When Oceans Rise

It had been a busy week.  There was a basketball game to watch and small group to lead.  There had been baking for a dorm and a guest to host.  And, of course, there were lesson plans to write, activities to prepare, and assignments to grade.

My roommate and I were supposed to be leading worship for Middle School Chapel on Friday afternoon, and we had barely seen each other all week.

So, we decided to keep things simple.  A few weeks before that, Laura had invited us to lead worship for her Better Than a Super Birthday Bowl at the rehab center in Basel.  We had practiced some of her favorites - including some new ones for us - and were blown away by God's presence that night.  We were a humble gathering of honest worshippers of all ages, believing in God's transforming power in our lives, especially Laura's.  The memory will forever be etched in my mind of Laura's beautiful smile and passionate praise, the strains of Dayla's viola drawing out the melodies and harmonies, and the Holy Spirit at the center of it all.  It was a most special birthday.

I have to be honest: I wasn't expecting passion and God's obvious Presence at Middle School Chapel that Friday.

I have been discouraged lately by the lack of enthusiastic participation in chapel worship.  Even more, I always feel like I am hurriedly "switching hats" as I transition from classroom teacher to worship leader in under four minutes.  Not to mention, it had been so busy of a week that I hadn't really prepared my own heart to lead others into His presence.

I closed my eyes to focus on the lyrics of the first song and felt His presence as I sang the familiar words: "When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace, for I am Yours and You are mine."  When I opened my eyes, I saw students singing along, closing their eyes, raising their hands.  While these acts aren't the only indicators of the heart, they were an encouragement to me and a reminder of God's power at work.

That week was already a few weeks ago.  It seems that one busy week leads into another and another and another.  Last weekend, many BFA high schoolers and staff boarded charter buses for a 48-hour whirlwind retreat in the walled city of Nürnberg.  A highlight for me was the opportunity to worship God in song six times over the course of the weekend.  I felt my soul coming alive again, removed from the distractions of busy routine and unending to-do lists.  My emotional and physical exhaustion brought me to my knees in a much-needed position of deep dependence on Him.  Where I was supposed to be all along.

It's no coincidence that one of the songs repeated several times at the retreat was "Oceans" - the same song from Laura's birthday and Middle School Chapel.

"And I will call upon Your Name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine"

How could I rest in the midst of a storm?  I visualized myself gasping for breath, furiously treading water to "keep my eyes above the waves."  But this picture is all wrong.  Resting in a sea of troubled waters depends not on futile human effort, but rather intentional focus on Christ and total trust in Him.  It's not about how hard I try, but about what He has already done.  Self-reliance is futile; His embrace brings comfort, protection, and restoration.

I pray that, when oceans rise, we will choose to rest in His embrace and allow Him to lead us deeper still.

"Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever You would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my Savior."

Month at a Glance: March

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!

"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.

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

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

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

Love seeing our middle schoolers genuinely praising God
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!

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!

Month at a Glance: February

February 1:  Superbowl tailgate party in a girls' dorm!
February 2:  High school dorm powderpuff game
February 4:  "Better Than a Superbowl Party" for our awesome friend Laura
February 7:  High school basketball game and annual book swap
February 10:  Small group assembles Valentine's Day goodie bags for underclassmen
February 14:  Middle school basketball game
February 26:  Present about Six Traits to middle school staff
February 28:  Leave for high school retreat!  (Last one with my small group girls!)

Month at a Glance: January

The end of one year and beginning of the next always calls for a time of reflection - remembering God's faithfulness in the past year and recommitting to follow Him in the coming months.

Thank You, God, for the opportunities I had in 2013 to...

- ring in the new year with thousands of believers at Urbana missions conference.
- plan two panel events for high school girls about identity and intimacy.
- present a seminar with a friend at the International Christian Educator's Conference.
- celebrate 25 years of life!
- fly to America for a whirlwind weekend to attend my brother's college graduation.
- plan a week of hands-on learning activities for the 6th grade students.
- share a week with pre-field TeachBeyond members, making many new friends and leading the middle school program.
- see God provide financially - again and again!
- move into a new apartment in town.
- begin my fourth year of teaching at BFA!
- celebrate GCC's homecoming for the first time as an alum.
- coordinate Operation Christmas Child collection at BFA again this fall.
- host a fourth annual Thanksgiving celebration with friends.
- have Dana Schnitzel as a student teacher for two months.
- spend time with my family in Wheaton, Newtown, and Kandern!

God, I give you 2014!  With excitement, anticipation, and surrender, I offer You the year ahead!

January 1: Start the New Year with fireworks and sparklers with friends
January 7: Teacher inservice meetings
January 8: Classes resume
January 10-11: Home basketball games
January 16: High school drama recital
January 22-23: Middle school exam days
January 24: Teacher inservice day
January 24-25: Home basketball games
January 27: Second semester begins
January 31: Middle school basketball game

Fun in Geography!

Teaching Geography 7 has been an adventure.  While I don't always feel as confident in planning this class since it's new to me, I've really enjoyed trying new things and being creative with this class.  I think this spirit also spread to Miss Schnitzel during her time here.  :)  We had a lot of fun planning these activities over the past few months!

"Euro" Coin Activity

 Mock European Union

Viking Day!

Studying the British Isles = Drinking Tea!

Panel event with people who have lived in different parts of Western Europe

Christmas Around the World: Hungary

Christmas Around the World: Korea

Christmas Around the World: Australia

Miss Schnitzel

It was almost exactly a year ago when my principal approached me with an inquiry: “Would you like to have a student teacher next year?”  I mentally counted my years of teaching at BFA, realizing that I had indeed been there long enough to host a pre-service teacher in my class.  With my own student teaching memories of the not-so-distant past quickly flooding my brain, I exclaimed, “Yes!” 

Fast-forward ten months.  I was still getting the hang of teaching Geography 7 and was in the midst of implementing a totally different approach to teaching English.  Literacy stations and guided reading required significantly more planning, yet I was loving the first glimpses of results with my sixth grade students.  Moreover, I was enjoying the benefits of teaching Bible 6 for a second time, having mapped out the whole year back in August. 

I waited until the end of one school day to tell the students that Miss Schnitzel would be joining us that Friday.  They were full of questions, but mostly wondering if her last name was really Schnitzel.  I encouraged them to get their giggles out before she came – that indeed our student teacher was named Miss Schnitzel!  In my own mind swirled questions more along the lines of How am I going to pass off a literacy program that I’m just beginning to use? and What can I tell someone about teaching geography when I am still figuring it out myself?

But when she arrived, Dana jumped right in to the crazy, fast-paced life that is BFA!  After only one day in class and doing her very best to fight jet lag, Dana donned an alien costume for our middle school fall party.  Within a week, Dana had picked up one of the sixth grade classes, and a few weeks later, she was teaching two big units in English and Geography.   

Beyond the classroom, God blessed me with a good friend in Dana.  Boundaries between “work” and “home” are often blurred here at BFA due to the close-quarters, tight-community atmosphere, so I wasn’t surprised that I was spending a lot of my after school hours with Dana as well.  I wanted Dana to see the whole picture of BFA – dorm life, small groups, Chrysalis (middle school youth group), Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas banquet, local Christmas markets...  We even discovered “Schnitzeltag” (5-euro schnitzel day at a nearby German restaurant), which became a weekly tradition that we will continue in her honor!

I’m thankful for the ways that God used this experience of hosting a student teacher to grow me and remind me of important truths.  Just to name a few…

1.  He’s not finished with me yet.  I admired the way Dana was completely open to feedback, even asking for it many times.  This is the posture I want to have as I approach God.  Search me, God, and know my heart… (Psalm 139:23)

2.  I enjoy investing in others, both personally and professionally.  It was a joy to be able to share my own teaching mistakes and discoveries with Dana.  I also loved discussing what it’s like to raise financial support, why I’m so passionate about mentorship, what’s different about teaching at an MK school…  I pray that God will continue to grow me in this area and use it for His glory.

3.  I can trust Him with my future.  Just as Dana is wondering how she can serve God after her spring graduation, I am considering options for the 2015-16 school year and beyond.  I’ve committed to BFA for next year, but after that, I will need to leave for at least one year.  While I still feel uncertain about what my next steps will be, I am reminded that Dana and I both trust the same God who holds the future in His hands!

Right now, Dana is on a plane back to Pennsylvania.  After two formative months overseas, she is returning to home in the Philadelphia area and has another semester of classes ahead of her.  Somehow, I know that she is returning a different person than when she arrived in Germany.  BFA has a way of doing that.

Thanks, Miss Schnitzel, for your hard work, creativity, and enthusiasm!  Thanks for your teachable spirit and go-the-extra-mile attitude.  Thanks for loving the middle schoolers of BFA.  Keep shining for Jesus, wherever He leads you!

A Night of Prayer

Over the past three years, I've enjoyed setting up prayer stations for my small group girls from time to time.  The girls have commented on the value of having time to be still during small group, as BFA life is so fast-paced and dorm life is packed full.  We decided to offer some of the girls' favorite prayer stations to the rest of the small groups.

Last Tuesday, I went to school ahead of time to set up the stations.  The room started out looking like this…

With the help of one of my small group girls, we transformed the room into this...

What joy I felt when fifty students filled the room and spent intentional time with Jesus!  Here is an overview of the stations.

In preparing for the prayer night, I was struck by Paul's prayer for the Philippians.  This is my prayer for my students, my small group girls, my friends, my supporters, my family...

"And this is my prayer: that your love my abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11).  Amen!

Month at a Glance: December

This weekend has been a full one with our 4th annual friends Thanksgiving celebration on Friday and BFA Christmas Banquet on Saturday.  I'm truly thankful for many memory-making moments with friends!

And December is looking like it will be quite full as well!

December 5: Kandern Christmas Market
December 5-6: Assist with Middle School Musical auditions (Annie!)
December 6: First home basketball game of the year - Go Falcons!
December 8: Middle School/High School Christmas Concert
December 9: Small group Christmas caroling
December 9-13: Geography 7 "Christmas Around the World" activities
December 12-13: English 6 creative writing days
December 12: Kandern Christmas Market
December 13: Miss Schnitzel's last day at BFA
December 13: Middle school Christmas party and chapel with the high school
December 24: Christmas Eve service at Black Forest Christian Fellowship
December 25: Christmas with family and friends
December 31: New Year's Eve in Kandern (read: firecrackers and sparklers!)

I'm also excited to have my family visiting me here for Christmas!  There is a lot to look forward to during the month of December.  Stay tuned for stories and pictures to come!