Ackerman's Angle - Inside LU http://www.liberty.edu/academics/education/index.cfm?PID=20067 A blog by Dr. Beth Ackerman en-us James Washburn and His Family http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020897 Since I am at a conference, I will be missing the celebration tomorrow of this amazing young man, James, who passed away a few days ago at the age of 26. James is one of our original church members of our iKids partnership program with TRBC. When the program was kicked off years ago, I was able to spend time with James during a few church services. It was amazing to watch his emotions that always made me wonder what he thought about us and the world around him. :) I can’t wait to someday see this handsome young man, created in God's image with a purpose of glorifying Him, and now glorifying Him in eternity. 

I’ve also gotten to know his sister, Jennifer Washburn, first as a student, later as a colleague and as the women's ministry leader at my home church. James became part of her family when he was 3 years old. Though she probably doesn’t know it, she became my teacher when listening to her talk about James and her family and also in watching her dedication to all those God has trusted in her care. 

Just recently, about a week ago, one of our graduates asked me what I thought about the closing of a local training center, an institution for people with severe disabilities, and the trend of now placing these folks in community and individual family homes. My response was this, “having folks with even the severe disabilities as part of our neighborhoods, churches, families, etc epitomizes our faith - Jesus' life lived out for the broken who become whole in community and towards eternity!” 

The Washburn family walked this amazing faith. So as they celebrate the life of their son and brother, I feel they, too, should be celebrated in their relentless pursuit of a great faith in being Jesus’ hands and feet. Our prayers are lifted up for them as they treasure sweet memories of James and we pray their grief continues to be filled with Our Great Hope in James' homecoming.

 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020897 Fri, 03 Mar 2017 04:33:00 EST
One Champion http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020896 This week I received an email from a student asking why I haven’t blogged here in a while.  I honestly didn’t think anyone would notice.  :)  I’ve been busy these days with family, friends, and work.  And I’ve also been enjoying my Women of Faith blogs.  So you can look for me there as well.   But I appreciated the email from this student so much that I asked his story could be my next blog.  If you’ve followed by blogs at all, you’ll understand why I appreciate his story so much as key people were placed in his life to set his path straight, particularly a Christian foster family.   Please take the time to read his story and pray about what God is saying to you through this one Champion in Christ. 

 

My name is Joseph Provost, and I am an undergraduate student (Senior, will be graduating next May) studying Special Education in the online program.  While many may think what I am about to say is needless or frivolous, I think it's important for you to hear.

 

As a child, my mother left me at three months old, and my father had disabilities and was unable to care for three children.  I was placed in foster care while visiting him.  Unfortunately, I was abused eventually his parental rights were terminated.  I was then sent from foster home, to residential, to group home, to hospital, time and time again.  It appeared I had no one to love me, and the statistics did not look good.  In my dark days of uncertainty, I turned to a belief that there had to be something of good out there.  While the people who were supposed to show me good failed at this, I knew that someone out there had to love me, because what else did I have?  I began to have a childlike faith in God, which helped get me through many dark times.

 

To fast forward, when I was finally put in public school in 10th grade, I was tested at a 6th grade level and placed in a self-contained special education classroom.  I was told that given my then current behavioral characteristics and classification statistics, by the time my graduating class walked across the stage, I would be a dropout, dead, or in prison.  Around the same time, I was taken in by a great foster family at around 15 (which later adopted me as an adult) and was baptized into the Faith.  What happened next shocked everyone.  In one year, I tested out of the self-contained special education classroom, and was mainstreamed taking college prep and honors classes, with over a 3.8 GPA.  

 

I graduated high school as the first and only person to do so in my family, and I did so as #3 in my class, and 1 of 12 on the National Honor Society.  I was not ready for college, even though it was pushed upon me.  I attended American International College for just over a year studying Criminal Justice, and left because I really didn't know what I wanted to do.  While I was successful in high school, there were still so many things afflicting me, that it was difficult to focus on moving forward, including settling on any specific path in life.  I worked for about 10 years in many sales and marketing positions, until one day, I was inspired to return to school at Southern New Hampshire University for "no apparent reason".  I didn't know why I was going back to school, but I did.  Through all of my classes, I finally had an "aha" moment in which I realized the calling God had for me - to be a Special Education Teacher, effecting change for generations.  

 

In the years since returning to school, I have received all "A's" except for one "B", and have prided myself in making an eternal difference.  I plan on continuing at Liberty for my MAT in Special Education, and then deciding on a program to earn my EdD.

Why do I tell you all of this?  I say this to help you understand that I KNOW how hard it is to balance the demands of work, school, family, etc.  I work as a Special Education Behavior Interventionist while also studying at Liberty.  I am engaged to be married.  I am a Squadron Commander, Director of Cadet Programs, and member of the Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps.  Given where I came from, the immense trauma, and where I am today in a position to serve is entirely miraculous.  What YOU and EVERY faculty and staff member does for me and every student who wishes to learn in an academically challenging and spiritually grounded University is beyond remarkable, and continually shapes who I am.

The real heroes are the ones who suffer and labor in silence.  You and the entire Liberty staff have my continued respect and admiration, as well as my prayers to continue the good fight - the fight for Our Lord Jesus Christ!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020896 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 11:07:10 EST
Jerry Falwell Library http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020895  

 

“Give me a lever long enough… and single handed I can move the world”.   Peter Senge

 

Today, I had the honor of watching the grand opening of the Jerry Falwell Library.  Being in academics, it’s amazing to see such a state of the art library being built at the University that I once attended for my undergraduate program and to where I now am one of the associate deans.   After seeing the amazing structure and technology, I feel incredibly humbled to be part of such a flourishing program.

 

It was emotional for me to hear the remarks from Rev. Jerry Falwell’s eldest son and current President, Jerry Falwell, along with his closest friend and current Provost, Dr. Ron Godwin.  During their remarks I’m sitting with my Mom, the Dean of the School of Education.  Anyone that knows my Mom knows her humble, servant heart.  What folks may not know, because of her quiet spirit nature, is her love and belief in the power of Christian Education, a vision that she has quietly shared with Dr. Jerry Falwell.  It was also a vision passed down from her parents, to where she sacrificed much to see us receive this education. 

 

So during one of the videos that showed Dr. Falwell praying and sharing his vision for the future of the land that now holds Liberty University, my Mom leaned over and said to me, "I watched that live on TV".  About a decade later my family moved to Lynchburg so my parents could be part of what is happening here.  I was 13 years old when we moved, nearly 3 decades ago. 

 

We often hear about the legacy and the large numbers that Jerry Falwell was part of creating.  But for many of us, for the families of the church, University, LCA, it was a new beginning to being part of something ordained and greater than ourselves in sharing of a vision that the world can be changed through Christian Education and being a part of a lever that can move the world.  

 

Grand opening - http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=109603

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020895 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 12:49:44 EST
Thoughts on Common Core http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=697181 As the debates seem to continue about Common Core Standards, I thought I would share some of my thoughts on the matter here.  This discussion is an attempt to explain the controversy rather than to push a point of view.  I prefer that our students and others think critically about these ideas and be able to form their own opinions based off key elements such as a biblical perspective and Christian principles.

 

The debate seems to be centered around standards that are nationally driven or top/down agenda, which is not typically seen as a conservative point of view. It’s also my understanding that the major teacher unions have gotten behind them which is sometimes seen as a liberal group of stakeholders.  While common core can be seen as controversial, most school systems have already adopted the standards.  

 

ACSI, Association of Christian Schools International (the leading Christian education organization), has begun to develop materials to address the standards in our Christian schools.   Christian schools are now utilizing the common core, because many states that house these schools are now requiring the common core. ACSI is offering workshops and aligning curriculum to these standards as states have already endorsed them.  They have some information on their views at this article - http://pubs.royle.com/article/Christian+Schools+and+the+Common+Core/1497092/173903/article.html

 

Virginia Department of Education, who approves Liberty University's programs, has decided to not utilize the common core standards.   Instead they have demonstrated how our State Standards Of Learning align to the common core standards, but at this time VA would prefer to maintain control of their own standards.  So this is also state’s rights type issue, which is seen as a conservative view point.   See VA DOE's statement at - http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/index.shtml   and http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/common_core/index.shtml

 

However, the biggest fear of conservative organizations is that national standards can be agenda driven. Once the Federal government or any entity starts requiring them, then it is possible for agendas to become part of the standards.  Some conservatives are claiming that the agenda is already there.  Speaking in very general terms, conservative states and organizations have been the last to “sign off” on common core. The fear is if that though they are currently voluntary, they may not stay voluntary.  And some conservatives and conservative organizations have said that states are already applying pressure to home schoolers and Christian education institutions.  Regardless of whether they are volontary or if your state has endorsed the standards, they are probably here to stay whether we want them to be or not, at least for a political season.

 

With that said, there are benefits to common core standards, just as there are any “standards” for holding accountability. As Christians, we don’t want ever want to shy away from accountability. As Jerry Falwell, Sr. often said, “If it’s Christian, it ought to better”. Our concern should be focused rather on who and what is driving the standards and are our religious rights being impacted by these decisions.    The link above to the ACSI's thoughts on the Common Core, express nicely how Christians should be engaging the culture, to include common core standards with biblical truths and princples. Perhaps they don't need to be something to run away from confronting. 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=697181 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 08:45:17 EST
Sound of Feet http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=690057 I started becoming aware of this when I decided in my teen years that I needed to escape my family and four sisters fighting for a single bathroom and I moved myself to the basement bedroom.  It was next to the stairs and it sometimes seemed an earthquake was coming when people galloped down the stairs.  In adjusting to the new sounds of my bedroom and in the solitude I was seeking, I became very aware of my family’s movement.  I could tell when sisters were fighting, Dad was mad, and when my family was being active or peaceful.  When Jhon and I got our first apartment together, it was a basement apartment.  The sounds above were foreign to him, but to me, it felt like home.

I’d begun to forget about those days when we bought our own home.  It was 11 years before Jhon and I had Johnny, our first child.  A couple years after this, I remember when I became aware of his little pattering toddler feet, whatever I was doing I stopped and listened and I cried.  I get teary eyed now to still think about it. I now had my family and our own beautiful sounds of children feet.   

Yesterday, I returned from a trip.  I was just so happy to be at home and with my family.  And I was listening intently to our home.  The kids were playing on their Kinect and I heard their feet dancing, running in place, and jumping.  And then one that just made me laugh, a clickity, click of paws on the hardwood floor.  (I can’t believe we have a puppy!)

When times are stressed, when we are arguing, looking for lost shoes, trying to get out the door.  I just exhale, briefly close my eyes, and just listen to feet, and now add the clickity, click of paws, and I know, all is good and blessed!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=690057 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 08:12:58 EST
Demolition Begins on School of Education http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020894 It’s hard to not be sentimental when I see the various machinery and barriers closing in on the School of Education.  I imagine most of us from the School of Education would agree that it is a bitter sweet ending of an era.  

My family left Miami, FL and moved to Lynchburg, Virginia in 1986 so that my Mom could teach at Liberty University.  She had just completed her doctorate at UM and it sparked a series of changes for our family.  I remember her first office in the hallway they are prepping for destruction.  She shared it with her friend and colleague, Dr. Rebecca Carwile.  I remember hanging out in what was already a small office to share.  At age 13, I would play with Dr. Carwile’s paper cranes until I figured out how to make one.  My Mom, Dr. Parker, later became the Chair and Dean of the School of Education.  Dr. Carwile was her Associate Dean for a time before losing a battle to cancer.

My Mom had the same office in the School of Education for about 20 years.  To the best of my knowledge and because of much construction and growth, I imagine that no one currently at Liberty University has stayed in the same office longer.  There are many memories of times spent visiting my Mom in her office, tears because of grades and frustration with school, memories of visits from my sisters there.  And then the more recent memories of holding what I call “marathon meetings” with her in her office. 

Of course, I was also a graduate of the School of Education, where I did my bachelor’s degrees.  I had my colleagues as professors, Dr. Carwile, Dr. Pantana, and Dr. Black just to name a few.  I still struggle to call them by their first name.  I sat as a student in what used to be desks now replaced by tables, I recorded my first lesson plan and delivered presentations to my classmates in that building in the early 90s. 

So as I walk the halls and see the white boards being removed, boxes being packed, I imagine that there all precious memories for all of us being stored until the School of Education finds a new home to fill up with new memories.

 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020894 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 11:30:49 EST
Random Thoughts on Being an Introvert http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=676159 I should start that folks are often shocked that I’m introverted.   When they think about it, I think it makes sense to them.  There’s a reason I’m always hard to find in person, why I’m fast on email and slow to the phone, why I don’t frequent the office lunches, and then there is my obvious love for meetings, ;).  My colleagues have learned it’s not that I’m not available; it’s that I’m available to them in different ways.

 

I also used to be EXTREMELY shy. As a child, I wouldn’t/couldn’t talk to strangers, and they often would even make me cry when they spoke to me.  My students always love this example. When I was an undergraduate student, I DREADED speeches or presentations with the sick stomach and all.  No, it’s worse than that, I was pitiful.  I was one of those folks the audience even felt sorry for…with my voice and hands shaking. On a few occasions in my early college years, I even walked out of the middle of my speeches in tears. And I still get sick to my stomach on the first day of a new class or if I know I have to use a microphone at a speaking engagement.  Though finding a sense of humor helps me recover from these more quickly.

 

There are times when being an introvert is great.  When I have the right confidants and trusted friends lined up, it actually makes life easier being an introvert as I can escape much drama and enjoy a simpler life.   But it’s hardest when people don’t recognize that this is how I am.  I can do the parties and politics, have fun, hang out, talk to different people, etc.   And it’s not even that I don’t enjoy it.  I love hearing people's stories and hearing about their life.  And anyone can tell you that I do love to talk :), it’s just that it makes me VERY tired.  It burns energy from me to the point where I feel that my mind becomes unable to function. 

 

Also, some of my long-time friends know that it can take years before they really got to know me.  One of the reasons these blogs stretch me in interesting ways.  :) 

 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=676159 Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:59:19 EST
Fragrance of a Rose http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=666100 I write monthly devotional blogs for Women of Faith.   Because of the quotes that have been dear to me in my walk in faith, this one has been my personal favorite.  I wrote it a few weeks before the passing of Brennan Manning and it was published a couple weeks after his passing.  If you are not familiar with his writings, I suggest you begin with Ragamuffin Gospel.

 

My Devotional Blog - Fragrance of a Rose

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=666100 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:40:40 EST
Ember and a $200 Deposit http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=662486 It was 2005, and I had already paid my $200 deposit for my first overseas trip to an orphanage in Kazakhstan.  But I had found out a couple months later that I was pregnant and I would be unable to go.  So I went to this meeting about the trip in hopes of getting my deposit back.  At this meeting, I find myself sitting next to Ember, who I met for the first time.   Ember and I talked about her doing her Master’s degree and at some point in the conversation she stated that there was no way she could have the deposit which was due the next day. So she wouldn’t do the trip on this go around.  Before I could give it any thought, I told her she could have my deposit.  I don’t say this arrogantly, because I was having a baby and I really wanted to keep that money.  Had I given it any thought, she would not have received the deposit.  

 

Ember went on that trip and then went every summer until 2008 where she stayed for a year.  That year she met Kiikzhan who she married in 2010.  They now have 2 beautiful children, the newest one born last week that sparked this blog.  They may even return with their family to Kazakhstan someday.  I occasionally see them around town and pictures of their beautiful family on Facebook, and I just think… a $200 deposit I hoped to get back.  Ember would also tell you all the other people that got her there that day and later on the different trips to Kazakhstan.  My role was very small and really the role of many others.  Ember made the true sacrifice.   But my point is that we may never be used in the ways we had thought we might.  But we are all used in beautiful ways.  If you open your eyes to what is happening around you, you will see it.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=662486 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:34:01 EST
Safe? http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020893 Throughout my life there are those images left frozen on my mind.  Mental pictures that can always spark instant emotion.  Some are funny, well hysterical actually, others are pure joy, and then there is this one - one that leaves me with the rawest of emotions - sadness, frustration, anger, and doubt – all in one picture.  Every time I’ve thought of it, it ends with -  WHY? Why doesn’t God protect us and keep us safe?  The thing about these mental pictures is that no words can do it justice.  But I’ll try.

It was almost 2 years ago and I was attending a double funeral of my colleague and friend’s daughter and son-in-law.  It was a tragic death of a beautiful young couple killed in a fire.  I was watching the family procession into the church.  Behind the shared single casket which held this young couple; there was my friend, Dr. Kathie Morgan. She seemed barely able to walk with 2 men supporting and guiding her along; one man, her first husband, who she had grown to forgive and continue to love, and the other man, her new husband who walked with her through her recent battle with cancer to include a mastectomy.  Just behind her walked her only surviving daughter, and when I see her I know instantly the world of hurt that she is facing in losing a sister.  There was my snap shot and mental picture of Kathie bearing all of life’s possible pains.

I also have to say here that Kathie Morgan is one of those amazing, kind women, who I imagine has very few, if any, grudges against her.  So with this mental picture, I’m often left wondering – Why?  Why does it storm so hard on some people?  And good people?   Where is our protection?

Yesterday, Kathie shared her story in our School of Education Convocation, I honestly wasn’t sure if I wanted to go.  I knew it would hurt to hear her story again.  But then sometimes it seems the least we can do is to listen to her story.  I also knew that underneath the pain, perhaps she would offer me some wisdom.  That raw wisdom discovered through life’s pain.  She told her stories of pain, heartbreak, and loss to include others, like losing her sister to cancer.  She didn’t even have time to share her husband’s recent heart problems and her Mom not doing well and other struggles I know she faces.  While we are all left crying and emotionally drained, she closed with these thoughts.  She gave us five things to do –

1.  Love those people God put in your life in grace. Allow them to be free.  And don’t allow any regrets.

2.  Choose people over things

3.  Choose your friends, mentors, and colleagues wisely, as through the hard times, they are your support.

4.  Listen to your heart

5.  Pray

Being true to teaching and her love of literacy, Kathie ended it with a quote from C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia referring to Aslan.

"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."

Here is a picture of Kathie and her daughter.  Because this is much her story, Kathie read this and gave permission to share.   It's been an honor to learn from her and I hope you feel this as well. 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020893 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:05:14 EST
You'll Never Walk Alone http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020892 This weekend Mom wanted to get Dad out of the house a little more as it's now been a few weeks since his open heart surgery.  Yesterday, at a middle school play where his granddaughter had a leading role, he seemed to be struggling a little and felt he was going to faint.  I jokingly told him that “you’re just trying to get out of the Carousel play tonight”.   He said, “That’s one of my favorites.  I love the music to that one”.  He rested for the afternoon and was able to attend the play.

So last night, while waiting for the start of Carousel with my parents and extended family, who traveled to see my cousin perform, I looked at the Playbill wondering why I don’t know what music was even in Carousel.  I turned to Dad who was sitting behind me and asked, is this THE “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.   And he said “yes, but it won’t be as good as the Lettermen singing it” (Though we all now agree the performers last night DID do better, particularly the closing number was very moving). 

But I grew up listening to Lettermen tapes - or could it have even been 8 tracks? :).  As a kid, I never realized they were a "cover band" of sorts.  So it’s always funny to me when I find out where these songs originated from.  But as a child and as a family, we would belt out songs like this in the car, and songs like "Yesterday", never fully understanding the meaning and emotions of the lyrics, songs about life's storms or of loss. 

So at the end of Carousel, sitting with some of the extended family, family who've traveled to funerals, to include my Sister’s (their cousin and neice), as well as Grandma’s and Grandpa’s funeral, family who travel to each other’s weddings, family who vacation together…and with more weddings and life to come.  And also sitting with my Dad, who is still pulling through on a difficult and scary time.   Through all these family memories, we arrive at a part in the play when the characters attempt to move beyond a death and the struggle of life...there was the childhood song and the lyrics to You’ll Never Walk Alone –

When you walk through a storm
Keep your chin up high
And don't be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.

Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown.

Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone,
You'll never walk alone.

When the play was over, I saw Mom’s eyes filled with tears as we were probably sharing similar thoughts.   What a blessing, to be raised with such strength and determination, "Walk on, walk on" through difficult times, to be taught such "hope in your heart", and most importantly to be taught undying family loyalty that - “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

                           

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020892 Sun, 24 Feb 2013 10:01:45 EST
My First Valentine http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=649150 This past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions as my Dad had congestive heart failure that led to a four bypass heart surgery.  Thankfully, he is now home recovering.  I spent much of my time in the hospital contemplating my time with Dad, remembering good times and wondering if he knows how much we love him. 

Now that he’s recovering, I’ve become aware that I’m at an amazing and beautiful time in my life where I have three Valentines, my first one – my Dad,  the obvious one - Jhon, and my son (who at 7 years old says we will NOT do a date this year, because that is weird).  Not to boast, as of course, all relationships have their challenges and no one can escape heartbreak, loneliness, or loss.  But it occurred to me this week that I’ve ALWAYS had a valentine.  I remember all through school Dad sending a flower and/or a valentine card delivered to me in class, along with delivering them to my three sisters.  While studying at Liberty University and still living at home, I met Jhon, my true Valentine.

I’m often asked which parent I am the most like.  This is probably because many people know all three of us.  And honestly, I’m very close to both my parents.  But of my sisters, I probably was the closest to a “Daddy’s girl”.  Growing up, Dad and I would wake up before the rest of the house.  I actually only did this because I shared a bathroom with 3 sisters and this is the only way to get ready in peace.  But sitting in the hospital watching Dad struggle and sleep and then struggle again, I would get teary eyed thinking about those many mornings of sharing the newspaper, mostly in silence while the rest of the household got ready. 

Dad taught us all to face life with a laugh… sometimes it’s hard to even imagine him being serious about anything.  Just today, I asked how he was feeling, and he said “with my hands”.  He also taught us to have a zeal for life, an ability to have happy and sad tears and feel all of life’s beauty, both in joy and pain, even at the same time!  But the biggest thing I got from him was to marry well.

I remember in one of my bitter teenager days that I got upset with Dad for something and refused to come to the table for dinner.  Dad was trying to talk to me to get me to come to dinner, but I had my headphones on and music up loud and was quite disrespectfully, ignoring him.  He grabbed my hand and mouthed the words to me, “I love you”.   Dad handled being surrounded by women so well.  At the time these events happened or when this special silence was shared with my Dad, I never realized the power of these memories and the joy they will hold over my life.

I love you, Dad!   Glad your heart has been healed in time for another Valentine’s Day!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=649150 Tue, 05 Feb 2013 08:28:34 EST
Mommy guilt turned mommy gratitude http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020891 Jeanie, my 5 year old, sat next to me drawing a picture while I worked on the computer.  She was actually being needy and I “had” to finish this project by a deadline.  So I sat her next to me with a paper and pen and asked her to draw me a picture.  She was so intent on her drawing making tight little boxes on a piece of paper.  When she was done, she held it up and exclaimed, “look, what I have!”   As anyone who works with or has young children can understand, I had to ask Jeanie, “tell me about your picture”… as I had no idea what she had drawn.  : )   Her response, “now I have a computer like you, Mommy”.  And she sets it down next to me and my computer and starts typing on her drawing.  I shut my computer and snuggled with her the rest of the evening.  I now keep her drawing next to my computer to remind me to try to limit my time on the computer when the kids are around.  And anyone who knows Jeanie, knows she is also just that “good”.  : )

 

Johnny, my 7 year old, has been having nightmares for months.  With the helpful advice of a friend, we’ve gotten him to go to sleep at a regular time and we’ve gotten our evenings back.  However, for about a month he wakes up at around midnight, like clock-work, needing someone to sleep in the bed with him.  On Sunday, I was sharing this frustration with another Mom.  She said that her 9 year old often does this as well.  But that she also has a teenager now.  She shared that whenever she gets frustrated about the 9 year old - she remembers her teenager and how she just wished she could go back and have those moments of him needing her again.  The last few nights I’ve been excited about Johnny waking me up and me getting to spend “time” with him.

 

So much beauty…so much to be thankful for.  To me thanksgiving shouldn’t just be an event, a day, a person, it’s a state of mind and awareness…sometimes it is even a struggle to see and be aware of life’s beauty… but it should be a constant state of gratitude.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020891 Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:25:43 EST
Seasons and FALL http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=626173 So I’ve been neglecting this blog.  I wonder if I still have to do this since the person that requested I keep the blog is no longer at Liberty University.  Ha!   Sometimes it’s just hard to know what to talk about.   As one point on what to discuss, I think we are being blogged and social networked to death.  I think I’m finally getting a bit weary of it, or more accurately, I’m in a season of social networking weariness.  And then as another point, what do I talk about?!?   For example, I have a lot I could say about election season, but I keep thinking – “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything”.   :)

So I just looked over my old blogs and realized I’ve never covered Fall.  How could I have not written about my favorite season!?!?  Beautiful weather, football, new TV episodes, pumpkins… or more specific… pumpkin spice lattes or pumpkin cheese cake!!   We have the beautiful colors here in Lynchburg now.  We (my family) just returned from a trip to Florida and returned to the peak of the beautiful Blue Ridge fall colors.

Seasons and dates have always been important to me.  I think because they represent all that life is…every season…turn, turn, turn… every date…turn, turn, turn.   Fall represents change … leaves that fall and will no longer be… to be replaced by new leaves, new colors, and greener grass.  Ah, I do love all types of seasons, particularly Fall….  And turn, turn, turn...

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=626173 Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:42:39 EST
Thank you, Lord! http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=612990 I'm so happy to see my students on Facebook who are excited about the new school year!  Some are getting their first classrooms and others are at it again and are becoming veterans (this makes me feel old).   I remember these days, that anticipation for the new school!  Sometimes a slight dread of what is to come.   So here is one of the thoughts I often shared in class.  One that I had in my classroom and it is still in my office.  Never forget that you all are doing magnificent work!

Thank you Lord

Dr. Edward Joyner

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm clock rings each morning, Thank you, Lord, that I can hear.  There are those who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes tightly closed against the morning light as long as possible, Thank you, Lord, that I can see, there are those who are blind.

Even thought I huddle in my bed and put off the physical effort of rising, Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise.  There are those who are bedfast.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, Thank you, Lord for my family.

And even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in the magazine and the menu is at times unbalanced, Thank you, Lord for the food we have.  There are so many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is challenging, Thank you, Lord for the opportunity to work.  There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan by faith from day to day, and wish my circumstances were not so modest, Thank you, Lord for the gift of life.

And even though I work in a profession that does not get the support from society that it richly deserves, I don’t make the salary of a professional athlete, I don’t enjoy the prestige of a doctor or lawyer, and I don’t receive the hero-worship of an entertainer, Thank you, Lord for giving me the opportunity to finish your magnificent work by being a positive force in the lives of children made in your image.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me a touch of the divine.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=612990 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:52:43 EST
God Leads Us Along http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020890 My Grandpa would sing this song, low and a capella.  I'm trying to find a recording of him doing it at Grandma's funeral in December, 2004 and will post that if we do find it.   Yesterday, he went home to his dear wife of 56 years.  This song has been in my head all day.

God Leads Us Along (George Young, 1903)

1. In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet,
God leads His dear children along.

2. Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

3. Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

4. Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity's day,
God leads His dear children along.

Chorus:
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Grandpa, Elmer Cleveland Painter, at 84, picture taken just a few weeks ago.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020890 Thu, 12 Jul 2012 10:12:24 EST
A New Publication http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020889 Some of my students and graduates may appreciate that I have a new book published -

GUIDE: Differentiated Instruction for Christian Educators

The book was written to be a companion with -

PRAISE: Effectively Guiding Behavior

If you follow my blog you'll know how much I love to talk about the struggling learner and the difficult student.  These guidebooks were written with prayer in what God has laid on my heart to share with Christian educators, both in our mission focused on The Great Commission coupled with practical tips for educators. 

While I hate to seem as though I'm self-promoting, I love to get these ideas to as many Christian educators as possible.  :)  Join me in sharing with our fellow educators how to help "the least of these" in our classrooms.  Let's all share with our fellow educators how we are mandated to reach out to ALL children and adolescents.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020889 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:22:52 EST
You Are Worthy http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=606716 Here is a blog that I did for Women of Faith.  I've received some emails from students that they found this blong encouraging.  So I thought I should post it here as well.

 

You Are Worthy

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=606716 Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:47:25 EST
I LOVE MY JOB!!! http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020888 …especially May – July.   BUT I’m not saying that for the reason you would think.  The summer months are the busiest times of the year in the School of Education! 

When I left administration in 2002 after being a principal for 7 years at a school for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities, I "told" God – I’m never going into administration again. Telling God what I’m going to do never worked for me for me some reason. ;)   

But being in administration can be exhausting as you spend 98% of your time dealing with the 2% “fringe”.  So now being associate dean of the School of Education, this fringe is the 2-5% of our candidates struggling with academic dishonesty, probation, acceptance, appeals, complaints, disrespect, oddities, etc.  And when SOE has grown to 10,000 students, this is 200-500 students on the fringe, daunting and exhausting numbers.  You may have read or heard me say, that for every candidate in the School of Education, this represents approximately 900 children. So 9 MILLION children are currently being impacted by Liberty’s School of Education, where we are training teachers to be Champions for Christ. 

This also means that we can’t afford mediocrity when we graduate our candidates, which makes the decision about the 2-5% sometimes overwhelming. And though I have an awesome team that helps me with these challenges, I often find myself wondering what I’m doing and why God brought me to administration again. 

But then MAY comes around – Graduation!   I LOVE GRADUATION!  It reminds me of the majority of our successful candidates.  I get to SEE them and CELEBRATE with them.   The candidates that applied themselves, jumped through hoops, dotted all their i’s and crossed all their t’s.  Their professional and cheerful dispositions and their hearts for teaching, education, and children remind me why we are here.  If that isn’t enough, this year I met a couple folks who tell me they changed their major to special education because of a video they saw in an on-line class.  Or there was one this year who told me she came to Liberty University, because of a conference that I spoke at a couple years ago and here she is graduating!  Each student with a story of how God directed their lives and I somehow played some small, undeserving role.  It’s a blessing not capable of words.

And then comes JUNE – Intensive time!   I LOVE TEACHING INTENSIVES!   Though they are an energy drain, it’s one of the most blessed ways to spend my energy, my last 2% of energy.  ;)  I’ve blogged on this before - http://www.luonline.com/index.cfm?id=483709&blogpid=20067&pid=9720 .   During intensives, I get to actually play a small role face to face in each individual’s education that will then impact thousands of children.  Actually, so far with my 89 intensive students this is 80,100 children!!  And as I’m writing this, I received an email from a graduate who was on the news for taking 70 summer camp children who are deaf and/or blind - surfing!  And also while working on this blog a graduate sent me a Facebook message telling me she is taking a job offer in Seoul!  Can it get more awesome that that?!  So I want to thank our students for allowing us to be part of your life and for giving me such joy!  I LOVE MY JOB!! 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020888 Thu, 21 Jun 2012 09:54:01 EST
20 Years Ago Today http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=603083 Actually, I need to back it up a little.  It was a spring semester at Liberty University in 1992.  I was sitting next to one of my dearest friends in chapel (now called convocation).  She was writing a love letter to her boyfriend who lived in New Jersey.  She told me I should write his brother a letter because he was going through a hard time.  So I wrote this 23 year old young man a letter of encouragement. (yes, during chapel, sorry :-)… I wish I could remember who the speaker was at the time…ha!).  This letter turned into an exchange of letters, good ole’ fashion snail mail letters.  I remember the excitement of waiting for these letters in the mail.  It was wonderful getting to know someone through personal letters, as writing can reveal the depths of who we were.  Along with the letters came the anticipation of our long phone conversations.

The summer of ‘92, I went on a road trip with my friend to NJ to spend time with my Pen Pal.   On June 11th, my Pen Pal and I were walking on the streets of Long Branch, hand in hand.  He said to me, “I really like you”.   I replied, “Well, I looove you”.   I was only 19 and saying it for the first time.  I obviously didn’t fully realize the power of those words.  He did, however.  He stopped walking and turned to me and sweetly said, “I love you, too” and we kissed.  Two years later, eighteen years ago today, June 11th, 1994, we married.  

This particular year the anniversaries are more special to me.  It’s been 20 years!!!   I’ve now known Jhon more in my life than I’ve not known Jhon.  We’ve been through sooooo much together and it now seems life hasn’t taken place without him. 

As somewhat of a footnote –  I didn’t used to post, share, and/or boast so much about my marriage.  I did this for a few reasons.  I tend (or used) to be a very private person.   But really, we didn’t want to be one of the “those” couples. ;) 

But lately, there’s just been too much joy to not share.  Our marriage caught a “second wind”.  I’m not sure how to explain this.  You’ve probably had to have the privilege of experiencing it to fully appreciate it.  It started a little over two years ago when we built our new home together. The kids were also out of diapers and in preschool, being less needy for our attention.  We found something new and special in each other.  As just one example, I discovered I’m not always the rock, but Jhon is often our rock… consistent, steady, always there for us… and surprising us both.   It’s been amazing surrendering to his strength and resolve after all these years.  We’ve also reached a place where we can celebrate all we’ve been through, particularly what God has done in our lives.  Love – at 20 years - is at least 20 times better than the first, new love of 1992.  We’ve been transforming beyond infatuation to something even more resilient and true.  And one can’t help but to celebrate this! 

Happy Anniversary, Jhon!  “Well, I looove you”.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=603083 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 08:02:01 EST
Happy Mother's Day http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020887 One of the many things my parents have shared with us is a love for music.  With this, there are a handful of songs that move me to happy tears as I think of what my parents have been to me.  One is Josh Groban's - Raise Me Up.  But the song, It's Your Song, by Garth Brooks always makes me think of Mom.

I was always a shy kid who struggled in school and it never once occured to me that God could use me as he has.  But Mom had a different song for me -

It's Your Song

by Garth Brooks

Standing in the spotlight
On such a perfect night
Knowing that your out there listening
I remember one time
When I was so afraid
Didn't think I had the courage
To stand up on this stage
Then you reached into my heart
And you found the melody
And if there ever was somebody
Who made me believe in me
It was you
It was you

It was your song that made me sing
It was your voice that gave me wings
And it was your light that shined
Guiding my heart to find
This place where I belong
It was your song

Every night I pray
Before the music starts to play
That I'll do my best and I won't let you down
And for all the times I've stood here
This feeling feels brand new
And any time I doubt myself I think of you

'Cause It was your song that made me sing
It was your voice that gave me wings
And it was your light that shined
Guiding my heart to find
This place where I belong
It was your song

Dreams can come true
With God's great angels like you

It was your song that made me sing
It was your voice that gave me wings
And it was your light that shined
Guiding my heart to find
This place where I belong
It was your song
It was your song
It's always been your song      

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020887 Sun, 13 May 2012 07:01:01 EST
The Stories of Women http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=596007 Most people would be surprised that I’m an introvert and even extremely shy.  I’m not sure if I mask that well or if it’s just because I like to hear myself talk that confuses people.  :)   But my close friends know this about me.   Throughout my life I’ve always had one or 2 very close friends.  They all know who they are and how special they’ve been in my life.  They know the times they carried me through with fond memories… elementary school, high school, college, meeting my husband, and years without children.

This year, however, has been very different.  This year I’ve had a unique, new pleasure of many friends.  Old friends that I’ve gotten to know better and at a deeper level, but also many new friends.  I’m very tempted to name you all to give a “shout out”.  :)

But this morning, particularly after reading one of my new friend's blogs, I’m struck with how many of us women are “survivors”.  There are so many stories in each one of my beautiful girlfriends, Mom and sisters.  I would love to give examples, but it would almost seem a betrayal to share their stories here.  But any woman reading this blog, knows exactly what I’m talking about, because of her own story.  But we all somehow share the same story line as women… we can share it in a pure silence of just “knowing” …  joy/pain…. love/loss…false desire/faith… wanting/searching/finding.

And this morning, for some reason, I just feel in complete awe of all my friends, partly for the blessings of each one of them in my life, but mostly in awe of their presence and strength and faith in the face of their story.

My daughter turned 5 this week… I often just watch her and wonder what her story will be… and I used to watch her with almost a paralyzing fear of her story.   But because of the faith and strength of the women in my life this year, I am finally struck with complete peace that regardless of my daughter’s story… she’ll survive and thrive… afterall, she’s woman.   :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=596007 Fri, 04 May 2012 07:10:19 EST
Going to the Chapel http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020886 I’m going to a wedding at the Old Pate Chapel today.  Most of the weddings of my early 20’s took place there, both of my sisters.  Actually, the last one I attended was my sister’s wedding (pictures below in the Bridal/bridesmaid dressing room).  Awesome memories took place there!!  I think my favorite story was when one of my little sisters was in the limo with her brand new husband getting ready to drive off.  My older and very protective sister stuck her head in the car and said, “If you hurt her, I’m going to kick your butt”.   Oh, too funny!  And of course I’m thinking – there probably was a better time for that conversation. Ha!

They wanted to do my baby sister’s funeral in the Old Pate Chapel.  My Mom told them there was no way she could do the funeral where her other daughters got married.  So the funeral took place in the TRBC sanctuary.  I don’t think that funeral would have fit in the Old Pate Chapel, at any rate, as Amy packed the house.  :)

So as I’m watching all these wedding plans for today unfold on facebook, I keep telling all these girls how jealous I am, watching them celebrate together.  Perhaps this will help them understand why.  I'm glad to see them savoring the moments, because life is a vapor. 

For the happy couple -  People who know me well know I’m a people watcher and I've been watching Cliff and Jennifer.  I wonder if Jennifer remembers a conversation a couple years ago where she was joking about being single.  And I said something along these lines – “I don’t understand your group of friends.  You all make jokes about being single, but hang out with a bunch of single guys.  Pick one.  Or do you want me to pick one for you?”   She said something along the lines of – “NO. Not those guys, we know them too well!!”    In which I replied, “What do you think marriage is?” I can’t remember if I thought it or said it, but I’m also thinking – “better what you know, than what you don’t know”.  :)   A few weeks later Jennifer is announcing on Facebook that she was in a relationship with one of those handsome, young men. 

And as a people watcher, particularly sitting behind Cliff and Jennifer at church, it is wonderful to see that they have built their relationship on rock and not on sand, a friendship that produced love and a relationship that grew their faith.   So, to Cliff and Jennifer - as life will throw you hills, valleys, dips, and turns - buckle up and enjoy the roller coaster that has been built on solid ground!!           

 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020886 Sat, 14 Apr 2012 07:48:07 EST
Content http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020885 Adjective – happy, agreeable

Noun – essence, meaning or capacity, volume

So if you follow me at all you know I’ve been sharing a spiritual journey of silence and solitude.  I’ve also been working on ceasing to strive – to not focus on work, “success”, being perceived as “right”.  And I’ve been attempting to create simplicity – removing unnecessary tasks, burdens and/or drama.  My special educators may appreciate the alliteration here as a learning tool… solitude, silence, simplicity, cease striving :). 

What I want to share is that I believe these steps have led to my BEST vacation yet in the mountains of TN!  I’ve never experienced such a well-rounded time contented with God, my family and yes, even myself.  I enjoyed the family times of swimming with the kids, riding go-carts, sky-lifts and box cars, just playing with our two beautiful children.  There were shared meals/communion with my family, parents, sister, niece and nephews in the town my parents went on their honeymoon.  While my children spent many hours being entertained by their cousins, I was able to spend time alone with God and reading books while being engulfed by a breath-taking view of the Smokey Mountains.

Jhon and I were able to slip away on a couple of dates after our kids were asleep since my parents and sister could listen out for them in the suites around us.  One night was one of the most romantic nights of our life together.  We got caught in the rain… eating dinner on the patio of Bubba Gump Shrimp… watching families run to shelter and the lightening over the mountains in the distance.  We eventually had to dare the rain.  We bought and shared a very small umbrella, walking arm and arm trying to fit under the umbrella and laughing tears through the rain.

I even have fond memories of the kids whininess of wanting stuff and bickering in the car … just watching them learn life and relationships… oh, and fond memories of Jhon and I bickering in the car too… also learning relationships. :)  Many good memories and times were shared in freedom, rest, fun, romance, and peace.

It was the first time I can ever recall dreading coming back home from vacation.  I used to be the person who cuts vacation short wanting to rush home to the next thing.  But for the first time in my life I feared coming back after such a gratifying vacation.   I’ve been stung enough by life’s pains or frankly, my own stupidity, to know there is a season and time for everything and a different season could be lurking around the corner.

But as we drove into town, I discovered that Spring happened here while we were gone… dogwoods and tulips are in bloom and so I considered the lilies (You can also read last year’s Spring blog next for its significance to me :) – Everything New).  We arrived at our beautiful home.  The kids crashed into bed instantly of exhaustion.  Jhon and I turned on the TV and remembered we have taped shows to watch together.  I sat on the couch last night with Jhon, still basking in my countless and undeserved blessings… still utterly content…

On our patio watching the rain.

 

Youtube video of our family vacation.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020885 Sat, 17 Mar 2012 07:30:28 EST
A Wolf in Sheep Clothing http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=584147 Do you ever have those times in life where a “theme” is developing?   Where somehow multiple sources are communicating an idea or thought to you?   I’m going through one of those times.   Perhaps it’s my experimentation with silence and solitude where I am able to better hear and see these things.

But for the past couple months I’ve not been able to get out of my head “beware of a wolf in sheep clothing”.   I’ve always struggled with this idea of the "wolf", because there are so many verses about not judging others (actually, even in the same chapter where we are warned of the wolves, Matthew 7 – it also says not to judge)… so then how do we cope with or point out wolves without judging them?  And since I have this constant mantra going on in my head for a couple months now, I was not sure what I was supposed to do with this "warning".

Well, this week I had more thoughts draw me into this theme.  First, in reading Sacred Rhythms, I was struck by a quote about how we are not to read scripture for simply passing along knowledge, but we are to read scripture for how it speaks to us on a personal level.   And just shortly after reading this, I saw someone post this quote from Winston Churchill – “The only thing worse than a wolf in sheep clothing is a sheep in sheep clothing”.  As if this wasn’t enough to speak to me… last night when helping my son with his weekly school Bible verse, his verse was the second half of Matthew 10:16 – “…therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.”

And so the message to me has now developed – I’m not to be concerned about the wolf, rather I’m NOT to be a sheep to any person at any time… we are only to follow Christ.   As it says in Isaiah 53:6 “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us.”   And when we are shrewd and innocent to only following Christ, then we are sheep that “shall not want” to follow anyone else (Ps 23).  And we are led to green pastures and still waters as only THE Shepherd can lead us.

So I’ve come to recognize that this warning I feel I’m receiving isn’t so much about the wolf as much as it is about being led astray… to be shrewd AND innocent. 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=584147 Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:47:44 EST
Silence http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=583362 As it appears in Women of Faith -

I’ve been struggling and growing in the spiritual disciplines of solitude and silence.  And people who know me are probably laughing to themselves right now, because you see, I’m a doer and a talker! 

Though I struggle with these disciplines, I do see the value in their practice. Last month, I talked about preparing your calendar for times of study.  But I’m so busy, my calendar is full of “doing”, even my devotional time is “doing” – reading, praying, studying… that I often leave no time in my calendar and devotion to just be, in silence, and listen to God. 

I have found that when I try to sit in silence, and not just being silent, but sitting and listening IN silence, I become aware of all the “interference” running through my life.  My life is full of sounds that mostly involve someone doing something (typing, talking, washing, writing, etc).  And I’m learning how this constant “doing” will deplete me, making me unable to move forward in my journey. 

Sometimes when we do find times to sit in silence, we often don’t replenish our thoughts in the right manner by being silent before God. Which in turn will develop thoughts that don’t come out of time and devotion given to our relationship with God, rather they are thoughts that come from our false self of doing and accomplishing for our own glory.  This endless doing and speaking without replenishing our thoughts and energy will in turn hinder God’s work in us. So in your chaotic calendar, join me in planning times of silence with God, simply being with him in our quest for wisdom and knowledge.

Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet; if they don’t speak, they appear to understand. Proverbs 17:28 NKJV

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=583362 Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:40:56 EST
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=579950 I’ve been doing a personal, spiritual study with the book Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry.   Well, I suppose it’s not so personal if I’m going to blog about it.  :)

Perhaps the timing of this book was just right in my life or God put me in a place where I was more open to listening, but this book has been the best spiritual formation and leadership book that I’ve yet to encounter.   The book uses the story of Moses and his leadership journey to challenge the reader to look at what lies beneath our decisions and actions… the false self of a “leader” that struggles for validation, earthly praise, pride, being right, … a false self that then sets up patterns of control, manipulation, distrust, selfish gain, etc.   The book talks through how to release our selfish will, to find instead - God’s will.  The book has many great quotes.   But one of my favorite quotes that spoke to me is when the author explains finding God’s will and spiritual discernment by quoting a Quaker pastor as saying, “Unity is the fundamental marker that God’s direction has been discerned”.

I often find myself beating against forces that I think are “wrong”, my own personal sense of social justice and my personal pride that I carry into these battles.   So as my pastor recommend this book - I have taken a journey this past month through this study as well as silence and solitude.  (I’ve actually blogged a little about silence and solitude in one of the Women of Faith blogs, I’ll paste it here when it is published).  

And - I’m sure there will also be more to come on what I’ve uncovered in this spiritual study of learning to find God’s direction and discernment.  As this is just an introduction and a beginning of another journey...

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=579950 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:58:44 EST
I Was http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020882 Today is 11 years without my baby sister. Some of us would say that it seemed like Amy lived her life like her spirit knew her life would be cut short.  There is much evidence of this besides her intensity and depth in which she experienced life.  But one that makes me ponder this is the self-portrait and poem she did in her high school art class.   So on this day - contemplating what our souls may know... living life with intensity in honor of her...and just missing her... Amy's art & Poetry -

I Was

I wish you’d spoken up – sooner,

so you’d want every moment

just to breathe me in

 

I wish my answers were perfect

or at least I wish I had one

to give to you to hold on to

 

I wish time would stand on end

or at least stand at all – when I cannot

‘cause my weakness is you

 

time does move, but not fast enough to forget

only long enough to turn around

and look at what’s behnd

to turn the other way and see

what you have missed along the way

and to wish you could go back, not just to see,

but to go back and be--

--what you’ve always wanted – in that place

--with those people you loved…

 

and that loved you back

I was there, where you left me

written in 1998 by amy caroline parker (May 26, 1979-January 17, 2001)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020882 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:59:08 EST
Silent Night http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=571131 This song has a very special meaning to my family.  My Mom and Dad both majored in music and we grew up listening to them sing hymns in church.   My Mom has a beautiful soprano voice.  And every year when the family sang Silent Night for Christmas, she sang a soprano obbligato solo over the final verse of Silent Night.

Thirteen years ago, my Mom, who is also our SOE Dean, Dr. Parker, for those who don’t know, was diagnosed with having cancer tumors in her mouth.  She was going to have surgery after Christmas in 1998 to remove the cancer and there was uncertainty to how this would leave her voice and ability to speak following the surgery.  So that year as we sung Silent Night, we all faded our singing in the final verse of Silent Night as Mom sang her part, she scanned over us all when we stopped singing and noticed we were all crying.  We all wondered if we would ever hear her sing again.  Actually, we didn’t even know if she would be able to talk or teach again.   They did end up removing ¼ of her tongue and she had to get speech therapy to not sound like she was drunk when she talked. :) So our Christmas in 1999, following her surgery, we couldn’t get through the song without tears once again… but this time because of happy tears… as she was still able to sing her part!

This sentimental story doesn’t even end here.  Our sister, Amy, was the only one who “inherited” Mom’s Soprano voice.  We made plans to record Amy singing Mom’s Silent Night obbligato part to give it to her as a Christmas present in Christmas of 2000.   But Amy had mono that year throughout the holidays and into Christmas.  So she wasn’t able to sing in the studio, and she barely even came out of her bedroom for opening presents and singing our Christmas carols in 2000.   For those who don’t know, Amy died January 2001.  So we never got that recording.

Mom sings her part every year for our School of Education Christmas luncheon and often tells the story of this special song.  Over the past 13 years, I’ve yet to get through her singing her part without tears.   This year we finally recorded some of this part (though we missed the end) with a cell phone at our Christmas luncheon.  We’ll have to get the full recording in the future.   - Mom singing… Silent Night…

Obbligato Solo (click here)

'Neath the silent stars a town is sleeping, Shepherds on the hills, their watch are keeping,

Their flocks are safe within the fold, Secure from danger, want, or cold,

Silent, silent night, Holy, holy, night

Sleep in peace, Silent holy night, Sleep in peace

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=571131 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:52:41 EST
Teachers' Lounge http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=569871 I am notorious in my talks with students for warning them about the teachers’ lounge when they face future employment.   I know it seems harsh, but the teachers’ lounge can be one of the most negative and hopeless places in a school building.  I have a colleague that teaches at another local university who doesn’t even allow her student teachers in the teachers’ lounge for fear it will jade them and burn out their flames and enthusiasm for teaching.

But as Christians, I believe the teachers’ lounge is a place to let your light shine, to be a beacon of hope and love for your colleagues, administrators, students, and families.  It can be a place to show your care and concern for the struggling student and the least of these. 

I remember the challenges of this as a young teacher.  It would seem prudish to not participate in being negative about administration or to act above the negative attitudes that my colleagues portrayed about their students and each other.  I found humor and a smile to be helpful in my avoidance of these negative behaviors… like often joking, “I wonder what you all say about me when I’m not in the room”.  I’ve often even reflected that it’s the negative attitude and gossiping of (more particularly) women that takes place in the teachers’ lounge as a possible reason that many female teachers are over looked for leadership positions.   We can often be deemed as untrustworthy because of our talks and negative attitude about others.

This is an everyday battle we all struggle with in our lives.   How do we guard our hearts from these negative attitudes?   While we may have the best of intentions of going to our co-workers for encouragement, prayer and support for one another, it can quickly turn into gripe sessions, back biting, and gossiping.   This can create a negative environment for us to cultivate the fruits of the spirit.   We need to always guard our hearts and meditate with verses like Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=569871 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:52:18 EST
A Red Crayon http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=567708 “In Kindergarten, your idea of a good friend was the one who let you have the red crayon, when all that was left was the ugly black one.”  - unknown

Over the years I’ve been blessed by amazing friendships, I wish I could list them all and explain why each one has left such a major impact on my life.   The quote at the beginning of this blog even has a special meaning between me and one of my friends.  Actually, her mother sent it to us once and said it reminded her of our friendship.  We always joked over the many years how perfect the quote was for us… that we were always cheering each other up through bad times and coloring our worlds with bright colors.  We’d even joke through times of envy and jealousy that we’d just split that red crayon.  After all, why would either of us have to have the red crayon and not the other? :)

But lately, I’ve been pondering the value of great friendship and I learned that true, undying friendships aren’t the folks who are there for you through the good and bad times. If you think about it, this is actually a very easy thing for any of us to do, we can do this for strangers.   But true friendships are there for you in your brokenness, our black crayons.  

And to be loved and cherished and forgiven and appreciated and to spend time with each other in spite of who we are and in our brokenness, this isn’t only true and “perfect” friendship, it’s our Christian walk in faith and love.  This is actually the separation of the sheep and goats… to love and care for the inflicted, to reconcile with your fellow brother, to turn the other cheek, to forgive 7x70 times, the Fruits, on and on the examples are given.  It’s not only who we are as “friends”, but it’s who we are in Christ. 

I’ve been amazed where I’ve learned and received this the most.  And it typically hasn’t been from scholars or teachers (or Scribes and Pharisees).   I’ve learned it from my friendships/relationships.  So, to those of you who have showed me what it means to be a friend, full of grace and love, thank you for painting my world RED as I experience love and friendship in a beautiful way.   And I pray I can be full of the grace and love given to me, as God is so good for blessing me with each of you!  :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=567708 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:59:17 EST
TOGETHER http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020881 “Words are women, deeds are men.”  George Herbert

We built a new home last year and we heard from many people, “if your marriage can survive building a home, it can survive anything”.  Jhon and I always enjoyed laughing at those comments, because after 19 years together, we’ve survived plenty. 

In some ways I suppose this is an open letter of appreciation to my husband who has been a little down and hard on himself lately.   In the last couple of months he’s been hit by a few blows, mainly that his Dad has aggressive cancer.  So as we are together facing this next round of crisis that life has given us, I’ve been finding myself reflecting on what makes our house a home and what brings me no greater earthly peace, and it’s simple - my husband, Jhon.   I actually feel quite foolish that I’ve missed that at times in my life, but in reflection, he was ALWAYS there keeping me afloat.

He's just a great man!   Over our 19 years TOGETHER, he has shown his love to me in countless ways.  I wouldn’t even know how to express how much he shows his love in his actions.   Of course he’s always done it in the “typical” ways that women would think about, taking care of me while I did my doctoral studies, taking care of the home, the children… but that would be just scratching the surface. And where many women would probably still be jealous of how good I have it just from the way he takes care of his family, there’s so much more.   He was a man that took care of my Grandma in her last days.  He is a man that doesn’t just do our dishes, but does my Mom’s dishes on most Sundays.  He was man that would not only mow our lawn, but the lawns of my single-mother friends’, not because he was asked, but just because he saw it needed to be done.  And to our foster children, and to other children without a father, he shared his life, music, restaurants, movies, video games… on and on I could go… as I believe he modeled to them what it meant to be a man in his deeds.  And he did all these things often with little appreciation, sadly, even from me.

And he doesn’t even miss the “little things” like making me coffee in the morning, grinding the coffee in the garage as to not wake me up, giving me times with the girls to go out, packing the kids lunch in the morning… oh, it’s just endless.  It makes me feel so unworthy to think of how great I have it!

So as I know he’s going through a difficult time in his life, I think it’s important for him to know that I KNOW he’s the best and I’m so incredibly honored and spoiled that God chose him for me.  And when life has been tough for both of us at varying times in our life, we always knew and will always know the one thing that matters – TOGETHER - “you don’t have to go it alone”.  And with that, life can suddenly appear “perfect”….

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020881 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:59:18 EST
Burnout http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=557626 I spent 10 years of my professional career teaching and being a principal at a school for students with emotional disabilities.   If you’ve had me for a professor, you’ve heard many of my stories about my time at this school and how God landed me there with a growing heart for the wounded and broken soul. 

One of the hardest realizations for me was discovering that such brokenness in these children was very hard to repair and heal.  I hear every now and then about my students out there, what they’re up to now, or I hear about them in the news.  A few students are in prison for murder, one for rape, and others that are just in and out of trouble with the law.  I’m certain a couple of them were able to do ok in life, though I don’t hear so much from them.

Lately I’ve been reflecting on my days at the school, how I would endure the abuse from these students, day in and day out, with the hopes that it would matter, or that I will feel that I accomplished something… I’d see signs of hope, a glimmer that they are beginning to see the light, and then they’d slip away from me just as quickly.  I had students that were difficult to love because of their lack of remorse.  There were even times when I could look in their eyes and see the evil that haunted them and then haunting me.  I would begin to lose faith, facing “burnout”… believing that I couldn’t continue on this path with them. 

But in my walk with God and in my Bible studies, I encountered an amazing realization - I was an immature Christian.  God wasn’t intending for me to help these kids.  These kids were there to help me.  To remind me of how wonderful my life was, what it means to have a Christian upbringing, home and education, and what it means to have a loving husband and healthy relationships.   I began to see that I could endure just a little bit of pain, for all the pain that they endured, to show them the love of Christ.   As I matured in my walk it took me a step further - it also forced me to reflect on my own brokenness, realizing that I shared the same hurts and pains of all humanity, and that I was and am in as much need of God’s grace as they were.  Then even a step further in becoming as an “adult” in my faith, “putting away childish things”  – I learned how I was also there to endure the many trials to refine my faith and walk with Jesus and with his love.

All of my students are now adults.  Many have not changed.  They continue to take on life like toddlers, looking for quick “highs”, fulfilling their own selfish needs without regards for others, shutting down, and throwing temper tantrums the same way they did a decade ago and often with little remorse.  For some reason, adults with behavior and mental health issues are much harder to contend with for me.  I’m sure all of us can reflect on people in our lives that cause us to be angry and frustrated with the fact that they just can’t see the light.  I sometimes find myself frustrated and angry and facing burnout all over again, just as I did years ago.   So today, I’m taking this time to reflect, trying to understand and forgive evil and brokenness, realizing once again, it’s very much about God trying to refine me and not so much about them.   And this is our faith and walk in a broken and lost world…  

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=557626 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:34:44 EST
Backpack Enthusiasm http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=555445 Liberty University asked me to do a short email for Women of Faith each month.  This month I wrote on Backpack Enthusiasm.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=555445 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:34:30 EST
East Coast Travels http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=552067 So I quite literally just returned from three weeks of traveling through 8 states doing inservices for approximately 50 Christian schools on the east cost.  It was a wonderful, eventful and dramatic three weeks as flights were canceled due to mechanical failure, lightening storms, earthquakes and hurricanes!!   But I still managed to enjoy some Jersey pizza, Maryland crabcakes, and Philly cheese stakes.

My husband did a great job playing Mom and Dad off and on for three weeks as I was able to come home for long weekends.   Luckily, I was able to see Johnny off to his first day of Kindergarten.

Speaking to these schools was so incredibly rewording.  I offered techniques for students with learning and behavioral challenges and differences.  But most of all, I could share the message that God laid on my heart about "the least of these" in our schools.  If you've been one of my students, you know what I'm talking about here.  If not, you'll have to check out my old blogs on this message - Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

I was so encouraged by the response of these schools.  A few teachers and a principal at different locations came to me crying letting me know that it changed their attitude about teaching.  Another teacher shared with me that her son had to leave their Christian school after becoming a quadriplegic in a diving accident last year.  And then another teacher telling me that her son with autism can't attend their Christian school.  But my favorite was watching one school join hands in a circle after a session and praying that God will bless their upcoming year with a heart for the challenging student.  It really doesn't get much better than that!  It even makes the drama, weariness, travel, being away from the family worth it all.  It's such a blessing to be used by God!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=552067 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:18:35 EST
Why the Facebook Addiction? http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020880 So I believe I have a facebook addiction… or technology addiction… or perhaps I’m just a little ADHD or not wanting to “work” and my mind is all over the place… grading papers…answering emails… facebook… news reports…web surfing… back to grading papers… answering emails… facebook… and now blogging. 

 

Well, I just returned from Disney and I’m a bit behind in my facebook stalking.  And when I’m not on it all the time I often realize something - And it is this - when given a quick glimpse into the lives of many, I’m overwhelmed with our lives and all its simplicity, mundaneness, ignorance, thoughtfulness, shortness… and its tragedies viewed in both hope and pain…. and life’s loving, taking, and giving ….and just all its beauty.  

 

I just read reports of the weather, friends fighting cancer, trips for July 4th weekend, support of our troops and independence, losing loved ones, cars breaking down, car accidents, movies to see, exercise reports… life… I suppose that’s the addiction… appreciating, experiencing, and celebrating the beauty of life with my “friends”.  

 

Now after an exhausting, exciting and fun trip to Disney with my 4 and 5 year olds… a trip with all my family (my parents, sisters and their families, my husband and kids) in hopes of giving my kids a childhood full of GRAND love, family, laughter, memories…dreams (cause we're talking about Disney :)  Now I’ll go enjoy them in the simple and mundane… and a facebook status of “home sweet home and pushing my children on the swing”….  beautiful.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020880 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 01:55:46 EST
Tough Love http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=537448 This is one of the hardest areas for teachers to balance.  When do students need to be brought into loving arms, and when do they need clear reinforced boundaries, or tough love?  

My foster son called me today (he is always in and out of trouble and in and out of prison)… but today he called to inform me that they took his baby from him.  And he wanted me to testify on his behalf.  I found this to be a major moral dilemma for me…  I hate to judge who would  be a more fit parent for this baby and I truly would love to help out my foster son… but I also couldn’t find myself willing to testifying on his behalf as well.   And if I chose not to "help" him by testifying then perhaps I was actually really helping him?   As educators and in life we often find ourselves asking, - when is tough love the right answer?

I always suggest that we re-read Luke 15 when these situations arise and determine - what does the situation call for?  Are we dealing with a lost and injured sheep or a prodigal and rebellious son?   The story of the injured sheep is a story of a shepherd leaving the healthy flock and going after the lost and injured sheep and picking that “special” one up on His shoulder to carry back to the flock.  I always recommend that this one gets tried first, particularly as I teach about dealing with the students with emotional disabilities… and these students are truly “injured sheep”.   But if you are dealing with a “rebellious son” or if all else fails and the loving arms are no longer what is needed, then tough love is in order.   And this is the picture of the son who needs to be “released” to see how good he had it when he was with his father, allowing the son to "eat with the pigs" and experience pain in hopes he will return to his family. 

I worry sometimes my foster son (or sometimes my students) will see my decisions as rejection.   But the biggest message of Luke 15 is the celebration of the return of the lost coin, lost sheep and lost son.  And this is often our prayer as educators and sometimes as parents… that he will be “found”.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=537448 Sun, 12 Jun 2011 08:55:35 EST
Love and Loss http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=534167 We had a wonderful graduation this week except we were missing our friend and colleague, Dr. Jill Jones.   We honored her in our ceremony, her gown was draped over her chair that sat empty, students wore pens in her honor and we played a tribute video. 

Yesterday, I watched a video clip of her husband on the witness stand talking about having lost his wife and son… he said he’s always heard the quote “it is better to have lost and loved, than to never loved at all”.  And he shared that there is so much truth to that statement. 

Personally, I sometimes find myself annoyed with the quote –  Isn’t it best to love and not lose?   Why the choice?  As if these are the only 2 choices.  But then there is another famous quote on love and pain from Mother Teresa –“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”

There’s been a lot of pain and loss this year… so I’ve been contemplating this much lately.

And so I have this conclusion… pain and love… love and loss… these cannot be separated…there really isn’t a choice… the one is inevitable with the other…   the more that pain and loss is endured… the deeper we can love…and the more we love the more pain and loss we will experience…

So this leads me to another Mother Teresa quote and to end on a happier note – to do “small things with great love”… and this is the joy and beauty and rollercoaster of life…

 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=534167 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Autism Awareness (Action?) Month http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=526995 Awareness just doesn’t seem enough these days.  It doesn’t imply action. If you want to know about the rise of autism, how many families are affected, etc.  That is awareness.  As Christians, I’m more concerned about action.  We need an Autism Action month.  :)

Here’s one of many stories in my life where God pushed me to action.  I was new to Liberty University and some students helped me start a Liberty Chapter of Council for Exceptional Children.  And we decided to have a carnival type event for children with disabilities and their families.  It was at this event where I’ll never forget a Mom who told me that she’s so thankful that she can watch church on TV because she can’t take her son with Autism to church.  I remember in my typical arrogance thinking and saying - “WHAT?!?!”…. She went on to tell me that their church didn’t know what to do with his grunting sounds, hand flapping and pacing.  And I looked at the sweet boy and his Mom and thought to myself again… “WHAT!?!?!”  Well, in one of my many life’s strange events… the director of Thomas Road Baptist Church called me THAT week and asked to speak with me about a partnership between our Liberty students and TRBC for families of children with disabilities to have support at church.  I could go on and on with the need for this - with 95 % of marriages ending in divorce when there is a child with a disability… what an amazing outreach for churches to wrap God’s love and care around these families. 

Where can you have action?   Perhaps it doesn’t need to be grand… perhaps it is finding a family of a child with a disability and offering to babysit so they can have a date night… or perhaps even smaller… when we see a child with a disability at a restaurant who is grunting and flapping their hands or acting in way we don’t understand… we don’t look at the parents irritated for bringing their kid out to dinner… knowing it is hard to find help for a child with a disability... this is where awareness leads to action.  What are we reflecting as Christians?  How are we ACTING as Christians?  I do pray it is more than awareness for us.   For more ideas or thoughts on this, please see my archived blogs on “THE Message”.

Toy, the director of Children’s Ministry at TRBC, called her ministry for children with disabilities “ikids” – as these kids are “made in the Image of God”… now that is an awareness that should move us to action.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=526995 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Friction = Movement http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=526756 This post goes back to some of my posts on “We the People” - as I’m still trying to understand and come to terms with resistance to change in our schools.   I actually think the biggest issue with change (and to stick with my analogy of not wanting to “move”) is that we want everyone to quietly follow.   I, for example, want everyone to think like I think. :) We are all very uncomfortable with different thought.   But through the (often uncomfortable) exchange of different thoughts and ideas prior to making decisions (friction) - HEALTHY movement and change takes place.  In addition healthy friction can provide a checks and balances for successful change.

Organizations have to allow the free exchange of diverse ideas and healthy amount of disagreement for change to take grip and to allow for movement!!    Using the analogy of a car’s friction - if change/movement is forced by slamming on the pedal or sliding and skidding, it causes collateral damage.  Or if movement is immediately stopped it skids and causes collateral damage.  Or if someone is riding the brakes of change then change is slowed down.   Another analogy is having only one or 2 people at the “wheel” (which allows for the type of manipulation that was discussed in a previous blog on data manipulation)… this can cause collateral damage by not having all the information about the car/movement.  To use another analogy - a Captain of a ship needs to trust the crew members’ expertise on the area in which they’ve been trained.   Only the crew can tell you what is needed to quickly turn the ship (change).   Though a Captain sets the course, a captain cannot do it without the full knowledge, help, and even sometimes a touch of disagreement from the ship crew and the creators and engineers of the ship.   So many analogies can be made about healthy friction.   Allowing others to ask the questions and to truly experience the change through friction EQUALS movement… so allowing a healthy amount of friction MUST exist to move “weight” and to push change forward.

Accepting and considering the diverse ideas can be quite scary as it may feel as a loss of power.  So I personally believe that only the most gifted of leaders can navigate this.   In my studies, I learned there are some key principles to allowing friction.   First, there has to be some common core beliefs and values that center around the vision of the school.  And then freedom must be allowed to explore thoughts and ideas that reach to the common vision.   Second, mistakes must be allowed.  It is often through mistakes that progress and learning takes place.  I was part of emerging leaders program at my previous place of employment.  In one session, we had the opportunity to learn from a photographer for National Geographic… where his lesson was on teaching us the value of mistakes.  He said he takes 3,000 pictures in a photo shoot to find the one perfect picture!!   2,999 “mis-takes”.    Of course in education, we can never afford that many mistakes.  However, we must remove the fear and stigma of sharing bottled up, creative ideas towards change because of fear of loss of power, or judgment or lack of faith in the “crew”.

Within these parameters of a shared vision and allowing for mistakes, friction can make for a place to thrive and achieve.   Through shared leadership and implementation teamS (areas of the crew)  -  the true beauty of “We the People” (another previous blog)-  an organization can continuously MOVE towards excellence.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=526756 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:35:08 EST
Everything New http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020878 I just took my kids to pre-school.  One of the most awesome things about being around children is seeing the world through their eyes.  So many times I just hurry through the routine of life and miss out on God’s awesome little things.  And when I do this, I miss that God’s awesome little things are also his promises. 

It’s spring time in Lynchburg.  Dogwoods are blooming, Tulips are popping out all over town.  It’s quite a sight.  And I just love the beauty of this little town and its perfect seasons.   This morning we happened to have the radio and DVD off in the mini-van.  The kids not only noticed the flowers and trees, but they ooed and awed all the way to school as we talked about the colors of spring.   They followed the line of tulips that curves up and down 29 South and then the tulips gather in mass around 460.  When they saw the dogwoods at the airport, “Wow.  Look at those trees Mommy”.  And then when we arrived to their school, “look we have the color trees here too”.  

Having children didn’t come easy for us, we were married 11 years before having our first.  But there is something beautiful about having waited so long.  It was like coming out of the winter into spring, only knowing the beauty of spring after having missed its beautiful colors through winter.  

Spring symbolizes so much of life to me, my faith and family…. Coming out of winter… into… Flowers.  Beauty.  The resurrection.  The promise of a new birth and new life.   Children. 

All His promises…. so consider the lilies... and Spring…

Johnny bringing me "flowers" last Spring.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020878 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:59:53 EST
Data Manipulators http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=524641 I'm traveling and looking at the USA Today and being reminded of my most important math lesson.  A cognate of my doctoral program was research… a world of learning qualitative and quantitative research, T-tests, ANCOVA or the analysis of covariance, coefficient scores, reliability, validity, etc…. wonderful words to make you feel smart.  But I’ll never forget one of my professors starting class with this – “Your shoe size will determine how well you do in your doctoral program.  So look around and look at everyone’s shoe size and you will see who will succeed in this program.”  And of course we looked around at each other’s feet.   He went on with, “Study after study has shown that shoe size is a direct correlation to a measure of intelligence”.  The professor taught us that day about number manipulation and ended the class with this – “and by the way, babies have very small feet and don’t do well in doctoral programs or intellegence tests.”

So the most important thing I learned in my doctoral program is that most often NUMBERS LIE or to be fair, numbers tell a partial truth.  It is a snap shot… it is NOT THE story.   It is the exact same thing as taking a quote out of the context of the story.  So be weary of people who tell numbers as truth and without the story.

I can give soooooo many current examples for this.  But one most often seen in education is this one – a child’s success in school has a direct correlation with the family’s socioeconomic status.  This is true, but a partial truth.  And it is why people throw money at families, schools, and social problems.   But we also know through research that the greatest predictor of academic success is parental involvement.  And parental involvement in a child’s school can be greatly impacted by their socioeconomic status.  So the answer may not be more money, but how to involve working families or families without transportation or a phone into their child’s education.  There is more to the story than simply being socioeconomic status, but more about encouraging parental involvement.  The full picture and story is a must for truth and solutions in numbers!!!!

And you see this EVERYWHERE!!!  Particulary today in the USA Today.  Number propaganda...  Through political surveys, through budgets and ratios, on and on examples could be given.

And since I put people in boxes, I tend to see three types of people when it comes to numbers  – Number Manipulators (typically using numbers to force an agenda), Number Sheep (those who like the sound of numbers especially if they support their belief systems), and Number Interpreters (those who really want to understand the numbers).   Sadly, I’m seeing fewer and fewer interpreters…    So, whenever you see any kind of number, particularly numbers that are supporting a cause – please say “what?” – ask A LOT of questions!     And thank you, Dr. Caldwell, for teaching me this valuable lesson!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=524641 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:09:27 EST
Tested and Watched http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020877 A while back I mentioned we were building a house and also a recording studio for my husband.  (check out pictures on facebook :)  Well, the year got extremely stressful as we probably picked the worst time in my life-time to sell and build a house...(though the future may hold that we did it just in time... who knows).  But I've learned so much this year about waiting on the Lord.   And let me tell you, for someone as impatient as me, this was a hard and painful lesson.  :)  But I love how when God tests me, he gives me just enough to let me know that he's watching me, but testing me all the same.  And it is such an amazing thing.

The sale of our first home -

We had decided that we weren't going to be able to sell the house.  So we had the "for rent" sign go up and eventually the "for sale" sign come down.  The day after we removed the for sale sign, Jhon (my husband) went by the house to check on some things and met a family in the driveway who had just downloaded the MLS (the day before it came off the MLS).  Jhon and this family hit it off.  I, however, had decided that we couldn't take any more of a hit and we just needed to rent it.  But one of my prayers throughout the year was that a nice family would love our first home and perhaps that would make the hit on the price worthwhile.  Well, this family was also the first to not act like the typical "buyer" in today's market, picking apart the home without even an offer.  This family loved the home and was willing to offer us every penny we asked.  There were so many other miracles that happened in just a few days that sent a clear message to us that he's watching us and when it seemed like things weren't going to add up... they did...

Closing on the new home -

Also because of the market, we've had some trouble with closing on the new house with Jhon's recording studio detached from the home.  The government has gotten so strict on loans because of the foreclosures that the underwriters wouldn't approve a mortgage.  Once again, when we thought seems things seemed dire... looking at a 12% in-house loan on a mortgage!!!... (oh, and I feel like I have to say here that we also have really good credit :) ...so the 12% wasn't our fault... wait that's pride... that was last weeks blog... anyway...:)   So the day we were to sign on this bad loan...someone told us that Farm Credit can work miracles...  And Farm Credit came through.  And if that wasn't enough... today we got all the numbers of what we owe the builder and closing costs and we will have exactly $143.73 in our building savings account left after paying for everything.  If you ever built a house, you know how amazing this is!

Ashamedly, my faith was often times weak this year... but "someone" was watching me... and it is both an amazing and humbling feeling...

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020877 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 08:50:38 EST
Be Not Wise In Thine Own Eyes http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=520814 Those of us in Lynchburg are very familiar with the bumper sticker “Not I But Christ”.  I’m one of those people that don’t put religious bumper stickers on my car because I’m an impatient and terrible driver… if someone read that on my bumper I wouldn’t want them to blame Christ for my behind the wheel behavior.   But this is so indicative of how I often view my life.  The things I do right are mine, the things I do wrong…if I can’t find someone else to blame… like the other driver… well, did God just make me this way?  Ah, pride…

I had a colleague once tell me that she counts how many times people say “I” in meetings.   Once she told me that, I became very aware of it… not just others, but myself as well.  And I recently sat in a meeting and wondered what it would be like if in our meetings we replaced every single I, my, me, mine, or even the occasional “we” (AND replace both thoughts and words) with God and Christ - how awesome would that be?!?!  Or even better yet before touting my/our decisions, do I/we even seek God’s guidance before making them?

We are all familiar with Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” But I think we tend to look at these verses out of context.  Sometimes I recite those words and interpret them like this - do not worry about my troubles, because God has it all under control.  And it wasn’t until recently that I encountered and memorized verse 7 that follows “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, lean not on your own understandings.  In all your ways, acknowledge him and we will direct your paths”  Verse 7 - “Be not wise in thine own eyes:  Fear the Lord and depart from evil”… when you read it in its full context all of these verses are more about our pride than our faith… or even more precise - how our faith can be faltered by our pride. 

Ah, pride…   Lucky for me I have a gracious and forgiving God.  My fall after my pride typically lands in His arms.  Praying he always shows me this grace…

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=520814 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
The Horse Whisperer http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=519952 I heard from a handful of my graduates on the blog on Principles of Organizational Change.  It clearly struck a nerve with some of you… so I imagine there may be others.  The basic question is – how do I advocate for my students and not upset my principal?

The question reminded me of a conversation that I had some time ago with a colleague that went something like this -

My colleague asked - “Do you ever feel like you’re beating a dead horse?”  My response, “I’ve come to believe that is my calling… beating a dead horse”.  He thought about this for a day and got back to me with  “I have thought about this and decided many of these horses are not dead...and I come from horse people...so we are trying to coral and train the horses...we are trying to make better equine...we are - the horse whisperers.”

I learn so much through others and just loved that wisdom.  It’s full of hope!!   And then just think of the power of many, if we were all horse whisperers.   In the last blog I discussed praying about your role in talking with your leaders.   But there is also something to the idea of learning the trades of being a “horse whisperer.”   Or for the purpose of this blog we’ll start with - How do we effectively communicate with our principal?   There are many tips and techniques for effective communication… and many courses and books on the subject.  But my favorite tips that I learned are the workplace communication styles.  You can google more about this, but there are basically four types… the expresser, relater, driver, and analytical.   It is important to know how your colleagues and supervisors communicate as you are more than likely communicating in your style and not theirs…they are then communicating to you in their style and not yours…which then equals a major gap in communication.

For example, some communication types like quick information in the form of data, statistics and numbers.  While many of our teachers are feelers, and they want to know how it impacts their students and the effectiveness of their teaching.   But the trick is that we are always able to adapt to our audience.  I could give many more examples of this.  But it would probably be best for all us to do more research and studying on “workplace communication styles” and learn the styles of all those we work with.   In a perfect world, our leaders are also communicating in the style of their employees.   There are leaders that are just gifted in this area.  I actually can’t help but to think of Jerry Falwell… he would communicate using personal stories (for relaters and expressers), philosophy and numbers (for drivers and analyticals).  

(Btw, when you learn about these different styles you can also learn how different types “act out” when they’re upset.  I may want to save that for another blog. :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=519952 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Waiting for Superman http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=519981 Last night LU student activities sponsored a documentary night and for this semester they chose "Waiting for Superman".  So I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on this film that wrestled with the current crisis in America's schools.

First of all, I thought it was a fantastic documentary as it had a "call" for excellent teachers... which any teacher educator would have to love.  The narrator follows five families as they use the "lottery" system to find a solid education for their children.  The documentary went after the teacher unions and other bureaucracy that impedes progress which is causing the movie to not receive the acclaim it deserves

With that said, there are a few problems with the movie.  First of all, throughout the movie it compares our standing with other "developing" countries.  And shows how low we compare to them in test scores.  However, he fails to mention that no other country has a system where they educate ALL of their students. 

Also, he offered a list of excellent solutions -

  • Quality Teachers
  • More Classroom Time
  • World Class Standards
  • High Expectations
  • Real Accountability

However, he doesn't list THE greatest predictor of academic success - parental involvement.  To truly change education, we have to involve the families of the children in unprecedented ways.  And schools cannot use the lack of parental involvement as an excuse to throw up their hands, but involving parents must be in their tool box for true change to take place.

But I love his "call" -

"The problem is complex, but the steps are simple.  It starts with teachers becoming the very best, leaders removing the barriers to change, neighbors committed to their schools, you willing to act."

And with the documentaries focus on failing and broken schools that sit in our disadvantaged communities, I can't help but think of the power that our Christian educators can have in showing the love of Christ to all of His children, everywhere.

"Great schools won’t come from winning the lottery, they won’t come from Superman, they will come from  -  YOU."

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=519981 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:44:32 EST
WE the PEOPLE http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=516675 (See the previous blog to contextualize this blog)  The first and most important principle of change is acknowledging YOUR role in change.   It is so quick to want to point figures and blame others… leaders who can’t lead and teachers who can’t teach…  but the bottom line is that we EACH need to pray about how God wants to use US to further his cause.

The Teacher

What did almost every major Bible character have in common?  … Their ability to confront their leaders!!!   So much of the Bible is about the wrong directions of our leaders and the people’s or person’s ability to confront them and to change course.  And then the Bible stories continue as many of these prophetic workers/slaves/common men successfully invoke “change” in their people... and these great characters having once been one of their people, then often lead their people.   Somehow we feel that we need to remain silent and submissive… but there are actually very few examples of this…  Bible characters are actually constantly confronting leaders about the least of these, fruits of the Spirit, oppression, protecting His Kingdome, on and on...  

A teacher recently came to me about this… how do I get my school and/or principal to change?   And my first advice is to not get fired.  :)  How will anyone be used for his purpose if they are fired?   But my pastor recently helped me with this area in telling me to pray and spend some time in the Old Testament thinking about the many prophets and workers that approached their leaders.  What does the situation call for?  An Esther, Nehemiah, or Obadiah?  Are you to wait patiently to be seen with favor or to hide and protect great “prophets” who will eventually take lead and further His cause.   Find your role, and realize that eventually you must take a stand and not hide or sit on the sidelines as to not be called out by God as he did Elijah… “why are you here?” … in this cave… not doing my work.

The Administrator

For real change, give ALL your people a voice.   So many Christian organizations believe in our Conservative ideals of Freedom, Democracy, the voice of many people making us strong.  (a belief which I too greatly hold… just to be clear… and many Christian organizations do this because we know Christ is truly found in freedom and not in government or rules).   We also are all too familiar with the importance of the body of Christ and the many important parts of His work… with none of us thinking higher of ourselves than we ought to think.

Yet, while believing in these great principles, teaching these great principles to our students - many of our Christian schools and organizations are run more like dictatorships… not allowing the voice, strength and will of our people.   So then we announce something like – we WILL have open enrollment to include struggling students or unsaved students… we wonder why our teachers do not “buy into” the concept.  

So the first principle of change is quite simple – WE!!!!   :)  We the People must be PART of the vision, the implementation, and the change.   Not waiting on THEM to make it happen OR blaming the THEM for it not happening.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=516675 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:29:46 EST
Principles of Organizational Change http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=515613 I recently spoke at another ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) conference as well as a couple of other Christian schools.  If you visit my old blogs you will discover that I speak at these conferences about what Christian schools are doing for the difficult and/or struggling student.  It is thrilling to be part of this movement as ACSI has various speakers on the topic and they are working on publications about it. 

Well, I’m beginning to see a change from conducting these seminars.   It seems we are beginning to move from the vision of why we, as Christian teachers, should reach out to ALL students to implementation.   I had a couple of teachers come up to me after telling me of their situations… one even saying that they were told by their principal that if they sent a kid to his office again, that kid is out of the school.  It is becoming apparent by the feedback I see from teachers and administrators that there is a need to create a shared vision as well as a plan for practice. 

This (as well as other events in my career) is causing me to reflect on what it means to create an atmosphere of change and what this means to every individual in our Christian schools… from students, parents, teachers and administrators.  So in thinking about all this it also occurred to me this week how funny it is that I write and speak so much about special education, yet my doctorate is actually in educational leadership and 13 of my 16 professional years I have stumbled my way into positions of leadership.  I’m not so passionate about this part of my career… here is an example of why - I’ve occasionally been asked to teach a leadership course and the thought of it brings me NO joy… for 2 reasons… 1) to think I can teach leadership seems to imply that I think I am good at it…  2) and the biggest reason… I never really want to be seen as one of “them” (that's another blog).  So I’m in desperate need of some self-reflection here as I grapple with all this.

I believe it’s time for me to go to another round of inquiry to further push change in our Christian educators and schools.  Perhaps God has also been preparing me for this in my education and career even though it makes me extremely uncomfortable.  And now I will attempt to wrestle with this issue on my blog… the principles of change…

more to come…

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=515613 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 02:00:12 EST
Beautiful http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020876 Amy at Outer Banks

Tomorrow the entire Parker family is going to head to Cape Hatteras, one of Amy's favorite destinations.  Monday will be the 10 year anniversary of her death.   My children never got to meet my sister.  So in addition to just doing things in her memory, it is also neat to do things like this to teach them about her.

On Amy's five year anniversary I wrote on her Memorial page (which I can't find) a note I titled "Amy, The Best of Us All".   I went on about how Amy was a unique make-up of our family.  I used her many positive attributes and explained how they are pieces of the rest of the family... only she made it better - her creativity, kindness, friendship, loyalty, boldness, sense of humor, athletic ability, intelligence, music ability, on and on as there are many great qualities in her and in our family.  And in my note I went through each family member describing our like qualities to Amy.   It ended something like - I have strong memories of Amy, being the baby in the family - watching us - quietly - taking our attributes and making them better... Amy, the best of us all...

Well, being that Amy and I shared a sense of humor - I've teased my family over the years that I was going to do a Amy, The Worst of Us All.   Amy - being the baby in the family - watching us - quietly - taking our attributes and making them worse.   ;)   I won't list these traits with who she got them from... :)  but those that know the family and knew Amy well will know where they belong...    But Amy - sarcastic, cynical, messy, yet perfectionist, moody, dark, needy, broken...  and well, just - BEAUTIFUL.   She encompassed what was and is the Parker family.  And I greatly miss all of her traits!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020876 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:17:57 EST
L'Arche of the Blue Ridge http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=506961 I used to be on the board for the local L'Arche home.  Life has been so busy (mostly children) that I don't find myself serving in those types of capacity anymore.  But I finally dragged myself back over there on Tuesday night because I wanted to video tape the home for an on-line course on transitions. There are over 300 of these Christian homes all throughout the world.  Their founding fathers and spiritual writers were Jean Vanier and Henri Nouwen.   One of my favorite quotes from Henri Nouwen is when he said he "feels closest to God when he is with people with disabilities".  These homes are incredible because they take adults who would normally be institutionalized and place them in a Christian community/home.  Where there are no "workers", but assistants to the core members who are there for service and solitude and shared love.  These homes have nights of worship, solitude retreats, spiritual disciplines such as feet washing... many things long forgot by most of our practices of worship.

So, here I was on Tuesday night for their worship hour, to video tape their lives.  Forgetting what it is like to be amongst those with disabilities.  I couldn't relax at first.  As I watched a dozen of adults have a few moments of silence to begin the hour of worship, I found myself wondering where they kept their TV or computers and my cell phone kept buzzing me with texts, emails, etc.  While holding hands in a large circle and between silence, they would sing and pray.   The leader went around the room and took prayer requests from each of the members of the home.  A dozen adults, half in wheel chairs, some severely disabled, and then I started to notice things - I noticed as they took requests not a single one of them offered a prayer request for themselves!  I can't imagine their suffering, their frustrations and/or the physical and mental pains of being in a wheel chair.  But not one lifted up a request for their own pains or heartaches.  They prayed for each other and for their family, but not a single complaint about their life.   And then they would sing... loudly and boldly and sometimes badly... but they worshipped with such blind and bold faith.  It was a sight to see.   Then silence again, and I finally began to slow down and feel His presence amongst these beautiful people.   After a few minutes, it was praise time... each one went around the room with praise - "a warm blanket", "a warm house", "LOVE"... many of them said love from their home.   Then silence again...

We ended the night in Christmas carols, singing songs... loudly and boldly... finding myself getting louder too. 

If you have the opportunity to know someone who works and/or lives with people with disabilities, you may see something different about them.  Something so pure and innocent, and on the surface I think it is the sacrifice they give to working with those with disabilities.  But if you know them more, you know it is what those with disabilities give to them...  that feeling of being close to God...

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=506961 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Failure/Success http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=506355 My quote of the day from a couple of days ago reminded me of my post on mistakes.  This is SO me!!  :)  I think there are also Christian principles to this as well.

Sir Winston Churchill - "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm".  :)

The glory of my biggest mistakes... 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=506355 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Thanksgiving Journal http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=505387 My Mom started a tradition the year my sister died that we do on Thanksgiving.  She took a journal in which my sister only wrote on the first page and she put it out on the Thanksgiving table during the feast and festivities.  It became our family Thanksgiving journal.   If any of us feels led, then we write in the journal.  It is pretty neat going back and reading the things over the years.  The neices and nephews (the young ones) occassionally write in it as well... their comments are often cute.  It will be fun to watch them mature from year to year in their entries. 

One of my personal and favorite entries was giving thanks for having Johnny, 11 years into our marriage and after having trouble getting pregnant.  He would have only been a few weeks old the year I wrote that.   So many great and small things to be thankful for...

We love the tradition, because like many folks that have lost loved ones or have broken relationships or personal struggles, the holidays can sometimes be difficult or have difficult moments.  But having the journal reminds us that even in the midst of pain, there is so much thanks to be given. And that journal will be a great treasure in our family for generations to come.  Having lost Amy, we realize that every moment with our family and friends is a gift.  And I am truly blessed beyond measure. 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=505387 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:44:36 EST
Why Not College for Disabled Persons http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517239 I've talked about this in a post a while back.  How awesome would it be if Liberty does this one day?

Christianity Today on Why Not College for the Disabled  or http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/november/12.17.html

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517239 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:23:47 EST
Mistakes http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=500259 I’ve really been doing a lot of reflecting lately.  Reflecting about how God wants to use or not use me.  I’m one of the people that always seems to just stumble along my path, tripping and falling, but somehow I “arrive” none-the-less.    

I’ll never understand why God chooses to use me in the ways that he has.  It’s mind boggling.  But sometimes I can’t help but think that I trip up so much that I’m always on my knees anyway.  And while I’m done there in the valleys and in the trenches – I’m calling to Him.  And I think he just keeps me there… on my knees asking for His help, His strength, His forgiveness.  And I praise Him for all my imperfections and how He uses ALL of me… weaknesses and all… 

Now if we could all just join each other down here… on our knees and in the valley....in repentence and forgiveness…. then we’d truly have the body of Christ amongst us.  Ah, the glory of our biggest mistakes…

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=500259 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Family Life These Days http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=496250 So, for the past few days both of my kids are going through a series of nightmares.   My four year old son, Johnny, goes to bed crying and fussing about night mares and then my three year old Jeanie wakes up very early with her nightmares.  I think Johnny is just scaring her... she said this morning "Johnny is taking all my good dreams away".  :(  So, I'm tired, exhausted actually... we could all use some sleep.   (By the way, I think we have our weekend family movie rental of Furry Vengeance to thank for this.  Johnny thinks that there are animals everywhere attacking him.)  

So this morning when I go to comfort Jeanie, she asked me to lay in bed with her.  So I did and she clinged to me sooooo tight.  I have to admit that I really enjoy those moments.   Sometimes in these moments it occurs to me how God may want us to cling to him during our difficult times and how much he probably loves that feeling as well. 

AND another source of stress, we are also still building our new home and trying in this real estate market to sell our current home.   We have not been successful and it is very difficult to not get stressed about everything that is involved in all this and I begin to worry.

So, back to the kids... every night I've been trying to explain to Johnny that monsters aren't real and animals aren't in his bedroom.  Many talks the past few days about what is pretend and what is real.  And it is interesting to watch him lack so much faith in me and what I'm telling him.   And it dawned on me that God must feel that with us as well.  I worry about a house selling, while God already knows the answers to all my petty problems.  I worry about my kids not sleeping and if these nightmares will do long term harm to them, but God knows the answer to this issue as well. 

I think one of the most fascinating things about having children is that I learn so much about relationships with others and God from having, watching and relating to my children... 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=496250 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Amazing Grace http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=491462 I just finished the book Amazing Grace.  A biography of Wilberforce's "heroic campaign to end slavery".  I personally would have never chosen to read a biography.  A book club I am in chose otherwise.  I'm sure my literary friends that are in this club would love to see my thoughts on the writing style, historical relevance, etc.  But in truth, a biography is just not for me and I pushed myself through the book.  In addition, I felt the author had an infatuation with the historical figure, Wilberforce.  This crush at times made me feel that the entire story is over told and caused me to question Wilberforce's great accomplishments.  So I should leave the greatness of this book for the discussion of my literary friends.  :)

There were some things that I greatly appreciated in this book - who couldn't enjoy reading about abolishing slavery!?  What I appreciated the most was a better understanding of how slavery even came to be.  One of my many personal struggles is self-righteousness and pride... and with that I've always questioned others wrong doings rather than my own as it is much easier to contend with others' wrongs.  So when it comes to slavery I have always angrily wondered how in the world someone could own a person, much less mistreat another "owned" living creature.  Bits of this biography painted the picture of how such a misery occurred... though I'm not certain this was the intent of the author.  But it was the first time I realized how slave owners had fallen from Grace and truth in the same way I do from time to time.

And since much of my recent posts have been about suffering, I really enjoyed this analogy of suffering...in which many parents can relate.  It was found in Wilberforce's diary as he watched his grand baby receive a vaccination. - "the infant gave up its little arm to the operator without suspicion or fear.  But when it felt the puncture, which must have been sharp, no words can express the astonishment and grief that followed.  I could not have thought the mouth could have been distended so widely as it continued, till the nurse's soothing restored her usual calmness.  What an illustration is this of the impatient feelings we are often apt to experience, and sometimes even to express, when suffering from the dispensations of a Being, whose wisdom we profess to believe to be unerring, whose kindness we know to be unfailing, whose truth also is sure, and who has declared to us, that all things shall work together for good to them that love Him, and the object of His infliction is to make us partakers of His holiness". 

For those bits of wisdom, the book was worth the read...   

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=491462 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:21:13 EST
Why? http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=490340 Ok... so here is a video clip that will make you think about suffering.  And for me, it is a reminder why I love the field of special education so much.  My students taught me more about suffering and pain than any pastor or sermon.  I often found them teaching more than I taught them -

Click this link - A Man with No Arms or Legs

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=490340 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:00:11 EST
Charlotte's Web http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517237 So, if you look at my last blog I was contemplating the meaning of suffering and how to share some thoughts and ideas on this.  Since this time, we lost one of our professors, Dr. Jill Jones.  She was killed in a car accident along with her 16 year old son.   For those who may be hearing about this for the first time, you can find the story on Liberty's news page and we have created a facebook page in her honor.  Please join us there.

So, this morning I took my kids to see "Charlotte's Web".  It was one of the weekly morning kids showing for the summer.  I wasn't ready for a movie with so many questions about death... not only because of the passing of our colleague, but also because I wasn't ready or equipped for the questions on death from my four year old son.  "what happened to the spider?  Why did she say good-bye?  When is she coming back?  Are her babies going to save her?  Do the babies have a father?  Who's going to take care of the babies?"  on and on the questions came.  After all my attempts to explain things to him, it ended with "I don't want to watch a movie where a spider dies ever again".  And then I knew - he actually got it. 

I spend my life trying to think of ways to protect my kids from pain.  Ways they won't fall, ways they won't scratch up their bodies, bump their heads... and there is something so amazingly helpless about realizing that I can't protect them from life.  That at some point in their life they are going to have to deal with death, pain and heartache.  It has to be the most challenging thing about being a Mommy.   I pray I can guide them through the pain and find simple ways to share life's beauties while preparing them and teaching them about suffering...

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517237 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:23:47 EST
Too Much To Say? http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020875 So, I actually feel I have too much I want to say and I can't figure out how to articulate it all.  This week we are offering an intensive in partnership with Joni and Friends (Joni Earkson Tada's ministry).  The course is the Theology of Suffering and Disability.  The course is very thought and spiritually provoking.   A few days ago I had the awesome opportunity to eat lunch with the professor of this course from the Christian Institute on Disability (Dr. McReynolds), the Director of Liberty's Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (Dr. Nemitz), and our vice-provost (Dr. Hawkins)... where we discussed putting this course on-line.   This discussion carried into a vision for what Christians AND our churches can do for those who are suffering.  .

(Joni Earkson Tada was to attend the course but is now being treated for breast cancer.)

And then I just now returned from dinner with my foster son who is now 21 and recently released from prison.  Hearing about his rejection from his family and his struggle to not return to the streets and criminal activity...  in relationship to thinking about the theology of suffering... I just feel there is too much to say about all of this.  But I'm trying to process it all so that sharing my thoughts would be meaningful.

So until I can figure this all out... I will probably have to write some mundane articles about my summer.  :)

Dr. McReynolds teaching her intensive...

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020875 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:48:37 EST
Intensives Are Over http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=483710 What a crazy few weeks!!  I'm watching my last class take their final exams and then I'm done with my intensive marathon of teaching three back to back.   EDUC 623, Behavior Management is my absolute favorite class.  But Intensives are so intense that you can describe the emotions and feelings in so many ways. I'm sure the students can relate to these feelings as well.  Here are just a few - entertained, exhausted, grateful, busy, regretful, thankful, honored, blessed, forgetful :)...But what an amazing few weeks!! 

I had an opportunity to teach students from all over the WORLD.  It was truly an awesome experience!  And to just think about the many children they represent...all over the world.  So my biggest word to describe this experience is humbled.  I had represented in my three classes - Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Canada, Haiti, South Africa, Egypt, Korea, India, and quite frankly, I'm probably forgetting some.  And then so many states coming as far as CA.  What a neat experience for all of us to be blessed by such diversity.  I truly learned so much from all of them. 

So now we will all go home and spend some time with family.  I know my family has been quite neglected the past few weeks.  We discovered this week that my oldest son, Johnny has Asthma that resulted in Pneumonia. He's healing fine.  But it was hard to not want to stay home with him and help him heal.  And for the students - I also pray safe trips home for all of them and lots of hugs from their families and friends.   I pray that they all go back and "let their lights shine" in their various work, home, church and civic settings.  And though we are all exhausted... we shared a unique experience that will remain with all of us forever...Intensives 2010...  :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=483710 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 01:49:40 EST
Teaching EDUC 623 Intensives http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=481892 I had my first class of 53 students for EDUC 623 - Behavior Management last week.  Now I'm gearing up for week 2 and 3 of intensives for the summer - 45 students each of these weeks.  This is why I've been so quiet in here.  Busy grading, planning, teaching, answering emails, grading, planning, teaching, answering emails...   :)   And then of course the family, spending time with friends, building a house, and just enjoying the summer.  

I do absolutely LOVE teaching this class!   It is my favorite topic and it is something I feel so passionate about.  So, my prayer is that I can share that passion in each lesson I teach and then I pray my students can go back to their schools and classrooms and pass it along.... the passion for the "difficult" and "challenging" student.  

So, students... if you are out there.  Please feel free to share your stories too.  You can email me or post them here.  I'd love to hear from you.

Off to grading, planning, etc... 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=481892 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
ACSI Guidebook Proposal Accepted http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=477970 Just in case anyone out there is following these blogs... :)  I shared a few weeks ago that I had another proposal to ACSI (Association for Christian Schools International) for a guidebook on Differentiated Instruction.  I just received an email saying that the idea was accepted!  :)  So now I need to work on writing the guidebook for Christian schools and teachers.  :)  

Here is the overview -

Book Title  - GUIDE for Differentiated Instruction

Great Commission - Our Christian mission in reaching ALL students

Understanding Differentiation - The nature of the learner and an overview of Differentiated Instruction

Instruction and Assessment  - Learning Styles, Rubrics, project based assignments

Delivery Methods - High/ Low preparation & Learning Strategies

Educating for Success - Scaffolding, Tiered Assignments, and Powerful Products

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=477970 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Kick off of Summer Intensives http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020874 It is an exciting time of the year when we have thousands of our students travel to Lynchburg and to Liberty University to take intensives.  For those who don't know about our intensives, it is when students complete a course in one, very intense week.  They sit and participate in class from 8-4:30.  And then they do the assignments for the class in the evening.  Some of our very brave students come and do three weeks of this in a row.  Below is a picture of this weeks group at our Monday luncheon following our SOE Orientation.  They are listening to a welcome from the Provost of Liberty University.

I love this time.  Because it is an opportunity to see our students that are all over the states and the world.  In the intensives that I am teaching in July, I have students from China and Afghanistan and other interesting places.  It is an incredible privilege to be part of this phenomena.

And as if this isn't enough, Liberty's SOE was also ranked number 7 among the Top 10 Online Colleges for Teacher Education - (http://www.thebestcolleges.org/2010/the-top-10-online-colleges-for-teaching-degrees/).  I really do just love this place!  :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020874 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 08:19:14 EST
Graduation and Mom http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020873 So, the last few weeks have been quite busy, exciting, and challenging.  First of all, Graduation was awesome!   I wish I could share more pictures... but here is just one.  You can find me on facebook if you want to see others.  :)  But one of the great things about the pictures is the reminder of all the types of students we have... undergraduate, residential students who are leaving the dorm life and heading to their first classrooms... on-line undergraduate students who are committing to school during their many other commitments, as well as graduate students - young and old who brought various family members... often their own children.  Then we had our doctoral candidates, who were hooded in a special ceremony and our representing Liberty's SOE forever as "Dr".  I personally had the privilege of hooding five students where I was their dissertation chair.  The School of Education graduated 1000 students in 2010 with about 400 participating in the ceremonies!!  And what an honor to play any part in the hard work and accomplishment of these students!!!!

But there was also some excitement happening behind the scenes that day.  My Mom, who is also the SOE Dean, Dr. Parker, had been feeling very ill and we had tried to get her a stool so that she can sit while handing out the diplomas.  But the stool was too high, so she was leaning on this or the table while doing the photos with our student.  She stuck it out though.  The following Monday she had an appointment to see why she still wasn't feeling well.  At this appointment they suspected from an EKG that she had suffered a heart attack.  Then we had a week (last week) of visiting doctors and performing tests.  They now suspect that she has a heart disease HOCM.  Further testing (an ECHO) is needed to confirm this diagnosis and to determine the treatment.


Wow!!! - what a whirlwind of emotions the past couple of weeks.  But it is also why I have been quiet here lately.  I'm sure there will be much more to come about this.  But it was still an awesome time of celebration with the students and also celebrating my family, realizing the possible brevity of it all!  So, this week... and through it all.. I just praise Him for all of our gifts that He allows us to enjoy!!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020873 Wed, 26 May 2010 07:00:51 EST
I Guess I'll just Brag http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020872 So, I've been quiet lately (I know that is very hard for some folks to imagine :).  But I honestly just don't want to share if I don't have anything worth sharing.  I figured I'd wait until after graduation.  Then I'll have some pictures to share of our awesome students... the amazing celebration for the accomplishments of many.  I LOVE graduation time!!!!!   Just a couple of days away!

But until then, I just wanted to share that I was asked to do another translation of my PRAISE book.  They are already working on a Russian translation and they asked this week to begin a Spanish translation for Guatemala.  How awesome is that?!?!  My vision for that book was to equip Christian schools to help the struggling student.  It's what I often talk about when I travel.  So I'm thrilled to see it become global!!!!   Also, I have a proposal that is being considered later this month for a publication that focuses more on the learning aspects, differentiated instruction, rather than the behavioral aspects of the struggling student.  Pray that is well received!!!

 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020872 Thu, 13 May 2010 03:41:15 EST
The Plight of Women and Children http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=472493 Yesterday I had the privilege of seeing Dr. Diane Langberg (http://www.dianelangberg.com/) speak in Graduate School Convocation.  She spoke on the abuse and violence against women world wide, in our country and in our own churches.  It was a very passionate speech on how we can represent the character of Christ by trying to help the afflicted.  I've talked much about this with special education.  But perhaps if you're reading this blog, your calling towards the afflicted is a bit different.  Perhaps you are interested in working with the abused and those that are victims of domestic violence, both woman and children. 

The charge is the same.  She said that as Christians we must leave our "comforts" and represent Christ in a broken and hurting world.  I wish it was possible for everyone to hear what she shared with us.  Her heart has been burdened by the plight of woman all of the world (where 1 in 3 experiences violence or abuse).  She spoke about how everyone is somehow affected by this and we have to get involved towards ending it and helping those that are hurting.

So, once again, pray about what you can do to help the least of these.   Liberty University's professor in our Law School as an organization for helping the church body deal with some of this crisis called GRACE - Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environments (http://www.netgrace.org/index.asp?str_string=About%20Us~The%20Need%20for%20GRACE~none). 

Another opportunity for Christians to volunteer is through CASA (http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm).  This is where you are a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused children.  I had the privilege of doing this for a few years.  It is an awesome opportunity to help children through a difficult time and to advise the court on the best needs for the child.

But continue to pray - where can God use you and your gifts to show the broken world the love and compassion of our Christ?  Try starting small, just being aware of the women around you and their hurts and then grow to a larger commitment towards making it a life mission.  Dr. Langberg shared that when we live to emulate Christ, then we are to be with the women, children, the broken, the afflicted, the imprisoned.  Please continue to pray about how God can use you.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=472493 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Janel and Autumn http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470906 I received this email today. Here is a wonderful example and testimony of God using Janel to help children with disabilities.  So I asked permission to share.  So, meet the George Family -   Continue to pray about where God can use you in helping people with disabilities and their families.

Dr. Ackerman,

I graduated from Liberty in 2004 with an M.Ed. in Elementary Education.  I'm in the process of returning to add the needed classes to receive an endorsement in Special Education.  While looking around the web site today, I came across your blog, and it touched a spot deep in my soul.

God put a burden on my heart several years ago to reach students with special needs.  I am at home with my two preschool children at the moment, but the 6 years I spent teaching in a Christian school before having children left me very concerned about the lack of help these children are receiving.

Since feeling God's leading in this direction, he has given me the personal experience to strengthen my resolve on this matter.  My husband and I have been foster parents for several years now, starting out doing respite care for the first few years.  When I became pregnant with my son, we were planning to take some time off, and that's when Autumn came along...  We first met her in August of 2005.  The full-time foster parents she was staying with had Auburn season tickets and a few other trips planned, so Autumn stayed with us often.  As we got closer to my due date that December, we stepped back from keeping other children, but told them we would continue to do respite for Autumn.

It's amazing to look back and see how sometimes God gets you to the place He wants us to be one small step at a time.  God placed a tremendous burden on our hearts for her, and she moved in with us completely in March of 2006, when my son was just two months old.  As of last September, she is officially ours through adoption.

We knew when she moved in that there were developmental delays.  We spent 3 years in Early Intervention and going to different therapies 3-4 days a week.  This year, she was admitted into the Special Education preschool class under OHI and is now going to class 4 days a week and receiving speech and PT while she's there.

I struggle with having to choose between the two things she needs most - spiritual influence vs. help for her educational needs.  I'm not sure yet whether or not she'll ever be able to attend a private school.  The cognitive area has always been her strongest, but having taught, I know that's not always enough to get you through a Christian school, as all the other needs will not be addressed.  However, with her past, more than anything she needs to know God loves her and be surrounded with people who can help her understand that.  Parents should not be put in this position.

Without turning this into an epic, you can see where we are.  I know God has called me to do something about this, and I know He put Autumn in our lives to give me an intimate understanding of this need.  My ultimate vision is to open my own Christian school that is equipped to meet the needs of all students.  I am doing what I can to be ready, anxiously awaiting for God to show me when the time is right and exactly what I need to do to get started.  I live in Birmingham, AL.  There are many good Christian schools in the area, but none of them are meeting this need.  This seems to be a prime location for such an endeavor.

At some point, I would love to have a conversation with you and hear any advice you have.  I will eventually need to take 623 which will require a campus visit, but that will probably be next summer.  I appreciated the passion that came through in your blog.  I sat here and wept as I read your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Janel George

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470906 Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:28:04 EST
Dorms for those with Moderate Disabilities http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517228 So, I've had a few ideas for LCA, Liberty University, TRBC when I first started working at Liberty. I can be a visionary and a dreamer and I just don't have time to do it all. But I love planting seeds. :)  So, if anyone out theres is interested... here you go...

I had the opportunity to eat lunch with Joni Eereckson Tada. And I was sitting between her and Johnnie Moore and I went ahead and shared one of my ideas with him... planting a seed... and Joni also loved the idea.

The idea would be to have dorms dedicated for young adults with moderate disabilities. At a minimum it would be a great opportunity for some additional funds for the university in the way of medicaid funds. I don't have a background in medicaid funds for those with disabilities, etc. But it would just take someone with the knowledge of establishing group homes and a little investigation.

But at the maximum, it would be an awesome way to minister to the Liberty body. An opportunity for our nursing, psychology, etc students to minister to these folks and to learn more about their field and spiritual formation through living with them in the dorms and helping to care for these students. And an opportunity for these students with disabilities to minister to us... showing us God's love through their struggles as they join our students in classes, athletic events, spiritual life, etc. Henry Nouwen (a great spiritual writer in this area...if you are not familiar with him... you may want to read his books) says he feels closest to God when around those with disabilities. It is such a powerful ministry!!

There are some programs out there like this already - Like this one - http://web.taftcollege.edu/student_services/independent_living.shtml But I am not aware of a distinctively Christian university that does this. There may be one... I'm not sure... but we could be the first to do it. And if marketed well, it would probably grow into such high demand that Liberty could probably eventually hand pick the families/adults we wish to assist in this way by interviewing them and finding those with the best "match" to the dorm or the possible high demand can expand the program, etc.

And as far as funding, I could see a dorm named in honor of someone to help get it started. There would be a lot of potential for fund-raising with something like that.  Anyway, just hoping to plant a seed to someone out there...   :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517228 Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:39:59 EST
Joni Erickson Tada http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020871 Joni spoke to our Liberty students today and then I had the privilege of joining her and her team/friends for lunch along with some of our Liberty team.  You can see what she talked about at Liberty's main page/press release - www.liberty.edu/index.cfm  But how chilling to sit with her and our Campus Pastor, Johnnie Moore, and discuss what we can do as a Christian body for those with disabilities.  It was definitely one of the highlights of my career.  I'm sure I'll be talking about all this in future blogs.  But for know you can enjoy the article on Liberty's main page about her visit and my pictures below.

To learn more about Joni and Friends ministries you can go to - www.joniandfriends.org/

Lunch with Joni  & signing one of her books for me.

   

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020871 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:48:23 EST
Burn Out in Special Education http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470592 This is one of the biggest concerns for those majoring in special education.  We all have to find ways to manage stress... so be sure to do this.  But just don't forget THE mission you are on.  (See below).  Working at the alternative school, there were many times I prayed on the way home from work for God to give the stength to drive back in the morning.  I can tell some rough stories about the things I saw.  And you will have them too.  It's not always the kids either... it's the paperwork, politics, parents, colleagues, the system, etc.   So many times on my drive home and to work, I listened to this song... from one of my personal philosophers, Garth Brooks.  :)   It says it better than I can....  And go find the song, you may just need it too...   ;)

The Change

One hand
Reaches out
And pulls a lost soul from harm
While a thousand more go unspoken for
They say what good have you done
By saving just this one
It's like whispering a prayer
In the fury of a storm

And I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world will know
That it will not change me

This heart
Still believes
That love and mercy still exist
While all the hatred rage and so many say
That love is all but pointless in madness such as this
It's like trying to stop a fire
With the moisture from a kiss

And I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world will know
That it will not change me

As long as one heart still holds on
Then hope is never really gone

I hear them saying you'll never change things
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing
But it's not the world that I am changing
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me

What I do is so
This world will know
That it will not change me

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470592 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:57:57 EST
THE Message - Part 3 of 3 - Now what? http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470593 THE Message – Part 3 of 3 – Now what?

This should finish my mini “lecture series”.  :)  I felt the last message was a bit harsher than I like to get, particularly when you are not sure how the medium of writing these thoughts are portrayed.  So I feel the need to quickly post again. 

So -“now what?”  “what are we suppose to do about it?”It’s this simple - PRAY and watch and see!!  If you’re eyes are open to it, God will show you where you can serve.Is it a child with behavior problems that needs someone to sit with them in church? Can you help create tuition scholarships for struggling families in your Christian school? Or are you a general education teacher that needs to “go after” Johnny? Can you start a special needs ministry in your church? Take in a foster child? Volunteer at a group home? Is there a single mother on your block that needs her yard cut? Could you spend time with her children? Or are you a parent of a child at a Christian school that needs to be patient with other children/parents in your child’s class? Just pray and watch. It typically is already in front of you… all you have to do is reach out to what God put right in front of you.

Here is how you know if you are doing it.  You know because IT IS HARD!! :)  Quite honestly, it stinks sometimes.  I already used Luke 14:12-13 in the last blog… but now let's look at the verse that follows, verse 14. When you invite the poor, the lame, the blind, you will be blessed…. But you will not be repaid!! Verse 14 - “They cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”. You probably aren’t going to get the wonderful letters thanking you for saving Johnny, your foster child will probably not become a professional athlete, whatever you do for “the least of these” will probably go unnoticed by our world’s standards. And that is the point… it stinks! This is truly what it means to suffer for righteous sake!

And here’s another amazing thing - you may not even help them at all!!!! My foster son calls me from prison on a regular basis. Oh, how I wish he would have been a professional athlete like the movie Blind Side. :) But one of the most humbling things I learned working at the alternative school and other areas of working with these children/adolescents is that they may actually be there for me!!!!…to shape and mold me… as it says in James 1 – to teach me – perseverance and patience and also perspective. The perspective that when my foster son calls me from prison, it is because he has NO ONE else to call. Could you even imagine that? The perspective that God has blessed me with a Christian, loving home.  The perseverance that if these families can endure their crisis, then I can endure mine. And if they can tolerate their struggles, disabilities, finances, etc, then how can I not only "tolerate" their child in my class, but love the presence of this special child. And the patience that someday it will all be clear to me and I can see God’s children begin to be blessed and his perfect work complete.

I spent most of my career thinking I was helping others, realizing they are actually helping me!!! This is the beauty of it. This is THE message!!! And this is where you find THE blessing.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470593 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:05:06 EST
THE Message - Pt 2 - Mandate or Calling? http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470594 So, it never fails that I after I do some of these sessions on Special Education in the Christian schools that I hear from teachers that work in these schools that their own children can't attend the school they work at because of a learning disability, autism, or ADHD, etc.  Though we are beginning to want to approach and address this problem, we still have so much work to do!!! And the first step to making this possible is the belief that we HAVE to do this.  If this isn't bought into by the entire body of Christians, our Christian circles, Christian culture, etc.  Then we only make up excuses... excuses of why we can't do it or why it is not our fault or problem.  I often hear some of these “reasons” such as – “this isn't the mission of our Christian school”.  Or as I have said in the previous blog, I'll hear  – “That's your calling. Not my calling”.  So, in this blog – I would like to explore some of what the scripture says about this topic.  Is this a calling?  Or is it a Christian mandate?  Is this righteousness?  There are so many great verses, so here are some of my favorites –

Here is how Job describes his righteousness - "I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban.  I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.  I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger" Job 29:14-16.

And I know we all believe this!!!!  We all feel we do our part by sponsoring a child overseas, going on mission trips, sending children overseas on mission trips, supporting our missionaries, filling up shoeboxes with criticial needs, on and on I could go.  These are wonderful, and I don't want to take away the importance of these gifts.  But it isn't really going through the work it takes to make it part of our everyday cultural.  We do these things, while loosing sight of our own community.

But my absolute favorite is Jesus' words, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors, if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.  But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed” Luke 14:12-13.  So thinking of these verses, when you think of our Christian schools, they are very often the rich, our church family and friends, our neighbors.  How often do you think of Christian schools and churches as being filled of the poor, the lame, the blind?  Schools may be private if they are open to the elite.  But if these schools aren't also open to accepting “the least of these”, I'm honestly not sure if they can define themselves as Christian.  - Strong words, I know... stay with me through all these blogs :).

One of the first thing I hear from general education teachers (btw, it is general education and not regular education... if you say regular then you imply that special education is irregular :)... you can tell I'm in teaching mode)... anyway, when I hear from general education teachers, Christian teachers, Christian principals, I often hear – “what about the rest of the students?  What does this do for the other 125 I teach in high school, the other 25 in my class, the other 1,000 in our school?  We can't stop everything we are doing to help Johnny”.  Now, if you feel this way or you work with others who do, I challenge you to study Luke 15, the parable of the lost sheep.  I have this image of Jesus leaving the flock, leaving the 99 in safety because they trust Him and He goes after the one lost sheep.  I love the image, the image of a sheep on the Good Sheppard's shoulders... Our focus is to be on the broken, the needy, the hungry... the message is clear.  It is also the separation of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25.  THE message, The mandate...

 

But there is still more to come...   :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470594 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 08:41:04 EST
We Pray for Children by Ina Hughes http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470595 One of my many favorite inspirational poems that I read in classes and at speaking engagements...

We Pray for Children - who sneak popsicles before supper,
who erase holes in math workbooks,
who can never find their shoes.

And we pray for those
who don't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
who are born in places where we wouldn't be caught dead,
who never go to the circus,
who live in an X-rated world.

We pray for children
who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.

And we pray for those
who never get dessert,
who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
who watch their parents watch them die,
who can't find any bread to steal,
who don't have any rooms to clean up,
whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,
whose monsters are real.

We pray for children
who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
who like ghost stories,
who shove dirty clothes under the bed,
who never rinse out the tub,
who get visits from the tooth fairy,
who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,
who squirm in church and scream in the phone,
whose tears we sometimes laugh at and
whose smiles can make us cry.

And we pray for those
whose nightmares come in the daytime,
who will eat anything,
who have never seen a dentist,
who aren't spoiled by anybody,
who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
who live and move, but have no being.

We pray for children
who want to be carried and for those who must,
for those who we never give up on and
for those who don't get a second chance.
For those we smother with affection and
for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470595 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:24:50 EST
THE Message (Part 1 of who knows... :) http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470596 Tomorrow I’m driving to Lancaster and then Leesburg to speak at two different ACSI preschool conferences. I am actually keynoting some of the preschool conferences this year. And last Saturday I had the awesome privilege of speaking at LCA’s preschool, where my son and daughter attend. :) I love to do these speaking engagements. What is crazy - I used to have a pretty serious fear of public speaking (another one to share on another day). But it is so amazing to see how God has chosen to use me... funny actually... for anyone who has known me for a long time.

So, I’ve talked about the ability to teach and speak with the opportunity to reach children. But I’ve not talked about the message that I’ve felt both burdened and blessed to share. I’m not sure if it is even possible to do it in one blog. Once I get going on this one, it is hard to shut me up. So, let's see how short I can make it... :)

After my K-12 and bachelor’s degree education all in Christian schools, I somehow (another story) found my first place of employment at a private day school for students with emotional and behavior disabilities.  From that point forward I saw and was exposed to a different world. God began preparing me for the message. I saw a world that exists in our own backyards, towns, cities... but a world that has not been fully accepted by our churches and Christian schools... the least of these... the broken... the outcasted.

I know it may be harsh to say that these children have not been accepted in our Christian circles, but my entire life has been spent in the Christian community, churches, and cultural, I had never seen this world... I’d never been exposed to this level of brokenness and pain. And as I fell in love with these children and their families, and started “preaching” (at times self-righteously...more to come on that too) to all my friends that we need to help them... I started hearing from Christian friends “this is not my calling. That is your calling.” I started hearing from families who have been kicked out of churches because of their child’s behavior at church. I learned that many Christian schools don’t even employ special education teachers. And it wasn’t that long ago that I had a few different teacher candidates in my office in tears because their parents wouldn’t pay for a degree in special education. After paying for mission trips and supporting missions, these parents wanted to “protect” their children from majoring and obtaining a BS in special education.

BUT times are changing... The message is becoming mainstreamed... I am being asked (and even paid...so funny that anyone would pay me to speak) to come to schools, Christian schools and Christian conferences to speak about differentiated instruction and the struggling and/or difficult student. There are movies like Blind Side that show how it is time for social justice and special education to become part of American Christian culture...

and so the message...   stay tuned... more to come... :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470596 Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:18:51 EST
ONE student http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470597 In these various blogs I’ve written a lot about numbers, about the many current students we have and the millions of children that we reach by our students in the School of Education. But today, I want to do something different. I want to give a mental picture of ONE student. I could choose so many... after all... all of my students are my “sole favorite student”. :) But today I’m going to chose Amanda Kruppenbacher who received her BS in Special Education last year. One reason I picked her is because she is looking for support to go to Jinja, Uganda where she will be working along the missionaries at Good Shepherds Fold (see how you can support her at the end of this blog).

Another reason I picked Amanda is because she recently reminded me of how I am always so humbled by our students in watching them dedicate their lives to God through their studies and career. Personally and comparatively, I have it so easy. I get to teach them and then they go out into the trenches and the front lines.

A couple of weeks ago, I was working on our house plans as we are building a house... trying to decide the “extras” (hard wood floors, screened porch, upgraded kitchen, etc). And then Amanda rattles “my world” a little with an email of the dire needs at this orphanage for children with disabilities... It isn’t enough that they don’t have families, and they are only surviving because of the missionaries that dedicate their lives to taking care of these children. But there are also SO MANY needs. There is a small child that is wheel chair bound but in an adult wheel chair because that is all that is available. They need a hut to have a place to work with these children to improve their life skills. They have no basic special education equipment for the various therapies that are needed. Children that are unable to communicate, but may be able to if they had the correct therapy and tools to help them do so. So, I read her email after looking at my house plans just thinking - "A wheel chair or granite counter tops?!?!" (btw, Amanda found a child’s wheel chair that we are not quite sure how to ship to a third world country.. any ideas out there?). So another day, I need to focus on when our spiritual and earthly worlds collide. But today, I just want to say GO AMANDA!! Thank you for what you've already taught me about God's provisions in my life.  I pray God uses you in mighty ways for these children and the missionaries' children you will teach.  And I also pray that the community in which you will live will be dramatically impacted by seeing God’s hands at work with “the least of these”.

Just ONE student...

Amanda’s Blog - http://alkruppenbacher.posterous.com/

Amanda’s Email if you would like to get on her mailing for prayer and financial support - alkruppenbacher@liberty.edu

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470597 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:02:34 EST
Successful NCATE Visit http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020870 The clock outside our office now let's us know that the NCATE visit is over.

What a sigh of relief!!!   We all just want to rest, but we are all on a high for such an excellent and successful visit!!!   It was with great pride that I listened in the exit interview as the NCATE Chair and the Director of Teacher Education for VA DOE sang the praises of our Dean in front of our Chancellor/President and Vice Chancellor.   They said our program and our Dean are both a model for others in the state of VA.  And not only did they recommend full accreditation, but they had NO "areas of improvement" for Standard 2.  They said this is extremely rare and that it is an accomplishment in which we should be proud.  And indeed we are!!  :)

When we came back to the School of Education after the exit interview, we were surprised to find that faculty and staff were crammed into our offices and many students filled the hallways waiting to congratulate our Dean.     

They then presented her with flowers, a card, and gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure. :)

It was such a team effort from not only everyone in our department, but departments all over the university who made sure we were ready.  We wish there was a way to thank them all, like the folks in IT and CAFE,  and of course the school's leadership, who all were extremely helpful and supported our many requests and needs to make this happen.  AND many THANKS to Rachel Ryver, Natalie Fusco, and Barb Seaburn our office staff who continuously make us look great!  They do so much and unfortunately they can often go unnoticed, as well as our Facutly Support Coordinators (Ronda Heerspink and Kirsten Staaby) and our NEW Assessment Coordinator, Steve McDonald. All of SOE administration is particularly grateful for their hard work!!

Once again, God has been so good to us!!!  And as a reminder and out of gratitude for and to Him, all of the faculty, staff and students joined hands in the offices and down the hallway and we praised Him for guiding us through this process.  To God be the glory...

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020870 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:25:34 EST
NCATE Visit http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020869

We have a count down clock hanging outside of our offices for our NCATE visit.  And our NCATE visit is just 8 days away!!!   Many of you may not be aware, but we are one of the few and first on-line/blended programs to be accredited by NCATE.   It is something that we pride ourselves in having accomplished.  And we have all of you to thank as you are grading and completing the assignments in LiveText and with rubrics, completing surveys, assessing yourselves, providing information on your professional and scholarly activity, etc.  So, with that said, we are very busy in planning for this visit which is why I have not written recently and why this entry will be short.  Please pray for a successful visit!  :)

 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020869 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Traveling Ramblings... http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470598 I’m writing this one on the road. So, if this one is confusing, it's because I am tired.  :)   I’m actually at an airport in Memphis. I just left a beautiful island in Galveston where I spoke at an ACSI Conference (Association of Christian Schools International) and I’m somewhat stranded from home where there’s been a huge winter storm. So they are rerouting me all over the place. Next stop… Atlanta, and then Lynchburg (hopefully before the night is over).

If it wasn’t for having to leave the kids, I would really enjoy the occasional trips I make. It is just a great time to unplug from the routine of life and reflect on my challenges and blessings.  I always try to make a point to do something special on these trips, even if it is small, like tasting the local food :), which is actually one of my favorite things to do. But lately I’ve been a little grander in my adventures. Last night I spent four hours at a Spa since I was staying at a Spa hotel. It was heavenly. I left feeling such a sense of peace leaving the Spa. And a sense of joy that God allows me so many opportunities to just enjoy life.

So as I travel, I also really enjoy watching people. I find myself feeling very small when I travel, wondering how I think that God cares about me in the midst of so many people, problems, pain, etc. But somehow he must, because he blesses beyond measure. But as I watch people, I mostly find myself wondering if God thinks we’re funny or pitiful. I think I’ll go with funny… God thinks us funny. .. I’d tell the many travel stories. But I think I’ll just keep those smiles to myself.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470598 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:18:02 EST
God's Favor at Liberty http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517219 It's budget planning time of year.  So, we are all busy analyzing numbers at Liberty University.  And I can't help to share some of the amazing things happening at Liberty.  There is no doubt that we currently have God's favor.  I pray we can stay true to Him through our blessings and trials and he will continue to guide us and direct us.

I started this position about 2 1/2 years ago.  At this time we had 8 on-line faculty with about 2,000 students.  We now have 180 on-line faculty and 30 residential faculty with about 7,500 students being educated from the School of Education.  I attended Liberty for my undergraduate degree in the early 90's.  And at that time the entire campus had about 5,000 students.  And now just the School of Education has greatly surpassed these numbers.  What an awesome phenomena and opportunity!?!?!  

As if this isn't amazing enough, we have also managed this growth with few problems. So, with this... I have to thank everyone that has been part of all of this.  First of all, the students... who have been very patient with us as they approached bottle necks and waited graciously as we worked frantically to correct these pressure points.  The staff and faculty, who showed unbelievable patience, perseverance, and service as we stretched ourselves further than we ever thought we could reach.   And administration who have fought for us to have everything we need to not only grow, but to do so while holding onto the integrity of our academic programs and our mission of impacting the world for Christ. 

And even more amazing... we are continuing on the same path of growth.    The budget numbers last year at this exact time were at 4500 students for the School of Education... and now 7500... I wonder what it will be next year?  :)  When I first started this blog I talked about the ability to influence the world... each one of our teacher candidates representing 900 children in their careers... so with our current students... and not even counting our alumni and the many who have come and gone... right now at this moment... just the School of Education... this is 6,750,000 children!!  Praise Him from Whom all blessings flow!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517219 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:06:36 EST
Remembering My Sister http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470600 Well, this has been a difficult week...my baby sister died 9 years ago on January 17, 2001 in a car accident.  She was 21 years old.  And this week is when you remember that dreaded phone call, the funeral, and the visits from many family and friends who mourn with you during a difficult time.  It is one of the harder weeks.  I actually prefer her birthday... that date doesn't seem as dreaded or depressing to me... rather it seems a time to celebrate her life. 

But during this difficult week, I thought I would post one of her poems that she wrote in 1999 at age 19.  It reminds me of my sister, Amy, but also it reminds me of those of you who have been there for me during my difficult times in my life.

A Smile Came Over Me by Amy Caroline Parker

A smile came over me
Like the escalating sun
It rose in my heart
And grows in my eyes

I hope you saw it
For perhaps it may fade
As the setting sun
And obscurity that follows

And if by chance you missed it
I will bring it back to life
For I want you to comprehend
The happiness I feel inside

I hope you notice it in my face
And lingering in my eyes
I pray you hear it in my voice
The only pleasure of its kind

For it is far more
Then solely a day breaking
It's the sun illuminating the sky
After a disheartening storm

The reason I want you to see
Is simply because it is YOU
That brought the smiles
To me when I could not endure!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=470600 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:45:10 EST
My 2 cents worth on job advice http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=453661 I often hear from students and friends that they don't know if they are where God wants them to be in their life.... that feeling of not being happy where you are at... or that God wants "me" somewhere else.   God often uses those feelings to guide us to new places...So I do think we need to be aware of those feelings.

BUT here is the hard thing to realize - in the meantime - we ARE where God wants us!!  Otherwise, He'd have us somewhere else.  I honestly think that is the whole point of Proverbs 3:5-7.... "acknowledge him in all your ways and he directs your path".... and then everyone always leaves out verse 7 "be not wise in your own eyes". 

The weirdest thing is I never really felt like I chose my job or my school, etc.  God just opened and shut doors for me.  And it is such a freeing feeling.  It's like he's saying "this way... no this way... no turn here".  Like, I have my own personal GPS. :)  And I think it came from the fact that His expectations of me were far more than the expectations for myself.  So, my point is.... First, recognize that you ARE where God wants you.  So, what does he want you to do right now... where he has you... the job your in?  THEN he'll direct your path...  at least from my experience.  :)
 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=453661 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Happy New Year http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517217 So, tomorrow will be 2010.  So it is time for us to reflect on the past year and be thinking about our New Year Resolutions.  Today for me is also my birthday, 37 years old.  (I feel like I can say how old I am, because I doubt many folks actually read these things).  :)  So as I reflect on 2009, I also reflect on my past year of life.  So, what does my next year have in store for me?  Well, really God only knows.  :)  

Reflections of this past year - With my family, I've had the privilege of watching my children grow from babies to toddlers.  Jeanie started preschool and Johnny is my wild little boy.  My husband and I have bought land and have began the process of building a house.  And what an adventure that will be in 2010!!  Professionally, I've watched the School of Education grow leaps and bounds.  We now have over 6,000 students that we educate from SOE and it was just a few years ago where it was closer to 2,000.  So much is happening so fast at Liberty and it is an awesome place to be.  But a great time for me in my life.

Looking forward to next year - I read once that we start making change in our life by saying "I'll start on Monday" or
"I'll start in the new year", then we are doomed to fail.  Like when we say we are going to start a diet after the holidays and feasts are over.  When we do this, we don't recognize that change is a good thing and not a bad thing.  That is something we should thrive to do everyday, while recognizing their are times for celebration and times for discipline, etc.  So I read that sometime this year and now I actually feel guilty about making New Year Resolutions that I know I won't keep.  :)  So, I guess I will say my resolution is to just thrive to be a better mother, wife, friend, teacher and administrator every day.  And then just recognizing I have His grace helping me through all my failures and short comings.  In the School of Education, we have our nationally accrediting body (NCATE) coming to our school in February.  So we have that to prepare for and prayerfully - celebrate.   I pray God just continues to bless SOE and that He guides us towards being the best that we can be.

And for each of you - a blessed and Happy New Year.  If you have had me for a teacher, I've probably ended my class with one of my favorite verses... so to all of you in 2009 -

May the Lord bless you and keep you.  
May the Lord make his face shine on you, and be 
gracious to you: 
May the Lord lift up his countenance on you, and give you peace.  
Numbers 6:24-26

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517217 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:37:37 EST
Christmas http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020868 It is the time of year to celebrate and reflect on Jesus' birth.  Lynchburg has been hit with a big snow storm the last few days. So in addition to playing in the snow with children and grading papers, I've been reflecting on what Jesus means to me.  I've been so blessed in my life.  Blessed beyond measure.  I think this analogy best describes where I feel right now.

Remember in PE when the teacher would choose "captains"... then the captains would choose the teams.  Remember that dread... the feeling of being chosen last.  I wanted to be captain so bad, just so I wouldn't be chosen last.  And then when the teacher calls the names of the captains, the teacher didn't choose me... but the teacher called my best friend.  I would think - wew!!  Thank goodness!  My best friend doesn't care if I'm athlete, if I can run fast, catch, throw or anything... I was just already chosen.  So, I guess this year... Jesus is my best friend and captain.  I've been chosen.  But now is the responsibility.  When my friend chooses me, I don't want to let her down.  I don't want to make her regret her decision. So I do as much as I can to make her proud.  And so the same with my Captain, Jesus.

And boy have I been chosen.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I've not really done anything on my own accord.  But I am so continuosly blessed.  So, I just pray and pray that I can still somehow make him proud... if not on my own accord... but that I'll do the best I can with the resources he has given me... and I pray when I meet Jesus that he may just say "well done".   Because "too whom much is given, much is required".

I pray you all take time to reflect on what Jesus means to you at this time ine your life.  Is he your Captain, your Counselor, your Teacher?  Where is your relationship with him now? 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

 

And here is pictures with the kids in the snow - :)

 

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020868 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
ACSI in Dallas http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020867  

ACSI Conference in Dallas

So I just love mixing fun with work!!  Here is what I enjoyed in Dallas in addition to the ACSI conference, a Cowboy's football game in their state of the art stadium.  Good times!   The conference is great as well.  These Christian school conferences is one of the most rewarding things I do!   I have the opportunity to talk about special education and dealing with difficult students to a culture that has not handled "the least of these" in the past.  It is so exciting to see Christian school educators be open to how we can best reach ALL of our students as the Great Commission Commands us.   God is so good to give me so many awesome opportunities!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020867 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:37:06 EST
On the Road Again, and Again, and Again http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=446189 What a busy Fall!!   I just got back from Charlotte where I spoke on Evaluating and Mentoring On-line Faculty at the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.  I traveled with Dr. Deanna Keith where she also spoke on Principal Efficacy.  We had a blast!  It actually felt like a college road trip with Dr. Keith, though we managed to stay out of trouble.  ;)

This weekend I am heading to Dallas to speak on Dealing with the Difficult Student and Differentiated Instruction at the South Central Region of the Association of Christian Schools International.  I LOVE that my job affords me the opportunity to travel (though my husband wouldn't mind me slowing down a little bit... so I will in the Spring for sure).  But I have tickets to see the Redskins and Cowboys on Sunday while I'm in Dallas.  I'm so excited to see their new stadium.  I'll be sure to post pictures when I return.

Ok... back to grading and answering emails...   :)

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=446189 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
FALL http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020866 It is Fall here in Lynchburg.  And I believe it must be one of the most beautiful places to be in the Fall.  You'll see some great pictures of the campus on their main page in the Fall.  And the mountains and hills are just beautiful.  But here is Fall for our family...  :)   My husband rakes mutliple piles of leaves, just to watch the children run through them and spread them out again.   Good times...

 

Fall for me is also many conferences.  It seems most of my education conferences land in the Fall.  So in just 6 weekends, I have had and will have - a conference in Chesapeak, Orlando, Charlotte and Dallas.  But I do just love doing these conferences!!!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020866 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:23:20 EST
Back from Orlando http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020865 I had some fun at Disney with the family when speaking at Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (FACCS) in Orlando.  One of our adjunct faculty is also the Executive Director of FACCS, Wesley Scott.  

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020865 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:08:49 EST
My Home Office http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020864 This is the joy of working in an on-line community.  I have flexible hours to spend with my family and with my on-line students.

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020864 Sat, 31 Oct 2009 09:05:41 EST
Teaching an Intensive, EDUC 623 http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020863 Another busy part of my Fall, I'm teaching weekend Intensives.  We have two types of intensives.  One week intensives that are offered in the Summer and Winter breaks, mostly around the schecule of those who teach in the K-12 setting and then we have Fall and Spring intensives.  These classes meet four weekends. I LOVE teaching these intensives.  It is so hard to say no to them when the opportunities arise to teach one.  The students (even though they sometimes come kicking and screaming :) ) once they get here the LOVE it. We often hear it is the best part of our program.   I just LOVE to get paid for talking about what I LOVE.  What an awesome job!!   Right now I have 40 students in my class, so that is 360,000 children that can be impacted.  WOW!!    How humbling!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=1020863 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:52:47 EST
My First Blog http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517216 This blog is designed to give future, current, interested, basically all Liberty University students access to our Liberty University community.  When I was asked to do this, I jumped at the opportunity!  I just love the opportunity to share my passions with anyone that wants to hear about it.  :)

My background and professional field is in behavior management and special education.  I have such a passion for Christians reaching out to the least of these.  I honestly believe that if Christ was an educator, he would have chosen the field of special education.  But there will be plenty more to come on that topic. 

I was a teacher for three years before becoming a principal at a private day school for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities.  I had no interest in going into higher education so early in my career, though God had different plans for me.  I was beginning to guest speak to the student teachers here at Liberty and then teach classes as an adjunct.  And a colleague once told me that for every student teacher I encounter, I have the possibility of IMPACTING 900 CHILDREN!!!!  This statement changed my life.  I often just sit and thing sometimes.... well, I have 40 students right now, so that means in this very moment God has given me the opportunity to impact 36,000 children with these graduate students.  What an amazing responsibility.

Tomorrow I'm leaving to speak at Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.  I'm taking my three and two year old along with my husband so we can go to Disney there.  While I am there I may speak to a few hundred educators... 180,000 children!!!

I just love my job!!!!!   Now just imagine I am one of 150 faculty in the School of Education.  Just imagine all the lives we are impacting for Christ.  God is good!

]]>
http://www.liberty.edu//academics/education/index.cfm?PID=9720&blogpid=20067&id=517216 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:23:47 EST