Only one more...

Only one more Thursday. Only one more Friday. Only one more Monday. Only one more Tuesday. Only one more Wednesday. Only one more week until I'm done student teaching. I've had a great time over all and I've learned many things, but I'm ready to be done and have my very own classroom!!!

Three Billy Goats...

Today at school I taught the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. If you don’t know the story here it is:

Once upon a time there were three billy goats, who were to go up to the hillside to make themselves fat, and the name of all three was "Gruff." On the way up was a bridge over a cascading stream they had to cross; and under the bridge lived a great ugly troll , with eyes as big as saucers, and a nose as long as a poker. So first of all came the youngest Billy Goat Gruff to cross the bridge.
"Trip, trap, trip, trap! " went the bridge.
"Who's that tripping over my bridge?" roared the troll .
"Oh, it is only I, the tiniest Billy Goat Gruff , and I'm going up to the hillside to make myself fat," said the billy goat, with such a small voice.
"Now, I'm coming to gobble you up," said the troll.
"Oh, no! don't take me. I'm too little, that I am," said the billy goat. "Wait a bit till the second Billy Goat Gruff comes. He's much bigger."
"Well, be off with you," said the troll.
A little while after came the second Billy Goat Gruff to cross the bridge.Trip, trap, trip, trap, trip, trap, went the bridge.
"Who's that tripping over my bridge?" roared the troll.
"Oh, it's the second Billy Goat Gruff , and I'm going up to the hillside to make myself fat," said the billy goat, who hadn't such a small voice.
"Now I'm coming to gobble you up," said the troll.
"Oh, no! Don't take me. Wait a little till the big Billy Goat Gruff comes. He's much bigger."
"Very well! Be off with you," said the troll.
But just then up came the big Billy Goat Gruff . Trip, trap, trip, trap, trip, trap! went the bridge, for the billy goat was so heavy that the bridge creaked and groaned under him.
"Who's that tramping over my bridge?" roared the troll.
"It's I! The big Billy Goat Gruff ," said the billy goat, who had an ugly hoarse voice of his own.
"Now I 'm coming to gobble you up," roared the troll. But the billy goat butted the troll right off the bridge into the river below and was never heard from again. After that the billy goat went up to the hillside. The three billy goats lived on the hillside forever.

As I was telling this story I began to think about the lesson that this story has. Please, bear with me, I’m making some big stretches here. I’m going to compare the troll to us, and the three billy goats to Satan. We are just walking along, living our life when Satan comes along and entices us. And although we may know that what we are doing is wrong Satan says to us, “It’s not that big of a deal, you can just wait to take care of this!” And we are foolish enough to get more involved in that sin, not taking care of the sin while it is a small matter. Until one day, that sin knocks us right off our feet. I know, it’s a stretch, but as I was telling this simple story I couldn’t help but be reminded that each time we are willing to give into a “small sin” Satan finds an even bigger sin to tempt us with the next time until he has “knocked us” off our spiritual feet. I pray that God gives me the courage and strength each day to “put away the things of this world” before it is too late.

Truth...

What is honesty? Truth? Integrity? Uprightness? Sincerity? Is honesty what you think is right and good? Or is there something more to it than that? Is honesty the absence of all that is untrue or merely the evidence of some true parts? How honesty are we with our family, our friends, our co-workers, our peers, our selves, our God?

I can not help but say that God is the absolute truth. God is the finality of all that is honest and right. But are we being truth givers? It is often preached that we are “to be Christ representation here on earth? Are you living every day so that others will see Christ in you?” Excellent question – are we living everyday the truth that we want others to see? Are we living so that others see the truth of our lives? More importantly are we speaking the truth?

Junior Church songs are so simple but they have such powerful words sometimes – “Oh be careful little mouth what you say!” Are we guarding our mouths and speaking only that which is right? That which is true? That which is upright? That which lifts up our brother not tears them down? I was reading in John in my devotions and read John 18:38 (yes you have to look it up yourself) and it really spoke to me. What fault could others find in us? Are we speaking truth in all we say? Are we living truth in all we do?

Chapter 23...

On May 11, I woke up as the presidents daughter.

There are so many things I want to say and communicate with you all, but I don't know where to begin. As most of you are well aware, my dad resigned from Maranatha on Thursday night. I'll do my best to explain everything that is happening and my feelings on the whole matter.

Let me start by saying I didn't know. So those of you that are frusterated because you think "I had no idea!! How could he do this so suddenly?" I'm there with you. I was just as shocked as you were. I didn't see it coming, it had not been talked about in our home and it was a day I thought was years away. So, if you're tempted to be bitter or up-set by that, let me say in all kindness, you have no right to be.

Now, let me explain what's happening. My dad has been praying about this desicion for just over a year. He loves Maranatha and he is sad to leave here, but there is more to the story than people may think. Over the last year he has felt convicted that Maranatha has taken him away from his most important ministry - his wife and children. While he loves being busy and he loves traveling and preaching, he knew it was very hard on the three of us. While he loves working with the students at Maranatha, he knew it was consuming all of his time.

Then, Thursday night, after a meeting with the board, he gave them his resignation. This too must be explained - the board did not force him, there are no huge sin problems in his life, and everyone is parting on good terms. There arose an issue that the board and my dad could not agree upon which lead dad to see this was God's way of opening the door for him to leave. He loves Maranatha and the students and will miss them greatly, but the Lord has directed him to move on.

I'm not going to lie to you, I felt great shock at this news. My life was organized. I had a plan. Things were the way they were supposed to be. I was moving out of the house. The house would only be a few hours away. I could visit my family and friends any time I wanted. My dad had a great job.

I remember standing there hearing my dad tell me the news. That's what I did. I just stood there. I didn't believe it. I didn't want to hear it. I didn't understand it. I couldn't take it in. I couldn't question. I couldn't cry. I couldn't talk. I couldn't move. It seemed like it was only yesterday that we had moved here and I hated it, but I had now grow to love this place only to have my parents tell me they were leaving. It took a while for it to all sink in. My parents were leaving the only house I ever remember living in that didn't have wheels on the bottom. My parents were leaving WI and didn't know where they were going next. When I moved away, it would be forever and not just until Thanksgiving vacation. My brother didn't have to finish his education at Maranatha. We didn't have to always say goodbye to dad and wonder when he would be home again. Once it all did sink in I didn't know what to feel. I wanted to be sad. Angry. Happy. Scarred. Excited. Nervous. Shocked. Confused. Frustrated. Hurt.

Yet, as I stood there in my parents bedroom, crying, I knew God had a plan. He had already been at work for the past weeks and even months. It was in the little things He had done to help me prepare for this moment. I had a great job waiting for me. I was done with college. I had said goodbye to my friends because I was moving. I had not gotten the job in Watertown that I had thought was God's plan for my life. I had an apartment with the greatest roommate ever. I had friends that had already promised to stay in touch. God had a plan that was going to be carried out no matter what. I didn't see this coming, but God did. So I was prepared. I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I know who brings tomorrow.

This is not the news I thought I would hear just days before my 23 birthday and months before I begin my very own new life - but I know God has great things planned for my parents, for me, and for my whole family. Yes, things will be different. Yes, it will hurt for a while in my heart and the hearts of those around us. Yes, it is far from what I thought was going to happen. Yes, God is still incontrol.

On May 11, I went to bed as Katie Jaspers.

Four Letter word...

Ok, many of you may think I'm going to talk about work. Unfortunately that is not the four letter word I'm refering to. Let me also give this minor disclaimer. For those of you that may be squeemish, please read no more.

I am currently student teaching in Beaver Dam. I just started at this school on Monday (very hard to go back to school after graduation). It is a very unusual situation. I was supposed to be teaching in a four-year-old kindergarten. It is a four-year-old kindergarten, but it's a special needs class that only meets Tues-Fri. afternoons and only has nine students. So yesterday was my first time meetings these kids. I fell in love with each of them from the first minute. One of the little boys is in a wheel chair, but he's the sweetest little boy ever!!

Sorry, I got distracted - I had to set up the back ground for you to understand the rest. Well, today, as we were sitting down for a story one of the asst. teachers noticed something on one of the students heads. She didn't know what she was looking for and asked me if I did. Sinse I have spent the past three years working at daycare and had a student in each of my last two placements that had this same issue, I knew exactly what to look for. Yes, that's the four letter word - LICE!!! To make a long story short, we pulled 22 lice off his head, only to have his mother show up and say, "I couldn't find any lice so I don't think he really had it, so he'll be back tomorrow." The joys of being a teacher. "Knock on wood" I've never had lice, so hopefully I can keep up that great record. (Two day's ago I said the same thing about not having a speeding ticket and today - you guessed it - speeding ticket). So stay away from me for the next few weeks.

Over all I still love this bunch of kids. Special needs kids are the sweetest kids who only want a little bit of attention. They may not act or look like "everybody else" but they are wonderful, sweet and they get to everyone's heart including my own.

Sleep Deprived...

Graduation went off without a hitch. I didn't trip, cry or have some other major mess-up. Although, it was rather discouraging to sit down, open my "diploma" and see that I have spent the past five years working towards a peice of white, semi-transparent tissue paper. Ok, so I have to finish my student teaching before I get my diploma, but over all the day was great!

One would think that after graduating from college you would be able to get a little bit of rest. Not so in my house. I had family and friends here throughout the weekend (loved it though) and then the bomb was dropped. My aunt and uncle (who are in evangalism) could find a motel at the next place they were going to that would take dogs. So, my mom, being the kind and wonderful person she is offered to dog-sit. Note: what she said was, "I don't mind taking care of him for the next few days." What she meant was, "Katie doesn't mind taking care of him for the next few days." Sunday morning rolls around. At 6:30 AM (MUCH sooner than I ever get up on Sunday's) Goliath - this miniture dog - desides it's time to get up. Not only was it time to get up, put it's time to play!!!! After much growling (from me not the dog) I got up, which was very hard to do since I HATE mornings. Fine, fine, what's a few less minutes of sleep for one night right? NO!!! That night, as I am getting ready for bed at 11 Goliath desides it is once again time to play. While I am scolding him, my phone rings and it's my friend reminding me that I'm supposed to take her to the airport at 4 the next morning. After spending what seemed like hours getting Goliath settled down, I sleep for three and a half short hours. But wait, there's more. After getting home from the airport at 6:15 I get ready and head out the door to drive 30 miles to my new student teaching placement. A month ago I had written to this teacher and told her I would meet her at 7:30, but she could contact me if that time didn't work. Upon arrival at the school at 7:30, I'm informed that school doesn't start till 9.

Well, I say all that to say - somethings never change. That's what I get for dog-sitting, working, student teaching, and being a friend all at once. I guess being busy is great way to help the time pass.

PS - Uncle Torrey - I'm just teasing about Goliath. He's a cutie!!

The Big Day...

As I mentioned in my last post, graduation is here!! It's tomorrow!! This is a day I really never thought would be upon me, but at least, it is here. It is going to be a great day too I'm sure. I get to see old friends I have not seen for a while, I get to see lots of family (Grandpa and Grandma J, Grandma G, Uncle, Uncle and Aunt, three cousins, birthmom and husband, two brothers and two sisters and my parents) teachers I haven't seen due to student teaching and a host of other people. What a joy!!

What a great day! A day I never thought I would see. A day that is full of joy and sorrow, excitement and nerves, laughing and weaping, pride and humility. While all these are a part of the day, the most difficult part is the saying goodbye. The leaving friends, family and teachers that have been such a great part of my life the past few years. Yes, I've done a great deal of book learning the past few years, but it's the life lessons that have taught me the most. I know I will never be able to thank every person that has touched me life, but I hope they know how much they mean to me.

Thanks to the family members that have cheered me on through each and every step. Thanks to the roommates that put up with my crazy ideas and loud alarm clock. Thanks to the teachers who showed me that teaching is more than putting a lesson into a students head, but putting love into their hearts. Thanks to Mrs. Gould for the fun video (if you don't know what this is all about ask). Thanks to the friends who have taught me so much about life, love and that's it's ok to relax every once in a while. But most importantly, I thank the Lord for his never ending love and help each step of the way. There is not one ounce of me that thinks I could have even attempted this on my own. The Lord gives each day what we need for that day and nothing more.

Yes, I won't lie to you. I didn't really think this is the way I would be finishing college. No, I didn't think it would take me five years to get done. No, I didn't think I would be moving to Chicago after graduation. No, I didn't think I would be single. No, I didn't think I would be teaching. No, I think I would even finish college, but God has given me so much. And while the plans I had for my life are long gone, I know I'm exactly where God wants me to be today. So, for tomorrow, I'm going to enjoy the day. Live it to it's fullest and rejoice that this day is finally here!

Roses from Mom...

I love my parents more than anything! I came home from work today to find a dozen red roses in my room with a "congrats" card from my mom. For anyone that may not know, I wasn't really planning on finishing college. I didn't think I could, I had two teacher tell me that "college wasn't for me" and on more than one occasion I tried to find an excuse to quit. By, through it all, even when they my have had doubts themselves, my parents stood by me and kept me going on. Yes, there were times when the keeping on was basically an order from them, but they didn't give up on me. For that, I can never thank them enough, because without them I won't be here today. Tomorrow starts a busy time - rehersal, Baccalaureate, friends and family coming, and then Graduation on Friday. But I couldn't let this special time go by without a word to my parents.

Mom and Dad, I love you. Thank you for everything you have taught me, shown me and lead me to. You cheered me on, you encouraged me, you praised me, you taught me how to love God more than life, you let me make mistakes so I could learn from them rather than just doing everything for me, you guided me, you helped me up, and most of all you loved me each step of the way. I love you both!!