This and That

Ear infections
prayer in school
Anna and Simeon

1) Update on A.
As you have probably realized by now, most of this site is focused on our daughter, A. On that note, we were frustrated to discover that she has another ear infection. She had many her first year of life (5 within 3 months at one point) so November 2007 she had surgery and vents were inserted into both ears. While we were in Iowa we thought she had pink eye. We thought she just got over it on her own and this week we were afraid she got pink eye again. Instead the doctor she has an ear infection in the ear that the vent fell out. We will find out in the next few weeks if she has to have surgery again. Thankfully the surgery is out-patient and the process itself takes less than 10 minutes. Still, no one wants their little girl to go through anesthesiology. Her ear infections has caused her to have a bit of a speech delay but she is overcoming it very well.

2) Subs- they do the best they can but no teacher enjoys being gone. Making the sub plans takes longer than just being there. The students always claim to have NO idea what was taught. Thanksgiving week I needed a sub on Tue and Wed because I had pink eye. Apparently, one of my subs did something I have NEVER heard of! Because it was right before Thanksgiving my students in one of the classes wanted a party. I approved it (don't worry, they still had their lesson, they just got to snack as well). Anyway, I had a sub that day- told him I had okayed the party. I don;t know exactly what happened- but the sub suggested that the students PRAY before the snack. When the students piped up that we don't pray in public schools, the teacher said that if a student did it, it was okay. He also told the students they could "close their ears" if they didn't want to be a part of it. One of my students did volunteer and they apparently prayed before eating their snack. I was floored. As a Christian and as a teacher, I feel it is important to find the right balance in the classroom. By now I think my students know my husband is a youth pastor and therefore assume that I am also a Christian. My drinking cup has scripture on it and I have a paperweight on my desk with scripture. Other than that, I focus on showing God's love through my actions- but not by forcing it on anyone. My role as a Christian teacher in public schools is to be available outside of the classroom. I do not feel it is right to talk about my beliefs in the classroom- even if asked.

3) I am always learning something new. For our church Christmas Program I am singing a duet. I am "Anna" and I sing with "Simeon." First I thought we were Mary and Joseph. Then I noticed the Anna and Simeon. I was talking with the guy trying to figure out how we were to interact - were we a married couple? The people in the church were surprised and confused that I did not know who Anna and Simeon were. I didn't even know they were in the Bible. The pastor's wife helped me and found in in Luke Ch 2:25-40 (Simeon's Moment by Ron DiCianni- Thanks, Sara for telling me about this awesome painting- I wish I could buy you one for your little Simeon!)

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss^[d] your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.^[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Anyway- I had NO idea. I felt really dumb. I hope people understand that sometimes the youth pastor's wife doesn't know everything in the Bible. I wasn't the one that took all those classes. I dont have a masters of theology. I think they were okay with it. Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself! I also discovered a song by Michael Card entitled, Now that Ive held Him in my arms." There is a music video on You Tube that is pretty awesome as well.
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