School Days

Yesterday we walked to the bus stop to begin our first day of school.  The bus comes early. (Yawn!)

Lily wore the new dress I'd made and Jesse wore his new super-cool reversible basketball shorts.  He did not know about reversible basketball shorts until a few days ago when we were school shopping.  I think he wants all of his clothes to be reversible. :) 

We all began our first day of school in new clothes and hopeful attitudes for a wonderful year.  So far, so good.  I love the class I'm working in and the people I am blessed to be working with.  My children seem to be pleased with their classes, and I am hopeful that they will continue to be pleased. 

Being a part of the faculty at an elementary school now, I got to see the first day from a different vantage point.  I saw how parents were as nervous as their children.  I saw proud moms and dads taking 'first day' pictures.  I saw happy children.  I admired the teachers' ability to keep their cool amidst the first day chaos.  It sure felt good to be a part of a team committed to educating the children who came through those doors. 

And I blessed God all day for it...

Many blessings,

Jennifer

Speaking Words of Love

Yesterday, I became an official employee of Lewisville ISD.  I had my security badge made, received information on benefits (Man, that felt good!), and watched videos on sexual harassment.  During the course of the discussion on hostile working environments, the facilitator gave all of us prospective employees best practice as it regards to social media.  She shared an unfortunate circumstance in which a teacher posted a very negative comment about her principal.  Of course, her fellow teachers saw this and it was turned in to her principal.  I remember thinking that it seemed so foolish to do something like that--really, who would do such a thing?

And then the day progressed...

I follow a number of young people from church on Twitter.  I am always impressed by the way that they conduct themselves on this particular form of social media.  I am inspired by their 'tweets' about living righteously.  They encourage one another with Scripture.  They try to speak words of love to one another.  Are they perfect?  No, of course not.  But if 98% of the time they are speaking words of truth and of love to one another, I would say that's a pretty good success rate. I suppose that what is shocking to me as I reflect on my fellow adults who utilize social media, is that we are being outdone by our younger brothers and sisters.  We (and I mean this collectively) should be a model for the young people that we come into contact with.  We should be urging them on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).  Hey, we should be urging everyone to love and good deeds.

I am not naive.  I know that the internet is full of people of all ages who use and abuse it.  I know that there are a number of young people who do not speak words of love to one another.  But, I am pleased to be a part of a fellowship of believers who have a strong group of young believers.  I am honored to know them.  I am blessed by their desire to know God more and to serve Him with their lives.  God knows, I was not that righteous at 16 and 17 years old.

Yesterday, I saw something posted on Facebook that was shameful.  Today, it is gone, and I am glad.  It has bothered me that the one posting it thought that it would be a righteous thing to say publicly.  We celebrate so much online and put things out there that crush the spirits of those who see them.  I try really hard to make sure that the things I post are not going to hurt anyone.  It's tough, I'll admit it, because sometimes I get mad and I would like to 'tattle' a bit.  But, I know that if it's out there on the internet, it will be there forever.  That, plus the fact that I got called out once for a post on Facebook.  I'm a lot more careful now.

When I am discouraged or pensive, I often go to Psalm 37.  It is my favorite Psalm.  I would like to share Psalm 37:30:  "The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just."  It is good to speak wisely and to say what is right.  The Lord blesses those who do.

Many blessings,

Jennifer

I’ve Got a New Job!

 

I am so happy to say that I have accepted a position as a Special Education Aide.  I interviewed for this position Tuesday afternoon, and I had a really good feeling about it.  It just sounded perfect.  This position will give me the experience necessary to get a full-time teacher job in the future.  Today, I went in for a ‘screening interview’ at the Administration Building.  The head of Human Resources conducted the interview, and instead of doing the paraprofessional screening, she did the teacher screening so that I would have that done already if I am considered for a teaching job.  It went well, and she was very complimentary of me.  I am so relieved.  I went around the corner and turned in my substitute badge and let the substitute manager know that I would not be subbing. 

Just this morning, I was feeling a bit discouraged.  It just crept in, like a little whisper, “You didn’t get the job….” I just prayed and lifted my concerns up to God. 

Things have been looking up for us lately.  Brian’s got some excellent prospects lately, Jacob’s driving instruction is going well, and we even got a few drops of rain today! 

Thank you, Lord, for this new job!

Many blessings,

Jennifer

If At First You Don't Succeed...

Much to my chagrin, I found out a couple of days ago that the position I'd applied for at my children's elementary school is being withdrawn due to budget constraints.  The principal of the school let me know that she was losing a special ed. aide position, so she was going to have to move people around.  To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement, but I am continuing to hope that something interesting will come up soon.  I applied for another position at a school I subbed at frequently, and have contacted the principal, so we'll see...

Brian and the boys are celebrating Jacob's 16th birthday a little early this weekend.  They are having a guys' camping trip at the lake, so I'm sure that they will come back with stories to tell, sunburns, and lots of pictures of them planking on strange things.  If you don't know what planking is, well, it is the phenomenon of teenagers laying board straight in public places and taking pictures.  Like this:

Or this:

Oh, wait! There seems to be a middle-aged man in this picture and a couple of munchkins.  It seems that planking is not restricted to teens.

The boys planked their way across Louisiana and Mississippi. We got lots of stares.  My family makes my life interesting, that's for sure!

Many blessings, 

Jennifer

P.S.  It's hot here in Texas.  We are having a record heat wave, and it would be great to get some rain. Please pray.  Thanks!

Putting Myself Out There...

We're back from our vacation to south Louisiana.  We have been gone for the past week, so I took a break from blogging to enjoy time with family.  We visited New Orleans several times, so we had the opportunity to go to the Audobon Aquarium of the Americas and the Audobon Insectarium, the French Market, and to Drago's Restaurant.  We also visited the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi, took an airboat ride in a swamp, and ate lots of great Cajun cuisine.  It was especially great to visit with family.  We stayed with Brian's Aunt Becky and Uncle Dale in Raceland, La. and spent a good amount of time with his cousin Matt and his wife, Kay and their two children.  On the way back home, we had the opportunity to visit his cousin Amy and her husband Max and their two kids in Alexandria.  Everyone was so hospitable and sweet.  We are so grateful for everyone welcoming us into their homes.  It's no small feat to take in our crew!

Brian trying a BBQ flavored cricket at the Insectarium.

If you've read my blog since the beginning of the year, then you'll know that one of my goals for 2011 is to get a full-time job, preferably in education.  My long-term goal has been to obtain a position as a Special Education teacher.  Since June, I have applied for twenty jobs in one district alone.  I've applied for two other jobs in another district, and have searched for jobs in surrounding districts, but discovered pretty quickly that there just aren't any that I'm qualified for.  I've concentrated my job search in the district that I sub in, since that is where my experience and my network is.  I had high hopes in June; however, I admit I've been a little discouraged of late.  I discovered when we got back home that a new job was posted for the elementary school where my youngest children attend.  I applied for it and contacted the assistant principal there, and am hopeful that something will come of it.  If you are of a mind to pray, I'd appreciate a prayer or two said on my behalf.  I'd really like this job. 

I have been trying to remind myself that I have a job as a substitute if I don't get a permanent position, and that the job market is tough--I mustn't take it personally if I am not hired for a full-time position this school year.  I read a blog on the Dallas Observer this morning that put things into perspective:  Dallas had a job fair recently to fill 700 jobs and invited 800 to come apply.  That sounds a bit like a bloodsport, but at least they were able to have a job fair.  Many districts in the D/FW area have cancelled their job fairs and recruiting altogether.

As for me, I'll continue to pray and seek...


Many blessings,

Jennifer