Oh My Whoa... Children Everywhere: A Middle School Teacher's Adventure

“If the school sends out children with a desire for knowledge and some idea of how to acquire and use it, it will have done its work”

--Richard Livingstone 

This past week I started my first week of student teaching

I turned 24 (ahhh!)

 I witnessed the Razorbacks loose to a team they should have beat,

 I recommitted my life

and I taught my first official class all on my own, no teacher, just me against the world.

That sure is a lot for one person to absorb in just one week, wouldn't you agree?

 I have heard

 "Excuse  me, Miss... uh... Teacher lady..." so many times this week, that I am seriously considering changing my first name to Miss, my middle name to Teacher and my last name to Lady. That way, there won't be any confusion! ;o)

It has truly been nothing but a blessing to be in the classroom this week, I'm looking forward to what the rest of the semester could possible have in store, I just can't imagine all of the great things the future coming my way!

Tomorrow I get scootin on my resume

 which I MUST finish this weekend.

 Soon this will all be over and I will wonder where all the time went, although I must admit, I can't wait to have my own classroom, just can NOT wait! It's all just around the corner!!

-in Christ,

 ~Marisa Lynn

~It's a New Year, right?~

"We young people are constantly under the pressure of planning, of choosing the right college and finishing college in exactly 4 years. Of choosing the right spouse and just in the right amount of time. Of choosing the right career and finding the perfect big city in which to live. We're asked to be certain in a world full of uncertainty. To feel secure when only one wrong step breeds insecurity and to simply answer the questions in front of us instead of questioning the answers."

--Charissa Collins

Part of me just wants to leave my post with that statement. It is everything that I am feeling at this very moment. Some days, I don't know how to even face all of these pressures, but then I remember this...

"But your love, your love the only thing that matters is, your love. Your love, it's all I have to give. Your love is enough to light up the darkness, it's your love, your love all I ever needed is your love."

--Brandon Heath 

I plan to make no resolutions this year, at least not in the sense that resolutions are typically made. I'm praying for the strength to keep this in mind...

‎"If only you could see me yesterday, who I used to be before the change, you'd see a broken heart, you'd see the battle scars. Funny how words can't explain, how good it feels to finally break the chains. I'm not what I have done, I'm what I've overcome"

--Fireflight 

 This year I'm not hoping for the strength to keep my resolutions, no this year I'm praying for the strength and the bravery to remember that I am NOT what I have done, I AM what I've overcome! And the greatest thing about that realization is that, I didn't overcome ANYTHING, not on my own accord anyway! I AM overcome everything! It's such a great thing to realize! This year I pray that it is not something that gets pushed in a corner, convinced that I can handle everything on my own. Who am I to think that I can handle this life on my own. God has blessed me immensely and how do I thank him? I most often do not. It's time for this to change, 2011 is the year in which I really care enough to change. Cause thats the problem, isn't it? I haven't cared enough. 

"They say it sounds insane, we say that we've been changed by the power of crazy love. This world looks at us like we're ridiculous Baby it's all because of crazy love."

--Hawk Nelson

This band  got this song idea from a book by Francis Chan called Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a relentless God. My prayer is that I can become so wrapped up in God's love that I can overwhelm him with my love and devotion for him. Sure, in this life I will never be perfect but the promise of perfection is enough to make this life worth living. Why I've been waiting 24 years to figure this out is beyond me. But, I'm done waiting. 


If you're reading this I'm hoping that you can help me. Prayer, asking how I am, Caring, Loving, simply being there... all ways that will be encouraging and uplifting. 


I'm tired of living a life in which I feel guilty for not reading my bible every day or praying often enough. I do not want to live a life like that any longer. Who wants a relationship like that? Certainly not God and certainly not I. I want to DESIRE to talk with my God, my SAVIOR, my REDEEMER, my LIGHT, my LIFE, my LOVE, my FATHER, my best friend. Only he knows the desires of my heart, only he can fix what I have broken. 


So, 2011 let's do this. I have set out the past 24 years with my plans, never truly considering what God may have in store for me. In May, I will graduate *finally* with my bachelor's degree in Middle-Level Education with an emphasis in Social Studies and Language Arts. I am being blessed with an opportunity at Pangburn Middle School for my Student Teaching semester which starts in just one day! I'm excited to start this adventure. It's already begun, this is exciting!!

"Redeem the years I've thrown away I'm ready to make good on what I've wasted. I'm asking you to shape my heart, I want to be Your work of art. Cause when You change me and make me more like You, It's Beautiful, you can turn mistakes to miracles. The way that you still love me after all, it's BEAUTIFUL! So, help me God forbid I never take for granted this endless gift you give." 

--ElventySeven 

 Thanks for reading till the end, if you made it. ;)


-Marisa Lynn

...When I see your face...

To the people who have made a lasting impression

I love you.

Thank you. 

You Rock

Here's a little thanks and something that will constantly remind me of you.

"I thank my God every time I remember you. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God."

--Philippians 1:3;9-11

You will forever and EVER be a part of my life.
"You'll be in my heart, no matter what they say. From this day on, now and forever."

You've seen the good the bad and the ugly... thanks for putting up with it. Believe me, I know its been hard!

"You must know, surely you must know it was all for you."

We're old and I refuse to get any older, Are you with me?! I hope so, can't imagine you not being with me

"Something about just being with you when I leave I feel like I've been near God

and that's the way it ought to be"

 You never fail to listen without judging me and ALWAYS give me your opinion whether it hurts or not. I will forever be grateful for that and always love you. New York better look out baby, we're comin!

"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost"

You never fail to make me laugh, a good time is always in store if you're around. Thanks for being so uniquely you!

"I can finally see that you're right there beside me."

Oh how our journey has been a roller coaster, can't imagine the twists and turns that are just around the corner. I can't wait!

"Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

I love that you are always there at just the right time. I hate that I don't see you nearly enough. You're amazing, Spencer.

"This is kind of inappropriate... but remember that conversation with your sister and brother at lunch that one time... yea."

I love our late night talks, they are DEFINITELY talks to remember. But don't forget...

"You can't step aside for something you aren't in line for." ;) 

Harry STINKING Potter!! When no one else is around to match my enthusiasm, you jump right in! Thanks for putting up with me, girl!!

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."

You're like a little brother to me, you love me despite the fact that I am probably one of the more strange people you know!!

In reference to Harry Potter

 "since there is no one cool enough to talk about this with at home, i though i would share my thoughts. thanks for listening..."

You ladies light up my life. I can't believe we graduate soon. AhhhH!!

Sometimes I forget just how blessed I really am! Thanks so much for staying by my side all of these years you guys. It means the world to me! God really knew what he was doing when he put you all in my life.

-in Christ,
 ~Marisa Lynn

The Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 was one of the best movies that I have ever seen. I loved Lord of the Rings, all three of them, and I went to all of the premiers but this movie topped it. Maybe because I love the books so much, I'm not sure. I know that the only movie that will top this one is Pt. 2 and Pt. 2 alone. I cannot wait.

Sure, the movie wasn't the most accurate interpretation that I have ever seen but all things considered I walked away very satisfied with the end result. Sure, there were things that irritated me a little on the interpretation but all in all... Well done. The cast, as usual, was AMAZING. Its sad to think that this is all going to be over in July but at the same time, I bet that the cast is ready to move on to something different. This has been such a HUGE part of their life, it's lasted a decade.

These two are possibly my favorite characters from the book. They could not have cast them better for the movies. I just can't imagine anyone other than Oliver and James Phelps playing the Weasley Twins. When Fred dies, I'm going to ball my eyes out. I probably won't be able to stop crying from beginning to finish with the last one. No sense in pretending.

I cannot wait for this man's redeeming moment. When I was reading the book, I just knew that it had to be coming. While watching the movie, even though Snape lends himself to being an evil and loathsome character, I couldn't help but have a soft spot for him. I think the fact that the actor chosen to play snape was Alan Rickman might have had a little bit to do with the soft spot. I always like Snape though... and I'll cry when his time comes too... probably more than any other character in the final movie, because of the memories and truths that will come along with it.

I can't believe that it is almost time for all of this to come to a close. I do not want it to... but someone famous somewhere once said...

"All good things must come to an end." But do they really? I'm not so sure. I'll just keep reading them over and over. I'm certain I will never grow tired of this great literature. Thank J.K. Rowling for such a wonderful and magical world. I've loved every minute of it. Every. Minute.

-Marisa Lynn

A Published Piece for ECED

Dear Allison,

        You will probably never fully understand the impact that you have had on my life, so I’m going to use this letter to help shed some light on just a few things in my life that you have truly changed forever.

   I remember being in edfd 202 with you freshman year. I didn’t know you, even though we both lived on short hall in Cathcart. When you introduced yourself in Mrs. Smith’s class, I never would have imagined the lasting impact that you would have on my life. I’m not sure if you recall, but we first started talking about two weeks after classes had started in the fall of 2005. We were working on a powerpoint that was supposed to tell people about us. Mrs. Smith had asked us to but it on a CD and you could not figure out how to get that and the music you needed on the CD. So, you came running down the hall asking me questions. From that point on, we started working on many projects together. I even recall a presentation on corporal punishment in school, which I still stand behind!

        As freshman year would slowly ticked away, we would become fast friends. Fast forward to sophomore year and the bond grew even stronger. I bet you have no idea that you are solely responsible for me joining a club. If it had not been for you introducing me to Brian Grace, who then drug me into Spring Sing and Spring Sing maked me fall in love with Regina, I never would have found a home in a social club. However, because of you, I was blessed with a group of ladies that love me like you love me, like a sister. I can’t imagine my life at Harding without them, just as I can’t even picture my life without you.

        You helped solidify my love for the Razorbacks. You took me to games that your dad couldn’t make and that meant more than I can express. Just knowing that over all of the friends that you have, you would choose to spend a weekend with me made me so happy. Even though we lived together and saw each other almost every waking hour. You still wanted to be with me. I treasure our friendship. I’m so incredibly lucky to have been blessed with someone like you.

        As I look to the future, my graduation finally looms around the corner. The thought is scary but exciting. It also stirs in me, thoughts of what our future will be like. I know for certain that no matter how far away we may be or how crazy our lives may get, I will always know what is going on in your life, until we leave this life. Allison Emory Majors, I love you. I thank my God every time I think of you, which is often. Thank you for being my friend. What love it must take to be friends with someone as crazy as me.

        Here’s to our future, sister

                        ~In Christ,

                                -Marisa Lynn

Change Can be a Beautiful Thing

The whole difference between construction and creation is exactly this: that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists. 

Charles Dickens

One of these days, I hope to live near the place in this picture, Estes Park, Colorado. The first time I ever stepped foot on the ground of Colorado, I fell in love. God's creation is so amazing. In some ways, my desire to go to Colorado is cultivated by a desire to return to my roots. My mother was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado and lived there until she was 19. It was then that she decided to pack up, leave the awfully cold weather and head south. Hello, Arkansas.


I was raised in a small town, Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Quite the opposite of my mother, who grew up looking out her window to see the lights of the City, being immersed in a rich culture of entertainment, beauty and life changing experiences. All of this to say, I'm headed there, someday soon as long as it is what God has planned for me. My heart belongs in the West. I have loved growing up in the South and I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything! But I am starting to feel the pull, a draw to something new, exciting and very different from anything I have ever known.


I feel this way now, for all I know I could end up an Eastern Coast girl, unlikely, but it could happen. ;) I pray that God will guide my footsteps and when the road gets rough and I see but one set of footprints in the sand, I'll remember that is when he is carrying me. I know that, with his guidance, I'll find my way to exactly where he wants me. I am hoping Colorado, but it could be New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Northern California or some place I haven't even begin to consider. I just have got to remember this...

Change Can Be A Beautiful Thing

-Marisa Lynn

For the love of a Memory

Band Buses, Marching Contests and Football Games… Oh! My!

         Freshman through senior year of high school were some of the most amazingly memorable times of my life!   There were plenty of bus rides, contests and football games to go around. As long as I live, I am certain that I will ever forget those days. A few of them stick out more vividly in my mind.

As a freshman, I remember feeling so privileged to be a part of the high school band. It was such a fun, exciting and fast paced lifestyle! This was something I would learn to love. I loved the people that surrounded me during that time. They were all such great mentors. I looked up to a few of the seniors, and a few moments spent with them were the best.

My best friends in 2001-2002 were two awesome people, Amber Blakemore and Jeremy Freeman. They were seniors and they were best friends. I was on the color guard with Amber, and Jeremy played trumpet in the Marching Band. Oh the memories.

One contest that year was probably one of the most memorable events that happened that year, the Huntsville contest. When I close my eyes I can still picture the afternoon. That year, our show theme was “The Perfect Storm”. We had various arrangements of beautifully written music by James Horner. One of the pieces was from the movie, “The Perfect Storm”.

We had marched during the exhibition part of the contest and felt that we had done well. Our Guard and drumline were flawless, not to brag, but the horn line lacked pizzaz. We were not too confident about getting into the finals. The band was sitting with baited breathe while we listened to the awards being announced. Division Three drumline: 3^rd place… not us, 2^nd place… not us… we are all thinking at this point, great, so much for that! … 1^st place… PRAIRIE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL! Cheers erupt from our part of the stadium. Then came the Color Guard: 3^rd place… not us… 2^nd Place… not us… We hadn't lost all hope yet, after all the drum line pulled it off… 1^st Place… PRAIRIE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL!!! We just couldn’t believe it. While they were announcing the horn line awards, we hoped for the same outcome. 3rd place… not us… 2^nd… not us… and then came 1^st… not us. Our egos were beaten down a bit, but we were still proud. Time to announce the top ten finalists. Eight bands were named off one right after the other, at which point we were about ready to head home. Then, next thing you know we hear, PRAIRIE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL!! We were soooo loud, I can almost hear the roar of cheering and excitement.

We were going to perform in the finals! It was so much fun to perform with some of the best bands from the region. Time came for the awards of the finals. Tenth place was named, and it wasn’t Prairie Grove. Our section of the stadium burst into cheers just because it wasn’t us. It’s funny thinking about it. We were a little embarrassed when we realized what we had done, and we got chastised for it later, but at the time everyone thought it was pretty funny. Now it’s even funnier. I can’t imagine how that other band felt. We ended up coming in 9^th place, which was fine by us. We had made it to the finals! It was quite the accomplishment for us. I remember the ride home being one of the best trips home that year.

I could probably write on and on and on about memories from when I was in band. There were so many great ones. The best years were freshman year and my senior year, so many good times had and great friendships cultivated. I will never forget those days.