We've all made stupid choices in life, especially when we are in middle school and high school. I've fallen into this category, plenty of times. Some of those choices don't change much in my life. Their consequences dwindle fast. Other times those choices have a huge impact on every aspect of my life. Lots of times those stupid choices are surrounded with my absolute best intentions. I may even think I'm making the best possible choice later to find out I was wrong.
Thankfully as I've gotten older I've learned how to think before I act. I've learned to evaluate options and make wiser choices. I'm not perfect by any means but I'm grateful for some of those stupid choices I've made.
God has used them to shape me and show me more of himself. He even takes them and uses them for good. Over the last two days I've had several opportunities to share about the choices, good and bad, that I've made in my life. I've shared with my students at school, our GSM students and a few local college students.
I'm so thankful I serve a God who lovingly reaches down and turns my messes into the beautiful creation he intended.
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Live from the Band Room
I may be exhausted today but work has been full of laughter. Some of that laughter was in my head during a conversation with one of my students. When I first started this position this girl couldn't stand me and now she comes to me for all sorts of random advice. Today's topic: BOYS! This conversation may top any conversation that happens in my classroom.
Student: How do you know if a boys likes you?
Miss Koutz: Excuse me, what?! (I was taken a little off guard by this question.)
Student: You know. How do you know if a boy likes you? Like...LIKES you likes you?
Miss Koutz: hmmm....excellent question. Let me know if you figure out the answer.
Student: Ha! No really Miss Koutz. I'm serious. How do you know?
Miss Koutz: Uhh, you did notice there is no ring on my finger right? I'm probably not the best person to ask about this.
Student: I don't care. What do you think?
Miss Koutz: Well I'm not going to pretend like I know. I honestly have no clue. If a boy were to like me he would have to flat out tell me. And then he would have to tell me again later because I would probably laugh at him the first time.
Student: MISS KOUTZ! You would laugh at a boy if he said he liked you?! That isn't nice.
Miss Koutz: Well I wouldn't laugh AT him. I would laugh because I would think he was joking around. I just wouldn't think he was serious.
Student: Miss Koutz that is dumb!
Miss Koutz: Haha...yea it is. Moment of confession...I've done that before.
Student: Miss Koutz! I can't believe you.
Miss Koutz: Well, I'm just keeping it real.
We laughed. I wrote her a pass and sent her off to class. I'm so glad my stupidity is helping others in life.
Student: How do you know if a boys likes you?
Miss Koutz: Excuse me, what?! (I was taken a little off guard by this question.)
Student: You know. How do you know if a boy likes you? Like...LIKES you likes you?
Miss Koutz: hmmm....excellent question. Let me know if you figure out the answer.
Student: Ha! No really Miss Koutz. I'm serious. How do you know?
Miss Koutz: Uhh, you did notice there is no ring on my finger right? I'm probably not the best person to ask about this.
Student: I don't care. What do you think?
Miss Koutz: Well I'm not going to pretend like I know. I honestly have no clue. If a boy were to like me he would have to flat out tell me. And then he would have to tell me again later because I would probably laugh at him the first time.
Student: MISS KOUTZ! You would laugh at a boy if he said he liked you?! That isn't nice.
Miss Koutz: Well I wouldn't laugh AT him. I would laugh because I would think he was joking around. I just wouldn't think he was serious.
Student: Miss Koutz that is dumb!
Miss Koutz: Haha...yea it is. Moment of confession...I've done that before.
Student: Miss Koutz! I can't believe you.
Miss Koutz: Well, I'm just keeping it real.
We laughed. I wrote her a pass and sent her off to class. I'm so glad my stupidity is helping others in life.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Good Firm Talking To...
There has been so much on my mind the last few weeks. Situations I'm unsure how to handle. Questions I don't have answers for. Uncertainty that haunts the corners of my mind. Although it seems like there is a lot of unrest, I feel like it is a healthy level that is stretching me. Do I like? No way! Who likes challenging things that force you to be completely honest with yourself. That's just plain hard stuff my friends!
A weekend away with friends reminded me there isn't enough space in my schedule for rest and solitude. I started the school year doing really well with this. Now that work has picked up I've started to lose focus of those goals I set for myself in August. It didn't take much to remind me either. A quick teacher glance. A quiet "hmm?" A stern "Sarah!" I knew what needed to be done.
Tonight I put everything away and just sat with God for awhile. Of course it isn't surprising that at the end of that time, all of those challenges I mentioned earlier seem less intimidating. Too often I try to carry all that junk myself instead of allowing God to move and sort things out in His time. I'm so stubborn! Sometimes I just have to give myself a good firm talking to!
"Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen." Romans 11:33-36
A weekend away with friends reminded me there isn't enough space in my schedule for rest and solitude. I started the school year doing really well with this. Now that work has picked up I've started to lose focus of those goals I set for myself in August. It didn't take much to remind me either. A quick teacher glance. A quiet "hmm?" A stern "Sarah!" I knew what needed to be done.
Tonight I put everything away and just sat with God for awhile. Of course it isn't surprising that at the end of that time, all of those challenges I mentioned earlier seem less intimidating. Too often I try to carry all that junk myself instead of allowing God to move and sort things out in His time. I'm so stubborn! Sometimes I just have to give myself a good firm talking to!
"Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen." Romans 11:33-36
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Going Home
I'll be back in town in time for rehearsal. GSM is going to be amazing today. I like Sundays!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Some Favorites
This weekend has been about hanging out with some of my favorite people that I don't get to see very often. I spent the morning with my Mom hanging out around the house. Unfortunately Dad had to hit the road early for a math competition up north.
You just can't go wrong with a good cup of Biggby coffee and a great friend. That is exactly how I spent my afternoon laughing and catching up with James. He was even kind enough to give me some dart gun advice so Anna and I can successfully defend ourselves against our brother, Matthew.
I made a stop by the Great Lakes' campus to say a quick hello to a couple of the girls from my ministry days at Harris Prairie. Unfortunately I was only able to see one of them. Then it was off on a small adventure since I wasn't really sure where I was going.
My amazing buddy Brooke moved to the Grand Rapids area to do an internship in college ministry. When some of the plans changed at the last minute I called to see if she was up for a visit. I miss her very much and am loving the chance to hang out with her tonight. When the two of us are together, you just never know what is going to happen!
Spending a weekend with some of my favorite people...it just can't get much better than this! I'm one lucky girl to have some incredible friends.
You just can't go wrong with a good cup of Biggby coffee and a great friend. That is exactly how I spent my afternoon laughing and catching up with James. He was even kind enough to give me some dart gun advice so Anna and I can successfully defend ourselves against our brother, Matthew.
I made a stop by the Great Lakes' campus to say a quick hello to a couple of the girls from my ministry days at Harris Prairie. Unfortunately I was only able to see one of them. Then it was off on a small adventure since I wasn't really sure where I was going.
My amazing buddy Brooke moved to the Grand Rapids area to do an internship in college ministry. When some of the plans changed at the last minute I called to see if she was up for a visit. I miss her very much and am loving the chance to hang out with her tonight. When the two of us are together, you just never know what is going to happen!
Spending a weekend with some of my favorite people...it just can't get much better than this! I'm one lucky girl to have some incredible friends.
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