When I signed my contract a year ago, I thought I signed on the dotted line- teach so many classes. Teach them Spanish. Since it is a Christian school, weave in spiritual lessons. Do everything possible to manage your classroom well. Make sure to have clear lesson plans. Teach ‘til June. Evaluate.

So here I am just a week away from finals and I am evaluating. Thank God and praise Him from whom all blessings flow- I can give my year a #10 on a scale from 1 – 10. Of course so much of my positive evaluation can be credited to the outstanding little school where I teach. I can’t say enough about small schools. They are a place where
      everyone knows your name
      leadership majors on key priorities
      creativity in the classroom and innovation in the process take precedence

And because of these three descriptors, learning and teaching can be fun and productive!

I digress! So what is new?? As I evaluate my year I also realize lesson plans were written for me. My students were not the only ones learning in the classroom. I leaned in my own classroom. I was not the only teacher. My students taught me!

Case in point: I had a few discipline issues.

I deal with my students individually. I know each is different. I know each learns and understands uniquely.

Al is very smart. He is way ahead of the game. Not only is he intelligent, he is a talented athlete, putting him in a special category. He is handsome, likeable, curious, and involved. Oh is he involved- center of attention involved. And if I ignore him, he gathers his corner of the classroom, builds his own platform and takes my students away from me!!

I CAN’T let that happen.

Al and I had a few little talks early in the year. After a while the talk wore off. I contacted his home with a good response. After a while that effort wore off. I sent him into the hall, left the door open and let him learn from his desk outside the door. He begged me to let him back into class.

By mid April- all my efforts had worn off. I put him in time out: a desk reserved for the most incorrigible. A desk that faces my desk, meaning that he faces me! His eyes on me. His mouth open only to my ears. My eyes on his every move and…

one-on-one attention.

Now- of course he completed his work. He had no choice. So after I taught my lessons, made my rounds, answered questions, and returned to my desk--- there was Al- finished with his work – lessons completed perfectly and ready for something more.

…more to learn.

Al’s basic personality had not changed. He still longed for attention; still sought answers to his myriad of questions. Having no one to talk to, he turned to me- his teacher.

He conjured up subject matter that only deep thinkers consider. He amazed me with the depth of his mind. We talked about God, how He created the earth; about angels, how they fulfill their purpose; about salvation, how it works and is played out in the lives of believers.

Slowly God revealed an interesting picture: the importance and the necessity of discipline. I thought I already knew a lot about discipline and I did- disciplining others. But what about my own need for discipline?

I watched Al submit to authority. I was privy to his heart as he shared his struggles and opened up. Truthfully – these were the lessons I most enjoyed teaching this year.

But what lessons did this teacher learn?

Simple—there have been times in my life when I forced God to discipline me. No, I am not kidding – really! God began with soft forms of discipline. When lite lessons didn’t work, He progressively allowed discomfort to increase. So much so that there have been times in my life when I felt, no I was convinced -- He had cast me out. What I didn’t know – He was not far from me- just "around the corner, in another room." I couldn’t see Him, but He knew where I was. Unfortunately even difficult trials didn’t turn this child’s heart for long.

That is when I forced God to move me into a place apart- apart from the world and all I held dear, apart from my family, friends, and treasures, even apart from my career and my calling!

And there – in that place apart, because I had no distractions,  I opened up to my Teacher. He had my complete attention and before long we were deep in discussion. Not only did I talk to Him and ask Him questions I never knew existed he answered - I heard Him talk to me!

So as this year draws to a close, as I sit evaluating the lessons I taught. Whether or not my students learned, I know one thing for sure ---

the lessons my students taught me far outweigh what I taught them!

I owe you a great big thank you- students. You make me smile and help me

Shine!

Last Saturday I spoke in Pinehurst at the Village Chapel. The ladies planned an all day retreat at the Country Club of North Carolina and invited me to speak. We chose the topic:

                             Wait Management
So of course I spoke on waiting. Although the Bible teaching was deep and my stories seemed to be relevant, I got lots of comments about the practical suggestion I made- a “gym bag” to take to God’s Wait Room. I suggested that the ladies create their own little tote bag and fill it with items that would help them survive their time trials. The bag I showed them can easily be stowed away in a big purse or under the car seat to be used when our lives are put on hold- you know, when a child runs late and you are stuck waiting in the parking lot or when an appointment runs over and the doctor or hair dresser puts you off a few minutes or half an hour!

I have found that when I have something worthwhile to occupy my time I am less likely to lose my patience or become frustrated.
In my Wait Management “work out bag” I have a small Bible, a notebook, pen, highlighter, note cards for writing notes of encouragement, a devotional, pictures of my favorite people so I can pray for them, a collection of my favorite quotes, Bible verses, the latest P31 Magazines – sometimes I even give them away in waiting rooms!
Why not make it a priority to make yourself a work out bag and prepare yourself for the next time you are in the Wait Room or better yet- create a few to have on hand and give away to friends whose lives have ground to a halt and be a blessing to someone who needs encouragement. Be a meaningful blessing and
Shine! .

MOVING CLOSER TO YOUR DREAM 

Normally, on Mondays I write about moving. Today I will continue my moving blog- but in a unique direction:

I want to encourage those of you whose names were not drawn for the She Speaks scholarship to keep on movin’ on --- in a new direction. Get creative about how you can design your next “move” toward your speaking and writing ministry- mainly getting to She Speaks.

First let me mention that I would like to say to all the ladies who posted comments on my blog last week, you ladies whose big dream right now is to attend She Speaks --- I dreamed that dream once and I know that your dreams and plans are exciting ones. What a future and a hope you have. I encourage you to never give up until you get to She Speaks.

Now even though the scholarship winner has been announced and you are not her please keep the P31 conference a high priority and a future hope.

The first time I ever felt God’s nudge to step into any form of public ministry I couldn’t believe it. I was happily engaged in a career I loved, one which allowed me to minister day in and day out. I was a teacher. I continue to be a teacher.
So why was God adding to my plate by calling me to a new journey? Today, twenty five years later I understand – the call was the first step. For years I remained dormant as to the call. I continued to work, a second baby boy was born, my husband’s career moved us not once, not twice, but three times- and then we moved to Charlotte where I finally felt God place me on a fast track.

So why did he call me and then leave me to wonder???

He was preparing me! He was giving me material. There were details in my life that I didn’t understand 25 years ago. Bottom line – I was not ready. Even since I’ve stepped into speaking and writing, there have been times God has placed me in a holding pattern. I’m experiencing a pause right now!

We don’t always understand His ways, but we can trust that His way is perfect.

So dear one- don’t despair during this pause. Use this time to open your heart, fill your files and journals with stories, Biblical knowledge and spiritual wisdom.
And use this time to create and develop a scholarship fund for yourself.
I am reminded of Paul who, while he preached and traveled, while he spoke and wrote, he built tents!

“There he (Paul) became acquainted with Aquila and his wife, Priscilla… Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.”Acts 18:2-4

Want to use this brief blip in your life to prepare for a speaking ministry- begin now to do what you do whether it be tent making or … to invest in your future. The Proverbs 31 web site has easy to follow directions on developing your own scholarship fund. Today is the best day to begin.


Why not let your friends, family members, co-workers, and people from your church know about your desire to attend the conference. Many women have been afforded the opportunity to attend in years past just by getting the word out. We have prepared a letter that may help you in your fundraising efforts. For a copy of please email Samantha at Samantha@proverbs31.org for more information.

Should you decide to raise support, you will need to register for the conference to ensure your spot AND send Samantha@proverbs31.org your mailing address. This is imperative to making sure your funds are allocated to you.

There are many creative ways to build your fund. In addition to letting others know you are working toward a really important goal in your life, take a look at your daily habits – a soda or Starbucks treat or fast food lunch or tall sweet tea (sometimes I am aghast that I pay $2 for a glass of tea!) What can you eliminate? Look for other opportunities. I know you can find them. It may take time, but what a challenging journey and how proud of yourself you will be when you reach your goal. The wait is always worth it.

How about letting me know what ideas you come up with so we can share them with all the other women looking for ways to get to She Speaks.

Meanwhile I have prayed for each of you who have left a comment on my blog. Thanks for coming over to visit. I hope you come back often and as you begin your move toward Charlotte for either this year’s or next year’s conference let me remind you to

Shine