Kindness and Compassion

Kindness and Compassion

Over that past few days I have found my self engrossed in the news stories about the shooting in Arizona. Every time I hear new information my tear-filled eyes are glued to the TV screen. There is so much pain and hurt coming from every angle. It seems that everyone wants to point their finger at others in blame, but trying to shame someone else with guilt won’t change the events of that day and won’t bring back the lives that we lost.

Monday night on Nightline they had a special story on “Lone Wolf Killers.”  The story focused on other mass killing sprees and how the common denominator is that they are all “attention seeking crimes.” The gunmen in each case acted out to be recognized, seen, or heard.  The story ended with this statement, "This is a key message not just for the press. [It's] a message for teachers, it's a message for neighborhoods, and it's how we as a society can eliminate something that's distinctively American. "

That story and especially the last line went straight to my heart. I immediately thought about my class and the impact I have on my kids. I have a student in my room that has severe emotional issues. He doesn’t know how to interact well with others, handle his anger, or communicate in general. Yes, I have done my part in reporting my concerns to the school guidance counselor and making sure he gets all possible interventions (I’ve even put him at the top of my Grandma’s prayer list) but still I wonder if I’m doing enough. I have said this many times before, but I didn’t decide to be a teacher because I LOVE math, or because I LOVE reading so much. Sure I like those things, but the reason I am a teacher is because I LOVE kids and because I want to be a positive role model in their lives. Teaching is the avenue that allows me to do just that, LOVE kids.  So many times it’s easy to loose sight of that passion because of all the other things I am required to do…but when I stop and think it all comes back to love.

In my own personal life I am making it a goal to let this tragic event open my eyes others around me. Because of my profession, I get the opportunity to be with kids everyday, but even if I wasn’t a teacher I would still make the same challenge. We all interact with people everyday no matter what your job. For example, my mom and dad interact with customers at their restaurant, my older brother interacts with his co-workers at the City department, my grandparents interact with their friends at bingo, I interact with the cashier at Target. (Yes, I know I should’ve found a synonym for interact but I wanted to emphasize it) We all encounter different people each day. I’m not saying that we need to rush out and try to befriend every person we meet, but we can show them kindness and compassion. It’s as simple as smiling at a stranger, or complimenting your waitress on her cute earrings. Just be aware of others, and willing to look outside of your own world. It’s scary to think how many opportunities to show love we pass up in a single day because we are so concerned with our own life.

I’m not a huge Barack Obama fan, but I really loved this quote from him. It pretty much sums up all that I’ve been feeling over the past few days.

“At a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who happen to think differently than we do," Obama said, the killings should make Americans ask themselves "Have we shown enough kindness and generosity and compassion to people in our lives?"

Last, I’ll end with a few scriptures, I like Gods word a lot better than Obama’s!
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:1-3
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:10-12
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
1 John 4:6-8

High Expectations

High Expectations

I have been thinking a lot lately about expectations. So many times in my daily life I will plan out exactly how I hope something is going to happen…whether it’s realistic or not isn't a consideration when I’m dreaming something up in my head. These “ideas” can be simple or extravagant. For example, in the morning as I’m getting ready for work I might think something as basic as “I hope someone notices that I did my hair different today.” Or as I’m heading to Panera for dinner I might dream up the perfect scenario of how I may meet my future husband there… “We were both refilling our coffee cups then our eyes meet…” (I have watched one too many chick flicks)

We all have expectations. No matter the size, small or well thought out daydreams, we all have them. And sometimes, for me it’s really hard not to be disappointed when my expectations aren’t met. During worship at church yesterday I was reminded that it’s ok to have expectations as long as I’m putting my trust in the right hands. People are sinful in nature. They are going to let us down for time to time. None of us are perfect. But we are saved by a perfect God. His love will never fail us. Sure we may not understand his plan, or why we go through tough situations, but His love is as steady as mountain. So from now on I’m putting my trust in “High” expectations.

I found this passage in Psalm yesterday, I think it fits perfectly.

“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs he returns to the earth; on that day his plans perish.

Blessed is he whole help is the God of Jacob, whole hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD set the prisoners free. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but they way of the wicked brings to ruin. The LORD will reign forever, your God, to all generations. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 146: 2-10

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

Random thoughts of Christmas 2010 and hopes for 2011.

This Christmas season has been a time of reflection for me. I've been challenged more than ever before to focus not only on the true meaning of Christmas, but also on presence over presents.

My students decided that instead of doing a class gift exchange we would do a fundraiser for our community. Each student brought in $5 and we voted to use the money to make gifts for a local nursing home, and then donate the rest to the Salvation Army kettle. We were able to decorate and deliver of 60 ornaments and donate $55 to the Salvation Army. Not all my students were able to go the nursing home with me to deliver ( I had to ask the parents to bring their kiddos after school hours) but the 5 students that did come kept telling me how much they loved brightening the “old peoples” Christmas.

Although my hearts desire this Christmas was presence over presents I was hit with just how spoiled and selfish my heart truly is on Christmas day. Over Thanksgiving day I told my mom, “Mom, don’t worry about me this Christmas, I don’t need much…maybe just a crock pot. Just make sure that Logan (my 12 year old brother) has a great Christmas.” I really did mean that when I said it, however…when Christmas morning came I did not get a CROCK POT! And guess what, I was disappointed! (don’t feel sorry for me, not even one bit, I got plenty of other gifts)  First I was a little mad at my mom for not remembering what I had specifically asked for, but then I quickly got mad at myself for acting like such a spoiled little brat. My mother is one of the greatest women I know, and has so much on her plate right now. She works incredibly hard to make our family run smoothly. And although I affectionately call her “superwoman” I know she is not perfect.

Now this is the part of the story that really makes me a brat. A few days after Christmas while mom and I were out doing some returning we were looking at new coffee pots in Khols.  I just happened to walk over to the crock pots and ask my mom, “Did you forget that I wanted one of these?” She felt terrible for forgetting, and I felt about a million times worse for bringing it up and making her feel bad. I tried to explain that I was more disappointed in myself for feeling the way I did, than at her for not getting me the stupid crock pot. Well, later that night I went out to eat with my older brother and his family and when I got home guess what was sitting on the counter?? A new crock pot with a bow on it! Lesson Learned:  I Janae Lynn Bass am a spoiled brat with a selfish heart. I need Jesus reshape my heart.

A New Year…

My Grandma Clara made us homemade devotionals for Christmas this year. My goal this year is to do it everyday. For the past 3 years she had bought the family matching devotional books so that we can all be reading Gods word together even though we are apart. I always start the year strong but fall incredibly short of completing mine. She told us all on Christmas, “Do this everyday this year and I guarantee you will grow closer to God.” So that is my #1 goal this year.

Last year I made the goal of reading at least 2 books a month because I like reading, but don’t make time for it. I ACCOMPLISHED my goal!!! I finished my 25^th book on December 29^th. It felt really great to meet a goal I set for myself.  I am keeping this goal again this year. And I am including my book list at the bottom of this post.

My other goal this year is to start learning to cook. It’s kinda hard and feels somewhat pointless cooking for one, but it’s time I learned! Plus someday I hope to cook for more than 1, so I figure no better time to start learning than now. And I have to put my new crock pot to use!

My prayer for the New Year is that God will give me the faith to link today with His tomorrows.

Acts 1: 7-8

“He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama'ria and to the end of the earth."

I pray that you have a blessed New Year!

-With Love, Janae

2010 Book List

1. The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers  *** My Favorite of the year***
2. For One More Day by Mitch Albom
3. Angry Conversations with God by Susan E. Isaacs
4. Just Beyond the Clouds by Karen Kingsbury
5. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
6. The Giver by Lois Lowry
7. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
8. Are you There God? It’s me Margaret by Judy Blume
9. Little Women by Laurie Lawlor
10. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
11. How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World by Jordan Christy
12. Ramona Quimby Age 8 by Beverly Clearly
13. The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers
14. Clouds by Robin Jones Gunn
15. What the Heart is by Billie Lets
16. What a Girl Wants by Kristen Billerbeck
17. Unlikely Angel by Ashley Smith
18. The Dailey Five by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser
19. Whispers by Robin Jones Gunn
20. Waterfalls by Robin Jones Gunn
21. Miss Match by Erynn Mangum
22. Gooney Bird Greene by
23. Never the Bride by Cheryl McKAy and Rene Gutteridge
24. She’s Out of Control by Kristen Billerbeck
25. With this Ring I’m Confused by Kristen Billerbeck

 A few pictures from the Nursing Home

Possibly the best note of my teaching career...

I know my teaching career only consist of about 4 months as of now…but I can’t see anything in the future topping this note!

Here’s the background info to this letter. The last 45 minutes of every school day we have “pirate time.” During this time each student travels to their assigned pirate time teacher to get extra help in reading. My pirate time kids a mixture of 2^nd and 3^rd graders. One of my 2^nd grade boys, I’ll call him “Paul” is very interested in reading his bible. Everyday we have 15 minutes of Sustained Silent Reading at the beginning of class, Paul always reads his bible and takes notes.  Most days he asks me questions about the bible as well, and I do my best to answer him (a lot of times they are very deep questions for a 7 year old). He’s asked me everything from Genesis to Revelation. Today after pirate time he brought me this note.

Dear Ms. Bass,

I have bin learning a lot from you! I have a lot of knowled in me. I a prepared for Chad. God’s been geting closer to me. I am glad I have you as a pirate time teacher! See you in the third grade!

Your Pirate Time Student,

Paul

I’m not sharing this to show everyone what a GREAT teacher I am. I’m sharing it because I am learning more from Paul than he is learning from me. His hunger and thirst to know God’s word is inspires me so much. He is only 7, and he seeks God every minute of everyday. I am so blessed to have him my life.

Here are a few other cute Paul quotes:

“Sometimes people don’t get why I read the bible all the time…but that’s ok. I know I’m supposed to. God spoke to me and said to read and study his word.”

“Miss Bass, what does blasphemy mean?”

“Miss Bass I’ve been learning a lot about how God should be a part of everything we do…like even at school. For example, when I do math, do is always with me then, he helps me get through it!”

Lots of Love

L-O-V-E.

Sometimes I wonder how such a small word can have such a big impact on our lives. We all want to be loved and love others. Lately, my students have been teaching me how to love them through the “tough times” (aka- them acting up and misbehaving). It’s easy to show love to others when things are easy. The past few weeks my 26 lovely little 3^rd graders have been trying me and pushing my patience to the fullest. I keep telling myself, “Love them like Jesus would, Love them like Jesus would.” But I know some days I fall short.

Today I was reminded by some of my sweet little girls just how much they love me back. After writing time I went back to my desk and I had a pile of letters. As I read the letters from my students I thought about how many times I do things that they don’t like, or understand. They don’t like it when I make them stop talking in the hallway. They don’t like it when I make them do homework. And the for sure don’t like it when I loose my cool because the class gets out of hand. But still, they love me.

The reason I became a teacher was to do just that, love children. It’s so easy to get lost in the job of teaching. The grading papers, lesson planning, entering data, and of course the dreaded state testing, but I have to come back to the calling of loving children. If I’m showing them “Christ-like” love everyday, then I am doing my job. And if I’m doing my job I trust the rest will fall into place.

Here’s a couple of my favorite “love notes”

Dear Miss Bass,

            I love you so much that I never want to let go or forget about you. In fact I love you so much that the world could explode!

                                                                                    Sincerily,

                                                                                                Alexis

“Mrs. Bass is the prites teacher in the world and nise too. I like her the way she is. Mrs. Bass is the best teacher.

Dear Miss Bass,

            I don’t want you to change ever, because you are perfect the way you are.

                                                                                    Your Friend,

                                                                                                Corina

Cute Kid Quotes:

At the end of the day we have “Pirate time” (its kind of an enrichment time). During that time I teach 2^nd and 3^rd grade. I have one 2^nd grader who is really into studying his bible, he brings it everyday, reads it, asks me lots of questions, and takes notes! It’s so cute. Las week after asking me a question he said,

“In this part it talks about persecution. I know all about that, because my dad persecutes me all the time.”

Speak Now

*Disclaimer- This entry has nothing to with my classroom or teaching, but it has everything to do with learning and love.

Speak Now.

These words have been swirling around in my head since my sweet mother bought me the new Taylor Swift CD this weekend.

On Sunday I felt God’s presence in my life in a way I haven’t felt him in a long while. Ted (my pastor) talked about 2^nd Timothy chapter 3 and 19 things that people will become lovers of in the last days.  Since Sunday I have been reflecting a lot on his message and how it applies to my life. I have been thinking mostly on what it means to be holy. I know that holy by definition means “to be set apart” but what does that look like in my life. I learned tonight at small group that 3 is the number of perfection and in the bible and in songs we always say “holy, holy, holy” meaning God is perfectly set apart. Which got me thinking, if I’m supposed to strive to live my life after Christ’s example, are the things I do daily, my thoughts, actions, and words even close to holy?  No, they are often the same as a non believer. Whoa. Hit me pretty hard.

Also, I’ve been thinking a lot about “mindless chatter.” So many times we (myself included, with two hands raised in the air) talk just to fill the emptiness. Our thoughts are just mere opinions, but so often we say them as if they are fact or truth. For example, do I really know that Taylor Swift wrote all the songs on her CD by herself? No. I did hear that on TV, but that doesn’t mean it’s true. But I sure do jump to her defense anytime someone says otherwise.  And when I stop to think about it, why does it even matter in the first place?? Mindless chatter. As soon as one person starts talking about something we feel the need to add our two sense in to the conversation. Why? To feel important? To be included? I don’t know, but we all do it. And many times we don’t stop to think of how our words may affect the person sitting right next to us. I’ve always known we’re supposed to “tame the tongue” but I’ve never really stopped to think about how many words I say have no true value. 

I know God is working in my heart and showing me a few of my many personal areas of weakness. And although I have been driving myself crazy, talking in circles, I find peace knowing that God has my attention and is helping me grow. And while I love to listen and sing along to Taylor in the car, I think the title of her CD should have been Speak Wisely.

Facts I know for sure. 100%. Without a doubt.

-God loves me.

-God sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for our sin.

-I am a sinner.

-God created me for a purpose.

-With God all things are possible.

Word Vomit, NO! Actual Vomit!

I’ve been waiting for something especially exciting to blog about…well on this past week it happened. We had a stomach virus hit our building hard! On Thursday and Friday we had a huge drop in attendance because so many of our little sweeties were sick, throwing up to be exact.

Luckily, I somehow survived, and did not catch the virus. However, on Friday I did experience my first (of many I’m sure) vomit in the classroom situation. One of my poor little guys was sent home early on Thursday, but wanted to see me so much (okay I added that part) that he told his mom he had to go to school on Friday.  He came in and I knew he was still very SICK. I asked if he wanted to go to the nurse and he said, “maybe, if you really think I need to.” Most kids are chomping at the bit to go to the nurse (usually when they aren’t really all that sick) so I knew he was really trying to be tough.

He went to the nurse for about 30 minutes then came sluggishly back to class, laid his head down on his desk and tried his best to stay awake. After a while I went over to check on him, as soon as I got to his desk he said, “Miss Bass, I need the trash can!” I dashed across the room, grabbed the trash can, and headed back to my little guy. When I was only about 5 steps short it started. I dropped the trash can in front of him, but not quite in time, although it did aid in furthering the mess, he already had puke all over his desk and down the front of him. Poor kid, I felt so sorry for him.

I was very blessed to have my literacy coach in the room at the time. She had been helping teach a lesson on writing, and boy was I glad she was there. She helped to get my sick student to the nurse while I stayed to corral the rest of the class, who were by this point trying not to lose their breakfast as well. I start to kick into “nanny” mode and clean the throw up myself, then remember “wait, I can call a custodian to help!” I was so thankful that within just a few minutes the mess was being cleaned up and I was not the one doing it. A huge thank you goes out to all custodians!

After opening the windows and going crazy with Lysol wipes, our room was good as new. As for my little guy, he went home. Overall, I’d say my first adventure with puke was pretty successful!

On a lighter note, Cute Kid Quotes:

“Miss Bass, What does scandalous mean?” – Sally

“Where did you hear that word?” – Me

“In a song.” – Sally

“Uh, ask your mom.” – Me

I have a student with autism, he is extremely creative. Last week at recess he brought me a twig with a tiny red leaf on the end and said,

“Miss Bass, here…I made this for you”

“I love it….what is it?” – Me

“It’s a stop sign. Now when kids a being bad you can just hold it up and say STOP!”