Substitute teaching definately has is benefits, but there are also many things that stink about it. Today I am witness to both, but for some reason the stinky things stand are the ones making the most impact.
I'm teaching at a middle school here in Riverside. I have a seventh grade language arts class. Wednesdays are planning days, so each period only lasts 35 minutes and I am done at 1:05. Despite the fact that it's so short, I am still miserable. I don't know if the classes are bad because they just are or if it is because their teacher isn't a good one. The period that just left was filled with 33 students that seemed like they belong in the zoo. There were only two small assignments for them to complete, but somehow this was still too much. They were so loud that I coudn't even be heard by everyone when yelling. It was hopeless. I finally got half of the class under control and started working with them. After a few minutes the other half quited down just enough so that they could hear. They didn't stop talking by any means, just calmed down a little. I really don't know what I can do in these types of situations. I didn't feel like writing referrals for half of the class. Maybe I should next time.
These are the kinds of days that make me question why I want to teach. Having students like these depress me. They make me realize how much work it takes to be a teacher. I don't know what happened along the road that made each student this way, but I wonder if it can be reversed. I wonder if these students can ever change. The only thing that I can do is pray. I am making it a habit to pray for the students that I come in contact with. I will pray for their attitudes, for their goals and dreams, for their family lives and for their education. I have learned that on my own I can't do anything. Why are these students going to listen to or respect a substitute that will be with them for half an hour? My time will be spent wisely by praying for these students. I will maintain a positive attitude even when I feel like doing or saying something I shouldn't.
It is my prayer that God would use me during this stage of my life to be a witness to those I come in contact with-even if only for half an hour. I want to make an eternal impact, but in order to do that I must die to myself. Please pray that I will be able to do that.
Wednesday, February 28
Tuesday, February 27
Over Seven Months of Marriage
As of last thursday, I have been married for seven months. They have been some of the greatest in my life. I have learned so much about marriage and through my marriage.
I have heard many say that the first year of marriage is the hardest. If that is true, then I have some amazing years ahead of me. I realize we haven't hit the year marker yet, but 7 months have flown by with barely a sign of conflict. I am not saying that marriage is a piece of cake, but if you work in the right areas it will be a joy instead of a hastle. I believe that Brittany and I were well prepared for marriage. We did not rush into it or make a committment that we were not ready for.
I am so grateful for all of the people that encouraged us and helped us in our development. We have been dating for over 3 years, and there have been many people with us throughout the whole time. Thank you for your support. There were also people who made it hard for our relationship to work. I thank you for preparing us for life.
The most important reason why our marriage is succeeding is because it is founded on God. he is ultimately why we can love each other and serve each other. Brittany is amazing, but without the grace of God, I could not overcome my selfishness in order to love her.
I am excited to live the rest of my life with Brittany. Who knows how much more we'll learn.
I have heard many say that the first year of marriage is the hardest. If that is true, then I have some amazing years ahead of me. I realize we haven't hit the year marker yet, but 7 months have flown by with barely a sign of conflict. I am not saying that marriage is a piece of cake, but if you work in the right areas it will be a joy instead of a hastle. I believe that Brittany and I were well prepared for marriage. We did not rush into it or make a committment that we were not ready for.
I am so grateful for all of the people that encouraged us and helped us in our development. We have been dating for over 3 years, and there have been many people with us throughout the whole time. Thank you for your support. There were also people who made it hard for our relationship to work. I thank you for preparing us for life.
The most important reason why our marriage is succeeding is because it is founded on God. he is ultimately why we can love each other and serve each other. Brittany is amazing, but without the grace of God, I could not overcome my selfishness in order to love her.
I am excited to live the rest of my life with Brittany. Who knows how much more we'll learn.
Tuesday, February 20
Intramural Basketball- It's balla time
This week marks the beginning of competitive basketball for the college students who are not on the team. I have always loved playing basketball. Sometimes I wonder if I would have played in high school if it wasn't the same season as soccer. Whatever the case, I always get excited when this time of the year comes around. This year is a little different because I am now a married, working man and I...sorta have a bed time..shhh. It's gonna be hard to play a game at 11:15 and then get up at 6 am so that I can go teach. But you know what, it'll be worth it. I love playing sports and this is just another opportunity for me to hang out with my friends and stay in shape.
Even though I am a competetive sports player, I would much rather have fun than win every game. Many times having fun and winning go hand in hand, but this season I want to concentrate on having a positive attitude no matter what. I want to be one of those players that everyone loves playing with and against. I want to be encouraging, uplifting and also a good competition. I hope that I will keep this attitude throughout every game. It will be tough when people talk trash or get too heated. I will need to be devoted to my goal and stand strong through each trial.
Playing basketball shouldn't be any different than the rest of my life in that I honor God through it. I pray that my actions and attitude would bring glory to Him. Please hold me accountable to that.
Even though I am a competetive sports player, I would much rather have fun than win every game. Many times having fun and winning go hand in hand, but this season I want to concentrate on having a positive attitude no matter what. I want to be one of those players that everyone loves playing with and against. I want to be encouraging, uplifting and also a good competition. I hope that I will keep this attitude throughout every game. It will be tough when people talk trash or get too heated. I will need to be devoted to my goal and stand strong through each trial.
Playing basketball shouldn't be any different than the rest of my life in that I honor God through it. I pray that my actions and attitude would bring glory to Him. Please hold me accountable to that.
Thursday, February 15
To Move or Not to Move
Moving has been a desire of Brittany's and mine for a little while now. We are ready to move out of Cal Baptist after living here for almost 5 years. There isn't really anything to complain about in our current apartment, but we want something new and exciting. For some reason we are just ready to be out of this apartment. So I am going to discuss some reasons to move and some why we shouldn't move. Feel free to give any advice, input or opinions.
Why we should stay
The rent in our apartment is only $675 a month. We probably pay about $23 for our electrical bill. Other than that, we don't pay any other living expenses. Our apartment is gated and we have one covered parking space. The space is fine for the amount of things that we have. There is a small walk in closet that is able to fit our things for the time being.
If we were to move elsewhere, the rent would most likely be atleast $300 more a month. We may also have to pay for more utilities.
Why we should move
We are living in the farthest corner of the school housing. We are on campus, but don't really get the joys of being on campus. Our apartment is beginning to be small for us. We would like to get another couch or loveseat so that we can seat people. Currently we don't really have people over because getting them through the gate is a hastle and we don't have much seating or space. Our closet does not have any more space to store.
Besides being small, there are some other limitations at this apartment. We are still under CBU jurisdiction. That means we have to follow their rules and regulations. We don't have internet, cable, or a phone line. Many times this is inconvenient. Brittany and I would like to get a puppy, but we can't have pets here. Also, we can't have a bbq on our patio. We don't currently own one, but it is something that we would like to have.
If we move, we are thinking about finding a 2 bedroom. With two bedrooms, we would be able to move our computer and desk from out of our dining room and into a separate room. We would also be able to move the bookshelf out from behind the door in our bedroom. Having another room would clear up a lot of junk and make more space for us. Brittany and I enjoy having a neat home and sometimes it is difficult in our current apartment.
As you can see, it is our desire to move. We are still struggling with what to do, but if we move, it probably won't be for atleast a month or two. Our time frame is anywhere from April to August. I would love to hear what you think about our situation. What is best, or what should we do?
Why we should stay
The rent in our apartment is only $675 a month. We probably pay about $23 for our electrical bill. Other than that, we don't pay any other living expenses. Our apartment is gated and we have one covered parking space. The space is fine for the amount of things that we have. There is a small walk in closet that is able to fit our things for the time being.
If we were to move elsewhere, the rent would most likely be atleast $300 more a month. We may also have to pay for more utilities.
Why we should move
We are living in the farthest corner of the school housing. We are on campus, but don't really get the joys of being on campus. Our apartment is beginning to be small for us. We would like to get another couch or loveseat so that we can seat people. Currently we don't really have people over because getting them through the gate is a hastle and we don't have much seating or space. Our closet does not have any more space to store.
Besides being small, there are some other limitations at this apartment. We are still under CBU jurisdiction. That means we have to follow their rules and regulations. We don't have internet, cable, or a phone line. Many times this is inconvenient. Brittany and I would like to get a puppy, but we can't have pets here. Also, we can't have a bbq on our patio. We don't currently own one, but it is something that we would like to have.
If we move, we are thinking about finding a 2 bedroom. With two bedrooms, we would be able to move our computer and desk from out of our dining room and into a separate room. We would also be able to move the bookshelf out from behind the door in our bedroom. Having another room would clear up a lot of junk and make more space for us. Brittany and I enjoy having a neat home and sometimes it is difficult in our current apartment.
As you can see, it is our desire to move. We are still struggling with what to do, but if we move, it probably won't be for atleast a month or two. Our time frame is anywhere from April to August. I would love to hear what you think about our situation. What is best, or what should we do?
Thursday, February 1
Thoughts of a puppy
Brittany and I are looking around for a new place to live. We don't have to move right now, but we are looking around to see if a good deal comes up. One of our possible requirements is to move somewhere that allows pets. We want a puppy! We're not exactly sure what kind yet, but our though is that it will be fun, exciting and a huge responsibility. Basically we think it may be a little prep for children. Not that children are coming soon, but we want to prepare early. We want a dog that we can play with, run with, and cuddle with. Some possibilities are: golden retriever, lab, pointer, dalmation, and a rhodesian ridgeback. Yes, a rhodesian ridgeback. If you don't know what it is, its an athletic dog that's fun to be around. If you have any advice for kinds of dogs, please do tell. We are new to this whole thing and don't fully know the characteristics of each species. Any help would be appreciated.
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