Needy Students

This time of year is my absolute favorite....I get soooo into Holiday decorating, presents, family time, singing Christmas carols, watching Christmas movies, and of course pigging out on all the fudge and Christmas sweets my mother makes! However, this time of year is also one of the most depressing....people who do not have families to celebrate Christmas with, children who do not get toys from santa because their parents can't afford to do Santa, and people who go hungry on Christmas Day because they have no money for food. This year, it is having an extra dramatic effect on me because I see first hand students who I know won't have a present to open Christmas morning, won't have parents and grandparents to celebrate Christmas with, and many who will not have turkey or ham for Christmas dinner. We had a staff meeting this afternoon where our counselor shared stories of children who are in desperate need of everyday essentials and it brought tears to my eyes....hearing that so many of our students do not have underwear, socks, feminine products, coats, food, etc. It made me literally want to go out and spend every dime I have on those kids in need. Our school is now in the process of starting an organization where the teachers are donating any items that are sitting in our closets taking up space for our students to discretely take whatever they need. I really hope this is a sucessful program because there are so many children out there in need. I know I've got lots to donate! I'm just thankful that I have a loving family, food to eat, and am able to give my child toys on Christmas morning. So...I hope you all will take time to be thankful for the things you have not only this holiday season, but everyday because there are so many out there who are so less fortunate!

Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi

So the David Crowder Band is one of my favorite Christain bands. David Crowder is the lead singer of the band. He wrote a book called Finding God in Sunsets and Sushi, so I decided to read it. It was quite entertaining because Crowder is just so retro and comical. Anyways...the book gives an inside look at Crowder's life and his relationship with God. As the name implies, his main focus is how to find God everywhere and in everything. It deals with not just praising God by singing or attending Church on Sunday Morning, but praising him in everything we say and do. He teaches how to develop a continual habit of praise. He explains how Sunday mornings are like a big pep rally with everyone pumped for God, but come Monday morning, the pep rally is over and God is pushed aside until the next Sunday. This book is very uplifting, but yet convicting. I know, especially this year, I have been so busy with teaching and MAT stuff and family and the list goes on and on, and find myself not giving exceptional amounts of time to God. So...this book hit me pretty hard. However, it is excellent, entertaining and uplifting....just be ready to feel convicted after reading it!