I look back over my many years and realize that I have sold myself short on many occasions. I have told myself and others "I can't" when the truth was I really gave up too soon. I gave up on math, history, memorization, writing, and other efforts.
I learned from my son, Joseph, that I could learn algebra. Homeschooling him in math made me learn, even though he seemed to already know how to do it. I learned from him that I could figure it out. I am still not fast or always right but I understand the concepts.
I gave up on history until I began to study the bible. Reading the history of God's people lit a fire inside me to understand the story of mankind. I still get mixed up on dates, but I am learning new stories from around the world and of influential people. I find I understand what is happening now when I know what has happened in the past. Here is a secret I've found: People have not changed much. Our world has changed with inventions but people seem to still struggle with the same issues.
Memorization was never something I excelled in, but remembering God's word is important to me so I have learned to put the word into my mind and heart. I have not succeeded in memorizing chapters or books, but the treasures I have gathered in my storehouse are so helpful in my prayer life and my walk of faith.
I never thought I was a writer. I loved to write but, I only recently have called myself an author and poet. I continue to learn and grow in this field and may never become an expert. I can do better and so I will keep trying.
These little stories illustrate the power we have to learn. Self-education should be part of our education plan for all students. In fact, I believe each student has as their main job to self-educate with the help of good mentors to lead and guide, not force feed. Learning is a lifetime endeavor. When we teach children that they are to only know or seek to learn what is presented to them we take away the joy of learning.
My parents instilled in us a love of learning. I purposefully tried to do the same in my children. I hope my children are doing the same for my grandchildren.
I believe God wants us to love learning as well. He gave us curiosity and imagination. We only need to supply the self-discipline and the awe from all we discover.
Creator God, Giver of all that amazes and intrigues us, You are to be praised for Your work of creation. Forgive us when we sell ourselves short and fail to see the wonders You placed here for our delight and pleasure. Thank You for not being boring. Thank You for expanding our knowledge every day! Help us to use the gifts of curiosity and imagination so we might discover Your creation and in the process more of You and ourselves. Amen.
Showing posts with label learning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning. Show all posts
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Still in School
I loved school, but not because it was school. I really just liked the opportunity it provided for me to learn. There were books to read, people to observe, assignments to explore.
Because I was an underachiever, I was labeled a Daydreamer by my teachers. Today they may have labeled me ADD. Lessons would begin with me focused on what the teacher was presenting, but it wasn’t long before my mind had drifted down another road. Sometimes I would be distracted by the artwork on the walls or nature outside the window. Other times I would just wonder about things and I would let my imagination fly free.
You might ask, how could she love to learn if she didn’t pay attention to the teacher. I don’t have a certain answer. I only know that for me daydreaming is exploring, exploring is a way to discover, and discovery is learning.
When I graduated from high school and then college, the word commencement was frequently used. A commencement is simply a beginning. It seems funny to put the name of commencement on a time when we consider our learning finished and our life beginning. However, maybe life is learning. In fact I know it is. How do I know? Because I am still in school!
I learn every day. My mind and my heart is open to wander about the classroom of my life. In this every day, now vacation or weekend classroom, I am taught from books, people, and experiences.
It is in this most marvelous, living classroom that I not only learn about the world and people, but mostly about God, my Loving Creator. I could have gone on and on with the names by which I know Him, the names I have learned He is called and fits very well.
I will never stop being a student or should I say, disciple, of God the Father, Jesus the Christ or the Holy Spirit. They are my instructors. My learning will go on throughout eternity and I will never tire of learning more about Him. I do love learning!
There are many books I can read about the amazing person of God. Those written my men (and women) who speak only from their own experience may come close to the truth of who He is, but there are also many who far from the truth. The only book worthy of using as a study guide to God is the bible. You may argue that it was written by men, but the bible, alone stands as a true testament that it is God-spoken.
People can also be inspiring as well as disappointing in their example of being God-like. I include myself, because at times I can be either. Still, there are glimpses into the face of the holy Supreme Being through the unselfish powerful love acts that we witness. We are touched deeply and are called to change.
Experiencing God’s presence in the everyday events or the extraordinary events in my life is a huge teaching opportunity. Like the old saying goes, “Experience is the best teacher.” These lessons require God-focused glasses. God’s presence surrounds me, and I must alert to His revelation of Himself. It is a surprise and a delight to discover something new every day!
I have now been learning for 23333 days. I expect to keep learning for an eternity! I am a student, disciple, learner, apprentice, scholar, and follower. I am not an expert, but by now I am no longer a baby. I am loving this life school to which I belong. I love to learn!
Inexhaustible God and Father, You are awesome and amazing! I search for you in all my days. You teach me marvelous things and take my hand as I explore Your beautiful creation. I am so sorry for the time I fail to thank you for your presence in my life. Forgive me! I thank you now for being my teacher and guide. Thank You for making our world so deep, so wide and so high that I can never come to its end! Teach me more, Lord! And please bless all the teachers I know who strive to be like You. Amen.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Teacher Appreciation
My husband is a teacher. He only began his teaching career recently. Though he has not been doing this long, he is one of the best teachers, not only because of students' scores, but because of his efforts.
Patrick works an average of 12 hours a day during the school year. He even works at home grading papers and planning. He is the tennis coach and may help with softball this spring. Like most teachers he has the students interests and best in the forefront of his mind. He looks for ways to motivate his middle school students to learn math. Not an easy task. He carries with him extra money to supply kids who forgot their lunch or do not have money to buy lunch. He is a disciplinarian, diplomat, manager, friend, as well as teacher. His reward is not monetary since his profession demands much but pays the minimum. He works hard and deserves his vacation, but needs to work his fireworks tents because we need the extra money.
These days, teachers are blamed if students don't learn. They are hard pressed to do more and more paperwork that takes them away from the task of teaching. Teachers don't love their job because of the pay, time away from family, or acknowledgment of their work. Good teachers love their job because God made them to teach. It is who they are and they love their students. Love motivates and sustains them when students rebel against their efforts.
Teachers should not be held responsible for all the problems in schools. Education demands a cooperative effort. Teacher, student, administrators and parents all have a vital part in helping a student succeed.
Jesus is our teacher. He should not be blamed for the lack of spiritual growth among His people. It takes a cooperative effort to help us grow closer to God and live an honorable life. We must cooperate with Jesus our teacher, the church which administrates and our fellow members in the Body of Christ. Learning to be like Christ takes time and the lessons are daily challenges. God sent a teacher and wants us to know that two are better than going at it alone. Three is even better!
Are we allowing others into our lives to help us grow? Do we have a teachable spirit? Are we blaming God for our rebellion to His teachings?
Rabbi Jesus, You are the one who offers us visual aids in creation and in Your life here on earth. You give us Your word and so many other tools with which we can learn about You and how to live rightly. Thank You for forgiving us in our rebellion to Your plan. Thank You for leading us gently and sometimes with extra discipline so that we can be more like You. Speak to us today Lord. We are ready to listen!
Patrick works an average of 12 hours a day during the school year. He even works at home grading papers and planning. He is the tennis coach and may help with softball this spring. Like most teachers he has the students interests and best in the forefront of his mind. He looks for ways to motivate his middle school students to learn math. Not an easy task. He carries with him extra money to supply kids who forgot their lunch or do not have money to buy lunch. He is a disciplinarian, diplomat, manager, friend, as well as teacher. His reward is not monetary since his profession demands much but pays the minimum. He works hard and deserves his vacation, but needs to work his fireworks tents because we need the extra money.
These days, teachers are blamed if students don't learn. They are hard pressed to do more and more paperwork that takes them away from the task of teaching. Teachers don't love their job because of the pay, time away from family, or acknowledgment of their work. Good teachers love their job because God made them to teach. It is who they are and they love their students. Love motivates and sustains them when students rebel against their efforts.
Teachers should not be held responsible for all the problems in schools. Education demands a cooperative effort. Teacher, student, administrators and parents all have a vital part in helping a student succeed.
Jesus is our teacher. He should not be blamed for the lack of spiritual growth among His people. It takes a cooperative effort to help us grow closer to God and live an honorable life. We must cooperate with Jesus our teacher, the church which administrates and our fellow members in the Body of Christ. Learning to be like Christ takes time and the lessons are daily challenges. God sent a teacher and wants us to know that two are better than going at it alone. Three is even better!
Are we allowing others into our lives to help us grow? Do we have a teachable spirit? Are we blaming God for our rebellion to His teachings?
Rabbi Jesus, You are the one who offers us visual aids in creation and in Your life here on earth. You give us Your word and so many other tools with which we can learn about You and how to live rightly. Thank You for forgiving us in our rebellion to Your plan. Thank You for leading us gently and sometimes with extra discipline so that we can be more like You. Speak to us today Lord. We are ready to listen!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Loving to Learn
I have lived many years. My Granddaughters think I am old! In all my years I have been delighted to learn new things, ponder new ideas and, though change is not easy for me, I will change if I find it to be a good thing.
I am learning new things now that my life is turning in a different direction. Relationships will be different. Surroundings will not be the same. My work will change. I am preparing myself for these changes, but I know that some of the learning will take place as I walk in the new places that God is ordaining for my life.
God will be my teacher. He will lead me by His Spirit. I will know the way is good because of Him!
Learning is fun! Learning is part of living! Learning is a great inheritance! I learned to love learning through my Mom and Dad who taught by example! Thanks Mom and Dad! I love to learn!
Rabbi Jesus, You are the greatest of Teachers! You are the Source of all answers. You wisely gave us a world of wonder and awe to explore! I can never know all that You know, but more than anything I want to know YOU! Thank You for giving me curiosity and questions! I want to learn about You and the world You have given me to explore! Lead me! Teach me!
I am learning new things now that my life is turning in a different direction. Relationships will be different. Surroundings will not be the same. My work will change. I am preparing myself for these changes, but I know that some of the learning will take place as I walk in the new places that God is ordaining for my life.
God will be my teacher. He will lead me by His Spirit. I will know the way is good because of Him!
Learning is fun! Learning is part of living! Learning is a great inheritance! I learned to love learning through my Mom and Dad who taught by example! Thanks Mom and Dad! I love to learn!
Rabbi Jesus, You are the greatest of Teachers! You are the Source of all answers. You wisely gave us a world of wonder and awe to explore! I can never know all that You know, but more than anything I want to know YOU! Thank You for giving me curiosity and questions! I want to learn about You and the world You have given me to explore! Lead me! Teach me!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
School Lessons
This may be the beginning of school, but it is not necessarily the beginning of learning. From the time of our conception our minds and our bodies have learned ideas, concepts, facts, feelings, and actions. It is the way of growth.
I always loved school. I was not an A student though I could have been. I loved school because I learned through instruction as well as my own daydreaming during school time.
Sitting at a desk for hours filling up papers is the established method that we think of when we envision learning. But what about sitting outside watching the path of a butterfly, or the learning we experience as we plant seed and tend it till it blossoms into a flower? What can we learn from work, or leisure, relationships, or loneliness? What might our experiences of celebrations or rituals teach us?
Learning is continuous, and yet there are special moments when learning is easier than others. It can be planned or unplanned, simple or complicated. In contemplating learning I am assured that it is a gift I am invited to embrace and enjoy to the fullest, or lay aside and miss some marvelous things in this world.
The question I have today on the eve of the beginning of a new school year is, what will I learn this year outside of the school room? At this time in my life I want to learn to love better, live more fully, and like who I am in the process. Seems like a tall order and a lot of work ahead. I'll need a good teacher.
All knowing Father, thank You for sending me the perfect teacher. Your life lessons are filled with love, wisdom and grace. I need You to present Your lesson plans to me daily and I commit myself to do the assignments as best I can. I someday want to hear that I passed and You are pleased.
I always loved school. I was not an A student though I could have been. I loved school because I learned through instruction as well as my own daydreaming during school time.
Sitting at a desk for hours filling up papers is the established method that we think of when we envision learning. But what about sitting outside watching the path of a butterfly, or the learning we experience as we plant seed and tend it till it blossoms into a flower? What can we learn from work, or leisure, relationships, or loneliness? What might our experiences of celebrations or rituals teach us?
Learning is continuous, and yet there are special moments when learning is easier than others. It can be planned or unplanned, simple or complicated. In contemplating learning I am assured that it is a gift I am invited to embrace and enjoy to the fullest, or lay aside and miss some marvelous things in this world.
The question I have today on the eve of the beginning of a new school year is, what will I learn this year outside of the school room? At this time in my life I want to learn to love better, live more fully, and like who I am in the process. Seems like a tall order and a lot of work ahead. I'll need a good teacher.
All knowing Father, thank You for sending me the perfect teacher. Your life lessons are filled with love, wisdom and grace. I need You to present Your lesson plans to me daily and I commit myself to do the assignments as best I can. I someday want to hear that I passed and You are pleased.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Love Learning
Learning is a lifetime chore or habit depending on how we look at it. Each day we are given an assignment in life and it is our responsibility to learn from what takes place. It is not always easy.
Watching my grandson learn to walk and talk, or my granddaughters to learn their math facts, is an expression of learning life's lessons of character, relationships and love. Sometimes it is trial by error. Other times it is just stick to it and be creative in how to make it work. And then there are the times when we just need to put our heart and mind into it, learn the lesson and move on!
Some of our lessons, like math, come in steps of harder challenges as time goes on. In math we learn the numbers, then adding and subtracting . We then move on to multiplication and division before we can ever understand algebra and trigonometry. Come to think of it, almost all lessons come packaged this way. Generosity is learned in steps of sharing our toys before we can come to the place of giving out of our own need.
One of my greatest gifts received from my parents was to learn to love learning! I have been determined to teach my children that same lesson and hope that it will be passed on to many generations. To love learning is to love living. It is an abundance of life we will receive when we embrace the lessons of each day and fill our hearts with gratitude for the adventure of the new experience.
My question in my March 30, 2009 blog is married to this one : Am I Teachable? You might want to check it out.
Thank You, Teacher God, for giving me lessons to learn and making it an exciting journey! You surprise me each day with something new! It makes life interesting and enjoyable! You are a grand master at teaching! You make even my failures a lesson to learn, a lesson in learning! I want to live every day seeing my experiences as assignments from You so that I can learn about life and life abundantly!
Watching my grandson learn to walk and talk, or my granddaughters to learn their math facts, is an expression of learning life's lessons of character, relationships and love. Sometimes it is trial by error. Other times it is just stick to it and be creative in how to make it work. And then there are the times when we just need to put our heart and mind into it, learn the lesson and move on!
Some of our lessons, like math, come in steps of harder challenges as time goes on. In math we learn the numbers, then adding and subtracting . We then move on to multiplication and division before we can ever understand algebra and trigonometry. Come to think of it, almost all lessons come packaged this way. Generosity is learned in steps of sharing our toys before we can come to the place of giving out of our own need.
One of my greatest gifts received from my parents was to learn to love learning! I have been determined to teach my children that same lesson and hope that it will be passed on to many generations. To love learning is to love living. It is an abundance of life we will receive when we embrace the lessons of each day and fill our hearts with gratitude for the adventure of the new experience.
My question in my March 30, 2009 blog is married to this one : Am I Teachable? You might want to check it out.
Thank You, Teacher God, for giving me lessons to learn and making it an exciting journey! You surprise me each day with something new! It makes life interesting and enjoyable! You are a grand master at teaching! You make even my failures a lesson to learn, a lesson in learning! I want to live every day seeing my experiences as assignments from You so that I can learn about life and life abundantly!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Am I Teachable?
Am I teachable?
Teach me Your way, O Lord,
That I may walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
Psalm 86:11
Am I teachable?
Do I listen for Your voice,
Even when it comes to me
Through criticism, rebuke, or
Those under my authority?
Do I set my eyes on You,
Following Your every move
So that I might not step
Ahead of You or fall too far behind?
Am I willing to let go of my desires
allowing You to determine the outcome of my work and
letting You have Your way in and through me?
Am I willing and eager to hear the truth,
Obey it and let it be the
Hallmark of my life?
Do I do my work with honesty and integrity,
Perseverance and determination?
Do I reject the worlds’ definitions of truth,
Knowing without doubt that
You are The Way, The Truth, and The Life?
Do I place myself under the authority of the entire Truth?
Obey it and let it be the
Hallmark of my life?
Do I do my work with honesty and integrity,
Perseverance and determination?
Do I reject the worlds’ definitions of truth,
Knowing without doubt that
You are The Way, The Truth, and The Life?
Do I place myself under the authority of the entire Truth?
Are the places I put my heart at one with You, my Lord?
Do I embrace You with my whole heart
leaving nothing for self gratification or for worldly lusts?
Does my inner being yearn to dive deeper into You,
Experiencing Your fullness:
Learning about You
Learning from You?
Am I teachable?
Carolynn J. Scully © 2009
Do I embrace You with my whole heart
leaving nothing for self gratification or for worldly lusts?
Does my inner being yearn to dive deeper into You,
Experiencing Your fullness:
Learning about You
Learning from You?
Am I teachable?
Carolynn J. Scully © 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Legacy
Yesterday I read an article about the legacy we are given and the legacy we ourselves leave. It challenged me to think about what I've been given from those who have influenced my life and contemplate what kind of legacy I want to leave to those whose lives I have a part.
I have been keenly aware that I have been given a treasure from my parents in that I have learned to love learning. Being a life-long learner is a legacy that I also hope to hand down to my children and grandchildren and anyone else who comes into my life. I hope I will impress upon them the love of exploration, investigation and discovery of the wonderful world God has created for us.
The love of the arts is deeply rooted in my life and the lives of my family. Color, shape, sound and movement all delight my senses and touch my soul. If I can bring that delight into others I will be leaving a legacy of beauty.
The most important legacy I can think of to leave to others is an awareness and love of God. Putting God first in my life and loving him with all my heart and soul and strength is the grand prize of what I can offer others. My life should daily reflect my belief , trust, and love of my Creator, Savior, Friend and soon coming King.
My life, filled with God, beauty, and learning is my legacy to be handed down to whomever will accept the gift. My prayer is that my legacy will be handed down through many generations!
What is your legacy?
I have been keenly aware that I have been given a treasure from my parents in that I have learned to love learning. Being a life-long learner is a legacy that I also hope to hand down to my children and grandchildren and anyone else who comes into my life. I hope I will impress upon them the love of exploration, investigation and discovery of the wonderful world God has created for us.
The love of the arts is deeply rooted in my life and the lives of my family. Color, shape, sound and movement all delight my senses and touch my soul. If I can bring that delight into others I will be leaving a legacy of beauty.
The most important legacy I can think of to leave to others is an awareness and love of God. Putting God first in my life and loving him with all my heart and soul and strength is the grand prize of what I can offer others. My life should daily reflect my belief , trust, and love of my Creator, Savior, Friend and soon coming King.
My life, filled with God, beauty, and learning is my legacy to be handed down to whomever will accept the gift. My prayer is that my legacy will be handed down through many generations!
What is your legacy?
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