wait.

I recently read this from one of my all-time favorite books: Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. I have always really loved the first line that describes waiting on God, but all of it spoke to my heart when I read it last night. It was just what I needed. Elisabeth is full of so much wisdom and a steadfast obedience to God's word.

"I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one's thoughts.

'Truly my heart waits silently for God; my deliverance comes from him.
In truth he is my rock of deliverance, my tower of strength, so that I stand unshaken.
Trust always in God, my people, pour out your hearts before him; God is our shelter.'

A roof over our heads. A hedge. A windbreak. A warm coat. Shelter from attack - from onslaughts of doubt that God would take care of everything if I would simply trust Him - what if He didn't? Waiting silently is the hardest thing of all.

i have the best job

Today in Human Growth and Development we talked about dating (aka: going out). What this looks like for 6th graders, I'm still trying to figure out. Anyways, I've had some marvelous quotes from them the last couple of days. Even though the videos are from the 80's, it doesn't matter to them - the subject matter is fascinating. Their eyes are glued to the tv screen, and they are always asking questions. Here are some of my favorites:

After studying what it feels like to be attracted to someone:

"Miss Lutes, when you're holding a girl's hand, and your hand gets all sweaty - is that because her hand is hot?"

"Miss Lutes, when you're sitting next to a girl you like in a movie, and she turns to talk to you and your face gets all warm, is that because she has hot breath?"


We had some discussion time where I was fortunate enough to hear all their philosophies of dating. The appropriate time for students to begin dating according to 6th graders is 10-18 years old. #1 worry about dating: Is he/she cheating on me? How late should teenagers be allowed to stay out? From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Then go out again. (I don't know what they would be doing at 6 a.m.) Reasons not to let a guy in the house while you're babysitting: you might get grounded - FOREVER!


Here are some questions and comments from today:

"Miss Lutes, can you even remember that far back to what its like to date someone?"

"What did they call dating in your era?" (After I told them to ask grandparents and parents what they called a guy/girl relationship)

"How old are you anyway?"

"I think the guy should ask the girl out, and the girl should pay." (This got a dirty look from the girl sitting beside him. Somehow I don't think that method is going to work very well for him)

And my favorite...

"I don't mean to be a cupid or anything, but I think someone in this class likes you!" (Said to me as he ran out the door)


Yeah, I never thought I'd say it, but I love teaching Human Growth and Development.

i hope i'm ready for this...

The picture pretty much says it all.



As of tomorrow, I will begin teaching my 6th graders the Human Growth and Development curriculum. The next two weeks may very well be the most memorable of my entire first year of teaching for a number of reasons:

- All the videos were made in 1985 (so the hair, clothing, music, and popular phrases are AMAZING).

- I get to watch the videos 5 times a day - this may be the last straw before I go crazy.

- The videos have not come in yet, so I don't really know what to do with my kids in the meantime.

- My mom always opted me out of sex ed when I was in elementary/middle school.

- I've seriously considered giving extra credit to any of my students who will cut their hair into a mullet.

- 6th grade kids + sex education. Need I say more?


Well, I should get back to lesson planning. Here goes nothing...