~ Laughter in the classroom ~

In January, we have new students and new  books.

Tutoring adult education students is one of the joys of my week. Each week I look forward to the time spent in the classroom.  The entire time I am teaching … I am smiling.

If you listen outside our classroom you will hear quiet conversations, words repeated in unison, and laughter.  We work to create a safe learning environment. Laughter and fun are important ingredients in our classroom.  

Our daily lessons put into practice what is supported by  academic research.  “We learn more effectively when the education has some sort of applicable value to us, when learning is meaningful. The experience is even more valuable if we actually enjoy the learning process. “  Source: LEEF Blog

Our December Class Party 

A good snapshot

" A good snapshot stops a moment from running away." ~ Eudora Welty

"I think a photography class should be a requirement in all educational programs because it make you see the world rather than just look at it." ! Author Unknown

This young wife, mother,  and teacher is often taking pictures. ...My niece...

My friend... He is an amazing husband and father.
Relaxing at a friend's house, he is taking pictures. 

Please join me in this race...

Please join with me in a virtual marathon.   Moody is hosting a virtual marathon. The fun begins tomorrow,  January 9, 2012.   This online contest engages friends and family members to answer daily questions from the Bible.  Go to the this address to learn more about the race: Moody Virtual Marathon .Once at the site you will learn more details.  Please join me.   The marathon will end on January 31, 2012.!

“Run in such a way to get the prize.” I Corinthians 9:24  (NIV)

Moody’s Mission:  To equip people with the truth of God’s Word.

In you are interested in joining  something different at  the beginning of this year? Maybe you are interested in an in depth Bible study.  Joining a BSF class may be the answer. Tomorrow BSF classes resumes all across the USA.    Morning and evening classes are available in Dayton, Indianapolis, Birmingham... Actually, classes are available in every state in the United States. In addition,  BSF  has an excellent school age program.   BSF is a blessing to participants.   More information is available here: BSF

So many good things...

"So many good things come in pairs, like ears and socks and panda bears. But the best of all are sets of twins, with extra laughter, double grins." Anonymous

Waiting... candles to be lit and  cake to be eaten.... Happy Birthday twins!

Now for the gifts!

Good Neighbor

Good Neighbor and Pet of the Week

How do you develop friendships with your neighbors?  Walking your dog? Running or walking in your neighborhood? Participating in association events?  Do your children attend the same school? For me, I  usually introduce myself while doing everyday activities.

Living in my neighborhood you cannot miss these two Great Danes.  They are the first Pets of the Week for 2012.
They are so friendly!

Faith in God

“Fear is an opportunity for each of us to grow a deeper, more preserving faith. The question underneath our fears is simply this; who is God? Is God big enough, good enough, and faithful enough to handle what I fear? Are His intentions toward me ultimately for my good? Will I continue believing the promises of God, or will I believe somehow that He’s failed?  Our battle with fear requires us to be deeply rooted in the truth of Scripture.”

My answer is, Yes! God is…God is more than enough...

This particular quote is from  January 3’s devotional from Today is the Word. You may access this daily devotional @  Today in the Word.  This month’s focus is, “How does a godly person handle fear?”  No matter the monthly focus, this daily devotional is part of my daily bread.   Available online from any place in the world,  Moody is equipping people to apply the word to their daily lives.  Love it!

" Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we don't see." Hebrews 11:1

Resolutions, Goals or Intentions

This is the time of year where I finish my monthly and yearly goals. In December, the process begins for goal setting for the upcoming year. Each evening, I create a “To Do List” for the next day.  At the top of my daily list, I include devotions and exercise.   As the day progresses, I cross items off.   At the end of each month, I revisit my goals. Then, I make adjustments.

Over the past several days, I have been considering intentions rather than goals.  Why?  My daughter shared a thought that I might consider intentions rather than goals.   Then, she shared something else… To me, intentions are vague.   In creating goals, I have action steps that are a part of the plan.

Still, I have been drawn to the idea of intentions.    My interest peaked, I decided to do some research.  Going to the computer, I Google the phrase Holy Intentions. On the first entry of page I discover a short blog entry by a Pastor Al Hughes of the Bible Baptist Church in Port Orchard. On the same page of the search, I read the Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for 2012. Further down the page, I read the blog by Rabbi Joshua Runyan, titled, “Despite Holy Intentions, Ego Can Get in the Way.”  Now I have a Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant perspective on intentions.  Interesting reading, I suggest you take a minute and read the entries. They are very short readings and may be worth your time. 

What did I discover?  Resolutions, goals, or intentions they are impossible to keep in one’s own strength.  I like what Jonathan Edwards wrote April 17, 1723,  “Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his for will for Christ’s sake.” You might Google Jonathan Edwards and read his resolutions.    Reading his entire list may take only a few minutes. All I can say is Wow!

  What are you goals or holy intentions for this year?