February 28- March 2: High school retreat!
March 3: Rosenmontag (holiday)
March 6-8: Middle school play (Annie Jr.)
March 7-10: Visitors from France!
March 8: Storch dorm open house
March 14-16: BFA Staff Retreat
March 27: African porridge fundraiser meal (Geography class)
March 28: First day of 4th Quarter!
March 29: Home soccer game
March 30: African porridge fundraiser meal - part 2!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
"Let It Go"
Chances are, you've probably heard that song by now. Whether you've seen the latest Disney movie Frozen or not, there have been plenty of YouTube covers floating around Facebook. (If you haven't, then check out this or this!) I'm an unashamed fan of Frozen. I've quoted movie lines in conversations and joined in with students' sing-a-longs in the halls. I love the redemptive story line and the hilarious characters.
The song "Let It Go" pairs powerful lyrics with a memorable tune that marks a turning point for Elsa's character in the film. As a Christian, however, I can't help but notice the emptiness within this song. While it is admirable that Elsa does not want to let fear control her anymore, she embraces a rebellious "no rules for me" position. Elsa is unwilling to continue concealing her powers and desires freedom - a freedom that is achieved when she is alone and free from societal expectations. Alternatively, Christ has called us to a freedom that comes from from fully relying on Him.
While listening to a song from Casting Crowns' newest album, Thrive, I immediately thought of Frozen and its "Let It Go" anthem. How different it would be for Elsa to sing the words of "Just Be Held" (below)! I pray that this message of freedom might take root in our hearts: True freedom is found in trust, rest, and surrender.
I invite you to pray for me as I share these thoughts with the BFA middle school students at our Monday morning devotions tomorrow. My prayer is that the students would see this new perspective of true freedom and walk in humble dependence on Christ.
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering." Romans 8:1-3
The song "Let It Go" pairs powerful lyrics with a memorable tune that marks a turning point for Elsa's character in the film. As a Christian, however, I can't help but notice the emptiness within this song. While it is admirable that Elsa does not want to let fear control her anymore, she embraces a rebellious "no rules for me" position. Elsa is unwilling to continue concealing her powers and desires freedom - a freedom that is achieved when she is alone and free from societal expectations. Alternatively, Christ has called us to a freedom that comes from from fully relying on Him.
While listening to a song from Casting Crowns' newest album, Thrive, I immediately thought of Frozen and its "Let It Go" anthem. How different it would be for Elsa to sing the words of "Just Be Held" (below)! I pray that this message of freedom might take root in our hearts: True freedom is found in trust, rest, and surrender.
Just
Be Held
(Casting
Crowns)
Hold
it all together
Everybody
needs you strong
But
life hits you out of nowhere
And
barely leaves you holding on
And
when you're tired of fighting
Chained
by your control
There's
freedom in surrender
Lay
it down and let it go
So when you're on your knees and answers
seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and
just be held
Your world’s not falling apart, it’s
falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and
just be held
Just be held, just be held
If
your eyes are on the storm
You'll
wonder if I love you still
But
if your eyes are on the cross
You'll
know I always have and I always will
And
not a tear is wasted
In
time, you'll understand
I'm
painting beauty with the ashes
Your
life is in My hands
(Chorus)
Lift
your hands, lift your eyes
In
the storm is where you'll find Me
And
where you are, I'll hold your heart, I'll hold your heart
Come
to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won’t let go
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering." Romans 8:1-3
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Hashtags
#lifeofateacher #middleschoolpride
If you follow me on Instagram or view my Instagram pictures on Twitter or Facebook, you'll know that those hashtags have been showing up a lot lately. It has been a full, fast-paced few weeks back to school after a delightfully restful 25-day Christmas break. I'm grateful for the supernatural energy that God has provided to keep pressing on through changing semesters, visiting my inspirational friend Laura in the hospital, and embracing opportunities to be involved in the lives of my students outside the classroom.
#soblessed #sixthgraderocks
If you follow me on Instagram or view my Instagram pictures on Twitter or Facebook, you'll know that those hashtags have been showing up a lot lately. It has been a full, fast-paced few weeks back to school after a delightfully restful 25-day Christmas break. I'm grateful for the supernatural energy that God has provided to keep pressing on through changing semesters, visiting my inspirational friend Laura in the hospital, and embracing opportunities to be involved in the lives of my students outside the classroom.
#soblessed #sixthgraderocks
Love seeing our middle schoolers genuinely praising God
and using the gifts He's given them to lead others in worship!
and using the gifts He's given them to lead others in worship!
Brand new this year: middle school basketball teams!
Check out the height difference - 6th to 8th grade -
of these middle school basketball players!
Friday night class party with the sixth graders =
watching Despicable Me 2 and eating a bunch of sweets!
watching Despicable Me 2 and eating a bunch of sweets!
Helping out with (more like being amazed by the cast of)
the middle school play, Annie Jr!
Our semester 1 portfolio share brought 14 parents into the classroom!
What fun to see the students sharing about the 6 traits
and taking pride in their work so far this year.
My 6th grade Bible class presented a skit in chapel
acting out the Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15).
You can watch the skit here!
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