Wait... I'm an adult now? You're kidding right?!

This semester so far has been totally insane. I feel like I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I have REALLY enjoyed every minute of it but sometimes I just wish I could stop and breath for a second or two!


Last week I had my first observation for my supervised teaching and it went pretty well, I feel like. My supervisor didn't really say one way or another that I was awesome or terrible, but at the end she told me she could tell that I was going to be a good teacher because it is clear that I care for my kids. That meant a lot and was definitely a good thing to hear. And it helped me to not be as nervous about teaching and to be confident in what I do because I do care about what my kids learn. I can't wait to be a teacher! Last week was also "Snow Week". We only went to school one day last week and that was the day that I was observed. But it was good to get that out of the way and not have to reschedule it. 


So, I got a good little break. I spent Thursday and Friday doing absolutely nothing and playing in the snow and hanging out with my girls. I think that it is fair to say that we had ourselves a good little time. 


This week has just been a whirlwind but at the same time it has seemed to take FOREVER for it to be over. On Monday and Tuesday I attended a Job Fair where there were MANY great prospects for a job once I graduate. I am praying that something will work out and that I will know sooner rather than later. I like security but in the end I know that God is going to take care of me... I worry too much. Thankfully, He is in control! Friday was a messed up day because I had my times for seminar messed up. I somehow thought I needed to be at seminar at 9:30 because thats what I had in my planned... turns out, seminar was at 1 and had a paid any attention to e-mails or any other calendar or schedule I have, I would have realized that. So, I missed half a day of teaching because of a stupid mistake. It was frustrating! Now I will have to make that half day up, because I don't want to miss out on valuable experience! But I got it all worked out and I think I'm good. Just frustrated by yesterday in general. 


The evening did end on a high note. I went to work after seminar and then went to dinner with some friends. We hung out and caught up because we never really see each other except on the weekends. Closed the evening enjoying watching Spring Sing Practice and it was just a hoot. We heckled and laughed the entire time. It was great!


Now, I'm sitting at work trying to find the motivation that I need to get going on my lesson planning for this next week. This is my last week to teach in my 6th grade classroom. Then I have a week of observation. After that I will be moving onto my fifth grade class, which will be a whole new experience! I'm excited!!


-in Christ,
 ~Marisa Lynn

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