A Birthday Surprise

I was walking up to my classroom for the last period of the day. I was puzzled because the door was shut and the light was off. I open the door and hear "SURPRISE!" then my students begin to sing Happy Birthday. I start to tear up as I blow out the candles that they put on my Birthday Cake. The candles were a little melted because I was a little delayed getting to the classroom, but all still went well. I opened up the sweet cards from my students and began to tear up again. Then one of my young men promptly gave me a box of Kleenex. I was still in a little shock from the surprise and enjoying every moment. Yet something was not quite right....

After the shock wore off, the smell of smoke just kept lingering a little to much for just candles.

The real surprise came when I asked the students "what happened?" I knew this would not be good. Not until investigating did we discover that the students lit the candles with a lighter that they had acquired from an upper school student (Mistake Number 1). The student who was lighting the candles had issues putting the flame to the candle without burning his fingers. (Mistake Number 2). That student then rolled up a piece of paper and used it as a torch to light the rest of the candles. (Mistake Number 3). He could not get the flame out. So he threw the paper in the trash can. (Mistake Number 4). He then threw a bottle of bubbles on the flame to finally to put it out. (I had given them bubbles that morning to celebrate my Birthday.) One student then promptly opened the window preventing the school fire alarm from going off.

They wanted to surprise me and they definitely did.

Mini-Me

I ran into my mini me the other day at school. During the winter I wore out my Kansas Cowgirl Boots, put my hair in a side braid and would adorn a pretty skirt/dress. Well the other day I opened my door and their stood one of the upper school girls who chose to dress like me for dress like a teacher day. I did not even realize they noticed. I was very flattered and humbled at this evidence which proves that students/children really do observe the most little things about us.

Bringing Down The Great Wall of China

Often times when our lives feel chaotic and out of control the reason is we are trying to control all things. There is a problem with this for Christ is in control of all things. I am thankful he brings us to that point of distress so all we can do is call out to him. Everything came to a head this last Saturday. All my life I have strategically put built the Great wall of China in my heart for protection and safety. Since coming to the South the vastness of my Wall has been revealed to me. Some people would be let in, but just to the inner gate. The walls where just to heavy to keep holding up. After the crashing of the walls I have experienced this peace which surpasses my feeble human understanding. I am thankful that God has died on the cross to claim the walls of my heart and take me as His. This give us the freedom to very simply love as He has loved us. I will fail at this daily, but His grace is my covering. His grace is also my protection.