St. Andrew Christmas Novena

You actually need to go here to read this post. I posted it to the AYM blog so that it could be more easily accessed.

While Reviewing for a Social Studies Test

Me: What does the government do with our tax money?

Student: They give it to the lazy people who don't work.

Me: (Well, I really just laughed. I couldn't help it.)

Student: What? That's what my mom said!

Daybook: Because I Want to Blog Without too Much Thinking

FOR TODAY
(November 17, 2010)

Outside my window... it is very dark. Though it is not late, not even 8:00. Also, the weather has settled into a chilly state over the past few days. I'm happy with it for now.

I am thinking... about how God, in wisdom and perfect love, does things that I am far from understanding, but which cause me to smile.

I am thankful for... Grace. Tonight, the 2nd graders at my Parish make their First Reconciliation. My 2nd graders will participate in the Sacrament for the first time at the end of this month. I'm so excited for the flowing of grace!

I am wearing... Jeans, T-shirt, Benedictine Hoodie.

I am creating... new personal commitments.

I am going... to a senior retreat tomorrow night. I'm leading a 30-minute session (three times). Prayers please.

I am reading... hmmm... I honestly think I've been picking up a new book each time I sit down to read.

I am hoping... that I'm able to cling to grace instead of self.

I am hearing... mom and dad talking about free shipping.
 
Around the classroom..."Take out a piece of paper. Open your science books to page 128. There has been far too much talking today. It has taken too long to get your attention. Too many of you have been talking and not listening while I'm teaching. So, you are going to start with the word desert and copy every word from this page and the next, in complete silence, until I tell you that you can stop." It only took me 62 school days to become "one of those" teachers. :-(

One of my favorite things... when I can trustingly smile at God even while knowing that this thing He has going on might just hurt a whole lot.

Visit Peggy for more daybook entries!

Hosanna's Song

One post that I have been meaning to write will (if it ever materializes) discuss my thoughts on preparing students for their first participation in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This post regards a semi-related topic. I've often found myself wondering about that time between Baptism and the Age of Reason, a time when we are technically not impeded by sin.  The following is a little something on the more poetic and lyrical side than is typical of my writing.  It is a reflection on that easily forgotten time in each of lives. I've called it, Hosanna's Song.

There was a time

When my heart beat perfectly for You

And in that time

I was free to joyfully love You

There was a peace

My mind cannot remember

And in that peace

Your voice became my only song

The Sacrament that cleansed me gave me grace beyond compare. The love within the waters washed me clean. And as I grew and lived and sinned my heart became scarred. Now I’m longing for the grace to live in Your love alone once more.

My soul sang Hallelujah, hosanna on high. The saints and angels joined, our chorus rang high. My heart cried out all glory to the Holy One. Hallelujah. Hosanna was my song.

There was a place

Where only You could dwell

And in that place

True happiness was found

There was a love

Pure and undefiled

And through that love

I embraced life as Your child

The Sacrament that cleansed me gave me grace beyond compare. The love within the waters washed me clean. And as I grew and lived and sinned my heart became scarred. Now I’m longing for the grace to live in Your love alone once more.

My soul sang Hallelujah, hosanna on high. The saints and angels joined, our chorus rang high. My heart cried out all glory to the Holy One. Hallelujah. Hosanna was my song.

The Church joins in the chorus now. His praises She sings. All voices join together, His triumph reigns. And as we bow to worship Him our souls rejoice and know the beauty of Hosanna’s song and Hallelujah’s call. Hosanna, Hallelujah. Hosanna, Hallelujah. Hosanna Hallelujah is our song.

As I said, it is quite different what you usually read here.  I do hope that it leads you to some form of reflection; it does me, but it is an expression of me; it may not have the same effect on you.

Ah. The Minds of the Young

Question on a Science assignment: Why do different plants have different stems?
Student Answer: I think it is because God made them different.

Now, that was NOT the science answer I was looking for, but how can I argue with that?

Student: Do you have a boyfriend?
Me: No.
Student: Oh. So you're going to die alone.

Student 1 (on her birthday): Yay! I'm special.
Student 2: I hate to tell you this, but everyone has a birthday.