Wednesday Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday, another Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Where is the time going?  I am on the countdown.  Just 17 1/2 days of school left to go!  Well, that's a fib....the private school I pick up for in between my regular runs goes for another week after that, but if I do it (there is always someone willing to take it over to save me on gas and mileage) it's only a couple of hours a day.

The work is definitely picking back up for Tim.  He didn't get home until 9:00 last night and left again at 5:00 this morning!  He was probably done at 7:00-7:30, but then there's that drive home.  I had Bible study and hadn't eaten yet (we usually go out when I'm done at church).  It was a little late to go anywhere so he brought home Chinese.  Good man!

Speaking of Bible study....another good one.  I love that we can learn so much about what to do and what to avoid as "the church" by looking at the ancient church.  Everything that we face today, they had to deal with 2000 years ago.

Going to be going with my friend (who is also my pastor) today to look at siding for the church building.  We bought a 100+ year old church and property last year and we're in the process of restoring it.  Think little-white-country-church.  God has been so good and it's really exciting to watch as everything just falls together...a sure sign that we're doing what God wants, not just what we want.  Most of the labor has been volunteer (we do pay a couple of guys to help them out), all new windows were donated, we found a beautiful arched window for above the altar for a mere $75, and the siding we're going to look at today....$100/square less than buying from Lowe's!

Well, time to get this posted.  This girl has got to finish getting ready for work and scoot on down the road.  You all have a wonderful Wednesday and enjoy these warm temperatures!

1. My daughter2 is graduating from university this month and plans to teach elementary school. What are three qualities you most want to see evidenced in a teacher?

~ My daughter struggled through every single day of every single year of school.  It was a heart-wrenching experience for the whole family.  So, as you can imagine, I've spent a LOT of time thinking about this.  My top three...

• Commitment.  I don't think we ever dealt with a teacher who followed a plan through to the end...not even when "ordered" to do so by the principal.  Not a single one wanted to deal with a child who needed extra attention or help, but did not meet the criteria for "special needs."
• Understanding.  I get that teachers work with problem kids and problem parents all the time.  But take the time to get to know a situation before you open your mouth.  Not all parents assume that their precious child "would never do that."  Nor do all parents drop the ball at home.  Some of us labored for untold hours, crying, and doing whatever it took to get the workload you assigned done.  
• Love the kids.  They are not just a means to a paycheck.  Care about them.  Get to know them....and not just the smart ones or the popular ones.  Find out about the ones that act out or are struggling or hanging back by themselves.  What's going on in their lives?  You never know how much your attention or encouragement might mean.  I believe things could have been a lot different for my daughter if she'd been encouraged instead of being seen as a problem and meeting with teachers' exasperation. 

2. You can tell a lot about a person by_____________________.

~ How they treat other people.

3. What song makes you think spring?

~  Here Comes the Sun

4. May 1st is Mother Goose Day...share your favorite nursery rhyme.

~  Rub-a-dub-dub.  Three men in a tub.  And who do you think they be?  The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker.  They all jumped out of a rotten potato.  Turn them out.  Knaves, all three.

5. What makes someone unforgettable?

~  Sometimes the media makes someone larger than life and we can't forget them even if we'd like to, but for most people I'd say it's how they treat others.  We remember those who are good to us.

6. Should music and/or art be part of a well rounded education?

~  Yes, but I understand the budget woes of most school districts these days.  I think they should have both if they can because they foster creativity, but do understand that if something has to go it should not be the core curriculum.  And yes, if possible I think sports should be part of it, too.  You need a healthy body to do your best.

7. What social situations make you flustered or nervous?

~  Anything where I don't know the people.  I'm shy and on top of that, the art of small talk and chitchat is not something I've mastered.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

~  When I die....I want to go peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.  Not screaming.....like the passengers in his car!


LOL  I'm sorry.  That one tickled my funny bone today.