Women are influential in the lives of those who love them. Women have an enormous impact on those they love. Today is my Mawmaw's Birthday. She has been gone since I was 12 but she has had an enormous influence on my life. Honestly, I don't remember many specific details about her. These are some of the things I do remember.
I remember how her house smelled. I can't describe the smell but I remember it. It was a clean smell. And very rarely, I smell the scent that was her house. There was never yelling at my Mawmaw's house, at least not the mad crazy kind. I never feared a fight while at her house. People didn't argue.
Therefore, I associate the smell of her house with peace. I remember that she was peaceful.
I remember that when I was small, I would sometimes get mad at my Mama. (cause she's CRAZY like me!) And when I got mad at her, I would pack all of my panties in a green, cosmetic suitcase thingy and tell her that I wanted to go live with Mawmaw. So, my mama would call her on the phone and Mawmaw would always say that I could come, but then she would talk to me for a while and convince me of my mother's love and of how much I needed her. I would eventually realize, due to her wisdom, that the best place for me was at home. However, the key is that if ever I was tempted to leave my mother's love, it was always my to Mawmaw's house that I wanted to run.
Therefore, I remember that she was wise and had a love that was second only to my mama's.
I remember that her house was THE place to be. My aunt's married military men and were often away when I was a child. But when they came home, Mawmaw's was where they ran as well. She was the orb around which our lives rotated. I went there to play with my cousins and visit. I remember the porch swing at her old house. I remember the big tree that was at the edge of the yard. I remember playing "Red Rover" and "Mother-May-I" in her yard hundreds of times. I remember playing "Hide-and-Seek" and how scary it was to hide behind that big tree when it was dark. So many of my childhood memories are of her house because she was the woman we all wanted to be near.
Therefore, I remember learning what family is all about.
I remember one time I was gone with a friend and they dropped me off at home after an outing. The problem with this scenario is that when I was dropped off, no one else was home, so I was ALONE. I must've been around 11 yrs. old. I remember sitting in my house being so terrified that I couldn't stand it. (when you have 5 brothers and sisters, being alone is not something you are comfortable with because it occured so rarely that you never got accustomed to the phenomenon) Anyway, I remember calling my Mawmaw and telling her how scared I was. I called her at home. This was way before cell phones so the option of calling my parents was null. She made my Pawpaw get in the car and drive her over to my house so that they could stay with me til my mama got home. When they got there, I had every light in the house on, the front door wide open and was holding a BB gun! She came because I was scared. They stayed with me til my parents got back so that I would not be alone or scared. Therefore, I remember that my Mawmaw was protection and comfort.
Even though I do not have many specific memories of my Mawmaw, the one's that I do have help me remember what a wonderful woman she was. And the memories help me know what an impact women have on the lives of those they love.
There are also some things that I know about my Mawmaw because of the legacy she has left behind. She raised 4 daughters who are the absolute backbone of the woman I am due to the influence they have had on me. My mom and my aunts have taught me how to make room in my heart for love and acceptance of all people under any circumstance. I don't remember a family gathering when there has not been someone present who was not necessarily related that did not become family before they left. That's because my Mawmaw opened her heart to everyone and she taught her kids to do the same.
She also raised sons who are not afraid to show love. I've never left my Uncles' homes without a hug and an "I love you." The men she raised are not afraid to love openly and that gave me enormous confidence in life. All of her children have taught me that love is service. My family is always willing to help and serve because their mama taught them that's how to love!
The things I remember and the things I know about my Mawmaw are not things I reminisce about only on her birthday. They are the things that have made me the person I am. That is how I know what an influence women have on lives.
This has not been eloquent, nor has it encompassed all the wonderful things I could relate about my family or it's Matriarch, but I hope it will help you realize that you are an influence, as am I. I want to be an influence for good, like my Mawmaw was.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
What's In a Name?
I know the names of a lot of people. I get a roster of the names of approximately 150 people at the beginning of each school year and I'm expected to learn their names very quickly. I like to learn the names of my students as quickly as possible. Students also like for me to remember their names. This year, I have two Kaitlins, a K-R-Isten and a K-I-Rsten. We've been in school 130 days and I still get K-I-Rsten's name wrong! She doesn't appreciate it. Why? Because names are special. Calling someone by his/her name affords that person validation. Maybe Kirsten believes I do not even really know who she is given that I mess-up her name so frequently.
I like for people to know my name. I like to be called by my name. Many married couples turn to calling one another "honey" or "baby" and I see the affection in those terms but I like for my husband to call me by my name sometimes. For me, that's more intimate because he's addressing me by a term that identifies me as ME, Amanda, instead of a term that could be applied to just anyone.
I've recently started a Bible study on the many names ascribed to God in the Bible. It's a special study to me, not only because it's helping me become better acquainted with God, but because a group of ladies, whom I consider my spiritual heroes, completed the same study when I was a kid and I've often heard those ladies reference various names of God. That always stuck with me and now I'm going through the study. (those ladies are Nancy Manley, Vicki Thompson, and Jean Everett. Just to NAME a few!)
I'm only on the second name, El Elyon. El Elyon identifes God as The Sovereign Ruler of the Universe. The first few lessons on this name showed how El Elyon has complete control over every aspect of the world and how there's absolutely nothing that is not controlled by His power. I think it's easy for us to understand that when we witness powerful storms or the beauty of nature but often difficult for us during times of stress or heartache.
Last night, as I was studying, I was amazed at one aspect of God's power that I've never truly understood. We all know that Job was tempted to curse God when Satan was given permission to destroy his family, possessions and finally his body. It's amazing to me that Job was such a man of integrity that he never gave satan what he wanted. He never forsook God or ceased trusting Him. Thus, giving validation to the power of God over satan. Satan couldn't even touch Job without God's permission! But Job was a righteous man from the start and God had faith that Job would remain faithful.
We then looked in Luke at Peter. Satan also asked God for permission to destroy Peter; to "sift him as wheat" (Lk 22:31). The fascinating thing about this temptation was that God knew that Peter, unlike Job, would give Satan what he wanted. Even though Peter assured Jesus that he was "ready to go with Him, both into prison and death," God knew that Peter was unable to stand up to Satan's sifting and would deny him (Lk 22:33-34). It seems as though God is allowing Satan a victory.
So many times, I've heard the names of people whom Satan has sifted and I've heard people allow Satan the glory. I've been sifted by Satan, but God's plan, even when we deny Him, is to always have the glory. El Elyon is still the Sovereign ruler of the universe, even when Satan seems to have the power over someone's life. The proof is right there in Luke, along with the rest of the story. Just after Jesus tells Peter that Satan wants him, Jesus also says, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; AND WHEN THOU ART CONVERTED (turned back again), strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32). Jesus, El Elyon, knew when He allowed Satan to sift Peter that Peter would fall. But hallelujah, He also knew that Peter would get back up!! And that when he did, El Elyon would still be in control and still have a plan for Peter. Jesus told Peter that the purpose for allowing Satan to "get him" was so that he could "STRENGTHEN THE BRETHREN" after he got back up! Friends, I am not saying that I'm anywhere near as significant as Peter. But I do know that I've allowed Satan some victories in my life. But I'm getting back up and El Elyon is still the ruler of the universe and HE IS GETTING THE GLORY! God is in control, even when we are out of control!
"If when I give my life to God, it is broken, it is because pieces will feed a mulititude, while a loaf will feed only a little lamb." Pray for me that I might strengthen someone else who has fallen.
I
I like for people to know my name. I like to be called by my name. Many married couples turn to calling one another "honey" or "baby" and I see the affection in those terms but I like for my husband to call me by my name sometimes. For me, that's more intimate because he's addressing me by a term that identifies me as ME, Amanda, instead of a term that could be applied to just anyone.
I've recently started a Bible study on the many names ascribed to God in the Bible. It's a special study to me, not only because it's helping me become better acquainted with God, but because a group of ladies, whom I consider my spiritual heroes, completed the same study when I was a kid and I've often heard those ladies reference various names of God. That always stuck with me and now I'm going through the study. (those ladies are Nancy Manley, Vicki Thompson, and Jean Everett. Just to NAME a few!)
I'm only on the second name, El Elyon. El Elyon identifes God as The Sovereign Ruler of the Universe. The first few lessons on this name showed how El Elyon has complete control over every aspect of the world and how there's absolutely nothing that is not controlled by His power. I think it's easy for us to understand that when we witness powerful storms or the beauty of nature but often difficult for us during times of stress or heartache.
Last night, as I was studying, I was amazed at one aspect of God's power that I've never truly understood. We all know that Job was tempted to curse God when Satan was given permission to destroy his family, possessions and finally his body. It's amazing to me that Job was such a man of integrity that he never gave satan what he wanted. He never forsook God or ceased trusting Him. Thus, giving validation to the power of God over satan. Satan couldn't even touch Job without God's permission! But Job was a righteous man from the start and God had faith that Job would remain faithful.
We then looked in Luke at Peter. Satan also asked God for permission to destroy Peter; to "sift him as wheat" (Lk 22:31). The fascinating thing about this temptation was that God knew that Peter, unlike Job, would give Satan what he wanted. Even though Peter assured Jesus that he was "ready to go with Him, both into prison and death," God knew that Peter was unable to stand up to Satan's sifting and would deny him (Lk 22:33-34). It seems as though God is allowing Satan a victory.
So many times, I've heard the names of people whom Satan has sifted and I've heard people allow Satan the glory. I've been sifted by Satan, but God's plan, even when we deny Him, is to always have the glory. El Elyon is still the Sovereign ruler of the universe, even when Satan seems to have the power over someone's life. The proof is right there in Luke, along with the rest of the story. Just after Jesus tells Peter that Satan wants him, Jesus also says, "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; AND WHEN THOU ART CONVERTED (turned back again), strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32). Jesus, El Elyon, knew when He allowed Satan to sift Peter that Peter would fall. But hallelujah, He also knew that Peter would get back up!! And that when he did, El Elyon would still be in control and still have a plan for Peter. Jesus told Peter that the purpose for allowing Satan to "get him" was so that he could "STRENGTHEN THE BRETHREN" after he got back up! Friends, I am not saying that I'm anywhere near as significant as Peter. But I do know that I've allowed Satan some victories in my life. But I'm getting back up and El Elyon is still the ruler of the universe and HE IS GETTING THE GLORY! God is in control, even when we are out of control!
"If when I give my life to God, it is broken, it is because pieces will feed a mulititude, while a loaf will feed only a little lamb." Pray for me that I might strengthen someone else who has fallen.
I
Sunday, January 29, 2012
From Pathetic Loser to Successful Student
I love to learn. I know, those of you who know me think that's unbelievable because I sound "dumb as a box of rocks." But, it's true. My dream career would absolutely be professional student. That's one of the many reasons I love my job. It forces me to learn. The best motivation for learning about a topic is having to teach it. My love for learning and teaching is also the source of one of my greatest frustrations. I want everyone to learn and I want everyone to love to learn. But, alas, I am a High School teacher and love for learning is sadly, not the norm.
That's why in my classroom, I've developed what I like to call my "Personal Accountability Sessions." I utilize this method with those of my students whom I know are smart and completely capable, yet they choose to NOT learn and to NOT apply themselves. The method is a bit unorthodox but I use it anyway. It goes as follows: Student is smart. Student is assigned reading/assignment. Student fails to do assignment due to sheer laziness and lack of interest. Student makes failing grade. Mrs. Lanier gets frustrated and calls student to desk. Mrs. Lanier conferences with student and ensures reason for failure is indeed laziness and lack of interest. Mrs. Lanier coaches students on reasons to be more diligent. Then, Mrs. Lanier has student raise right hand and repeat: "I am a Pathetic Loser. I chose to not complete my assignment. In order to change my status from Pathetic Loser to Successful Student, I promise to apply myself, thus benefitting my grade and Mrs. Lanier's sanity." I've actually secured several successes employing this method and will continue to use it in the future.
Tonight at church, the Pastor brought a message from II Timothy 4. He discussed the lives of Luke, John Mark and Demas and contrasted their spiritual journeys. Luke lived a faithful life from the moment of salvation and pleased the Lord with all his life. John Mark backslid on God, but returned to Him and finished strong. Demas forsook God and the ministry and presumably never made his way back. The application was that Christians should study the lives of these three men and learn how to maintain a steady relationship with Christ. The first requirement for maintaining a steady relationship was to develop a delight for the Word of God. The Pastor talked about how learning God's word could save us from learning life's lessons the hard way. Since I am a teacher and love all things analogy, I wrote down the following: "Life's trials are pop quizzes from God. When test time comes, will I have studied the Book well enough to pass the test?"
I thought it was pretty clever at the time but moved on and listened to the rest of the sermon. On the way home, however, God called me to his desk. He said to me, "Raise your right hand and repeat the following: I am a Pathetic Loser. I choose to not complete my assignments. In order to change my status from Pathetic Loser to Successful Student, I promise to apply myself, thus benefitting my life and my relationship with You. Now, stop being a DemAS and move on!" (I know, but I couldn't resist. who says God doesn't have a sense of humor!!)
What I realized about myself is that while I do love to learn and I get extremely frustrated with my students who are completely capable, I do not always apply myself to the fullest of my capabilities. And just as I get perturbed with my students because I know that because of their lack of dedication, they are going to fail tests, God also gets put out with me. And, if I really want to pass the test, I need to better LEARN the material. I need to more fully develop a delight for the Word of God. I hope whoever is reading this will hold me accountable as God does. And, that you will also realize, we could save ourselves a lot of failures if we would read and study the Book.
That's why in my classroom, I've developed what I like to call my "Personal Accountability Sessions." I utilize this method with those of my students whom I know are smart and completely capable, yet they choose to NOT learn and to NOT apply themselves. The method is a bit unorthodox but I use it anyway. It goes as follows: Student is smart. Student is assigned reading/assignment. Student fails to do assignment due to sheer laziness and lack of interest. Student makes failing grade. Mrs. Lanier gets frustrated and calls student to desk. Mrs. Lanier conferences with student and ensures reason for failure is indeed laziness and lack of interest. Mrs. Lanier coaches students on reasons to be more diligent. Then, Mrs. Lanier has student raise right hand and repeat: "I am a Pathetic Loser. I chose to not complete my assignment. In order to change my status from Pathetic Loser to Successful Student, I promise to apply myself, thus benefitting my grade and Mrs. Lanier's sanity." I've actually secured several successes employing this method and will continue to use it in the future.
Tonight at church, the Pastor brought a message from II Timothy 4. He discussed the lives of Luke, John Mark and Demas and contrasted their spiritual journeys. Luke lived a faithful life from the moment of salvation and pleased the Lord with all his life. John Mark backslid on God, but returned to Him and finished strong. Demas forsook God and the ministry and presumably never made his way back. The application was that Christians should study the lives of these three men and learn how to maintain a steady relationship with Christ. The first requirement for maintaining a steady relationship was to develop a delight for the Word of God. The Pastor talked about how learning God's word could save us from learning life's lessons the hard way. Since I am a teacher and love all things analogy, I wrote down the following: "Life's trials are pop quizzes from God. When test time comes, will I have studied the Book well enough to pass the test?"
I thought it was pretty clever at the time but moved on and listened to the rest of the sermon. On the way home, however, God called me to his desk. He said to me, "Raise your right hand and repeat the following: I am a Pathetic Loser. I choose to not complete my assignments. In order to change my status from Pathetic Loser to Successful Student, I promise to apply myself, thus benefitting my life and my relationship with You. Now, stop being a DemAS and move on!" (I know, but I couldn't resist. who says God doesn't have a sense of humor!!)
What I realized about myself is that while I do love to learn and I get extremely frustrated with my students who are completely capable, I do not always apply myself to the fullest of my capabilities. And just as I get perturbed with my students because I know that because of their lack of dedication, they are going to fail tests, God also gets put out with me. And, if I really want to pass the test, I need to better LEARN the material. I need to more fully develop a delight for the Word of God. I hope whoever is reading this will hold me accountable as God does. And, that you will also realize, we could save ourselves a lot of failures if we would read and study the Book.
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