God Bless Our Teachers

Today, teachers in Hillsborough County (Tampa, FL) go back to work.  They have been preparing their classrooms, preparing lesson plans, receiving training and getting ready for a new school year. Today, the students arrive!  In a few parts of the country this has already occurred; in other regions it is yet to come. In any case, these dedicated men and women prepare to face a new group of students under increasingly difficult situations.  Many are not paid as well as they should be. Some face budget crunches that force them to purchase many of their own supplies. They will encounter difficult students, difficult parents, difficult school boards...and local politicians who simply don't get it. The simple fact that so many of them return to their schools today to fight these battles should earn them our unending respect and admiration.

It should also earn them our prayers. Wherever you are, whether school has already begun or doesn't start for a few weeks yet, make today a day of prayer for the teachers you know.  Ask God to bless them, protect them, encourage them and inspire them. And then ask the teachers in your life what you can do to help them this year. We count on teachers to make a difference in the lives of our children. Let's use today as a springboard to make a difference in the lives of those teachers. To those of you who continue in this most noble profession- and I am blessed to call many of you, from all over this nation, my friends- may God grant you wisdom, energy, insight and serenity as you go through this school year. You are loved!

Because of Jesus,

God Bless Our Teachers

Last week teachers in Hillsborough County (Tampa, FL) went back to work. They were preparing their classrooms, preparing lesson plans, receiving training and getting ready for a new school year. The students arrive on Tuesday. In some parts of the country this has already occurred; in other regions it is still to come. In any case, these dedicated men and women prepare to face a new group of students under increasingly difficult situations. Many are not paid as well as they should be. Some face budget crunches that force them to purchase many of their own supplies. They are often forced to teach to testing rather than for the purpose of true education. They will encounter difficult students, difficult parents, difficult school boards...and local politicians who simply don't get it. The simple fact that so many of them return to their schools year after year to fight these battles should earn them our unending respect and admiration.

It should also earn them our prayers. Wherever you are, whether school has already begun or doesn't start for a few weeks yet, make today a day of prayer for the teachers you know. Ask God to bless them, protect them, encourage them and inspire them. And then ask the teachers in your life what you can do to help them this year. We count on teachers to make a difference in the lives of our children. Let's use today as a springboard to make a difference in the lives of those teachers. To those of you who continue in this most noble profession, may God grant you wisdom, energy, insight and serenity as you go through this school year. You are loved!

Because of Jesus,

Teacher Appreciation Time

This is Teacher Appreciation Week all over this great land of ours, and I wanted to take a few minutes today to thank the many teachers who are and have been a part of my life. I think of my Mom, who taught kindergarten and first grade for many years. I am thinking today of former students from my youth groups who have gone on to be teachers- people like Ken Hill, Todd Farlow, Beth Brown Meadows, Lisa Kraus Spires, Caitlin Esry, Josh Fry and many more. I think of one of my very best friends, Lisa Jewett, who teaches first grade here in Tampa.  I think of educators like Donna Haynes Myers, Debbie Davis and Dana Schmidt who have been such good friends to us over the years. I know how much these great teachers care about their students, and I want them to know how proud I am of them all. They put so much of themselves into what they do, often against insurmountable odds and under incredibly difficult circumstances. They seldom get to truly teach anymore, spending most of their time preparing students to take tests that they have nothing to do with. It is a frustrating life for many of them. But yet they love it, because they care so much about the students.

This is also a week to think back many years on the teachers who impacted our lives when we were in school. I was blessed with many great teachers, but here are a few recollections of some of the most memorable...

• My 2nd grade teacher was Mrs. Ware, who used to sneak up behind you when you were misbehaving and smack you on the top of the head with a wooden ruler. Back then it was good teaching. Now it would get you put away for child abuse...
• I remember 3rd grade and Mrs. Jarvis, who liked me so much she named her son Carl a few years later. I don't know that it actually had anything to do with me, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
• Mrs, Brawley was my 4th grade teacher and I loved her. But what really matters was that Jamie Huffling was in her class too. My first big-time crush!!!
• In 5th grade I had Mrs. Mullis, who was the first teacher I ever had who tried new things and was extremely creative. She rewarded good behavior and good grades by letting us sit facing our best friends, which made a good class great. She had a huge impact on my life. And for reading I had Mrs. Gillon, who was famous for saying, "If you don't get quiet, you better!" Never did figure that one out. She was also the only teacher to ever spank me. Memories...
• Some of my favorite years were grades 6-8, or junior high school as we called back in the day. And one of the primary reasons for that was our great Principal, Howard Cross. He taught us so much about being in control without being a tyrant. Plus he once myself and two of my friends out of class for a whole day just to wash the activity bus. How cool is that?
• My 7th grade homeroom teacher was Ms. Tuttle. Whenever you would try to give her an excuse or whine about some perceived injustice, her favorite sarcastic response was, "My heart pumps peanut butter for ya."   
• In junior high school one of my teachers was Mrs. Ferrell. She taught me typing, language arts and was the school newspaper advisor. I was the sports editor. Looking back I would have to say she was my favorite teacher ever.
• I had Mr. Robinson for U.S. history in 9th grade. He was a wonderful teacher with a great sense of humor- his battles of wit with another great history teacher, Mr. Brown, whose room was across the hall, were legendary. He was also the creator of The Purge. If he saw someone chewing gum (in those days a serious offense!) he would stop class and call for The Purge. He would announce he had seen someone with gum. He would then give anyone who was chewing gum opportunity to turn themselves in. If you pleaded guilty, you would receive a minor punishment, like bringing in a recipe for spaghetti sauce. If you were the person he had seen and did not confess, you would wind up writing a 5 page paper on the industrial revolution (or something like that). It was always amazing how many gum chewers he would catch every time Coach Robinson did The Purge! (Side note: My friend Steve Semmler would later use The Purge to sniff out some cheaters in a college class he was teaching. Worked like a charm, too!)
• And finally, there was only one teacher in 12 years (I am too old to have attended public kindergarten in NC) who really didn't like me. Mrs. Hopper taught high school math. I barely passed geometry under her watchful eye. Other students joked that the entire class could be up talking and goofing off, but if I got up to sharpen my pencil she would yell, "Sit DOWN, Carl!" I had her again for Algebra 2 (not by choice) the following year, and I would still be in that class had she not gotten pregnant and turned the class over to teacher (Mrs. Wagoner, who deserves a post all to herself someday!) who knew even less than I did. Just before she went out on maternity leave, the class was asking what she and her hubby were going to name the baby. Me being me, I raised my hand and asked if they had considered Grass as a baby name. You know- Grass Hopper. The class laughed hysterically. Mrs. Hopper did not. She left without killing me and my grades improved greatly under her replacement.  :)

Teachers were so important in each of our lives. In today's world, they face greater challenges than ever as they seek to mold young minds under very difficult conditions. They should be appreciated every day. But since this week has been set aside, do something special for the teachers in your life. Let them know they are loved. Be liberal with words of praise and hugs. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all teachers everywhere!!!

Because of Jesus,

Saturday Shouts Outs!

Summer is coming to an end, with many schools back in session and a big heatwave frying us here in Tampa. It's hard to believe September, football and autumn are lurking just around the corner- but they are. While we were disappointed we didn't get to do our Springfield Friends Reunion due to the death of Marilyn's father, we have great hopes of rescheduling that soon. And so with those happy thoughts in mind I present another edition of the Saturday Shout Outs! I'm feeling pretty random today, so look out! Let's get started...

* Many of my friends- in Florida, NC and various other places- are school teachers. We need to continue to pray for all of our teachers as they seek to give their very best to students in a world where red tape and bureaucracy far too often rule. There are way too many to list them all, but I have been thinking and praying for each of you. Have a great year, teachers, and never forget that what you do is one of the most important jobs in the world!

* Speaking of teachers we know, our dear friend Lisa Jewett (Wesley Memorial Tampa) became a grandma for the 4th time this week! That's Lisa on the right, with Marilyn. Baby Abram is doing well, as are momma Joy and daddy Ken. We also need to pray for Lisa, whose older grandkids Lilly and London head back north to their mom's this week for the school year. Lisa will miss them so much.

* I rag on Facebook a lot, and often it deserves it. For instance, the new messenger app invades your privacy in a way George Orwell would have said was preposterous while writing 1984. But it does serve a great purpose in my life. Marilyn's FB serves as a daily prayer list for me. I can read the joys, pains and concerns of so many old friends, and see what their families are up to. And then I can pray for them. Or should I say, YOU. To pray for God's people is indeed a great privilege. 

* It's not too late to make a donation and help Teresa Reep Tysinger (FUMC-Kissimmee) get her novel published! It's a great book and I know you will all want a copy, so join her Dream Team and be part of the fun! Only a couple of days left to contribute, so click here and let's do this!!!

* Another great thing about both FB and Twitter is keeping up with friends who are in ministry and seeing what amazing things they are up to. David Mercadante (Springfield Friends Meeting) was very young (that's him and his cousin Stacy around 1992) when I knew him, but he has grown into a wonderful husband & father and an outstanding pastor at Poplar Ridge Friends in NC. I love reading the stories of their ministries and his family. But I have to admit that it makes me laugh when I think that little Dave is the lead pastor for my old partner in youth ministry crimes, Tim Vestal. Life sure throws curve balls sometimes! 

* For those who have asked, my own novel is still coming along, just much more slowly than at first. I am struggling with how I want it to end, as the characters are very important to me and sometimes fiction is a great make things right. Since it takes place in the present-day Myrtle Beach area, I have some rewriting to do to get the details correct after my visit last week. But I am still writing

* While at the beach last week I got a chance to hangout with one of most special people I have ever known, Beth Vestal McGalliard from my youth group days at New Garden Friends Meeting. We had not seen each other in 7 years, but as soon as we started talking it felt like it had been 7 minutes. It was the same when I saw Tammy Doggett Foster a couple of weeks ago in Orlando, and when Steve & Carl Semmler were here in March. I say it here often, but it is true that some people leave footprints on your heart and you are never the same again. And that will never change. Now I just look forward to seeing some more of the old gang (I'm looking at you Denise, Donna, Alan, Susan, Neal & the rest!) in NC from those days, college days and my Quaker Lake days.

* Darren Rovell, the top business reporter for ESPN, tweeted this yesterday: Another record donation day for the @ALSAssociation and its chapters. $11.5 million donated YESTERDAY #IceBucketChallenge I know it may seem a little silly, but it's working and doing great things. To those of you who have participated, we salute you!!!

* Cindy Martin (FUMC-Kissimmee) has put forth a brilliant idea. In early September you can get half price seats at Broadway shows in NYC, so she is suggesting we plan a reunion for September 2015! It could be for not only Kissimmee alumni (that's them, 1995 edition), but anyone else from the old days who has the urge to do New York with me one more time. The idea has merit- and I think I may have the energy to plan one more big adventure in this beat up old body. So what do you think? Anyone interested?

I'll stop there for today. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Stay cool, stay in touch, and know that our prayers are with you where ever you may be! I'd love to hear from you, so leave a comment, email Youthguy07@aol.com, or text me at 813-919-3755. Many blessings to you all, and thanks for reading!

Because of Jesus,

In the Middle

Today will be my last update on the status of my father-in-law, Posey Steele, unless there is dramatic news to share. It looks like there is a long and winding road ahead of him and his family and friends...

One of my favorite teachers in high school taught history, and his name was John Brown. Seriously. We all kidded him that he was in the witness protection program because that couldn't be his real name. Mr. Brown was a short, stocky man with a tremendous sense of humor. He made history fun, and I count him high on the list of reasons I still love history today. His lectures were interesting, and he brought out facts that were not always obvious. And since this was back in the dark ages when teachers actually wrote their own tests, you were responsible for knowing everything he said. People would take notes like crazy when he spoke, because there was a test every Friday. I remember how distressed some of my classmates would get at the sheer volume of information he would spew each week. Those of us who were really paying attention to the situation knew such stress was unnecessary. Every Thursday Mr. Brown would spent the last 15 minutes of class reviewing, asking questions to give us examples of what would be on the test the next day. Most weeks those review questions were almost word for word the actual test questions. If you took notes on Thursday, you could spend the rest of the week enjoying the humor and adventure of his lectures. But so many people never noticed, and Mr. Brown played the "difficulty" of the tests for all it was worth. Every Thursday class ended with the same mini-lecture. "Big test tomorrow. You guys need to study hard tonight, but don't let it get you down. Some of you will do well and some of you won't. But here's something to take with you throughout your life- hope for the best, expect the worst, and be satisfied with something in the middle." That was some 37 years ago, and obviously it has stuck with me.

When my lovely wife Marilyn flew to NC on Saturday to see her father in the hospital, she went expecting the worst. We were both afraid that if she didn't go immediately she might not get a chance to say goodbye. The situation was that dire. The fall he took Friday night had done damage to his brain and there was a pooling of blood in his head. He was in a light coma. He was not expected to survive for very long. Marilyn arrived expecting the worst. And while there were a few positive signs, we knew that Posey was now in the hands of God and the doctors.

Then Sunday was a very good day. He was more alert, his eyes were open, he recognized some people and was speaking more. He ate a bit and just generally seemed to be improving. When I spoke with Marilyn there was a new hope in her voice. What had felt like it might be the end seemed to be turning into the beginning of a long road. A difficult road to be certain, but one that had hope. The prayers of our many friends were being lifted and we felt encouraged that God was at work in Posey Steele.

And then yesterday was a rough day. No details are needed; you just need to know that he was struggling and not as alert. There was more pain. Marilyn arrived home last night just as unsure of the future as when she had left on Saturday. There was permanent damage done by the fall. The extent is unknown. The ability of his 80+ year old body to recover is unknown. But he is still with us, and he is still fighting. His amazing wife Marie and daughter Carol are by his side. He has a wonderful church family that will support them all. So while we hope and pray for the best, we live with the knowledge that the worst is still a real possibility as well. The worst for us, anyway. I'm sure Posey would tell you that going to be with Jesus is not the worst thing that could happen! But in the meantime, here we are. In the middle. And given the events of the past few days, I'd have to say again that Mr. Brown got it right. We are thankful to be here. So we ask for your continued prayers for Posey, the family and the medical staff. Those prayers continue to make a difference. Our God can do miraculous things.

One more thing about Mr. Brown. Every test had a bonus question, and the question was always to predict the final score of some collegiate sporting event for the following day. You didn't have to get the score right to get the bonus points. All you had to do was pick his alma mater, Appalachian State University, to win. Even if they weren't playing. And many people never figured that out either. Life is so much easier when you pay attention. And when you understand that God is in control. Love you guys.

Because of Jesus,

In Support of Teachers

As we celebrate the Labor Day holiday and the working people of this great nation, I wanted to take some time today to offer a special shout out to one particular profession. They are the last line of defense in our nation, keeping us afloat when so many factors conspire to bring us down. They are the ones charged with inspiring the scientists, philosophers, artists, writers and inventors of the 21st century. I am not talking about the military or the media. I am certainly not talking about politicians. I am talking about those great stalwarts of the classroom, TEACHERS!

I know that school is well underway this year for many of my teacher friends in both NC and FL, and I have already been praying for you each. I understand the challenges you face.  Many of you are overworked and under-resourced. You spend your own money to get the supplies you need to be creative enough to reach the students you love so much- and the ones that make you crazy! So much of the burden of turning children into young adults is done by you.  You get more hours a week with students than most parents do, and you are left to counsel, to love, to fix and to heal as well as educate. You bear an unfair burden in our society.

And yet...you get so little respect from those who make the rules, set the standards and write your paychecks. Teachers have been under attack in the legislature in NC, and not that long ago it was no better here in FL.  All over the country their job security and financial advancement have become linked to how well students take tests rather than the quality of their instruction- and trust me, those are not the same things. A college professor friend told me a few years ago that standardized test scores from high school students were getting higher and higher while incoming freshmen were getting dumber and dumber. They had not learned to think, to reason, to dig and to discover the joy of learning.  They had learned to take tests. He said that often the first question he was asked by new students was "what do I need to know to pass the test?" He tells them that if they will just listen and learn they will be fine in his class- and it freaks them out! Our public school teachers, many of whom are innovative and creative, are being forced to to "teach to the tests." Their students are evaluated not on what they have learned, but by what they don't know- because that is what standardized tests do. Even the regular tests are written by someone outside of their classrooms.  And then the teachers are given the blame for failures in our educational system.  It's so messed up. And because of these things, and our failure to pay them a decent wage, we are losing some of our best teachers.  And this has to stop.  

So today and in the days to come, reach out to the teachers you know.  Encourage them and let them know what a difference they make.  Pray for them. Let your local politicians know that you support giving teachers the income and resources they need to survive, and the freedom to actually teach that they need to thrive. It is up to us to step up and love on these incredibly important people and make learning THE priority in our schools once again.  Won't it be a great day when our teachers are paid like lawyers and our schools have everything they need, but the Air Force has to have car washes and bake sales to buy a new bomber? I can dream, can't I?  Good teachers can change the world.  Tell one that today. Happy Labor Day, everyone!

Because of Jesus,

Teacher Appreciation Week

This is Teacher Appreciation Week all over this great land of ours, and I wanted to take a few minutes today to thank the many teachers who are and have been a part of my life. I think of my Mom, who taught kindergarten and first grade for many years.  I am thinking today of former students from my youth groups who have gone on to be teachers- people like Ken Hill, Todd Farlow, Beth Brown, Lisa Kraus Spires, Caitlin Esry, Josh Fry, Jennifer Gastler and many more. I think of Twitter friend Angie Battle, and many others from that part of my life who love teaching.  I think of one of my very best friends, Lisa Jewett, who teaches first grade here in Tampa.  I know how much these great teachers care about their students, and I want them to know how proud I am of them all.

But this is also a time to think back many years on the teachers who impacted my life when I was in school.  I was blessed with many great teachers, but here are a few recollections of some of the most memorable...

• My 2nd grade teacher was Mrs. Ware, who used to sneak up behind you when you were misbehaving and smack you on the top of the head with a wooden ruler. Back then it was good teaching.  Now it would get you put away for child abuse...
• I remember 3rd grade and Mrs. Jarvis, who liked me so much she named her son Carl a few year later.  I don't know that it actually had anything to do with me, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
• Mrs, Brawley was my 4th grade teacher.  But what really matters was that Jamie Huffling was in her class too.  My first big-time crush!!!
• In 5th grade I had Mrs. Mullis, who was the first teacher I ever had who tried new things and was extremely creative.  She rewarded good behavior and good grades by letting us sit facing our best friends, which made a good class great.  She had a huge impact on my life.  And for reading I had Mrs. Gillon, who was famous for saying, "If you don't get quiet, you better!"  Never did figure that one out...
• My 7th grade homeroom teacher was Ms. Tuttle.  Whenever you would try to get her an excuse or whine about some perceived injustice, her favorite sarcastic response was, "My heart pumps peanut butter for ya."   
• In junior high school one of my teachers was Mrs. Ferrell.  She taught me typing, language arts and was the school newspaper advisor.  I was the sports editor.  Looking back I would have to say she was my favorite teacher ever.
• I had Mr. Robinson for U.S. history in 9th grade.  He was a wonderful teacher with a great sense of humor- his battles of wit with another great history teacher, Mr. Brown, whose room was across the hall, were legendary.  He was also the creator of The Purge.  If he saw someone chewing gum (in those days a serious offense!) he would stop class and call for The Purge.  He would announce he had seen someone with gum.  He would then give anyone who was chewing gum opportunity to turn themselves in.  If you pleaded guilty, you would receive a minor punishment, like bringing in a recipe for spaghetti sauce.  If you were the person he had seen and did not confess, you would wind up writing a 5 page paper on the industrial revolution (or something like that).  It was always amazing how many gum chewers he would catch every time Coach Robinson did The Purge!
• And finally, there was one teacher in 12 years (I am too old to have attended public kindergarten in NC) who really didn't like me.  Mrs. Hopper taught high school math. I barely passed geometry under her watchful eye.  Other students joked that the entire class could be up talking and goofing off, but if I got up to sharpen my pencil she would yell, "Sit DOWN, Carl!" I had her again for Algebra 2 (not by choice) the following year, and I would still be in that class had she not gotten pregnant.  Just before she went out on maternity leave, the class was asking her what they were going to name the baby.  Me being me, I raised my hand and asked if they had considered Grass as a baby name.  You know- Grass Hopper.  The class laughed hysterically. Mrs. Hopper did not.  She left without killing me and my grades improved greatly under her replacement.  :)

Teachers were so important in each of our lives.  In today's world, they face greater challenges than ever as they seek to mold young minds under very difficult conditions.  They should be appreciated every day.  But since this week has been set aside, do something special for the teachers in your life. Let them know they are loved.  Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all teachers everywhere!!!

Because of Jesus,

Pray For Our Teachers

Here in Tampa school starts back on Tuesday.  Many school systems are already back in session, while others will start a bit later- but soon enough everyone will be back in school.  Today I want to list some of the educators who are a part of this blog's extended family, and ask that we all pray for them very intentionally this week.  Ask God to use them to educate, motivate and love the students they encounter.  And please, if you have names to add to the list, e-mail me or leave them in a comment and I will make sure they get added.  Have a blessed Sunday, everyone!  Please pray for:

• Jennifer Gastler
• Lauren Simpson
• Ken Hill
• Gilly Hill
• Angie Battle
• Caitlin Esry
• Lisa Kraus Spires
• Janet Cook
• Todd Farlow
• Jill Franklin
• Marie Allen Pleasants
• Debbie Davis
• Dana Schmidt
• Linda Wehr
• Lisa Jewett
• Brian Willeke
• Beth Brown
• Pat Pribyl
• Julia Pribyl
• Carlene Heck Skiles
• Karen Hall Gould
• Josh Fry

I'm sure I have missed a bunch, so be sure and send me names.

Because of Jesus,