Goin' all Ms. Adams!

In Algebra 2 last week, we derived the quadratic formula.  I love going through that process, but for some reason, the kids don't get too excited about it!  When we finished, most of their heads were spinning, and they were done with math!  One of my students brought seven packages of post-it notes to school.  In the last few minutes of class, they decided to cover my desk with the post-its.  I was not thrilled about their artwork.  The picture to the right was posted on Facebook.  The following conversation took place on Facebook afterwards.

Ross:  You should've done the top, covering all her stuff.
Trevor:  We started to, but she went all Ms. Adams on us.
Me:  Trevor, what does it mean to "go all Ms. Adams?"
Trevor: Go all Ms. Adams on, (goh-all-miss-ah-dimz aw-n), V. 1. To prevent the completion of an otherwise brilliant piece of artwork (Ex. We were covering the top of Ms. Adams' desk in sticky notes, but before we could finish, she went all Ms. Adams on us.) 2. To make an enlightening and/or heartwarming blog, essay, or collection of writings about a normally dismal subject (Ex. I totally went all Ms. Adams on my report about the Holocaust.)

My heart was warmed.  This was my goal with the blog.  How has this happened?  There is no other explanation than God has been with me every step of the way and carried me through on the dark days when  I didn't think I could make that climb out of the bed.  I love the following verse:

Isaiah 61:1-3
Good News for the Oppressed

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me,
     for the Lord has anointed me
     to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
     and to proclaim that captives will be released
     and prisoners will be freed.
He has sent me to tell those who mourn
     that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
     and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.
To all who mourn in Israel,
     he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
     a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
     festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
     that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Most commentators agree that while the prophet Isaiah is speaking, it is understood to be Christ, and these beautiful words hold true for God's children even today.  I believe this with all my heart.  How can I believe?  Because I have experienced it.  Last year, I felt as if my life were burned up, and there I sat, left holding the ashes.  I know mourning, and I know despair.  But I am on the other side.  Christ wrapped up my broken heart.  He freed me from the prison of bitterness.  He miraculously took the ashes I was holding, breathed life into them, and created something beautiful.  It is not possible for me to be at the point where I now am without His divine intervention in my life.  It is that simple. 

This is my third year in teaching Trevor.  Many mornings or afternoons, Trevor and some students hang out in my room, just killing time.  Often, we discuss "life topics."  Most of the time, Trevor and I have differing opinions on these topics.  We are free to discuss issues and share opinions in a calm, rational manner and respectfully listen to each other's viewpoints.  However, I feel pretty sure we are in complete agreement about a few things.

1. Last year, my life fell apart. 
2. I had the choice to let it break me, or let it make me stronger.  I chose the latter.
3. I write this blog to show people that no matter what life throws your way, you can still find joy, and life can still be good.

Okay, here is where we might disagree.  How have these things been accomplished?  The only explanation that I have is that I took all my ashes, my heartaches, and my tears, and I handed them over to Christ.  After I knew that divorce was imminent, I said simple, short prayers.  "God, I can't do this."  "God, I give this over to you." 

I could not have handled the situation on my own.  It is that simple.  If it were just up to me, I would still be the empty shell holding tight to the ashes and focusing on what used to be.  I wish I could explain how specifically He brought about the change in my life.  That I cannot do.  All I know is that He did it!  He took my shattered life and made it whole again, and it is a good life!

So I appreciate the comment from Trevor.  However, while I may be the one who writes the "heartwarming blog about an otherwise dismal subject,"  it truly is inspired by One who has taken my cold heart and warmed it again!

Here is a picture with Trevor.  He loves sporting his long hair.  I am not sure if you can read the paper, but it says, "I teach Jesus."