Even though the weather was nasty - scattered storms, cloudy and dreary...even though it was "Check-out Day" in most Knox County Schools...even though we're all so tired this week that we can hardly think straight...we just had one of the most positive, talented, energetic groups of people assembled ANYWHERE on the planet at our Dream Team meeting!
Again, I'm reminded that this "Big Dream" is God's vision and regardless of how overwhelming it gets for us, He is One who will make the dream come true - His way - not ours. We must always be cognizant of the fact that there is no stress on our dream team. This vision is not up to us; it's not on our shoulders, it's on His. I'm pretty sure He can handle it!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
PAID UP!
I was feeling blessed and my heart was full as I made my home from school today. As usual, I made my way through the Sonic drive-thru for a large cup of ice, a bag of ice, and a small unsweetened tea. Yeah, I know what's good and I'm freaky with my eccentric habits! Anyway, as I paid my $3 and something, I noticed that the total due from the car behind me was less the change had coming from my $5 bill, so I told the cashier that I'd like to pay for the person behind me as well. Random acts of kindness do more for me than the person on the receiving end, so it was with selfish motives lest you think I'm "good" when I'm really not...
Then the cashier told me something that brought a smile to my face and filled my heart. When I told her what I'd like do for the car behind me, she smiled and said, "That's great! You know I was here one day when we had FIVE cars in row pay for each other's orders!" I couldn't help thinking to myself what would happen if the world "Paid it Forward" a little more often, and "Paid Attention" a little more closely. We've got to get our eyes off of ourselves and onto the lost and hurting people of this world!
Then the cashier told me something that brought a smile to my face and filled my heart. When I told her what I'd like do for the car behind me, she smiled and said, "That's great! You know I was here one day when we had FIVE cars in row pay for each other's orders!" I couldn't help thinking to myself what would happen if the world "Paid it Forward" a little more often, and "Paid Attention" a little more closely. We've got to get our eyes off of ourselves and onto the lost and hurting people of this world!
The Season Ends
The Champions have left the Locker Room. They won't be coming back. The team has disbanded. Many left for the last time yesterday. One of them never had the chance to say good-bye. Or receive his trophy officially declaring him a "Champion." Or read the thoughtful letters written by his teammates stating all the things they love about him.
Although I never received official notification, word on the street tells me that he was suspended for being disrespectful in PAC. If only I'd known. I would have taken him back in the classroom in a heartbeat! I've sent his trophy, his letters from the Champions, and his report card by way of another teacher who was making a similar delivery to his neighborhood. My gut tells me I should go myself. My heart tells me I couldn't take it. My "blog conscience" now convicts me that if I'm truly going to "Chase Lions in Tennessee," then I'm going to have to quit running away and do the right thing. I'll let you know how it goes...
One of my most challenging students brought me a hanging basket of geraniums today. She said her granny wanted me to have them. Funny, because her granny just told me last Friday that M. comes home from school every day saying that she wants to buy this or that for Coach Crawford. Another challenging, but so incredibly lovable student wrote me a very special thank you note that I will post here soon. Every one of them hugged me fiercely before they left for the day.
Interestingly, we completed our eleventh novel today. Just as I closed the book for the last time, the announcements came on the intercom instructing us to prepare for dismissal. Funny how just as one chapter ends, another begins for all of us. I'm sure there will be more on this as I pack and process this week.
Although I never received official notification, word on the street tells me that he was suspended for being disrespectful in PAC. If only I'd known. I would have taken him back in the classroom in a heartbeat! I've sent his trophy, his letters from the Champions, and his report card by way of another teacher who was making a similar delivery to his neighborhood. My gut tells me I should go myself. My heart tells me I couldn't take it. My "blog conscience" now convicts me that if I'm truly going to "Chase Lions in Tennessee," then I'm going to have to quit running away and do the right thing. I'll let you know how it goes...
One of my most challenging students brought me a hanging basket of geraniums today. She said her granny wanted me to have them. Funny, because her granny just told me last Friday that M. comes home from school every day saying that she wants to buy this or that for Coach Crawford. Another challenging, but so incredibly lovable student wrote me a very special thank you note that I will post here soon. Every one of them hugged me fiercely before they left for the day.
Interestingly, we completed our eleventh novel today. Just as I closed the book for the last time, the announcements came on the intercom instructing us to prepare for dismissal. Funny how just as one chapter ends, another begins for all of us. I'm sure there will be more on this as I pack and process this week.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Long Goodbye
 |
| Coach Crawford, quatro Champions, and Nick Reveiz |
Let's just cut the crap. The two years passed quickly (in hindsight). The Champions made a HUGE difference in my life! My fear now is that I will forget. I'll walk right back into my "comfortable" life and forget that there are children 10 miles away with hearts as big as Texas, with enthusiasm that would shake Neyland Stadium, with eyes that light up when they "get it" for the first time, with hearts filled to overflowing with generosity to the point of sharing their last dollar to buy something for me, with no one to cheer them on in the game of life, with no bed, with no lunch money, with no one to applaud wildly when they receive a trophy for being a Champion for the first time in their lives.
Oh God, I pray for these children!!! I pray for their parents. God, help them see that their child needs them to support their efforts at school. They need cheerleaders. They need a soft shoulder to cry on, and a willing ear to listen to them. I pray for their teachers, Lord. Give them an abundance of patience! Help them to understand that what they see may not be what they get; that the walls of defense and self-preservation are thick and often seemingly impenetrable. Give their teachers special insight into their future. Help them to water the seed that lives dormant in each child, just waiting for a teacher who loves them to awaken the possibility that lies just below the surface! I pray for YOU to set up divine appointments in their lives so that doors of opportunity will open for them that might otherwise remain closed. Help others who meet them to notice the "Championship" potential in them. Oh God, most of all, thank You for the privilege You have given me to play a small role in their lives.
Thank goodness I've been busy. If I had the time to fully process and THINK about the past week, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to function. K. will not be at school tomorrow. He hugged me so tightly today, it took my breath away. He cried. He smiled. I'm changed for having known him.
J. will not be at school tomorrow. Forever in his memory, I will be the teacher who sent him to another teacher's classroom for the last hour of the school day on his last day of school. ...Ugh! Failure! He was fighting, being disruptive, saying hateful things to other students. I wanted him to stay with us. I gave him many chances. He just couldn't handle it. When he refused to come into the classroom after recess and instead chose to pout outside, I felt his behavior had to be addressed. In hindsight, I see now that he was trying to process the changes that are to come. No more Locker Room. No more Coach Crawford. No more... This child is nine years old and has already lost his daddy. He was stabbed to death. No more... So many family members. No more... God, I could have taken the time to introduce him to the One Father who will never die, never leave him, never fail him as I did today.
Monday, May 16, 2011
The Best is Yet to Come!
Needless to say, Chelcie won that battle of the heart and I must confess to no regrets. We loaded up the car and headed to pick up Lakirra @ Weigles then on to Amya's house, just down the street from last year's super-Champion, Rudy! Once we were loaded up with Sam, Addie, Chelcie, Me, Amya, and Lakirra, we were off to Game Time!
At first glance, the turnout was disappointing, and my heart ached for those with the vision and dream for what could be. I've been there and I know all too well how it feels to KNOW in your heart that God has a plan only to have our human definition of success define our dream as disappointing at best. Flashback to Reach Them to Teach Them, 2006 at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. What's 500 when 500,000 need our message!
The kids were a little slow to warm up, but were soon nothing but giggles and grins. With rain showers, cool breezes, and hungry bellies, we decided to stick around to hear our favorite Champion, Nick Reviez, speak, then we'd head out for pizza. All went as planned until we pulled into the parking lot at Zaxby's. My phone beeped. A text from Jackie told us that we were going to have to (get to?) head back to the stadium. Chicken fingers to go and a change of plans (thank God!).
Back at the stadium, we met up with Jackie and then things began jammin! The praise and worship music was starting to take effect and I found myself with hands raised in praise with feet jumpin' up and down like I haven't done in years (inside, I wondered where I was finding the energy and if I'd be sore in the morning!)!
Then came the moment of Truth. The Gospel message. The Good News. Jesus paid our debt. He offers us the gift of eternal life. Do we see our need? Do accept His gift? A free iPad for everyone has no value to me unless I accept the gift... Close your eyes, bow your head...raise your hand. A little hand beside me made it's way to the sky...did I peek? You bet I did! My precious son, Sam, had just made the most important decision of his nine-year-old life! He was Heaven-bound!
Little did I realize that just two seats away from me, my precious girls Lakirra and Amya were making the same decision...to follow Christ! The prayer wrapped up, those who prayed were encouraged to make their way to the front of the stage. Sam nudged me, "let's go!" he said, then when I started forward, he stepped back. Amya and Lakirra both said, "we need to go!" So off the four of us went to take the hands of people who know Christ as Lord and are willing to lead others into an eternal relationship with Him.
My eyes filled with tears. My heart was overflowing. My soul was satisfied. My son was saved.
At first glance, the turnout was disappointing, and my heart ached for those with the vision and dream for what could be. I've been there and I know all too well how it feels to KNOW in your heart that God has a plan only to have our human definition of success define our dream as disappointing at best. Flashback to Reach Them to Teach Them, 2006 at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. What's 500 when 500,000 need our message!
The kids were a little slow to warm up, but were soon nothing but giggles and grins. With rain showers, cool breezes, and hungry bellies, we decided to stick around to hear our favorite Champion, Nick Reviez, speak, then we'd head out for pizza. All went as planned until we pulled into the parking lot at Zaxby's. My phone beeped. A text from Jackie told us that we were going to have to (get to?) head back to the stadium. Chicken fingers to go and a change of plans (thank God!).
Back at the stadium, we met up with Jackie and then things began jammin! The praise and worship music was starting to take effect and I found myself with hands raised in praise with feet jumpin' up and down like I haven't done in years (inside, I wondered where I was finding the energy and if I'd be sore in the morning!)!
Then came the moment of Truth. The Gospel message. The Good News. Jesus paid our debt. He offers us the gift of eternal life. Do we see our need? Do accept His gift? A free iPad for everyone has no value to me unless I accept the gift... Close your eyes, bow your head...raise your hand. A little hand beside me made it's way to the sky...did I peek? You bet I did! My precious son, Sam, had just made the most important decision of his nine-year-old life! He was Heaven-bound!
Little did I realize that just two seats away from me, my precious girls Lakirra and Amya were making the same decision...to follow Christ! The prayer wrapped up, those who prayed were encouraged to make their way to the front of the stage. Sam nudged me, "let's go!" he said, then when I started forward, he stepped back. Amya and Lakirra both said, "we need to go!" So off the four of us went to take the hands of people who know Christ as Lord and are willing to lead others into an eternal relationship with Him.
My eyes filled with tears. My heart was overflowing. My soul was satisfied. My son was saved.
That Still, Small Voice...and a Pain the Heart
I'm way too far behind on my blog story to have any hope of ever catching things up to date, but this one simply can't wait. I must do it (whoop! whoop!) now. (The "whoop-whoop!" comes from a Ron Clark inspired technique to generate enthusiasm and student engagement every time they hear me say, "do it.." But I digress...)
Last week was fun, busy, action-packed, and exhausting! Tuesday was spent at the Smokies game in 80 degree heat with pounding sunshine and little breeze. Wednesday was an ALL DAY trip to Wonderworks bringing us back to school at 6:30PM. Thursday was Field Day, 2011- another hot and exhausting day in the pounding sunshine. Friday we FINALLY completed all 14 research papers complete with covers, bibliographies, outlines, rough drafts, and final edits! To say last week was busy would be putting it mildly! By Friday afternoon, I was spent. Totally. I even posted on my Facebook page that I was too old for this stuff. Never before had I so looked forward to a weekend with no kids just to catch my breath and recharge for the homestretch of our last full week of school.
Friday afternoon I stopped by West Valley to meet with my new principal, Mr. Nealy. He was gracious enough to take me on a tour of the available 7th grade classrooms. I chose a former Science room closest to the back door. We had a nice chat, and I'm ready to get started. Already dreaming about 7th grade lessons and 7th grade lives. Tom and I took the kids to the movies with Chelcie and went to Brixx to enjoy a "date night."
By Saturday morning, I was thankful for a soccer-free weekend and looked forward to working on 7th grade plans, reading some books, and dreaming BIG on Reach Them to Teach Them ideas. Then Chelcie sent me a text (cue Twilight Zone music). Here's the transcript of our message exchange:
Last week was fun, busy, action-packed, and exhausting! Tuesday was spent at the Smokies game in 80 degree heat with pounding sunshine and little breeze. Wednesday was an ALL DAY trip to Wonderworks bringing us back to school at 6:30PM. Thursday was Field Day, 2011- another hot and exhausting day in the pounding sunshine. Friday we FINALLY completed all 14 research papers complete with covers, bibliographies, outlines, rough drafts, and final edits! To say last week was busy would be putting it mildly! By Friday afternoon, I was spent. Totally. I even posted on my Facebook page that I was too old for this stuff. Never before had I so looked forward to a weekend with no kids just to catch my breath and recharge for the homestretch of our last full week of school.
Friday afternoon I stopped by West Valley to meet with my new principal, Mr. Nealy. He was gracious enough to take me on a tour of the available 7th grade classrooms. I chose a former Science room closest to the back door. We had a nice chat, and I'm ready to get started. Already dreaming about 7th grade lessons and 7th grade lives. Tom and I took the kids to the movies with Chelcie and went to Brixx to enjoy a "date night."
By Saturday morning, I was thankful for a soccer-free weekend and looked forward to working on 7th grade plans, reading some books, and dreaming BIG on Reach Them to Teach Them ideas. Then Chelcie sent me a text (cue Twilight Zone music). Here's the transcript of our message exchange:
Chelcie: Are you taking any of your kids to gametime?
Me: Don't think so.
Chelcie: Why not?
Me: No room in car.
Chelcie: I have a car.
Me: Who do you want to take?
Chelcie: Whoever wants to go.
Chelcie: No?
Me: No what?
Chelcie: No you aren't going to ask them! Why wouldn't you??
Me: Do you want to call them?
Chelcie: Fine. I will. I literally don't understand why you won't. This is such an opportunity.Me: I have addie, sam and taylor. Room for one more. I'll be happy to take someone.
Chelcie: You know SO many people who would love to drive your kids. Isn't doing things like this what reach them is supposed to be about?? I'm just really confused. I thought you were planning on taking them.
Me: Chelcie, I've been with them all week. I need a break.
Chelcie: Really. Fine.
Me: I'll try to call one or two. You pick who.
Chelcie: You know them best.
Me: I asked amya. Waiting to hear back from her.Chelcie: (Smiley face)
Me: I've called charis, amya, and jalen. No luck so far.
Chelcie: Well at least you're trying
Me: Are you going to drive?
Chelcie: Yes I can/will
Me: And lakirra...
Chelcie: None of them can go?
Me: Left msg for amya lakirra. No go on charis and jalen. Wanna call isaiah d.? His mom yelled at me the last time I spoke to her.
Chelcie: Uhhhhhhh
Me: Lakirra and amya are coming!
Chelcie: Yayyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Me: And you are a pain in the heart
Chelcie: Sorry (smiley)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day, 2011
A letter to my mom...
May 8, 2011
Dear Mom,
Well, it’s the Saturday night before Mother’s Day, and I know my homework is due tomorrow, but I’m staring at a blank computer screen having no clue as to how to begin a letter to one of the most influential people in my life.
Just knowing you’re there for me has gotten me through so many difficult times in my life. You are the one person on this planet I can go to when I just need a place to vent, celebrate, cry, be still, or just talk about the details of the day. Your door is always open and you’re always willing to listen.
God has given you a supernatural intuition to know precisely when I need you. There have been numerous times over the past few years when I’ve been precariously close to the cliff of despair, but before I fell, you would call or send a card, or share a meal, or take a walk with me, and by the time I left you, I was reenergized and inspired to stay strong.
I remember how excited you were to meet your first grandchild...and how excited you were to meet your ninth! You have been there to hold, cuddle, feed, and play with each and every one of our babies and to model for Lori, Katie, and me exactly what it looks like to be a loving mother.
I remember when I was teaching my very first class of second graders and didn’t have enough parent chaperones for our field trip to the Apple Barn, so you came along as “Mrs. Crawford’s mom!” At A.L. Lotts, you’ve stood in for me when I couldn’t be “Mom” because I had to be “Teacher” so that Sam and Addie never had to feel that no one cared about them. You’ve supported my efforts to “change the world” through Reach Them to Teach Them and you’ve been there to share my joy as God has opened the floodgates of Heaven and poured His blessing down on our dream.
I’m grateful that God in His infinite wisdom found a mother for me who loves me, prays for me, and puts up with me. Our family has been divinely blessed. We’ve had many more smiles that tears; many more good times than bad; and much more health than sickness. Through it all, we’ve been able to count on you to be the glue that holds us all together.
I’m learning from you to hold my tongue when I want to lash out and say things that I’m sure to regret. You’ve shown me how to look for the good in things when the bad seems to be the most obvious.
You’d think that at 45 years old, I’d feel like an independent adult, but I know I still have so much more to learn from you! Thank you seems painfully inadequate to express my gratitude for the sacrifices you’ve made for me, and for the unconditional love that you’ve generously poured into my life and the lives of so many others.
I’ve always been proud of my mom. In fact, as proud as I know she is of me and my family, I’d have to say we’re all prouder of her!
My words have been many, but I really only needed four to say how I feel about my mom: I love you, Mom!
May 8, 2011
Dear Mom,
Well, it’s the Saturday night before Mother’s Day, and I know my homework is due tomorrow, but I’m staring at a blank computer screen having no clue as to how to begin a letter to one of the most influential people in my life.
Just knowing you’re there for me has gotten me through so many difficult times in my life. You are the one person on this planet I can go to when I just need a place to vent, celebrate, cry, be still, or just talk about the details of the day. Your door is always open and you’re always willing to listen.
God has given you a supernatural intuition to know precisely when I need you. There have been numerous times over the past few years when I’ve been precariously close to the cliff of despair, but before I fell, you would call or send a card, or share a meal, or take a walk with me, and by the time I left you, I was reenergized and inspired to stay strong.
I remember how excited you were to meet your first grandchild...and how excited you were to meet your ninth! You have been there to hold, cuddle, feed, and play with each and every one of our babies and to model for Lori, Katie, and me exactly what it looks like to be a loving mother.
I remember when I was teaching my very first class of second graders and didn’t have enough parent chaperones for our field trip to the Apple Barn, so you came along as “Mrs. Crawford’s mom!” At A.L. Lotts, you’ve stood in for me when I couldn’t be “Mom” because I had to be “Teacher” so that Sam and Addie never had to feel that no one cared about them. You’ve supported my efforts to “change the world” through Reach Them to Teach Them and you’ve been there to share my joy as God has opened the floodgates of Heaven and poured His blessing down on our dream.
I’m grateful that God in His infinite wisdom found a mother for me who loves me, prays for me, and puts up with me. Our family has been divinely blessed. We’ve had many more smiles that tears; many more good times than bad; and much more health than sickness. Through it all, we’ve been able to count on you to be the glue that holds us all together.
I’m learning from you to hold my tongue when I want to lash out and say things that I’m sure to regret. You’ve shown me how to look for the good in things when the bad seems to be the most obvious.
You’d think that at 45 years old, I’d feel like an independent adult, but I know I still have so much more to learn from you! Thank you seems painfully inadequate to express my gratitude for the sacrifices you’ve made for me, and for the unconditional love that you’ve generously poured into my life and the lives of so many others.
I’ve always been proud of my mom. In fact, as proud as I know she is of me and my family, I’d have to say we’re all prouder of her!
My words have been many, but I really only needed four to say how I feel about my mom: I love you, Mom!
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