Here are the lyrics to one of the best hymns of all time. My favorite verses are the first and last, but even the ones no one ever sings in church ring with great truth.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain: It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
lest this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Ms. Cook, you not crazy
The other day, a couple kids were doing make up work in my room during their lunch period. I overheard one student explaining that a teacher told him she was going to call his dad and then his dad would "come up here and teach you a lesson and put a book through your head" or something along those lines. Here's how the conversation went:
me: wait, a teacher said that to you?
guy student: yea. man, she crazy.
me: well, some students think i'm crazy too
girl student: ms cook, you not crazy. man, all these people be yellin at us and you just sit there an wait for people to shut up. i aint never heard you yell at nobody. and they stop because they wanna hear what you have to say... ya know, this class aint so bad. i love comin up in here. i get so excited before 4th period but ooo i be sleepy after because i gotta go to algebra.
guy student: you don't never yell atcho classes?
girl student: no, she don't never yell. she just be sitting there waiting with no looks on her faces. and them kids wanna learn it so they shut up eventually.
me: yep.
it was refreshing to hear that a girl loves coming to my class (i love freshmen!), refreshing to be reminded that teachers don't have to yell and scream to be heard. in fact, i would argue that it's actually counterproductive. if you don't want the students to yell or scream in response to irritating things, why would you model that? it was refreshing to hear students laughing and conversing instead of insulting each other and sighing of boredom.
riding the roller coaster of teaching,
ren
me: wait, a teacher said that to you?
guy student: yea. man, she crazy.
me: well, some students think i'm crazy too
girl student: ms cook, you not crazy. man, all these people be yellin at us and you just sit there an wait for people to shut up. i aint never heard you yell at nobody. and they stop because they wanna hear what you have to say... ya know, this class aint so bad. i love comin up in here. i get so excited before 4th period but ooo i be sleepy after because i gotta go to algebra.
guy student: you don't never yell atcho classes?
girl student: no, she don't never yell. she just be sitting there waiting with no looks on her faces. and them kids wanna learn it so they shut up eventually.
me: yep.
it was refreshing to hear that a girl loves coming to my class (i love freshmen!), refreshing to be reminded that teachers don't have to yell and scream to be heard. in fact, i would argue that it's actually counterproductive. if you don't want the students to yell or scream in response to irritating things, why would you model that? it was refreshing to hear students laughing and conversing instead of insulting each other and sighing of boredom.
riding the roller coaster of teaching,
ren
Amazing Grace
The most important decision you every make is whether or not you choose Jesus. The Bible says...
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." (Romans 6:23, 3:23)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31)
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
My dear friend and former roommate gave her life recently to Jesus Christ. I asked her several questions in hopes that we could piece together her story of faith and post it on this blog... here's her response in its entirety:
I think my story begins like one of your favorite songs Renee, "Amazing Grace," where I would say "I once was lost, but now am found" because that is how I feel now after having this life changing experience and what I feel is joy!
I have felt like there was an emptiness inside of me for a long time that I tried to fill with other things, but I have gradually realized that none of those other "fillers" really worked. I found myself searching for different solutions, and exploring other faith based communities, but it was not until I went to this one nondenominational church in Indianapolis in October that I really felt at home, and allowed myself to completely accept Christ into my heart. I have gone through some life challenges already, from dealing with my parent's divorce to transferring schools, to getting into a pretty serious car accident, and any challenge, in life is even harder I feel to go through without turning to God.
I feel like I find new passages from the Bible every day that really speak to me, but I really like where it says in Lamentations "Because of the Lord's great love we are consumed. For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, the Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him," and whenever I feel like I am lacking in wisdom on what to do or choices to make I turn to James 1:5-7.
I would not say I necessarily had negative experiences with religion or Christianity, but I never really thought it did anything for me. I grew up going to church every Sunday, but I didn't really have any good reason for why I went except that that was what I thought you were supposed to do on Sunday. So, I would sit there and not really listen to the sermon, but instead wait for the hour and a half to pass. I now get excited to go to church on Sundays and go to my bible study group every Thursday, as just another way to worship with a group of people.
As I mentioned before, I explored many other religious faiths, and one that I was drawn to for several years was the Quaker religion. I liked and still like many aspects of this religion because there is a heavy focus on social justice and pacifism. These two aspects can be found in the teachings of Jesus so I greatly admire this aspect of the religion, which is why I think I was so initially drawn to it; however, I felt like there was too much of an attitude that maybe this is right or this could be right without ever coming to any conclusions. I think at some point there needs to be a choice made, and I've decided to accept Jesus.
Many people might be afraid that they could experience ridicule from other nonbelievers, but I would say I have not experienced ridicule but many questions. My family is very supportive, but I think they are still trying to "figure out" this change within me. I welcome the questions and the discussions, and it has been eye opening for me to be on this side and answer the skeptical questions that I would have asked myself only months ago. This goes along with my day to day life experience that I have as well. Being a Christian is a choice, but one that is lived out day-to-day. Beliefs on marriage, relationships, friendships, certain morals have drastically changed for me, and I am better I think because of it. Knowing that God has a purpose for me and my life is amazing, and allows me to see my earthly life differently.
Renee, you have really been an influential person in my life who has helped point me to Jesus, and I'm definitely not just saying that because you asked me these questions. I think I began to realize the emptiness I felt more after getting to know you better, and I am glad to finally discover that accepting Jesus fills that emptiness. Also, the members of my house church have really helped me continue to grow as a Christian and kept me accountable with my relationship with Jesus.
In this coming year, I expect to continue to grow as a Christian, and put my trust in God whenever I feel lost.
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ." (Romans 6:23, 3:23)
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31)
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
My dear friend and former roommate gave her life recently to Jesus Christ. I asked her several questions in hopes that we could piece together her story of faith and post it on this blog... here's her response in its entirety:
I think my story begins like one of your favorite songs Renee, "Amazing Grace," where I would say "I once was lost, but now am found" because that is how I feel now after having this life changing experience and what I feel is joy!
I have felt like there was an emptiness inside of me for a long time that I tried to fill with other things, but I have gradually realized that none of those other "fillers" really worked. I found myself searching for different solutions, and exploring other faith based communities, but it was not until I went to this one nondenominational church in Indianapolis in October that I really felt at home, and allowed myself to completely accept Christ into my heart. I have gone through some life challenges already, from dealing with my parent's divorce to transferring schools, to getting into a pretty serious car accident, and any challenge, in life is even harder I feel to go through without turning to God.
I feel like I find new passages from the Bible every day that really speak to me, but I really like where it says in Lamentations "Because of the Lord's great love we are consumed. For his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, the Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him," and whenever I feel like I am lacking in wisdom on what to do or choices to make I turn to James 1:5-7.
I would not say I necessarily had negative experiences with religion or Christianity, but I never really thought it did anything for me. I grew up going to church every Sunday, but I didn't really have any good reason for why I went except that that was what I thought you were supposed to do on Sunday. So, I would sit there and not really listen to the sermon, but instead wait for the hour and a half to pass. I now get excited to go to church on Sundays and go to my bible study group every Thursday, as just another way to worship with a group of people.
As I mentioned before, I explored many other religious faiths, and one that I was drawn to for several years was the Quaker religion. I liked and still like many aspects of this religion because there is a heavy focus on social justice and pacifism. These two aspects can be found in the teachings of Jesus so I greatly admire this aspect of the religion, which is why I think I was so initially drawn to it; however, I felt like there was too much of an attitude that maybe this is right or this could be right without ever coming to any conclusions. I think at some point there needs to be a choice made, and I've decided to accept Jesus.
Many people might be afraid that they could experience ridicule from other nonbelievers, but I would say I have not experienced ridicule but many questions. My family is very supportive, but I think they are still trying to "figure out" this change within me. I welcome the questions and the discussions, and it has been eye opening for me to be on this side and answer the skeptical questions that I would have asked myself only months ago. This goes along with my day to day life experience that I have as well. Being a Christian is a choice, but one that is lived out day-to-day. Beliefs on marriage, relationships, friendships, certain morals have drastically changed for me, and I am better I think because of it. Knowing that God has a purpose for me and my life is amazing, and allows me to see my earthly life differently.
Renee, you have really been an influential person in my life who has helped point me to Jesus, and I'm definitely not just saying that because you asked me these questions. I think I began to realize the emptiness I felt more after getting to know you better, and I am glad to finally discover that accepting Jesus fills that emptiness. Also, the members of my house church have really helped me continue to grow as a Christian and kept me accountable with my relationship with Jesus.
In this coming year, I expect to continue to grow as a Christian, and put my trust in God whenever I feel lost.
I don't usually quote oprah...
...but when asked about her choice to open her Leadership Academy in South Africa instead of the United States (particularly Chicago), she replied:
"Say what you will about the American educational system — it does work. ... If you are a child in the United States, you can get an education. ... I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn't there. ... If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod, sneakers, or some money. In South Africa, they don't ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school."
Did she make too broad a generalization? Of course. However, point taken.
I love my students. There is something severely wrong with the culture when at least 5 kids in different classes ask for a "free day" every day. (um, what the heck is a free day anyway? yes, i'm the teacher who makes them answer analytical questions about movies.) I change activities about every 10 minutes... every day of every week. Many students still complain.
On the other hand, I have students that, while they seem to feel apathetic towards school itself, genuinely enjoy learning. They ask lots of questions, correct their mistakes even if the extra credit put them over 100%. They like to learn, but get tired of all the time-wasting from those who don't enjoy learning. I wonder what it would be like if school was optional? Not that we should make society that way. But, what if it was. People, by nature, seem to naturally want what they don't have. (Jesus told us to be content... probably because we need to work on this, not because we naturally are content.) If school was optional, would people be more or less educated? Would the teenagers get tired of sitting at home all day and realizing they can't get jobs? Maybe not... just a random thought. My mind is a little random today.
Praying for students to want to learn,
Ren :)
"Say what you will about the American educational system — it does work. ... If you are a child in the United States, you can get an education. ... I became so frustrated with visiting inner-city schools that I just stopped going. The sense that you need to learn just isn't there. ... If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod, sneakers, or some money. In South Africa, they don't ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school."
Did she make too broad a generalization? Of course. However, point taken.
I love my students. There is something severely wrong with the culture when at least 5 kids in different classes ask for a "free day" every day. (um, what the heck is a free day anyway? yes, i'm the teacher who makes them answer analytical questions about movies.) I change activities about every 10 minutes... every day of every week. Many students still complain.
On the other hand, I have students that, while they seem to feel apathetic towards school itself, genuinely enjoy learning. They ask lots of questions, correct their mistakes even if the extra credit put them over 100%. They like to learn, but get tired of all the time-wasting from those who don't enjoy learning. I wonder what it would be like if school was optional? Not that we should make society that way. But, what if it was. People, by nature, seem to naturally want what they don't have. (Jesus told us to be content... probably because we need to work on this, not because we naturally are content.) If school was optional, would people be more or less educated? Would the teenagers get tired of sitting at home all day and realizing they can't get jobs? Maybe not... just a random thought. My mind is a little random today.
Praying for students to want to learn,
Ren :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day like today...
"What is wrong with the schools in urban America? Why do their problems appear so intractable? How is it that, after years of effort and expenditures of billions of dollars, we have so little to show for our efforts?" - Paul Hill
On a day like today, when I cannot articulately verbalize my feelings about teaching - particularly in an urban school - when all I want to do is collapse on the couch, and start over tomorrow, I am glad I stumbled across that quote.
Then, the Holy Spirit speaks this simple verse into my heart: "In this world, you will have troubles. But take heart, I have overcome the world." Jesus (John 16:33)
Resting in that promise,
- Ren
On a day like today, when I cannot articulately verbalize my feelings about teaching - particularly in an urban school - when all I want to do is collapse on the couch, and start over tomorrow, I am glad I stumbled across that quote.
Then, the Holy Spirit speaks this simple verse into my heart: "In this world, you will have troubles. But take heart, I have overcome the world." Jesus (John 16:33)
Resting in that promise,
- Ren
Reading Lists
Ben and I have made our 2011 reading lists.
Inspired by our friend, Luke, Ben has decided to read a book a week in 2011. Here's 10 random ones from Ben's 2011 list:
- Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Doctrines that Divide, Erwin Lutzer
- Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, J. I Packer
- Les Miserables, Victor Hugo
- The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis
- The Chronicles of Narnia Series, C.S. Lewis
- The Lord of the Rings Series, J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Purpose of Man, A.W. Tozer
- When Work Disappears, William Julius Wilson
- Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk
I don't think I have a number goal... Well, I started with the goal of 2 per month. Then, I got to more than 24. So, we'll see. That's the minimum. :) Here's a few off my list, in no particular order:
- Forgotten God, Francis Chan
- Choosing to See, Mary Beth Chapman
- The Fruitful Life: the Overflow of God's Love Through You, Jerry Bridge
- Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman who Bound Them Together, Ron Hall
- Teaching to Change Lives, Dr. Howard Hendricks (an annual re-read)
- So Much Reform, So Little Change: The Persistence of Failing in Urban Schools, Charles M. Payne
- Teen 2.0, Robert Epstein
- Fires in the Bathroom: Advice for Teachers from High School Students, Kathleen Cushman
- Motivating Students Who Don't Care, Allen Mendler
What are you reading? Any suggestions for us?
Cozy with my husband on the couch... about to pick up a book,
Ren
Inspired by our friend, Luke, Ben has decided to read a book a week in 2011. Here's 10 random ones from Ben's 2011 list:
- Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Doctrines that Divide, Erwin Lutzer
- Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, J. I Packer
- Les Miserables, Victor Hugo
- The Abolition of Man, C.S. Lewis
- The Chronicles of Narnia Series, C.S. Lewis
- The Lord of the Rings Series, J.R.R. Tolkien
- The Purpose of Man, A.W. Tozer
- When Work Disappears, William Julius Wilson
- Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk
I don't think I have a number goal... Well, I started with the goal of 2 per month. Then, I got to more than 24. So, we'll see. That's the minimum. :) Here's a few off my list, in no particular order:
- Forgotten God, Francis Chan
- Choosing to See, Mary Beth Chapman
- The Fruitful Life: the Overflow of God's Love Through You, Jerry Bridge
- Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman who Bound Them Together, Ron Hall
- Teaching to Change Lives, Dr. Howard Hendricks (an annual re-read)
- So Much Reform, So Little Change: The Persistence of Failing in Urban Schools, Charles M. Payne
- Teen 2.0, Robert Epstein
- Fires in the Bathroom: Advice for Teachers from High School Students, Kathleen Cushman
- Motivating Students Who Don't Care, Allen Mendler
What are you reading? Any suggestions for us?
Cozy with my husband on the couch... about to pick up a book,
Ren
Recap 2010
Some blog posts are written for the readers and some for the writers. This one is for me... sorry. If you care to recap our year with me, feel free. However, it might bore you :) I am enjoying looking back and seeing the wonderful ways God blessed us during 2010.
A year of 1sts... and it continues into 2011. Cheers to ringing in a new year!
-Ren
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| Some of my all time favorite high school girls. A mere acquaintance became a dear friend when God allowed us to lead these girls together. Watching high school students grow in love for the Lord is an amazing thing! |
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| Rachel, a former roommate, great friend, (and recently new sister in Christ!!) came to visit- we love to go to the Art Institute together. |
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| I worked at Clinton Elementary School, substituting for a K-4 music teacher who was on maternity leave. These 2nd graders are playing a song where all the kids get turns playing various instruments while singing a spooky halloween sound. (I miss the excitement for learning music that little ones have!) |
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| I went from Clinton (neighborhood elementary school in Chicago, serving primarily low-income families) to Franklin Fine Arts Center.. again, maternity sub. I student taught here so it was fun to be back for the end of the school year. One of the best elementary schools in Illinois, amazing art projects (skyline above), love for learning, and kindergarteners putting on memorized productions are the norm here :) |
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| I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Music Education - graduated in December of 2009 but walked in May of 2010. |
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| For anyone who knows us, you know our engagement story isn't traditional. Summary - met in september 2009, discussed marriage october 2009, definitely getting married as of december 2009 (original plans were January 1, 2010... ha), ben asked my dad early january and from then on it was official. I received this beautiful ring as soon as he was back in the states from Costa Rica ;) Though we had discussed it, he managed to surprise me. |
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| Ben graduated too! As a present, his parents bought him a few nice suits. This is post-suit-shopping coming out of Jos. A Banks. |
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| Ben got back from Costa Rica about a month before our wedding... so we had 2 showers, a bachelorette and bachelor party, engagement pictures, etc... amongst planning the final details. |
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| July 3, 2010 |
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| Honeymoon destination: Riviera Maya, Mexico |
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| After living in Omaha for the summer post-wedding, we packed up Ben's room and got ready to move to Chicago. |
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| A brilliant idea from a mattress salesman: "don't buy a new mattress in Chicago, just saran wrap the one you have to the top of the car. You might need some duct tape." |
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| We added more and more duct tape as the journey continued. |
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| Family reunion with my mom's family. |
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| Ben's brothers came to visit - this pic was taken post- Sox game. It was a weekend of junk food, caffeine, Wii and late nights. :) |
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| Elsie and Alex came to visit- we took them to one of our favorite Chicago eats... Portillos! |
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| My first Husker Game. |
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| We celebrated our first thanksgiving as a married couple with my family. (Last thanksgiving was the first time I met most of Ben's family.. we were dating. It was when I was truly 110% sure this was the man to marry.) |
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| 1st little Christmas Tree in our 1st apartment |
A year of 1sts... and it continues into 2011. Cheers to ringing in a new year!
-Ren
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