Teacher Convention

On Sunday afternoon right after the morning service, a small group of teachers from our church's school headed off to Pittsburgh for a teachers' convention. It was a convention for the schools who use the A.C.E. curriculum (Accelerated Christian Education). It was a rather long drive, but thankfully we had gorgeous weather!

The convention was being held at the Double Tree Hotel, which is where we stayed overnight. It was a NICE hotel - complete with warm chocolate chip cookies when you registered into your room! :) (what more could you ask for?!)

The convention started early Monday morning.

I definitely got some valuable "tips" and lessons from the different workshops I attended throughout the day. The convention staff and speakers were SO enthusiastic about what they were talking about, you couldn't help but get a "renewed vision." As Mrs. Lytle put it, it was a "teacher's revival"!

To write down everything that I learned and gleaned from the convention would be an overwhelming task, so I'll just share a *few* highlights with you....

* As teachers, your example makes a difference - learn from your mistakes!!

* We wear our faith not like a coat where you can take it on and off, but like our skin - worn ALL the time - people are constantly watching you!

* Good leaders are gifted at giving good directions.

* Know your audience!

* A leader must agree with what they are leading in.

* Different opinions are not a threat - glean from the wisdom of everyone in the group.

* We need to encourage students to have a heart for God!

* Uniqueness is potential leadership - don't discount a child just because they are different.

* "God can't trust you with a scepter until He can trust you with a broom."

* Change is a conscious decision - am I willing to do it?

* God wants us to be passionate about what we do!!

* What is most important to you is what you are giving your time to.

* Think about how you feel when you are afraid the next time you are dealing with a child who is afraid (even if you don't understand why it is making them fearful - remember how it feels to be fearful!)

* You cannot allow your fears to control your life!

* You have to decide to overcome your fears.

* "Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is."

* Children react to your reaction!

* When children know what to expect, they won't be as fearful.

* By myself I can't, but God can.

* Choose FAITH over FEAR.

* I can't, God can, and I am going to let Him!

There was a Bob Evans right across the street from our hotel, so we had both supper and breakfast there.

For Monday's lunch, Mr. Anger treated us to Hoss' Steakhouse

So yes, it was a great time for teachers to get away to "renew our vision."

But before I close out this blog entry, I must inform you of something significant that happened to me on this trip....

I found me a man!!

Unfortunately, I don't think the relationship will last very long, because - to be truthful - he just doesn't seem too thrilled at the idea! (I had to make a choice though...it was either him or Ronald McDonald...who would YOU have chosen to be your man? :P)

Ahhhhh...yes, good times...good times :)