Ladies' Bible Conference and More

My last post said I was in the midst of tough times. They continue and that has made it hard to write here. I feel the need to be guarded in what I say and share. Pray for me if you I come to your mind.

That said, I did want to reflect upon the Ladies' Bible Conference I attended at our church this weekend. This is an annual event and one that I have come to look forward to. It was the 20th anniversary, and we honored the past by asking Lois Jane Wallace to speak and sing on Friday night. She has been with us several times, but I thought she was exceptionally good in sharing her testimony in word and song. On Saturday, we moved into the future by hosting a Beth Moore live simulcast. It came off without a hitch, and it was a joy to listen to her share the word with us.



Here are the main points:

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.

1. Kindness is not weakness.
Kindness knows and sees evil but makes the choice to be kind anyway.
2. Kindness is not an action; it is a disposition.
You can fake "nice" but you can't fake kindness.
3. Kindness wears down when we wear down.
4. Kindness looks pain in the face.
5. Kindness is a Savior.
Jesus was the epiphany of God and His kindness.
6. Kindness has good memory.
Rebellion forgets God's goodness.
7. Kindness craves an outlet.
8. Kindness leaves a legacy.

In such a mean world, it is good to spend a whole day thinking about kindness. May it make a difference in my behavior today and hereafter. God be praised!

Tough Times

We all have stuff to deal with. This past week was a hard one for me. Things I can't control, don't understand. I am thankful that these hard times don't change the fact that God IS in control. The words to this song have been especially dear to me this week.

***************************
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Saviour;
The Hope of nations.

Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me,
All my fears and failures,
Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in,
Now I surrender.

My Saviour, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.
***********************************


Since Jesus "conquered the grave" I am assured that nothing I am facing is too big or hard for Him to handle. That has made this week bearable. Praise God for He IS mighty to save!

I forgot to tell you about this.

When we were in Canada we saw something that I wanted to share but forgot about it until I saw a picture on a friend's FB page. All along the highway there are stacks of rocks, which have been put there by humans.




Here's a good explanation of the phenomenon:


"Inukshuk (singular), meaning "likeness of a person" in Inuktitut (the Inuit language) is a stone figure made by the Inuit. The plural is inuksuit. The Inuit make inuksuit in different forms and for different purposes: to show directions to travellers, to warn of impending danger, to mark a place of respect, or to act as helpers in the hunting of caribou. Similar stone figures were made all over the world in ancient times, but the Arctic is one of the few places where they still stand. An inukshuk can be small or large, a single rock, several rocks balanced on each other, round boulders or flat. Inuit tradition forbids the destruction of inuksuit."

I just found it fascinating.

Beginning a New School Year

The beginning of a new school year is always exciting. I think I like it most because it is a clean slate. No matter what has happened in previous years, now you begin again. It can be whatever you make of it. It is a chance to try new things, relate to new students and also revisit the things you know work and enjoy teaching most.

We've just finished a week of inservice. Most of it was outstanding. It has lead to many interesting and challenging conversations throughout the week. Here are a few highlights:

Kim Ellis spoke on Monday about students in poverty. I had heard some of this stuff before, but it always hits home. It reminds me that the students I serve (even though they are very smart) have issues related to growing up in poverty or from being surrounded by people who are in poverty. They think differently about things than I do, and I need to be aware of their perspective. It was also interesting to hear from teachers who came out of poverty to be the first person in their family to graduate high school, then college. It reminded me of the impact teachers have on lives.

Tuesday we had Mark McCloud who gave a great presentation about classroom management, procedures, and building appropriate meaningful relationships with students. He was so dynamic and all his material was very practical. He engaged every teacher in the room from the first year beginners to the veterans like me. He made us all proud of our profession and eager to greet our students when the first day comes along.


Thursday we had a couple of fairly typical inservice sessions and then had the community celebration in the evening. Steven James performed several stories for the crowd and a free meal was served. It was an enjoyable evening.

Today we heard from all the central office staff and I have to say they are a top-notch group of people. They work so hard and care so much about excellence. Phil gave a brief talk, and I was so proud of him. We wrapped it all up with Steven James once again. He did a great job instructing us on stories and how important they are in engaging our students. I love storytelling, so everything he did today was right down my alley.


All in all it has been a really interesting and stimulating week. It's not often you can say that about inservice. Special thanks to all who made it happen.

Now let's get to work!

Last post from COTW

This is the lodge where we ate all our meals. It was filled with campers each day. The system they have worked out for setting up, serving and cleaning up after each meal is a sight to behold. Quite efficient!

I got to speak a couple of times for chapel. I used the wheelbarrow as an illustration of how we have to give God control of our life. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6


It's all about trying to be sure the kids feel the love of God. We tried many things to help them have a fun week. I don't know how you could be a kid and not have had fun. I got to help them blow bubbles for one of their activities. They thoroughly enjoyed it.

Jacklyn, Crystal and I had a wonderful time serving the Lord at Camp of the Woods. We are all ready for the next trip. Who's coming with us?

Monday, July 19, 2010

A new group of campers arrived today. It is hard to have as much enthusiasm for this week’s work as last week’s. I can’t imagine how it would be to stay the entire summer. But we worked hard to make the game time we are in charge of a success. It was a warm day today so we were able to set up a couple of water hoses and some other water activities and have a very enjoyable afternoon out in the sun. There is no lifeguard this week so they are not allowed to swim in the lake this week. If we have another warm day, we may allow them to go wading.

I was scheduled to help with the Amazing Race part of the activities this week. I was supposed to accompany a team around as they competed. However, my hamstring injury continues to bother me, and I had to bow out of that job. It was disappointing.

As I sit here looking out over the lake, I continue to be amazed by the beauty I find here. The “heavens” definitely declare the glory of the LORD. There are several canoes rowing toward home. The kids here are enjoying the activities. It has been a good day.

Weekend Fun

They really know how to relax on the weekend here and show everyone a good time.
Saturday we watched as they shot off the "potato gun."

Sunday afternoon someone came with a boat, and I went tubing for the first time.

After I got in the water and actually went off the high dive. Not bad for the "elderly."



And the best part was that I didn't get any leaches on me. Yes, I did say leaches.