The "whole" body

I like to think of my commute to work in the morning as my "sermon hour." Usually, the radio station I listen to has a preacher speaking instead of music that early in the morning. Today's lesson, if you will, was about the concept of the "whole" resurrected body that Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians. It was about the idea that Jesus will make all things new again when He calls us Home. Next week, it will be two years since Gracie made her home in Heaven, and the concept of this "whole" body caught my attention this morning. It's true. She is whole. The cancer can't win anymore. She's not suffering from the pain of chemo or the fright of losing her hair. She's not tired from the battle that she had to fight for two years down here. She's whole. It's easy to cry these days, but it was actually easy to smile this morning too while I was listening to that pastor speak. I'm so thankful that she's whole now. I miss holding her and cuddling with her, but I know that she's complete and healthy again. No more cancer, no more sickness, my girl's 100%. I heard the latest song by the singer Steven Curtis Chapman on the radio this afternoon as well, and there's a line in that song that struck me. It sort of tied together the day for me. "The cancer is gone." Hallelujah! As much as it stings sometimes, that truth sets my pain free. God bless..

Aaron: "Dad, what was the Holocaust?"
Me: "Well, Aaron, it was a sad event in this world's history. Some people didn't like, and they even hurt, other people just because of who they were."
Aaron: "Were the people that hurt others bad?"
Me: "What they did was bad, yes."
Aaron: "Didn't the bad people know that Jesus said to love everyone?"
Me: speechless

I love the little peeks into my son's innocence.

"Be Patient" by Warren Wiersbe

I don't recommend books often, unless you ask, but I would recommend this one. I've been reading through Warren Wiersbe's book on the character of Job; titled "Be Patient." It's a very good book if you love to ask God why; why this happens, why that happens. Job suffered so much, yet when it came to his faith in God, that strong foundation never crumbled. Here's a little bit of truth from the book.

"There is nothing wrong with asking why, as long as we don't get the idea that God owes us an answer. But if the Lord did tell us why things happen as they do, would that ease our pain or heal our broken hearts? Does reading the X-ray take away the pain of a broken leg? We live on promises, not explanations; so we shouldn't spend too much time asking God why."

As September 7th comes around again, and the reality of two years without Gracie down here hits me in the next few days, it's relieving to know that there is a Heaven. It's relieving to know that there is a God who comforts and cares. It's relieving to know I don't have to panic, hurt, or question His decisions; because I know He sees tomorrow; and tomorrow's tomorrow. Anyways, just a "review" of what I'm currently reading through; in case you're interested. God bless..

Strange Observance today

I was walking down the hallway after school when I noticed something outside the window of my former room. Had I, or hopefully anyone else, been in that room; I'd like to think this wouldn't have stayed this way the entire day. The main entrance and flag pole sets outside that set of windows. I looked out, and I noticed the American flag was hanging upside down. The last time I checked, no one in our school were front runners on any protest/picket line, and I know this was an accident on the part of those who raise the flag in the morning. However, what I couldn't understand is, no one noticed it before 3:00? That includes me; you'd think someone would have noticed it. It turns out it was an accident (thankful that no one at our school would purposely do such a thing), and no one entering the building, in the building, or exiting the building throughout the day said anything. I don't know if others noticed and just let it be or not, but I couldn't believe it was like that for seven hours without no one noticing the mistake.

Interesting day today. In a history class, chances are, something of historical importance is going to take place, of which you toss out the original lesson plan and throw in a new one. Today, I did that. I make it a point to tell the kids to watch some morning news before they come to school every day. Most do that, and so most knew of Sen. Edward Kennedy's death last night upon arriving at school this morning. A lot of kids wanted to talk about that today, so we did. I am aware that my students share different ideologies when it comes to politics, so we didn't bring that to the discussion. One of my kids started leaning that direction, but I drew her back. I pulled up a list of the legislation he's worked on since he took his seat in the Senate, and I'm even amazed at how much he's been a contributing factor to several areas of everyday life. Some of my kids even surprised me with their well-thought out comments. I think we had some good discussions today.

By all accounts, I missed the Kennedy brothers of the 1960's. Not to show my age here, but I wasn't around to witness JFK's assassination. I was in utero when Bobby was killed in the summer of 1968. I missed that whole "era" of U.S. History. As a history teacher now, I can only wish I was born a few years earlier. However, as a boy interested in the U.S. Senate, I was able to watch Ted Kennedy. Many of my views differ from Sen. Kennedy's, but there is one area that I applaud him for his committment; education. I also applaud him for stepping into the role of "father" when so many of his nieces and nephews went fatherless. I pray He is at peace with God today.

"Happy last couple days of 39!"

Yesterday, we celebrated Kate's 40th birthday a couple days early. Or, as my niece said, "happy last couple days of 39, Aunt Kat!" All in all, 21 of Kate's former students came. One of the girls from Kate's first year will be graduating in the Spring with the hopes of becoming a Kindergarten teacher herself. It was nice to hear their stories and see their accomplishments. A few of them yesterday were also my former students. Aaron wrote Kate a poem titled "That's Why My Mom is the Best." Original pieces are my favorite things to read from any kid, mine or one of my students.

We still have our friendly mutt we found the other night. I told Aaron we'd start searching next week for its owners. Aaron had that look in his eye, and I set the record straight on us keeping the dog rather quickly after I saw it.

Aaron also played guitar with me in church this morning during offering time. He's becoming quite the little guitar picker. He wants me to teach him something new every night. He's picked up on the chords very quickly.

Anyone missing a dog?

Stray dog came on our land this evening. That's odd that it would be out here in the country and us not know who it belongs to, but we have it in one of our horse stables right now until we can figure something out tomorrow. It has a collar but no tag; friendly mutt. I've never seen it before, which makes me wonder if it might not have been abandoned on the side of the road or something. We found her muddy, and I hosed her off some to get the mud off. Gave it water and some of Titus' dry food. We'll see what happens in the morning.

Kate's 40th!

Kate is turning 40 on Monday. I'm not quite sure she wants everyone to know this, but she's beautiful at any age, so 40 is just a number. I can't surprise her with a party. I've tried, and it doesn't work. I am a bumbling fool at times, and I think I have personally been the reason she's found out about ones in the past. So, this year, she knows what we're doing, to an extent. Mr. Research (that would be me at the moment), has found a few members of each of her Kindergarten classes; the oldest of which are in college now. I've invited them to, what I am referring to as, the biggest birthday bash in Forsyth County! Parents, students, family, friends, I haven't a clue how many people are going to be there Saturday. I just know that we have enough food lined up to feed North Carolina, so I hope the masses huddle together Saturday afternoon. The media director in our church created a video for Kate. Aaron wrote a poem for her. I have a couple things up my sleeve. It should be, hopefully will be, a great party; even if she knew about it all along. God bless..

First Day of School

Aaron woke up this morning at 4:47 a.m.; ran into our room, and said he was going to start getting ready for school. Kate and I started to get out of bed, when Aaron looked at us and said, "you guys stay. I can do it myself." For the next 45 minutes, we lay awake, waiting for him to come back in the bedroom to ask for our help. He didn't, and when I got up at 5:30, Aaron had fixed himself cereal, combed his hair, gotten his clothes on, brushed his teeth, and was watching cartoons. By the time Kate woke up at 6:00, Aaron was counting down the minutes until we left. I wonder if this behavior will last, because I enjoyed it this morning.

My students are 10th graders. I can't really say more than that honestly. I had to take away a kid's cell phone today because he had received a text message in class. I took his phone, opened the message, and wrote the person back that "Nate can't talk right now, he's in school." Every year, you spend the first few days trying to adjust to the students. Several of them know me from older brothers or sisters. That surely would frighten them a little, right?

Kate's in her perfect element again with her class of Kindergarten kids. She came home with two crayon drawings of "i love you Mrs. Tyler" already. If I erase the "s", that would make Mr...and..hmm.. God bless..

Tomorrow morning can't come soon enough for Aaron. I love that this kid loves school. He must have inherited that one from Kate. I was the kid who never wanted summer to end. First day of school tomorrow, and I'm still that little boy who doesn't want summer to end.

Weekend of firsts..at least in awhile

Today will be my first round of 18 since leaving for Romania back in June. This should be an experience for someone who never went a couple weeks without at least picking up a golf club and hitting a few practice balls.

Tomorrow will be my first time back on the worship team since before we left too. I think worship at your pew is just as important as worship on stage, but I love the position God's allowed me to be in on Sunday morning.

Obviously the latter means more to me than the former, as it also does to God. But, I'm happy He gave me the ability and opportunity to enjoy 18 with some good buddies today. God bless..

Different set of classroom "rules"

What's a classroom without rules? I created these about six years ago. I've used them ever since, even though I've since had to change the room number. Some make the kids chuckle. I hope all of them make them think.

Dear Student:

I'm Mr. Tyler. This is 10th grade U.S. History. Welcome back to the days of getting up early and coming into school. Trust me, it's just as difficult for the teachers as it is you. While we're on the subject of school, I want to make sure you understand the rules of Room 212. I know you know the standard rules. You've moved beyond elementary and middle school. High schoolers know better than to hit and chew gum in class, right?

1. Try. I don't care if you get the answer wrong. I don't care if you don't understand the concept. Trying and failing is better than never trying at all.

2. Respect. Respect me. Respect your classmates. Respect yourself.

3. Although a parent, I don't claim to have eyes in the back of my head. I can't watch you write down test answers into the palm of your hand. However, God sees it. So do you really want to cheat?

4. Be on time. Don't walk in five minutes late to my class. If anything, show up five minutes early. That's called respect. That's a life lesson, and it doesn't just apply to my class.

5. Be open-minded about history. Some students don't like the subject. You might be one of them. If so, it's my goal this year to change that.

6. Be accountable. Today, right now, find someone who will hold you accountable for your work in this class. You do the same for them. This class is a team. We work together. That includes me. Don't be afraid to ask me for help. Note: accountability and cheating are two different things.

7. Turn in homework. I don't just give you homework for you to throw in the trash or give to me half-finished.

8. Smile. How many teachers put that in their rules? You're a kid. Smile! Be happy! Frown when you're my age.

9. Be truthful. Your dog didn't eat your homework. Your little sister didn't throw your text book in the garbage. Own up to it.

10. God loves you for you. You are put in this moment of time for a reason. There is a plan for your life. Right now, it's to be in my classroom. Remember that when you "fake sick" to stay home from school. I understand. I was a student once too.

Above all, have fun in this classroom. I am not here to make your sophomore year miserable. I am here to help you realize your potential. All your teachers are, even ones your older brothers or sisters might have warned you about. I'm here to help. I hope we can have a good year together.

Sincerely,

Mr. Tyler

I flipped through some old pictures last night from some of the happy times (at least I thought they were happy times) of our family; mom, dad, my brothers, me. I'd be lying if I said that I don't miss those times of "us". I love my step-mother, my step-father, my step-siblings, but nobody wants to be a child of divorce. If someone were to ask about my parents, I'd rather be able to say they are making it, growing old together. But, they didn't. Whether you're 7 or 17, it still stings. It doesn't go away when you're an adult. It lessens; I understand a lot more now. But, it still affects me at 40. One of Aaron's friends' parents are filing; which led Aaron into question after question at lunch yesterday. Three kids, 11 years. He's leaving her for the same reason my father left my mother. That decision caused me to have a falling out with my father for a long time afterwards. We need to open the eyes of those who are spinning their lives out of control. We need to not only talk the talk, but we need to walk the walk. We need to be there to listen, to guide when necessary, and to let God work His good into them. Satan is there to try to bring you away from the Truth. That's his job. We can't let him do that. When we see someone in trouble, we can't let that person dive into the fire. Unfortunately, some won't listen. Some choose to listen and not react. I didn't know what this man was doing until he decided to throw his life into that direction. I've talked with him. I've prayed for him. However, I can't change him. I'm not God. But, as an imperfect human being, I only wish he knew how this will affect those little kids.

I am a map and flag person. I admit it now. For the longest time, I was just using my "history teacher status" for an excuse. However, as I sit here trying to figure out where to hang the giant wall map of the United States, the map of Europe during WWI and WWII, the 50 state flags, the different flags from the stages of American history, I will confess. I am truly a "map and flag junkie," as my wife calls it. When I was a kid, I kept one of those push-pin maps in my room of all the places in the world I wanted to travel to, and the map's still around somewhere. I used to ask for history books for Christmas. There's something about history that's fun. It's about realizing that the future and present are tied together with events of the past. There are teachers who tire of the same routine in the curriculum. I am not one of those teachers. I look forward to repeating myself and the topics. When you love what you're doing, it's not work. My grandfather used to tell me that. It's true.

Nashville, Titus, broken bones, and baptisms!

Kate, Aaron, and I ended up staying the whole week in Nashville instead of just the weekend. Fortunately, we made that plan before we left, thus having enough luggage to accommodate our extended time. Had we not known, we would have had to wear the same clothes every day. I have been to Williamson County, Tennessee a few times in my adult life; as my brother's lived there for the past couple decades raising his family, but the rolling hills and horse farms just really spoke to my heart this past week. The last post I put on here was really how I have been feeling for the past three weeks. As the two-year mark of Gracie's Homecoming is approaching, it's just becoming difficult again. The Thursday before we left, the only thing that got me out of bed was Kate telling me Aaron was worried about me. It was 2:00 in the afternoon, and I was still under the covers, unshaven and worn down. The drive to my brother's helped me out a bit.

Another thing that brought a smile to my face this week was Titus; our new dog. It's likely Aaron's new dog actually. Since we got home on Saturday, all he's done is pay attention to every detail of caring for Titus. He walks him, helps to feed him, cleans up after him (thankful for hardwood), and is a great friend.

While we were at Dan's, Kate broke her ring and pinky fingers of her right hand. Our niece accidentally shut the car door on Kate's fingers, and then she spent the rest of the week crying every time she saw Kate. Accidents happen.

The highlight of the week was Joel's baptism. Living a state away is difficult to see his daily walk with Christ, but I've watched this kid become an amazing young man. Before he was baptized, the pastor asked if he wanted to say anything about why he wanted to get baptized. Joel said, "I want to show you and everyone else that this is real and permanent." I can't wait to see how his future will continue to develop.

With school starting in a couple weeks, today begins the classroom organization again. I'm in a different, bigger, classroom this year. It's awkward not being in "my room", overlooking the flag pole and parking lot, being able to watch the sun rise from my windows. Nothing is that scenic about a bunch of soccer fields. God bless..