find another route. Nine states in four days is a great way to see the country. (Well at least the part along I-40)
9.) Getting a new Job
When we arrived in California, one of my biggest fears was not being able to find a job, much less a teaching job. Again, one of the many ways that God has truly blessed us this year. Once we got settled in our apartment, I was able to line up two interviews in a couple of days time and actually had a choice of jobs. The fact that I was able to find a job teaching AP classes after being in California for a couple of weeks still amazes me. Poly has turned out to be a great school, and the students are great.
10.) Trip to San Francisco
San Francisco is just one of those cities that everyone should go to at least once in their life. I compare it to New York City on the east coast, there is just a charm or feel to the city that is indescribable. We only got to spend a few days there after Thanksgiving, and I would definitely go back again.
One thing that this year has taught me is that while we can make our plans, we never truly know what God has in store for us. When we think we have it all figured out, God will show us what His will is for the next part of our life. One thing God has taught me through all the experiences of this year is that too often we are the stumbling blocks for God's will. It is easy to say that we want to do what God's will is, but it is another thing to truly make yourself available to that.
Honorable Mention:
Coaching My First Basketball Team
Presidents Game Marathons
Carmen's Surgery
Switzerland Trip
MC2 Camp
Mock Elections
Knott's Berry Farm Trip
News Stories That I'll Remember
Haitian Earthquake
Chilean Miners
Gulf Oil Spill
Obama Signs Health Care Bill
Vuvuzuelas at the World Cup (and Landon Donovan's Goal)
The Tea Party Movement
and who could forget Antoine Dotson (sad that he was one of the most searched/viewed "news stories" of the year... but it was a catchy tune.)
(I'll try to do them in chronological order as best I can.)
1.) Megan Gets Accepted!
We were looking at purchasing our first home in March of this past year. We hadn't heard any news from the schools that Megan had applied to. We found a home that we were finally ready to make an offer on. It was over spring break, and the realtor that we had been working with was out of town with her family for vacation, and even though we were ready to put an offer in on the house on Friday, we decided to wait until the following Monday. It was during that weekend when Megan received her acceptance letter from Talbot School of Theology, and set off a chain of events that would shape the rest of our year.
2.) John Ledford
April 16th was one of those days that a teacher, or anyone for that matter never want to experience. It was lunch time, and I was getting ready for third period to start. I went to stand outside of my classroom, like I did so often, and I saw two students walking up the hill crying. They asked if I had heard anything about a couple of students, both students that I taught. Rumors had begun to swirl around school about something tragic. I immediately jumped online to see if I could find anything from the local news sites, since the rumors involved a car accident. I went down to the office, and the worst was confirmed. John Ledford, a sophomore that I had in my 3rd period class, was killed that morning in a car accident driving his girlfriend to school.
It was by far the most difficult class period I have ever had to go through, and seeing so many young students struggle and experience pain was difficult. I will never, ever forget the funeral service and seeing so much pain in the eyes of high schoolers, made it so difficult for me to get through. John wasn't the best student, but he was one that I liked. It doesn't matter for me how good or smart a student is, they are all my children. And what I would imagine a parent would feel, even when they do things that drive us crazy or things that are stupid, we still love them. John and I joked around alot in class and he was a good kid.
I'm sure at some point in my teaching career, I'll have to go through another experience like this, but I pray that not only I, but the schools and students that I work with never have to experience something like that.
3.) Decision to Leave
It was late April/early May when we finally had received all of the financial aid information from Biola. I remember that I had told Megan if they would cover half of the tuition expense, then we would go, that we could afford to cover the rest. Well, Biola came through with exactly half. It was one of the hardest decisions that I know I have ever had to make personally, but I knew that I needed to trust God and take the leap. I had to leave the comfortable path and jump out unto the unknown.
4.)AP Exam Day
The day of the AP Government exam was an exciting day for me. It was the culmination of something that I had been working on for well over a year. I started the year before trying to start an AP Government program at Chesnee to offer another AP level class. After a year of work, we finally got the class approved as a semester class. Starting in January, I had 9 students go through AP Government with me for the first time. With any of the "high stakes testing", I felt a little nervousness for my students. There is always that feeling that I could have prepared them better, but I knew I had some smart students. I brought them breakfast that morning and hung out with them a little bit before they started. Overall they did pretty well. I had a student get a 5, two others get a 4, and one other get a 3. Almost a 50% passage rate the first time you teach an AP class is pretty good.
5.) State Championships
When I was in high school, I was fortunate to go to a school where state championships were a fairly common occurrence. I thought it was something that everyone experienced. I realized that it wasn't something that everyone got to experience. Chesnee hadn't won a state championship since the early 80s, and in a three day period, won two team state championships. On Saturday, the boy's track team won a state championship with only 8 competitors. There were some awesome individual performances, Zack Miller winning the 100 Hurdles, Austin High winning two individual events, and Josh Jones' long jump of 24'8 that he sat back on were truly unbelievable. Then, the following Monday, the Eagles baseball team capped off their state championship with a win over Hanahan. Everyone at Chesnee was truly blessed to be able to see a pitcher of Brandon Henderson's quality. He finished his senior year with a 14-0 record, 0.30 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 88 innings pitched. He was drafted in the 15th round by the Tampa Bay Rays. Also, to see Coach Jones go out with a state championship after 47+ years and 730+ was very fitting. I always love to see students excel.
6.) Louisville Beta Convention
Over the past two years, Beta Club is one thing that took up a lot of my time. I loved working with the kids in Beta Club. Just like in athletics, these kids are so talented. This year's talent was Alice and Wonderland, and they did not disappoint. Frankie did an awesome job as well. One of the things that I will miss the most is working with Ritchie and Stephanie. I learned so much from them over the couple of years that I worked with them.
7.) Last Sunday at New Pleasant
As much time as I spent with the kids from Beta, I spent even more time with the youth at New Pleasant Baptist Church. They became my family. All summer was difficult, because it was a summer of lasts. Last time we would go to camp, last time we would (fill in the blank), etc. The last Sunday service at New Pleasant was so touching, to see how much Megan had impacted their lives, and how much they loved us. I love those kids with all my heart. We experienced so much together, and I am so impressed at how much they have grown over the past few years. I still miss them every day, and every Sunday morning I am reminded at how lucky I was to be apart of such a great youth family.
8.) Cross Country Drive
One thing I think everyone wants to do at some point in their life is go on a cross country trip. This August, I was able to drive cross country with my best friend and our dog Mo. We spread the trip over four days, stopping in Little Rock, AR, Amarillo, TX, Flagstaff, AZ, and ultimately arriving in La Mirada, CA. We took I-40 basically the entire way, and if we ever drive back to the east coast, I am pretty sure we will find another route. Nine states in four days is a great way to see the country. (Well at least the part along I-40)
9.) Getting a new Job
When we arrived in California, one of my biggest fears was not being able to find a job, much less a teaching job. Again, one of the many ways that God has truly blessed us this year. Once we got settled in our apartment, I was able to line up two interviews in a couple of days time and actually had a choice of jobs. The fact that I was able to find a job teaching AP classes after being in California for a couple of weeks still amazes me. Poly has turned out to be a great school, and the students are great.
10.) Trip to San Francisco
San Francisco is just one of those cities that everyone should go to at least once in their life. I compare it to New York City on the east coast, there is just a charm or feel to the city that is indescribable. We only got to spend a few days there after Thanksgiving, and I would definitely go back again.
One thing that this year has taught me is that while we can make our plans, we never truly know what God has in store for us. When we think we have it all figured out, God will show us what His will is for the next part of our life. One thing God has taught me through all the experiences of this year is that too often we are the stumbling blocks for God's will. It is easy to say that we want to do what God's will is, but it is another thing to truly make yourself available to that.
Honorable Mention:
Coaching My First Basketball Team
Presidents Game Marathons
Carmen's Surgery
Switzerland Trip
MC2 Camp
Mock Elections
Knott's Berry Farm Trip
News Stories That I'll Remember
Haitian Earthquake
Chilean Miners
Gulf Oil Spill
Obama Signs Health Care Bill
Vuvuzuelas at the World Cup (and Landon Donovan's Goal)
The Tea Party Movement
and who could forget Antoine Dotson (sad that he was one of the most searched/viewed "news stories" of the year... but it was a catchy tune.)
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