Bored with God

This is the title of a book I'm reading for youth group at the recommendation of our area missionaries. It is a quick read but very timely. I've been convicted of my own apathy. I struggle with it just as our teens do. Often, I get so caught up in the "doing" that I fail to enjoy and simply "to be" in my relationship with Christ. Any relationship takes cultivation- and I know I need to put more attention into my relationship with the Lord. A number of situations have propelled me to prayer this week- specifically with some of our teens. In the end, I can't change their perspectives- only the Lord can. I am responsible however, for my responses, my teachablilty and humility.

I recommend this book if you work with young people in any capacity- I'm challenging our youth leaders to read it this summer.

We had a great Wednesday activity- a Photo Scavenger Hunt! The teen seemed to really enjoy themselves! My group did get cursed at- as we were recreating the famous Abbey Road picture- I guess some people didn't appreciate us holding up traffic. But everyone else was most gracious!

The most original "Doctor's sign"

Headstands at DD's with a little teamwork

Kissing a lobster
Chicken Dance by the Cat Hospital

With tools in a hardware aisle
Hugging a blue mailbox

Thumbs up by a cashier at Better Val-u- he really got into it Fishing in a bird bath- very nice people let us "borrow" their birdbath

Trying to fit as many as you can into the truck of your car- check out Levi!

Playing on a jungle gym- again- nice strangers let us "borrow" it


James- kissing a cow! (my group just kissed a package of ground beef)

Holding a chicken


The boys on Tal's Mustang Convertible

Definitely the best "Leap Frog in a Cemetery" picture!

I am excited that the official youth group year is coming to a close- I'm beat. And- I'm looking forward to a summer of regrouping, organizing and planning for the fall. Pray for our team- to be refreshed and to continue to grow individually and corporately. We are in need of more leaders- pray the Lord directs those HE wants to serve with us.

On the school front- There was great success this week in terms of organizing/clearing out my room. I went through all the books-(minus two shelves left to do)- and threw out books older than I am! Found some very embarrassing pictures of Barry Manilow which have now been added to our bulletin board (sad- my students are too young to know who he is). One of my fellow department members has also moved in- so there are three of us sharing my room. We're cozy! The kids are getting riled up in these last few days but we are managing. I think I'll be able to finish all my organizing/cleaning out this week- then I can start on next year's paperwork. I've been putting paras to work finding materials for next year- they are such a great help! If anyone has suggestions for low level books that are high interest (4-6th grade level)- let me know!

hmmm- what else? California is 1 month away!!!! So excited!

Hope you are all enjoying a "Memorable" Weekend-

Love Elisabeth

Mission Accomplished!

My stomach was churning all morning- I was so nervous. Our meeting got started late due to another PPT running overtime. It lasted over an hour- but went so smoothly. All in all it was successful- my director was very pleased.



Once this paperwork is complete- I am officially DONE!

Well- with PPT's that is. I will have about 6 new 8th graders- so I'm trying to attend their PPT's at the middle school just to connect with the family in advance. There will also be a lot of work to do to get my kiddos ready for exams but it is all good. I do have some goals between now and June 13th: go through all the materials in my room (sort, throw out and organize), create a book list for next year and place order, gather worksheets/activities that will help my students work on areas of weakness, prepare paperwork to give to teachers in the fall, revamp forms, and sort/shred and file paperwork.

A set of lofty goals- but it will help the new year start smooth.

Have I said that I love my job- I really do. I'm still amazed. Thank you Lord!

(even when my students are incredibly silly etc... it is still an amazing experience)


I plan to take my last personal day in the next week- and enjoy a bit of pampering. I think I've earned it!



Love to all~

Elisabeth

The best dad ever..... really!

Today is my dad's 70th Birthday! WOW!

I'm usually really good with remembering birthdays- just to demonstrate how crazy my life is right now- I actually did not remember his birthday was coming until 10pm last night. Our tradition is that we have no traditions- so it was simple cake and ice cream and a pitiful version of "Happy Birthday" (accompanied by the Star Wars theme- Bill gave him a card that plays music)! I didn't even have time to get a card or gift- do I get the worst daughter of the year award?

Anyway- my dad is really the best! He is a man of integrity, faithfulness, character, godliness, patience, understanding, intelligence, sacrifice, forgiveness- just to name a few of his finest qualities (he also is a horrible procrastinator...but that is really the only less than great thing I can say). He has been a exemplar (BEST reference Bek) example of a Christ Follower- in the way he ministers, serves his family, treats his neighbor and in his daily disciplines. I am so fortunate- and I often take it for granted.

In other news-

I spent Sunday with Sarah and Diana- two great friends! It is exciting to see all that they are doing in ministry within their local church. I need to visit them more often- it is always such a great time.

Tomorrow is my last PPT of the year!!!! Can I get an AMEN! I'm praying all goes well. Once this is wrapped up- I can begin focusing on preparing for next school year- I am determined NOT to start the year out behind.

My tickets are purchased for California and Haiti! Yippee! Counting the days! I'm am so ready for a vacation.

My parents had a great trip to the Ukraine- and it is good to have them home again.

The Youth Group is presenting their puppet shows tomorrow night to the children's programs at church.

My roommate Carrie from WOLBI is getting married June 9th- so I'll be heading to Maine.

Darci is having her baby ANY DAY now- I still can't believe it.

Rebecca completed her BEST portfolio- a huge sigh of relief for her. It is a nightmare of a project- a personal day is in order!

My bedtime has come- Enjoy the rest of the week!

Love

Elisabeth

The Countdown begins-

Lest some of my readers think I'm being lazy (Nat mainly)- I plead that I have succumb to the busy Annual season of the Special Education Professional.

The last few weeks have been full of meetings, paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork. One of our Special Education teachers has been in the hospital for 2 weeks and we are having to pick up her meetings and work load. It has been exciting to see the team band together- and I know it is a testimony to her. My friend Katie (one of our paras) has been able to visit her in the hospital and to share the gospel with her. I'm praying that God uses her current situation to draw her to HIM.

My meetings have gone exceptionally well- even the ones I was nervous about.

It is hard to believe that there are only 28 days left of the school year. It has gone so fast. I have loved it- for so many reasons. I love that every day is different, that I have more say in my schedule and work load, that I get to work with individual students daily. And I LOVE that my take home is less than before. It is so good to finally be in a place where I love what I'm doing and am so content. Thank you LORD!

We have only 6 weeks left of youth group. Our soup kitchen CSA went really well. I would love to do that again- or regularly. We also had a Cinco de Mayo party last week. The building looked great and the food was so good. The kids seemed to have a good time. We have a few more activities and then we're done. I'm looking forward to a break and a summer of reflection and planning.

Speaking of the summer- I'm getting more excited about my trip to California- I'm so ready for a vacation. One of my teens is planning to go with me to Haiti in July- I'm really looking forward to that! I'm still praying about a second trip to Haiti in August- I would really love to go!

Well- American Idol is on. Haven't watched it in weeks- thought I should catch up a bit.