After interviewing at seven different schools over the course of the summer, I finally got a job offer two weeks before the start of the school year, and I took it.
It's only a 34% position - I teach three afternoons a week; so I am supplementing with substitute teaching. It's a big pay cut from last year, but I have more breathing room in my schedule.
Substitute teaching isn't my favorite thing to do, but it's interesting to see what goes on in different classrooms and different schools, and I've learned a few things from seeing other teachers' classroom management strategies. Sometimes I sub at the school I teach at, and it gives me a different perspective to see my Spanish students in another class.
So, it's not what I was hoping for, but there is good in it. And the hope is that next year the budget will open up for me to teach more classes.
"And we know that in all things...
...God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
...God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good - with those who have been called according to his purpose."
-two different interpretations of Romans 8:28
In any case, God always works for good, whether it be for us or with us, but I'm sure it's both. So here I am, trying to make the most good out of my situation, knowing that I'm not doing it in my own strength.
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
-Philippians 2:13
"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think."
-Ephesians 3:20
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Monday, June 11, 2018
Unemployed
After this week, I am unemployed.
[Long story short, I taught high school Spanish in Southern California this past school year, received a good performance evaluation, was recommended by my principal for continued employment, but because of lack of job security in my district, I have not been re-contracted for next school year.]
I had plans to stay at that school for a long time. It would have helped so much with organization, time management, and finances. I was shocked and frustrated at the decision that was made. So I prayed. And I brought Scripture to mind. These are the verses that came to my memory:
"My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:19
" 'So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink"? or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' "
-Matthew 6:31-34
" 'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.' "
-Malachi 3:10
What I noticed about all these promises is that they each came as a response to generosity. In Philippians 4, Paul is thanking the church for sending him aid. In Matthew 6, Jesus is telling his disciples to live for God and others rather than themselves. In Malachi 3, the blessing comes after tithing.
Something else that keeps coming to mind is what I've been teaching my students to end the school year. We have been learning about poverty in Honduras, Paraguay, and Guatemala. Some documentaries have really opened my eyes and my students' eyes. You can watch the trailers at these sites:
The Landfillharmonic: http://www.landfillharmonicmovie.com
Living on One Dollar: http://livingonone.org/livingonone
I've been reminded that I am so wealthy compared to most of the rest of the world, and rather than focusing on my first world problems, I am encouraged to live with gratitude for what I have and to give to those who are really in need.
"The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever."
~Psalm 138:8
[Long story short, I taught high school Spanish in Southern California this past school year, received a good performance evaluation, was recommended by my principal for continued employment, but because of lack of job security in my district, I have not been re-contracted for next school year.]
I had plans to stay at that school for a long time. It would have helped so much with organization, time management, and finances. I was shocked and frustrated at the decision that was made. So I prayed. And I brought Scripture to mind. These are the verses that came to my memory:
"My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:19
" 'So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink"? or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' "
-Matthew 6:31-34
" 'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.' "
-Malachi 3:10
What I noticed about all these promises is that they each came as a response to generosity. In Philippians 4, Paul is thanking the church for sending him aid. In Matthew 6, Jesus is telling his disciples to live for God and others rather than themselves. In Malachi 3, the blessing comes after tithing.
Something else that keeps coming to mind is what I've been teaching my students to end the school year. We have been learning about poverty in Honduras, Paraguay, and Guatemala. Some documentaries have really opened my eyes and my students' eyes. You can watch the trailers at these sites:
The Landfillharmonic: http://www.landfillharmonicmovie.com
Living on One Dollar: http://livingonone.org/livingonone
I've been reminded that I am so wealthy compared to most of the rest of the world, and rather than focusing on my first world problems, I am encouraged to live with gratitude for what I have and to give to those who are really in need.
"The Lord will work out his plans for my life - for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever."
~Psalm 138:8
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)