A Little Bit of Everything!

Thanks Ty for making me smile :)

(Also check out him singing "Just Beyond the Clouds")

Some really awesome videos on teaching techniques from Teachertipster.com. The Bubble blowing video was posted on Third Grade Gridiron's blog.

My current "Start of the new semester" song

Heartache, Abram's gift, teaching, a day with Megan

Heartache
The first week of the new year has been a difficult one for so many people I know. Cancer, fatal accidents, spiritual warfare, sickness and tears for lost souls have been on the hearts of many. However, God is still working despite these difficulties. One friend of mine worked it out so that she could register for classes that start next week. Others have been encouraged by good friends and positive outlooks.

Abram's gift
*I really thought Genesis would be a major bore to read through, but so far it has given me a lot of thought about creation, life lessons, and love.*January 6th's passage is from Genesis 13:5-15:21. Abram and Lot and their neighbors live in a plentiful land, but there isn't enough land for everyone to live fairly and equally. The followers of both men started arguing about who should live where. Abram tells Lot to pick anywhere he wants to live-ANYWHERE!, knowing he might get the short end of the stick. Abram was willing to take the least, telling Lot that they especially shouldn;t argue because they are family. Abram moved to a piece of land where danger was everywhere. But God saw what had happened and gave rich land to Abram "as far as you can see" What a rich blessing! What are we willing to give up no matter what? Even if we don't always become rewarded, are we willing to take the shorter end for someone else's sake?

(To quote a co-worker's facebook status:)
Every sixty seconds you spend angry, upset or mad, is a full minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Teaching
I'm so excited for future teaching plans. Now that I am almost a junior, I am starting to plan the actual "going into schools" stuff. I'm really looking forward to a possible observation opportunity in May. I'm really hoping it all works out.

A Day with Megan

I got to spend time with a dear friend of mine today. We used to work together, but since we don't (she has an actual job now), I hadn't seen her in 2 years. I love that she is always smiling and has a radiant personality. Although I didn't take pictures of her and me together, she took one of us. We watched a movie and played a long game of Disney Trivial Pursuit. (I'm still not the Disney Expert I thought I was) But here is a nice picture she took of me and my cousin. :D

What awaits me...

Monday. It all starts again on Monday. I can hardly wait! A brand new semester. A new chance to try harder in school. A chance to prove to myself I can accomplish everything I set my heart to.

Maybe.

I always tell myself the same thing. "Try harder next time, Deanna. This is your chance. Meet more people. Step out of your comfort zone." Do I actually do that? 

A Little Bit.

But it's never enough. I tell myself to take giant strides, but I am never satisfied with the small steps. 

Recently...

I've been taking those small steps. I stood up for myself. I gave a professional appearance to people helping me fulfill my teaching dream. I talked to people I didn't know. 

Things I'm excited about

1. Possibly getting to observe a classroom at my "cousins" school in Indiana. 
2. Starting a new semester
3. Learning how to write lesson plans (finally!)

Things I'm nervous about

1. My Spring semester being so busy that I overwork myself and suck at everything!
2. Not passing my Praxis exam
3. Not getting into the teacher Education Program
4. Getting a terrible placement for May Term
5. Having to work the icky job again
6. Not having enough money to pay for the semester, the praxis, May term or books. 

God, I ask You for peace. I know You can work above my fears, above my struggles and above my dreams. I thank You for being loving, patient and understanding. 

Love always, Deanna 

Savannah

Lists and Ramblings

Things I want to do in 2012 (or in the future)

Become certified in basic child first aid

Become a better writer

Blog as much as I did this month

Get good grades

Go to Romania

Be a better friend

Read the Bible more

Be neater with my dorm room

Find new and better music 

Get my driver's license

Get into the teacher education program

Have a boyfriend

Go to church more

Get to know some new people

Read great books

Hold babies

Get a new job

Learn new things

My newest little cousin was born this morning! Her name is Savannah. 

Usually when I hit "next blog" I find writers who are a lot older than I am, but lately it's been refreshing to see young writers like myself blogging. Life is so full and it's encouraging to hear young people talk about how they live life through Jesus. 

Saying Good-bye

The widow sits alone. She rarely leaves her home. She doesn't feel like speaking to the outside world, she is still speaking to the one she lost. Her hurt is seen in her eyes. How can life ever be the same again?

The there's me. A commoner, a passerby. I'm done with this year. I'm ready for a fresh start. I am throwing out everything I don't need and leaving behind what I regret, what troubles I had. But how can the widow? How can the childless? I can think positively but for these people, the wound will still be there on January 1st. There are so many families that have lost loved ones in 2011. It's important to keep them in our prayers and remember, instead of simply moving on with our lives.

I know, it's from the Muppets, but regardless, it's a sweet song.

The Reason

While Hollywood is full of people setting negative examples for our generation, Victoria Justice "shines" with talent and humility. In an interview, she talks about how she sees her example on young girls and how important it is to not fall into the typical crowd of drugs and dress as she gets older. She also thanks her parents and sister for picking up their lives and moving across the country so she could fulfill her dreams. Anyway, Victoria sang this on her Nickelodeon show, "Victorious" and I loved it! So here it is :)