The Power of Sisterhood, a Song, and a New Perspective

Wow!  It's been over six months since my last post.  If I had regular readers, I would feel guilty, but the main purpose of this Blog is to allow me to ponder my thoughts and to put them into words just in case someone else can gain insight to them.

So, this post is ten months in preparation.  There have been many times over the past months that I've thought, "I need to write a post about these thoughts & feelings," but I always managed to talk myself out of it.  Now I know why....

Oh, I forgot someone might be reading this, so I suppose I should fill you in on the reason for this writing.  I, Jodi Pflaumer, am not a fan of change.  I like consistency.  I enjoy routine.  I have certain expectations of how "my life" should transpire during a week...a month...a year, and this is the story of the roller coaster of my 2014-2015...the valleys, storms, and the Son shining through.

You see, my life faced some undesired changes...
My teaching-sidekick retired last spring.  So, after planning with and teaching alongside her for over 12 years, I was forced to CHANGE how I did things.
Secondly, my small group at church decided to "multiply other groups" last August, which meant I needed to CHANGE my usual monthly small group meetings & members.
Finally, my "little sister" [Big Brothers & Big Sisters} and I would do dinner, homework, and DiscipleTown on Wednesday nights.  Then, August rolls around and our Wednesday program was on hiatus, uncertain of if or when it would resume.
Too many CHANGES for this person who thoroughly appreciates things to go smoothly.  Did you see how the magnitude of all those CHANGES kicked in at the same time?  August, 2014.  I was blasted on all sides and thus the walk through my valley began.

Now, you also need to understand that faith, family, friends, teaching, & singing are all a part of my weekly routine.  Whether it's Saturday breakfast with my parents, attending church with one of my sister's family, or cheering on my nephew as he runs cross country, plays basketball, or plays baseball...they're in my weekly life.  But, this post isn't about my family.  They're still there.  There may have been a few changes in the past year, but that bond sustains and strengthens.

In some ways this past year of  my career ranks as both one of my best as well as one of my worst.  Inside "Room 302", life was grand.  I was blessed with a student teacher.  I was assigned a teacher's aide who gels well with my teaching style, whose personality complements mine, and who is willing to do whatever needs to be done.  I also had one of the sweetest groups of kiddos.  Granted, I had some challenging students to reach and teach, but even my biggest challenges bring a smile to my face when I think of this past year.  Plus, each afternoon, one of my former third graders (who was currently a sophomore) returned to my classroom to serve as my cadet teacher.  However, the absence of my "sidekick" made everything else challenging.  I told someone who pondered how "life after Mrs. Wilson's retirement" was going that in some ways I felt like "LaVerne" without "Shirley" on the set of the wrong show.

After a day when my heart was sad, I was driving home with watery eyes and Kari Jobe's "new release" was on the radio.  The song?  Well, it was "I Am Not Alone".  Wow!  As I listened to the words, I thought, "My heart could've written this."  I went home and ordered the accompaniment music knowing that "one day" I would sing it in worship.

Then, you had Wednesdays.  I would pick up Lacie, and she would do her math homework (I would check, she would correct) during our dinner together.  For the first few months, she would ask, "When do we get to go back to church on Wednesdays?"  Umm, I didn't know.  What was I to say?  So, we'd make the best of it.  We would listen to K-Love and sing songs.  And...Wednesdays kept coming and going.

As I was dealing with these changes, my heart was sad.  "Joyful Jodi" was not as joyful.  I tried to smile and remember that my joy is in the Lord...and I would sing "I Am Not Alone" and remember that He is faithful even when life changes and things don't go as we hoped.

Through these months, my Sunday School class, especially the Sunday Lunch Ladies, became my support system.  They knew of my struggles both with school and with church, and they would listen and encourage.  In the past, I would share these with my small group, but my attempt at finding a "new group" didn't go well.  Fortunately, there are two (sometimes three) lovely Christian teachers who joined me on Mondays at school to start the week in prayer.  They too became my encouragers.  God used both of these groups of sisterhood to support me as I dealt with my struggles.

Throughout the first semester, after the accompaniment music arrived, I would find myself offering up Kari's song in personal worship.  Most of the time as I sang, tears would fall as I was reminded that He was before me and with me.

Now, if any of you reading this have read previous posts, you might remember me sharing about the prayer circle I attended my first year in school, which was one of my most challenging years in teaching.  The host classroom had "Job" posted on her wall as students learned classroom jobs.  However, each time I saw 'job' on the wall, I would read it as Job...the man of God who was tested and stood firm.  During Christmas break, I was reminded of that memory and I smiled knowing that my valley was a "piece of cake" compared to others.  Looking back now, I see a family I love whose son committed suicide this spring, and they wake up each day knowing that he isn't with them physically anymore.  Or, I look at a sweet lady at church who recently discovered she has cancer and that journey of treatment begins.  Or, I see other friends at church who buried their fathers back in the fall.  Or, I look at friends whose marriages have been broken by a spouse who committed adultery. You see, my emotional/spiritual valley pales in comparison to what others face, but I know when I was in the midst of the sorrow...that it felt overwhelming.  Perspective is a big thing, don't you think?  What is that cliche, "Hindsight is 20/20"?

So during December, the Light started shining into my foggy thoughts and view.
First, a chat with a couple of co-workers let me see that my perspective was off at school.  I had interpreted things incorrectly and too personally.  Wow!  What a difference that made!  During the second semester, instead of seeing the negative, I started looking for the positive.  By the end of second semester, I realized how blessed I was from this year and the group of teachers I teach alongside.  I also realized regardless of how much I enjoyed planning with my sidekick, I also really enjoy the freedom of being able to plan for my class alone.  Weird?  Yes.  Both are great, but it had been so long since I had just planned "my room's units & lessons" that the freedom was...freeing.

Then, I also was overjoyed when "Connect" started on Wednesdays.  Instead of having the consistency of every week, we now had focused sessions when the church came together and then separated into various groups for a set number of weeks.  Guess what?  It makes sense...it works well.  It's different, but change isn't always bad.

Also, as the final nine-weeks started, I was chatting to my former small group's leader, and he mentioned that he thought our group should restart.  Yep, we met for the first time last Friday, and what a blessing it was!  These things I've attempted to share in writing I shared with these dear people in a testimony during our prayer time.  You see, I asked them to pray for me as I sang in worship this morning.  What song?  "I Am Not Alone".  My prayer request was that tears wouldn't flow.  Guess what?  They tried to make an appearance during the final chorus, but I bit my lip...and made it through.

So, why write this post?  Well, to remind you that through the valley, He will be with you.  In the midst of deep sorrow, He will be with you.  He wants to be your strength and your defender.  Through your trials, He will be faithful.

As I was getting ready to leave church this morning, several of my CBC family made comments about the song.  The Sunday Lunch Ladies congratulated me on not crying, but a few admitted that they had.  Then, my small group leader said he thought it was one of my best.  Why?  I told him it must be because instead of singing a song someone had asked me to sing or a song that I was challenged by or touched by....I was offering a song that God had used to get me through a challenging year.  Yes, I am not alone...but you don't have to be either.

"It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed."Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

Oh, I shared before that I knew the reason I waited.  Did you figure it out?  If I had written this during the fall, I would've been focused on the valley and the darkness I felt.  If I had written it at the beginning of the year, my joy of teaching had returned, but I was still struggling with church changes.  So, today, as I returned to the welcome center after singing on the praise team, I had an overwhelming A-Ha moment. (I wonder if they bring God joy like they bring me joy when my kiddos have those moments?)

I am God's child.  He holds me in the palm of His hand.  When storms or challenges come, He's there.  He never changes, regardless of how many changes overwhelm me.  He is faithful.  He's got this!

Well, it's Sunday afternoon....the day of rest, so now that I've sat at my computer writing this post for over 90 minutes, I think I should take a nap.  Blessings!

I Am Not Alone, by Kari Jobe

Thankful Thoughts...

     Our pastor challenged us to write down everything we're thankful for at some point this week.  Honestly, if I did that, I would never get out of room 302 today, so I'll just share a few thankful thoughts.
     I'm thankful for my family.  My parents & I go to breakfast most Saturdays and simply share a meal and conversation.  Some weeks we can't due to their trips or my "to do list" at school, but most weeks I end it with breakfast with them.  My sisters were the ones I either played dolls with (Dianna) or played outside with (Sherry) when we were growing up.  We may have fusses here and there, but sisters...are sisters, regardless of what goes on.  Then, there's my "most favorite nephew in the whole entire world".  When he was little, that's what I would always say after telling him to "guess what".  [Psst, when he was a newborn his mom/my sister was in the hospital for a week, and I took the week off {we ended up missing the whole thing due to snow}.  I would say, "Remember, I'm your favorite aunt, but that's our secret."  So, I guess you shouldn't tell anyone I did that. Ha!]
     I'm also thankful for my "extended family".  My grandpa and his brothers are no longer with us, but their memory and place in my heart are still just as strong.  We grew up going to "the farm" for Thanksgiving.  We'd dress in layers since Orville always kept the house SO WARM.  Then, after a big dinner, it would be time for euchre and more euchre.  I can't remember the last time I played.  Then, there's my dad's sister.  It was so good to see her and my uncle when my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary in September.  Sadly, it had been much too long since our last visit.  Now, thanks to the creation of Facebook, we at least get to communicate and share a little of our lives with each other.
     Then, I'm thankful for my church family.  I've been a member of Calvary Baptist Church since I was in fourth grade.  Our parents led us to join back on Easter Sunday that first year in Madison. Through its children's ministry and especially youth ministry, I grew in my walk with Christ and learned more about His Word.  People like Tommy Campbell and Steve Flowers, who both served as youth pastors during my junior high, high school, and college years had a huge impact on my spiritual growth.  Then,after graduating from Carson-Newman, I would either lead the children, help with the youth, or help with the children.  It was this "family" who told me to start singing, and I've not stopped.  In fact, our current music minister is allowing me to help lead in worship this Sunday to "kick-off" the Christmas season.  What a blessing to worship, learn, and serve in a church that stands on Truth and doesn't water down His gospel!
  Of course, I can't forget to express my gratitude for the career God has given me.  I knew back in Gary, Indiana, on a missions trip in 1986 that I was "called" to a career with children.  That calling led me to Carson-Newman and a major in elementary education.  Then, after four L--O--N--G years of substituting, I was offered a job teaching 3rd grade at Southwestern.  When I graduated, I was hoping for fourth grade (like my practicum with Mrs. Word) or fifth grade (like my student teaching with Mrs. Collins), but it was a group of third grade teachers & administrators who saw my potential as a third grade teacher.  For that and for them, I am grateful.
     With my career, I'm thankful for the nineteen crops of children who have been planted in my classroom.  I've attempted to be the best farmer possible.  Some seeds sprouted more quickly or taller than others, but all the seeds sprouted and grew.  Whether "my third grader" is 8/9 in this year's class or 27/28 and a veteran or parent...I'm thankful for all my "boys" and "girls".
     Along the way, I've developed some precious friends who have given me a spirit of thanksgiving throughout the year.  Some I have taught with, some I went to school with, and others I worship with...all are precious and such blessings!
     Then, there are countless "little things"...from a feline who finds unwanted mice and hasn't dropped one on my bed yet (sadly, he did jump up with one in his mouth...but I coaxed him down before he opened his mouth. Ugh!)....the joy of purple...the gift of music...fuzzy socks...and a home-cooked meal.  Little things cause thankfulness, too.
     Yet, my final thankful thought must be my faith and the One in whom my faith is in.  Back in 3rd grade, I accepted Jesus as my Savior.  I shared this decision with Calvary Baptist Church, in Shelbyville, IN, where I was baptized.  I fail Him daily, but I strive to become the woman of God He's created me to be.  I pray I can be a light that shares His truth and love with others. Sadly, sometimes, I focus on "me" a bit too much and forget to shine.
     Hmmm...that sounds like a New Year's blog post just waiting to happen!

So....Happy Thanksgiving to any and all who read this post or share life's journey with those who read it.  Blessings to you and yours.

Chocolate, Cup, Towel, & a Card...

Odd title, I suppose.

This morning, as I went to fill my Polar Pop cup with ice, I saw a CVS bag stuffed in my mailbox.  My first thought was a parent had dropped off treats for my classroom.  Then, I noticed a card and realized my secret pal had made a delivery.

Before ever untying the knot on the bag, I smile.  I had no clue what exactly was inside, but I smiled knowing that someone else had thought of me.  Aren't we all like that?  Don't we all find joy in knowing others have positive thoughts aimed in our direction.  This made me think of the parent-teacher conferences that conclude this evening.

I remember, back many moons ago, how nervous I would be on a day like today.  As a newer teacher, I would worry that parents would come in with negative thoughts directed at me.  Who wants that?  No one likes to be judged, and I often felt that although the goal is to share how my students are doing that parents would be coming in with their own evaluation of me.  Now, my nerves stay calm.  Yes, I know that some parents may not be my biggest fans, but I also know that I'm doing what I'm called to do and doing it as well as I can...so the nerves are minimal.

So, I entered the room, and as my student teacher taught the language arts' block, I found LOTS of lovely treats.  Each made me have some ponderings...which prompted my post today.

First, I found a really cool jar-shaped clear mug with a straw.  You know, one of those plastic ones, only it has a handle.  That rocks!  Now, most people may not be as excited about this item, but they don't have an ornery cat who find great joy in knocking over beverages.  I may be 44 years old, but I generally drink out of cups/glasses that have lids & straws due to the bade habits of Jasper.  So, what thought did this cup trigger?  I'm glad you asked...

I like to think of myself of a "glass half-full" type of girl.  We all know people who are "glass half-empty" people, and to be honest...we can all be that person.  However, my principal shared another thought with me earlier this year.  Rather than being a "half-full" person...he said he saw a quote that said, "It doesn't matter if it's half full or half empty, just be glad you have a cup."  So, this morning, as I looked at my new cup...I thought, "Hmm, be thankful you have a cup."

Then, I found a pretty burgundy kitchen towel with autumn leaves on it.  My first thought was, "How pretty!  I'll have to display it in the kitchen."  Then, I started pondering, as I often do.  No, I'm not going to display it...I'm going to use it.  Why save it when it was made to be used?  This prompted me to think of talents and abilities that God has given me that I "save" for later or choose not to use here and now.  That reminded me of a quote by Erma Bombeck that is hanging in my office at home.  It states, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'"  That's my hope...that I will use every bit of talent He's given me...whether it's making silly voices, singing, writing, organizing, or whatever.  Are you using your talents?

Then, there was...chocolate.  I'm not talking "a little chocolate"...I'm talking CHOCOLATE.  First, there was a Russell Stover's S'mores. I confess.  I'm eating it during my prep period, but it's quite chocolaty...so I'm spacing out the enjoyment.  Then, there was a bag of Pretzel M&Ms.  I'm taking those home to save for later or to take to a Sunday School gathering (if I'm good and don't open them).  Our class is called "The M&Ms", so it's quite appropriate.  Then, a bag of mini candy bars.  I saved the Krackle, put the dark chocolate in a bag for a friend, and put the milk chocolate & Mr. Goodbars out for my students to share.  Honestly, I could easily enjoy all of it, but that's not a good choice.  Sharing is a good choice.  Allow the treat to bring others joy as well.  Plus, that may they get to share the calories, too!  That, of course, made me think of the importance of sharing what we have. A whole handful of students came back to thank me for "sharing" my candy. I told them whenever I learn the name of my secret pal that I would share their appreciation with her.  So, what have you shared lately?  It can be as simple as a hug, a smile, or a joke...but share something.  Be a blessing.

The final item in the CVS bag was a card.  It reminded me that "Happy thoughts brighten our days" and wished me a happy fall break.  Both are worth keeping in mind.  Literally!  Our thoughts are powerful things!  If we dwell on the negative, we become grouchy and negative, but if we choose to dwell on the positive then our light will shine.  Are you shining?

Well, there you go.  Those are the ponderings of a 3rd grade teacher opening a CVS bag full of surprises.  Thanks for reading!

But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with joy.
Psalm 68:3

"The Power of Purple!"

The title was exclaimed by one of my students last Friday.  The students were working on tessellations with my student teacher, Miss Dye.  As they began coloring, I had several that intentionally picked purple for one of their colors.  A few made certain to tell me they were picking purple.  One boy threw his fist in the air and exclaimed,

"The power of purple!"

Now, to many people and in many classrooms, this would mean nothing.  But, in room 302...it means, "Miss P, I know you love purple, so I'm using purple to make you smile."  And, I did.

They were seeking to please someone else.  They were striving to make someone else feel special by their action.  They wanted me to know that they were thinking of me.  Aww, how sweet is that!

Then, it occurred to me...how very much like them I am. 

Are you?

For example, when my administrator mentions something he or she wants to see in the classroom, I strive to incorporate it.  The principal likes technology and actively engaged students, so I pull in Edmodo and an active rotation in language arts' instruction.  My assistant principal is encouraging data collection & student-involved goal-setting, appropriate RTI, independent choices, and no more round robin reading.  So, I create charts for data and goals.  I attempt to figure out how to make RTI more effective.  I let go of my organized/structured/teacher-directed independent work and allow students to have a "choice". I veto round robin reading, no matter how often students request it and do whisper reading, choral reading, and independent reading.

Yes, I'm a pleaser.

But, then....I also try and make people feel special.  If someone is teary eyed one day, don't we all try to do something to help them smile.  Whether it's a short note, a small gift, or just a hug...helping others who are going through a rough time is an easy thing for all of us to do.

So, then...I take it a step farther and ponder...

Do I do the same towards the One who created me?  Do I strive to hear His instruction through His Word and apply it to my life?  Do I earnestly attempt to show Him through my thoughts, words, and actions how much He means to me?  Do I become so wrapped up in pleasing people that I forget to focus on the One whom should be pleased?

Yep, these are the thoughts that a simple phrase like "The Power of Purple" brings to mind.

"For we are God's masterpiece.
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."  

Ephesians 2:11

Just ponder what the exclamation, "My armpits stink, Miss P!" made me consider....

Lessons Learned from My First Month of School

Wow!  One month of school is already in the past!  It's hard to believe.  I remember when we barely  had a couple weeks finished when Labor Day weekend rolled around.  Honestly, I prefer this calendar.  Miss Dye, my student teacher, and I have already finished a mini health unit and a science unit.  When we return next week, our new focus will be on economics...and oh the fun we have with that!

But...as I sit here contemplating what I need to do before I head out, I decided to share some of the "Pearls of Wisdom" I've learned from my first month....Enjoy a chuckle or two.

Lesson 1....

Most students can be honest to a fault.  One boy came up to me after recess one day and said, "Miss Pflaumer, my armpits really stink." Hmmm, sounds like a great teachable moment about hygiene?
The same student asked someone if they were having a bad hair day.  I suppose students don't realize that humid weather can do strange things to a lady's hair.

Lesson 2...

Sometimes...you just "gotta go".  My class frequents the restroom often.  Some do so more than others.  However, after lunch, there's always a student or two that just "gotta go"..."ya know".  So, off they go. When it's been a while, I'll meander down to check on them and by their response, there is no doubt that business is getting taken care of.  Hmmm....too bad our "bowels" don't realize that math instruction is taking place.  Oh well...math can wait...other things can't.

Lesson 3...

If cleanliness is next to godliness...then we may have some problems.  As I look at the 10 desks that I can view from my teacher chair, I see...one...two...um...NO clean desks.  Of course, if I look to my left or...at my computer desk...mine isn't any type of an example of being clean.  Good thing that old cliche is false....or we'd all be in trouble.

Lesson 4...

Animation does wonders.  When I read, I make "voices" and sound effects.  So, at any given moment of the day, I may suddenly start talking like "Mrs. Jewels" or "Louis" or "Sammy".  Suddenly, no matter how distracted the students are, I've regained their attention.  Hmmm, maybe our administrators should try that during a staff meeting and see if it wakes us up?

Lesson 5...

Knuckle bumps mean a lot.  I give more "knuckle bumps" (Thanks, Howie Mandel) than ever before.  It used to be "high fives", but this year...the knuckle bump congratulates high scores on AR quizzes, completed Accelerated Math folders, finished books, and a variety of positive announcements from my students each day.  Have you given a knuckle bump today?

Lesson 6...

Little successes should be celebrated.  If a student receives his first A on a test, we celebrate.  If birthday treats arrive, we sing, eat, and celebrate.  If a student who often scoots through our behavior plan quickly has a day that he only does "one thing"...well...he shares his instrument and receives applause.  Everyone needs someone cheering them on and believing that tomorrow will be better and they can "do it" whatever "it" is in their case.

Lesson 7...

Teachers are celebrities...in our own little world.  Yesterday, I ventured to the ball field to watch one of my boys play a few innings.  I had to leave before it ended, but he didn't mind...because I was there...I was present. I made his day.  Of course, as soon as he arrived this morning, he asked if I had posted his picture on our FB page.  This afternoon, as I walked to the bus, students from the past two years scurried up to give me a "hello/good-bye" hug.  Ah, the love of a child...there's nothing better.  Celebrities with paparazzi problems can keep them...I'll gladly keep the affection & admiration of my students any day.

Lesson 8...

We learn early to try to blame someone else.  This morning, a student tried to tell us we didn't give him his homework.  After cleaning his desk, I hadn't found it.  Then, wouldn't you know, there it was in the tray with the homework. He had forgotten that he had finished it, so the natural response was to say "you" didn't give it to me.  Hmmm, I do that too....

Lesson 9...

Sometimes, saying something nice...is easier in writing.  Last night, one of my girls sent me an e-mail to let me know that she loves my class. (Aww, how sweet was that!)  She often smiles, face-to-face, but declarations like that...are easier shared in writing.  Hmmm...that's me too.  I'd much rather put a positive note in writing.  I tell myself it's because the recipients can read it over...and over...whenever  they need a little reminder that someone appreciates them and cares.  Is that really the reason?  Or...is it just easier?

Lesson 10...

I love my job. Yes, I knew that.  But...over the past four weeks, I've been reminded about how much I enjoy my career and the peace I have knowing that I'm where He wants me to be...doing what He's called me to do.  Miss Dye comes in at least once a week sharing how excited she is to be at school...in our room...learning to be an elementary teacher.  Brandi, my teacher's aide, shared one of the kindest comments with me the other day.  I hope she doesn't mind me sharing, but she told me that she had told someone else that she wanted to become a teacher "like Miss Pflaumer".

Aww, my cup runneth over.  I am blessed...

and as I sit here realizing that it's after 4:00...

that I don't see anyone else in my hallway (long weekend, why am I still here?)...

and that I still need to print off my spelling for next weekend, clean my desks (that pesky goal), and enter some test scores...

I realize...

that as much as I will enjoy this long weekend (hmm, maybe I'll sleep until 7:30?)...

I truly enjoy the life He's given me.  

Thanks for sharing just a bit of it with me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11