Mom & Dad

As we near Thanksgiving 2013, we also recently arrived at a notable date in history.  November 22 was the anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, TX.  This year marks the 50th anniversary of that event in our nation's history.  In addition, November 22, 1963 is the day that C.S. Lewis died.  But November 22, 1963 is also an important date for another reason.

This is the day that my mom and dad got married.  So at least I can say that they were not on the grassy knoll.  Mom & Dad's anniversary this year marks 50 years.  They are both with their Savior today and have been for about 9 years now.  I had the opportunity to give testimony about them in my class last week.  Their lives as individual and a couple didn't follow what we might call a "typical" story.

But even with many trials and difficulties, I saw God do great things in their lives, particularly over their last few years together on earth.  I particular remember how God changed my dad's life, transforming him from an alcoholic who was very self-centered, to a man who loved Jesus passionately.  Dad loved to talk about heaven all the time.  I remember going through his office after he died and finding so many examples of Scripture and quotes focused on heaven.  God also transformed my dad into one of the best caregivers I've ever seen.  When my mom found out she had cancer, Dad stepped up in a great way to take care of her.  It was a very difficult time, but God showed grace through him to my mom.  My dad's testimony is proof that God is definitely in the life change business.

I told my students that while I didn't want to be like my dad before this transformation took place, I definitely wanted to be like him after it did.  My mom also showed great courage and a love for God, even while battling cancer, that I desire in my life as well.  My parents didn't show me what a perfect marriage is like.  But they did show me how God can transform a couple and a marriage and make it something that is a sweet fragrance to Him.  They showed me two people who, often when arriving at the end of themselves, could turn everything over to God and see Him restore what they couldn't.

I find myself missing my parents a lot at this time of year, from Thanksgiving through Christmas.  But this year has been amplified, probably because it's the 50th anniversary of their marriage.  But even still, I praise the Lord for what He has done, both in them and in me.  I pray that He will keep transforming me into the image of Christ as He desires.  That my personal walk with Him will grow every day, and that my marriage will be pleasing to Him.

Mr. B.

Questions You Should Not Ask

They say there's no such thing as a dumb question, right?  Well, maybe there aren't any dumb questions, but for my middle school students, there sure are some questions you probably shouldn't ask.  At least not ask your teacher anyway.

A few weeks ago, after hearing a few of these types of questions repeatedly one day, I decided to create this list.  Now, just so you know, I didn't do this alone.  In fact, I asked my homeroom students to help me.  In fact, they generated almost all of these questions without my assistance.  So the funny thing is....they already know these are questions they probably shouldn't ask their teachers.  Talk about irony....

The big idea with these questions is that they reveal the fact that the students who ask them either didn't study for the test or were not paying attention the first time.  Or they are too focused on the grade and not learning the concepts.  Or just not listening.....

So here's the list.  Enjoy.  I laugh out loud every time I read it.

Mr. B.


Questions You Probably Shouldn’t Ask Your Teacher

1. Is this going to be on the quiz?

2. Are you taking this for a grade?

3. Is this for completion or accuracy?

4. When are we ever going to use this in life?

5. I don’t get it. (By the way, that’s not even a question).

6. Do we have to write this down?

7. Is this on our homework?

8. Can I just ……?

9. Do we need our calculators (markers, erasers, red pens, pencils, books, etc.) today?

10. What page are we on?

11. Do I write this in pen or pencil?

12. Can we start on homework?

13. Can we leave class a minute early?

14. I didn’t know…..

15. Is it ok if I do that a different way?

16. Do we have a quiz today?

17. Do we have to do the homework?

18. I just forgot my question.

19. No wait, how did you do that?

20. Can you repeat that?

21. What number was that?

22. Have you graded my test?