A friend on Facebook posted this as her status: A girl in my class says "I cant help but be prejudiced against someone who doesn't believe like I do." This attitude is exactly whats wrong with this world!
I responded, Are you prejudiced against her for her prejudice?
My friend: lol... I actually thought about this later... And I would say no. I wouldn't decide to never associate with her because of her comment. I was shocked though, and I definitely don't agree. Disagreeing is much different than being prejudice.
My response: Too true. Plus, you can never get rid or prejudice through ignorance or ignoring. I have found that people are even opinionated over non-important things; sometimes it's hard to resolve differences on anything of significance when one or more parties are so caught up thinking that their way is the only way or the best way. You even hear people say things like, "I'll never use Facebook." That's fine; it's their choice. But it doesn't mean that they are better than those of us that do, or that they are right and we are wrong. It would be good if people really looked a little deeper at core values. They would find that they share similarities with people from all different walks of life. Cultures may be different; languages may not be understood; customs may seem confusing; but, if we really look at deep rooted values, I am convinced that we would be able to recognize each other as brothers and sisters a whole lot more easily.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Abrahamic Covenant 7
Patriarch blessings are given by one who has been ordained and has the power to prophesy concerning the recipient's life. The blessing then becomes a personal guide, an inspired document or scriptue, to which the recipient can turn and gain strength and direction.
In our patriarchal blessings, our lineage is declared. That means that we are told to which tribe of Israel we belong. It really doesn't matter whether we were born as a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or if we are adopted in through baptism. The covenant of baptism, entering the waters of Judea, is actually what makes us become children of Abraham or children of the covenant. The making of covenants and the keeping of covenants is what makes us children of the covenant and heirs to the blessings extended to Abraham.
In our blessings, we may also find warnings. It is important for us to pay heed to these so that we can avoid unnecessary obstacles and so that we can call upon the powers of heaven in time of need. We are also promised blessings which are contingent upon our faithfulness and obedience.
Who was Abraham, and what blessings did he seek? Abraham was a faithful man surrounded by a world of wickedness. Even his own father sought to destroy him and offer him as a sacrifice to idol gods. Abraham knew of the blessings of the Priesthood that was held by Adam and by Adam's righteous posterity. He sought after the blessings of the fathers. He sought after the gospel of Jesus Christ and the promise of Eternal Life.
Abraham was a traveler. He went where the Lord asked him to go. While living in Ur the Lord directed Abraham to move to Haran. This Abraham did. Here Abraham prayed mightily to the Lord to receive the blessings of the fathers. Jehovah appeared to Abraham and covenanted with Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, that his seed would be like the stars of the heaven and the sands of the sea, that the Messiah would come through his seed, and that he would gain Eternal Life. He also covenanted to give him a promised land. This land was the land of Canaan. While living in the land of Canaan, there was a great famine in the world. Abraham went to Egypt to gain necessary food. He was told by the Lord to share those things which the Lord had taught him.
The earthly blessings of the Abrahamic covenant include a promised land, a great prosperity, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, along with the Priesthood, for Abraham and his posterity. The eternal blessings include entrance into the Celestial kingdom because of the covenant of baptism, eternal marriage and increase because of the sealing covenants made in the temple, and exaltation and Eternal Life with our Heavenly Father because we have kept the covenants that we have made with Him.
Joseph Smith explained that when someone is baptized there is a literal physical change within his or her body, and he becomes an actual son or daughter of Abraham and has the blood of Israel coursing through his or her veins. When we are baptized, salvation is promised to us through the Abrahamic covenant. When we are sealed as husband and wife in the temple, the promise of exaltation is extended to us through the Abrahamic covenant. All of these things are made available to us because of the atonement of Jesus Christ and these blessings are contingent upon our faithfulness and obedience and upon our making and keeping these sacred covenants.
In Gen 17:10-12, we find that circumcision is the sign of the covenant. All of Abraham's righteous posterity had their sons circumscribed at 8 days old. This was an outward demonstration of their inner faith in keeping the covenant. The actual covenants were not found in the circumcision because an infant cannot make or keep covenants. But this was a promise to the Lord that the people would not forget Him, but that they would worship Him and keep His commandments and the covenants which they had made with him, and that they would teach their children and everyone that lived with them to do the same. After Christ's resurrection, circumcision was no longer necessary, since Christ gave the law and fulfilled the law. The actual covenants were made with baptism, receiving the higher Priesthood, and Celestial marriage. These blessings were to be passed on through Abraham to his posterity through the Priesthood power given to followers of Jesus Christ. These blessings are for those who make and keep their covenants with the Lord. We cannot claim royalty because we are of the seed of Abraham, because we will not truly be of his seed unless we make and keep the same covenants that he did.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained:
“Abraham first received the gospel by baptism (which is the covenant of salvation); then he had conferred upon him the higher priesthood, and he entered into celestial marriage (which is the covenant of exaltation), gaining assurance thereby that he would have eternal increase; finally he received a promise that all of these blessings would be offered to all of his mortal posterity. (Abra. Abraham 2:6–11; D. & C. D&C 132:29–50.) Included in the divine promises to Abraham was the assurance that Christ would come through his lineage, and the assurance that Abraham’s posterity would receive certain choice, promised lands as an eternal inheritance. (Abra. Abraham 2; Gen. Genesis 17; 22:15–18; Gal. Galatians 3.)
“All of these promises lumped together are called the Abrahamic covenant. This covenant was renewed with Isaac (Gen. Genesis 24:60; 26:1–4, 24) and again with Jacob. (Gen. Genesis 28; 35:9–13; 48:3–4.) Those portions of it which pertain to personal exaltation and eternal increase are renewed with each member of the house of Israel who enters the order of celestial marriage; through that order the participating parties become inheritors of all the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (D. & C. D&C 132; Rom. Romans 9:4; Gal. Galatians 3; 4.)” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 13).
Through the Abrahamic covenant we are blessed with property, priesthood, and posterity. The blessings of the covenant do not come without responsibilities. Abraham was promised that through his seed, or through the priesthood, all the children of the world will be blessed. We are commissioned as Jesus's disciples in ancient days to take the gospel to all the world. We have the responsibiloity to make the blessings of the covenant available to all of God's children, both living and dead. We also have the responsibility to keep the commandments and not break our covenants. We can help others receive the gospel through missionary work, providing temple ordinances, and by being examples of righteousness. This was the three-fold mission of the church: to preach the gospel; perfect the saints; redeem the dead. There is another part which has been added this year: to seek out and take care of the poor and needy. If we want to be equal in spiritual matters, we must become more equal in physical matters. It is hard for others to progress in the gospel light when they are concerned with obtaining their next meal.
(Please read the analogy made by Elder Boyd K. Packer. It is found in the lesson on lds.org. You can find the link below.)
We have been given the Priesthood power in these last days to bless the lives of Heavenly Father's children and to prepare the world for His Son's Second Coming. No priesthood holder can lay his hands on his own head and pronounce a blessing upon himself. Both the priesthood bretheren and the general church membership, working under the direction of priesthood authority, have an obligation to share the blessings we have been given by inviting other's to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him; but inviting all to become chidlren of the covenant. The blessings of salvation and exaltation are made possible to all of God's children through the power of the Atonement and through Heavenly Father's children making and keeping sacred covenants, even the Abrahamic covenant.
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=8314c106dac20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD
In our patriarchal blessings, our lineage is declared. That means that we are told to which tribe of Israel we belong. It really doesn't matter whether we were born as a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or if we are adopted in through baptism. The covenant of baptism, entering the waters of Judea, is actually what makes us become children of Abraham or children of the covenant. The making of covenants and the keeping of covenants is what makes us children of the covenant and heirs to the blessings extended to Abraham.
In our blessings, we may also find warnings. It is important for us to pay heed to these so that we can avoid unnecessary obstacles and so that we can call upon the powers of heaven in time of need. We are also promised blessings which are contingent upon our faithfulness and obedience.
Who was Abraham, and what blessings did he seek? Abraham was a faithful man surrounded by a world of wickedness. Even his own father sought to destroy him and offer him as a sacrifice to idol gods. Abraham knew of the blessings of the Priesthood that was held by Adam and by Adam's righteous posterity. He sought after the blessings of the fathers. He sought after the gospel of Jesus Christ and the promise of Eternal Life.
Abraham was a traveler. He went where the Lord asked him to go. While living in Ur the Lord directed Abraham to move to Haran. This Abraham did. Here Abraham prayed mightily to the Lord to receive the blessings of the fathers. Jehovah appeared to Abraham and covenanted with Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, that his seed would be like the stars of the heaven and the sands of the sea, that the Messiah would come through his seed, and that he would gain Eternal Life. He also covenanted to give him a promised land. This land was the land of Canaan. While living in the land of Canaan, there was a great famine in the world. Abraham went to Egypt to gain necessary food. He was told by the Lord to share those things which the Lord had taught him.
The earthly blessings of the Abrahamic covenant include a promised land, a great prosperity, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, along with the Priesthood, for Abraham and his posterity. The eternal blessings include entrance into the Celestial kingdom because of the covenant of baptism, eternal marriage and increase because of the sealing covenants made in the temple, and exaltation and Eternal Life with our Heavenly Father because we have kept the covenants that we have made with Him.
Joseph Smith explained that when someone is baptized there is a literal physical change within his or her body, and he becomes an actual son or daughter of Abraham and has the blood of Israel coursing through his or her veins. When we are baptized, salvation is promised to us through the Abrahamic covenant. When we are sealed as husband and wife in the temple, the promise of exaltation is extended to us through the Abrahamic covenant. All of these things are made available to us because of the atonement of Jesus Christ and these blessings are contingent upon our faithfulness and obedience and upon our making and keeping these sacred covenants.
In Gen 17:10-12, we find that circumcision is the sign of the covenant. All of Abraham's righteous posterity had their sons circumscribed at 8 days old. This was an outward demonstration of their inner faith in keeping the covenant. The actual covenants were not found in the circumcision because an infant cannot make or keep covenants. But this was a promise to the Lord that the people would not forget Him, but that they would worship Him and keep His commandments and the covenants which they had made with him, and that they would teach their children and everyone that lived with them to do the same. After Christ's resurrection, circumcision was no longer necessary, since Christ gave the law and fulfilled the law. The actual covenants were made with baptism, receiving the higher Priesthood, and Celestial marriage. These blessings were to be passed on through Abraham to his posterity through the Priesthood power given to followers of Jesus Christ. These blessings are for those who make and keep their covenants with the Lord. We cannot claim royalty because we are of the seed of Abraham, because we will not truly be of his seed unless we make and keep the same covenants that he did.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained:
“Abraham first received the gospel by baptism (which is the covenant of salvation); then he had conferred upon him the higher priesthood, and he entered into celestial marriage (which is the covenant of exaltation), gaining assurance thereby that he would have eternal increase; finally he received a promise that all of these blessings would be offered to all of his mortal posterity. (Abra. Abraham 2:6–11; D. & C. D&C 132:29–50.) Included in the divine promises to Abraham was the assurance that Christ would come through his lineage, and the assurance that Abraham’s posterity would receive certain choice, promised lands as an eternal inheritance. (Abra. Abraham 2; Gen. Genesis 17; 22:15–18; Gal. Galatians 3.)
“All of these promises lumped together are called the Abrahamic covenant. This covenant was renewed with Isaac (Gen. Genesis 24:60; 26:1–4, 24) and again with Jacob. (Gen. Genesis 28; 35:9–13; 48:3–4.) Those portions of it which pertain to personal exaltation and eternal increase are renewed with each member of the house of Israel who enters the order of celestial marriage; through that order the participating parties become inheritors of all the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (D. & C. D&C 132; Rom. Romans 9:4; Gal. Galatians 3; 4.)” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 13).
Through the Abrahamic covenant we are blessed with property, priesthood, and posterity. The blessings of the covenant do not come without responsibilities. Abraham was promised that through his seed, or through the priesthood, all the children of the world will be blessed. We are commissioned as Jesus's disciples in ancient days to take the gospel to all the world. We have the responsibiloity to make the blessings of the covenant available to all of God's children, both living and dead. We also have the responsibility to keep the commandments and not break our covenants. We can help others receive the gospel through missionary work, providing temple ordinances, and by being examples of righteousness. This was the three-fold mission of the church: to preach the gospel; perfect the saints; redeem the dead. There is another part which has been added this year: to seek out and take care of the poor and needy. If we want to be equal in spiritual matters, we must become more equal in physical matters. It is hard for others to progress in the gospel light when they are concerned with obtaining their next meal.
(Please read the analogy made by Elder Boyd K. Packer. It is found in the lesson on lds.org. You can find the link below.)
We have been given the Priesthood power in these last days to bless the lives of Heavenly Father's children and to prepare the world for His Son's Second Coming. No priesthood holder can lay his hands on his own head and pronounce a blessing upon himself. Both the priesthood bretheren and the general church membership, working under the direction of priesthood authority, have an obligation to share the blessings we have been given by inviting other's to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him; but inviting all to become chidlren of the covenant. The blessings of salvation and exaltation are made possible to all of God's children through the power of the Atonement and through Heavenly Father's children making and keeping sacred covenants, even the Abrahamic covenant.
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=8314c106dac20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Arrogance and Ignorance
Arrogance and ignorance do not make a good suit, but they are so often paired together.
I know that sometimes I am ignorant and sometimes I am arrogant. I just hope that I will be careful enough to not be both at the same time. It is so unbecoming.
QUAE SURSAM SUNT QUAERITE
These Latin words are on the emblem of the school uniform that I wore when I attended Friends School Lisburn.
SEEK THE THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE.
Good sound advice.
I know that sometimes I am ignorant and sometimes I am arrogant. I just hope that I will be careful enough to not be both at the same time. It is so unbecoming.
QUAE SURSAM SUNT QUAERITE
These Latin words are on the emblem of the school uniform that I wore when I attended Friends School Lisburn.
SEEK THE THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE.
Good sound advice.
Monday, February 22, 2010
"You Can Be Right; I'll Be Happy"
As you read this, please understand that I will react differently in the future. My relationships with family and friends are so much more important to me than proving my point or winning an argument. I purposely did not include the material that presented the argument issue because my intent is not to prove anyone correct or incorrect. "You may be right; I may be crazy."
I was baited into a dead end debate this past weekend. I posted a Youtube video on Facebook that was against recent propositions for health care reform. I realize that all media has its biases, but I am so against the measures that current proposals have had. Someone took offense that I would post something that he considered so erroneous. He said that it didn’t represent a real bill. (But it did cite pages and lines.) I’m sure that the video was flavored by the one who made the video, but it did get its original content from a real bill. He implied that my cousin and I were spewing lies on Facebook and that we were stupid for posting the video.
One of his comments included a site which he said proved that the video was incorrect. I didn’t find this source any more trustworthy than the source we posted. But, once again, I wasn’t trying to credit or discredit my post or credit this person and discredit myself. I just don’t think that I was leading anyone astray. I definitely was stating that I am opposed to the current ideas for healthcare reform. Socialized medicine just does not work. But I do think that all of my friends can sift through what is real and what is not on their own. I give them credit for that.
My initial reaction was just to delete his comments. That’s where I wish I had left it. But I first saw the video when my cousin had posted it, and he also left many derogatory comments on her post. So I sent a note to his in-box.
As it turns out, we all feel pretty much the same about health care issues. His intent was to prove that he was right and to get me to fess up that I was wrong. He claimed to care about just posting truth, being brutally truthful as he would call it. My point was that I had a right to post things whether they are true or not. I think that all my friends are intelligent enough to take a video expression for what it is. I think that we all know that there are biases and propaganda involved in posting different sides to an issue. But he feels like he must defend issues that he opposes if they aren’t presented as he thinks they should be. So he pursued winning an argument instead of reaching a consensus. I feel more of a responsibility to be diplomatic than manipulative. I would rather retain a friendship with someone whom I share similar values than win an argument. It must be a lonely position to have to be right always.
His claim was we were passing on scare tactics with this video. He said that just makes it so partisan and that everyone should do research and not just spew lies. If partisan means being able to have your own thoughts and not have someone else tell you what you can and cannot post, then I guess I am for partisanship. I think it is interesting that we were actually “united” in how we feel about health care proposals, and yet he felt that he had to argue the point of the truth of a video not to persuade us that it was wrong, but to tell us that we are stupid and that he is correct. I really don’t think he cared so much about whether or not it was true as he did about winning an argument.
I originally had our interactions posted on my blog in their entirety. But my intent is not to prove that I am right and he is wrong or vice versa. So I deleted them. I often post blogs even while I am drafting and revising. My intent is to say that we should be kind and gentle with one another. If we want to persuade someone to see our point of view, it should be done with respect and not criticism. We should be able to allow others to believe what they want even if we think our beliefs are better. If we really care about someone being misinformed, we should approach them with kindness and express our opinions in a thoughtful manner. It doesn’t ever work to try to force someone to see things your way.
I tried to use private interaction by writing to his inbox. He preferred public interaction that would draw more people into the argument. He said that I was childish for removing his comments and that he would never hide anyone, delete their comments, or delete them as a Facebook friend.
I woke up Sunday morning with the intent to write him an apology for carrying this on so far. Well Sunday is a busy day for me. Finishing preparations for my Sunday school lesson came first. When I did look at Facebook in the afternoon, I found that he had copied my blog notes of our conversation into his own blog. He posted it on my Facebook page for me to go see. I read it; plus I read his dad’s reaction to it which was very wise and kind. I did write him a nice letter; I told him that I deleted the video and my blog notes; I even told him good luck with his new blog post. I thought that it was finished then.
But then I saw that he was really looking for validation that he was right on his own Facebook page. A friend of his told him that she had deleted someone over a politic issue a month or so ago. She was trying to persuade him that it wasn’t worth it to argue over politics. I did post a comment saying that I agreed with her and that it was over. He continued his debate with his friend that was posting comments and a new argument ensued. So instead of being baited in again and instead of worrying about how he is trying to present me to all of his friends, I did delete him as a Facebook friend. Childish, no. I care more about him and about myself than to continue arguing over things of such little import at the expense of kind feelings. It really doesn’t matter who’s right. It matters who knows how to walk away without proving he is right. Hopefully, I can apply this lesson better next time.
I was baited into a dead end debate this past weekend. I posted a Youtube video on Facebook that was against recent propositions for health care reform. I realize that all media has its biases, but I am so against the measures that current proposals have had. Someone took offense that I would post something that he considered so erroneous. He said that it didn’t represent a real bill. (But it did cite pages and lines.) I’m sure that the video was flavored by the one who made the video, but it did get its original content from a real bill. He implied that my cousin and I were spewing lies on Facebook and that we were stupid for posting the video.
One of his comments included a site which he said proved that the video was incorrect. I didn’t find this source any more trustworthy than the source we posted. But, once again, I wasn’t trying to credit or discredit my post or credit this person and discredit myself. I just don’t think that I was leading anyone astray. I definitely was stating that I am opposed to the current ideas for healthcare reform. Socialized medicine just does not work. But I do think that all of my friends can sift through what is real and what is not on their own. I give them credit for that.
My initial reaction was just to delete his comments. That’s where I wish I had left it. But I first saw the video when my cousin had posted it, and he also left many derogatory comments on her post. So I sent a note to his in-box.
As it turns out, we all feel pretty much the same about health care issues. His intent was to prove that he was right and to get me to fess up that I was wrong. He claimed to care about just posting truth, being brutally truthful as he would call it. My point was that I had a right to post things whether they are true or not. I think that all my friends are intelligent enough to take a video expression for what it is. I think that we all know that there are biases and propaganda involved in posting different sides to an issue. But he feels like he must defend issues that he opposes if they aren’t presented as he thinks they should be. So he pursued winning an argument instead of reaching a consensus. I feel more of a responsibility to be diplomatic than manipulative. I would rather retain a friendship with someone whom I share similar values than win an argument. It must be a lonely position to have to be right always.
His claim was we were passing on scare tactics with this video. He said that just makes it so partisan and that everyone should do research and not just spew lies. If partisan means being able to have your own thoughts and not have someone else tell you what you can and cannot post, then I guess I am for partisanship. I think it is interesting that we were actually “united” in how we feel about health care proposals, and yet he felt that he had to argue the point of the truth of a video not to persuade us that it was wrong, but to tell us that we are stupid and that he is correct. I really don’t think he cared so much about whether or not it was true as he did about winning an argument.
I originally had our interactions posted on my blog in their entirety. But my intent is not to prove that I am right and he is wrong or vice versa. So I deleted them. I often post blogs even while I am drafting and revising. My intent is to say that we should be kind and gentle with one another. If we want to persuade someone to see our point of view, it should be done with respect and not criticism. We should be able to allow others to believe what they want even if we think our beliefs are better. If we really care about someone being misinformed, we should approach them with kindness and express our opinions in a thoughtful manner. It doesn’t ever work to try to force someone to see things your way.
I tried to use private interaction by writing to his inbox. He preferred public interaction that would draw more people into the argument. He said that I was childish for removing his comments and that he would never hide anyone, delete their comments, or delete them as a Facebook friend.
I woke up Sunday morning with the intent to write him an apology for carrying this on so far. Well Sunday is a busy day for me. Finishing preparations for my Sunday school lesson came first. When I did look at Facebook in the afternoon, I found that he had copied my blog notes of our conversation into his own blog. He posted it on my Facebook page for me to go see. I read it; plus I read his dad’s reaction to it which was very wise and kind. I did write him a nice letter; I told him that I deleted the video and my blog notes; I even told him good luck with his new blog post. I thought that it was finished then.
But then I saw that he was really looking for validation that he was right on his own Facebook page. A friend of his told him that she had deleted someone over a politic issue a month or so ago. She was trying to persuade him that it wasn’t worth it to argue over politics. I did post a comment saying that I agreed with her and that it was over. He continued his debate with his friend that was posting comments and a new argument ensued. So instead of being baited in again and instead of worrying about how he is trying to present me to all of his friends, I did delete him as a Facebook friend. Childish, no. I care more about him and about myself than to continue arguing over things of such little import at the expense of kind feelings. It really doesn’t matter who’s right. It matters who knows how to walk away without proving he is right. Hopefully, I can apply this lesson better next time.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Favorite Irish Joke
This is a retelling in me own words:
Seamus, Sean, and Derrick would always go to the pub of a Saturday evening. They would each buy a round of drinks in turn, and they would drink to each other's health and good fortune, and they would drink to each other's families and future happiness and successes. The bar tender knew that he should keep those drinks a coming three at a time. The tradtition was set, and it was important that they never miss the chance to be together as brothers, to talk about football, naturally, and to talk about work, their women, and the wee ones.
So as it happened, the brothers made a pact that no matter where they lived, they would always pour up the drinks by threes and wish one another all the best. If they be separated by holidays, by work, or even by death, they would certainly be together for their Saturday night toasts.
Well, sure enough, the time came where they must separate. Seamus married an American girl and left his dear Ireland to live in Chicago. Sean likewise moved to the States and took a job in New York. So Derrick alone stayed behind in Ireland. Yet, true to their promise, Saturday nights would find each of these lads in a small Irish pub reminiscing and wishing hard for the welfare of his brothers. They would write as often as they could, but never often enough. But the memories of all the times together would flood back to mind sure each Saturday evening as each brother sat down to a round of drinks.
The bartender in the Irish pub got used to Derrick's strange ways. At first he thought it was strange that he'd order three drinks at a time. So he told him that the draft would last longer if he'd just get one at a time. But then he learned of the pact the brothers had made, because Derrick explained all to him. So each Saturday night, the bartender would pour up the drinks three at a time, just as he always had in days gone by. And Derrick was always as happy and chipper as could be. After two or three rounds, he in fact was talking to his brothers just as if they were truly there.
So the bartender in the Irish pub had been observing Derrick for months now. He didn't want to intrude on this new melancholy; Derrick seemed so solemn and reflective. For two weeks now Derrick was only buying the drinks two at a time. Of course, the bartender knew that something had happened to either Seamus or Sean. He loved them dearly himself, and he was afeared to hear the truth of the matter. Strumming up all the courage he had, he offered his deep condolences.
"Derrick, I'd like to tell you how sorry I am that you've lost your brother."
"How's that?" says Derrick, "Me brothers are both fine. Sure you know that they are in America now."
"Yes, that I realize. It's just that you are only buying two drinks at a time now, and not the regular three."
"Aye, so I am," said Derrick, just as matter-of-factly as you can imagine. "Both my brothers are in the best of health, and their families are well indeed. You see, I only buy two drinks at a time these days, because Thursday evening a fortnight back I joined the Mormon church, so I did."
(So being a good Latter-day Saint myself, I would hope that our missionaries do a better job teaching. But being half-Irish myself, I couldn't miss the humor of a great and silly joke. I know of no other people who tell so many jokes on themselves.)
Seamus, Sean, and Derrick would always go to the pub of a Saturday evening. They would each buy a round of drinks in turn, and they would drink to each other's health and good fortune, and they would drink to each other's families and future happiness and successes. The bar tender knew that he should keep those drinks a coming three at a time. The tradtition was set, and it was important that they never miss the chance to be together as brothers, to talk about football, naturally, and to talk about work, their women, and the wee ones.
So as it happened, the brothers made a pact that no matter where they lived, they would always pour up the drinks by threes and wish one another all the best. If they be separated by holidays, by work, or even by death, they would certainly be together for their Saturday night toasts.
Well, sure enough, the time came where they must separate. Seamus married an American girl and left his dear Ireland to live in Chicago. Sean likewise moved to the States and took a job in New York. So Derrick alone stayed behind in Ireland. Yet, true to their promise, Saturday nights would find each of these lads in a small Irish pub reminiscing and wishing hard for the welfare of his brothers. They would write as often as they could, but never often enough. But the memories of all the times together would flood back to mind sure each Saturday evening as each brother sat down to a round of drinks.
The bartender in the Irish pub got used to Derrick's strange ways. At first he thought it was strange that he'd order three drinks at a time. So he told him that the draft would last longer if he'd just get one at a time. But then he learned of the pact the brothers had made, because Derrick explained all to him. So each Saturday night, the bartender would pour up the drinks three at a time, just as he always had in days gone by. And Derrick was always as happy and chipper as could be. After two or three rounds, he in fact was talking to his brothers just as if they were truly there.
So the bartender in the Irish pub had been observing Derrick for months now. He didn't want to intrude on this new melancholy; Derrick seemed so solemn and reflective. For two weeks now Derrick was only buying the drinks two at a time. Of course, the bartender knew that something had happened to either Seamus or Sean. He loved them dearly himself, and he was afeared to hear the truth of the matter. Strumming up all the courage he had, he offered his deep condolences.
"Derrick, I'd like to tell you how sorry I am that you've lost your brother."
"How's that?" says Derrick, "Me brothers are both fine. Sure you know that they are in America now."
"Yes, that I realize. It's just that you are only buying two drinks at a time now, and not the regular three."
"Aye, so I am," said Derrick, just as matter-of-factly as you can imagine. "Both my brothers are in the best of health, and their families are well indeed. You see, I only buy two drinks at a time these days, because Thursday evening a fortnight back I joined the Mormon church, so I did."
(So being a good Latter-day Saint myself, I would hope that our missionaries do a better job teaching. But being half-Irish myself, I couldn't miss the humor of a great and silly joke. I know of no other people who tell so many jokes on themselves.)
Making an application letter and a resume
My Experiences and Qualifications1. I taught my five children to read before they entered school.
a. We read, sang, and played together daily.
b. Teaching reading happened naturally as each child was ready.
2. I have been home schooling my youngest child since 3rd grade. We are now in our 7th year. She is in 9th grade.
a. For the first two years, we made up our own program.
b. She has been with CAVA since then working from the K-12 curricula.
c. Along with monitoring her lessons, I have been her main teacher. She has taken two years of Pre-Algebra, one year of Algebra, one year of Geometry, and this year she is taking Algebra 2. I have gone through her lessons and assignments with her each day.
d. I have also been the one who has taught her grammar and writing skills.
e. As a result of home schooling, I am very familiar with appropriate benchmarks and curricula for schooling through the elementary and middle-school years.
3. In connection with my daughter's charter school, there is a community day held once a week. I have volunteered help at this school.
a. I designed writing lessons to teach the children how to write to prompt. I taught these lessons in the 3rd to 5th grade class and in the 6th to 8th grade class.
b. I planned and oversaw art projects for the older group.
4. I have also been a backup nursery leader for the community day.
a. I have planned and presented stories, songs, finger-plays and activities to do with the children.
b. I have planned and presented a short lesson to share with the children.
c. I have planned and presented an art activity to do with the children.
d. I have supervised their snack time and story time.
e. I have supervised outdoor activities and playground time.
5. I have been in charge of the test high school class this year.
a. I have written a newsletter to the parents and 9th graders who may be interested in attending.
b. I have planned lessons from the students' on-line school to do with them at community day.
c. I have welcomed them to bring their current assignments.
d. We have also conducted a science experiment at community day.
e. We have also done art lessons.
6. I have also held a weekly story hour in my home.
a. I have planned and presented stories, songs, finger-plays and activities to do with the children.
b. I have planned and presented an art activity to do with the children.
c. I have supervised their snack time .
7. I have been a private tutor to a number of students.
a. Most recently I tutored a girl while she was in second and third grades. I helped her with math, reading, and writing skills.
b. I tutored a girl that was in 7th grade who was struggling with pre-algebra.
c. I tutored a girl in 6th grade to help her with her reading and English skills.
8. I have had numerous Sunday school, Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women teaching opportunities.
a. Currently, I am teaching the Gospel Doctrine class each Sunday. We are studying the Old Testament.
b. Prior to that I was the education councilor in Relief Society.
c. I have been the Sunday nursery leader at church for two years or more. This represents the children age 18 month to 3 years.
d. I have been the Sunbeam teacher at church for three years or more. This represents the children age 3 to 4 years.
e. I taught the Merry Miss girls on Sunday and held an Achievement Day in my home one day every other week. On these days we learned crafts, homemaking and literary skills. This lasted for two years.
f. I will not list all of the teaching posts that I have held.
9. I taught early morning Seminary for 3 years. This is a religion class that is held for high school students each morning prior to their school day. I taught New Testament, Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon.
a. This calling required preparation to present the material in an interesting fashion.
b. This calling required sensitivity to the needs of each individual student.
10. I have been a stake missionary and a ward missionary. These callings are to aid the full time missionaries in teaching discussions and to teach new member lessons.
a. These callings required much time and commitment.
b. I needed to be in tune to the needs and concerns of the investigator.
c. I needed to be able to present knowledge that I had at a level of understanding that was appropriate for the investigator.
d. I also taught the Sunday Gospel Principles class periodically in relation to the missionary calling.
11. I have spent countless hours helping in elementary classrooms, mostly from Kindergarten through 5th grades.
a. There were periods of time that I volunteered 15 to 20 hours per week helping out in classrooms.
b. I helped with reading groups.
c. I assessed reading comprehension levels.
d. I helped to tutor those who were behind, both one-on-one and in groups.
e. I helped those who were behind use their reading in a reading group as a springboard for discussion and writing.
f. I helped those who were ahead with creative writing assignments.
12. We had a co-op Joy School for teaching pre-school when my children were young.
a. I would have the children for two mornings a week, about every 5th week.
b. I had a lesson plan to follow.
c. I taught them new songs and we did activities.
d. We did art projects.
e. We took nature walks and did projects.
13. I enjoy teaching and I am good at it.
a I have been blessed with an ability to teach.
b. My greatest interest in teaching is to serve those who need it most.
c. I like working with the students who are behind and the students who are gifted.
d. I have strong language skills and a good writing ability that will be shared.
e. I am gifted at math and enjoy teaching it from Kindergarten level through middle school and into high school. (I have yet had no experience teaching anything above Algebra 2.)
f. I enjoy doing arts and crafts and sharing this talent and interest with children.
14. I am a first generation American.
a. My father is from Germany and my mother from N. Ireland.
b. I am sensitive to those who feel differently or don't see things the same way or learn things the same way as the majority.
c. I value diversity and do not think that everything must be done the same way.
d. I know that hard work brings positive results, but if there isn't some fun, everyone will lose interest.
Qualifications for a nursery teacher:
1. The teacher will be working with children age two to five.
2. She must plan and organize both indoor and outdoor activities.
3. She will be responsible to plan lessons and activities.
4. She must be there before the children to set up for the day and to greet the children and parents as they arrive.
5. She must be there until the last child is picked up, and then she must tidy up for the next day.
6. She will be responsible to monitor snack time and reading time.
7. She will be responsible to keep the parents up to date on their children’s behavior, development, and attitude in class.
8. The teacher must encourage the children to work and play cooperatively together, to share when appropriate, and to be respectful.
9. The teacher’s purpose is to aid each child in his development in the following areas: personal, social, emotional, and physical.
10. She must help each child develop his language, numerical, and literacy skills.
11. She must give each child the opportunity to develop fine motor and gross motor skills.
12. She needs to monitor the child’s development and identify problems that would require early intervention.
13. She must be tested for TB.
14. She must be fingerprinted for a background check.
15. She must be CPR and First Aid Certified. Done.
How do nursery teacher qualifications apply to me?
1. The teacher will be working with children age two to five.
I have had experience with this age group in rearing five children of my own. We participated in many pre-school activities together which developed their reading skills, fine and gross motor skills, and their social interaction skills.
I have been a nursery leader in my church when my first two children were in nursery, and when my next two were in nursery. This age group was 18 months to three years. Here I learned many children’s songs and finger and dance activities to share with the children. I learned how to move them effectively from one activity to another. This time included welcoming and gathering time, free play, art activity, lesson, snack time, song time, and story time.
I have been a Sunbeam teacher three different times. The first time was when I was in middle school. These children are 3 to 4 years old. This group had a longer lesson time than the nursery group, but we still engaged in songs, finger plays, and art activities with a short snack time.
I participated in a Joy School co-op when my children were young. This was a pre-school ran by the parents. Although, we were given a lesson plan, we learned how to run an effective program. Joy School had the goal of capturing the wonder of childhood and helping children retain their love and zest for life and new experiences.
Last year, I held a story hour once a in my home. Within this hour, we participated in songs and finger plays. I read a few books related to one theme to the children, and then we did an art activity together and had a snack. This was an opportunity for the children and their mothers to be together.
The past two years, I have been the back-up nursery teacher for CAVA’s community day. We have had a gathering time and free play. We have had a small lesson and art activity. We have had outdoor walks and play, sometimes at the playground. After the children have eaten there lunch, we have had story time and singing time.
I have helped out in many public school classes ranging from Kindergarten to 5th grade. I have helped children individually and in small groups. I have helped with reading and writing activities, including assessments. I have helped in math teaching as well. I have helped with creative writing assignments and art projects.
2. She must plan and organize both indoor and outdoor activities.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School and the many other nursery teaching experiences that I have had.
She would be responsible to plan lessons and activities.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School and the many other nursery teaching experiences that I have had.
She must be there before the children to set up for the day, to greet the children and the parents arriving with the children.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School, in church nursery, and at community day.
3. She must be there until the last child is picked up, and then she must tidy up for the next day.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School, in church nursery, and at community day.
4. She would be responsible to monitor snack time and reading time.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School, in church nursery, and at community day.
5. She would be responsible to keep the child’s caregiver up to date on the child’s behavior, development, and attitude in class.
Because I have had opportunity in teaching experiences with children and adults of all ages, I feel comfortable speaking with adults and giving them updates on their children’s progress.
6. The teacher must encourage the children to work and play cooperatively together, to share when appropriate, and to be respectful.
Being respectful to the children first, helps them be respectful to each other. Because I have had many opportunities to care for children of this age group, I can handle their problems with sensitivity and redirect them as needed. I can also teach them home to work out their own problems in appropriate ways.
7. The teacher’s purpose is to aid each child in his development in the following areas: personal, social, emotional, and physical.
I enjoy teaching and witnessing the growth of each individual child. I recognize that each child has special needs and that each child requires sensitivity as he progresses in his own development. I enjoy helping those who may not fit in the normal range.
8. She must help each child develop his language, numerical, and literacy skills.
I have had much experience with this. I have helped out in public schools numerous times. As a stay at home mother, I spent the majority of my time with my children during their young years helping them develop the learning skills that they would use throughout their lives. This was done in an atmosphere of love and fun and enjoyment.
9. She must give each child the opportunity to develop fine motor and gross motor skills.
I believe in giving the child many opportunities to be creative. Art projects allow the child to develop fine motor skills as he colors, cuts, glues, and paints, etc. Outdoor activities help him use his larger muscles and develop gross motor skills.
10. She needs to monitor the child’s development and identify problems that would require early intervention.
I know that some behavior is age appropriate and some behavior may signify problems in the home, problems in development, or learning disabilities. I will watch for these and request the advice of others if I see problems.
She needs to complete assessments for each child and keep on-going records.
I have had some experience with assessments, and I will keep records and keep parents informed.
11. She must attend training courses and meetings. I will be glad to do this.
12. She must be tested for TB. Done.
13. She must be fingerprinted for a background check. Will need to redo for this post.
14. She must be CPR and First Aid Certified. Done.
Merged list of qualifications from which to produce an application letter and a resume:
The following list of qualifications will help me as a nursery school teacher:
1. I taught my five children how to read.
a. We read, sang, and played together much.
b. Teaching reading just happened naturally as each child was ready to learn to read.
2. I have also been a backup nursery leader for the community day.
a. I have planned and presented stories, songs, finger-plays and activities to do with the children.
b. I have planned and presented a short lesson to share with the children.
c. I have planned and presented an art activity to do with the children.
d. I have supervised their snack time and story time.
e. I have supervised outdoor activities and playground time.
3. I have also held a weekly story hour in my home.
a. I have planned and presented stories, songs, finger-plays and activities to do with the children.
b. I have planned and presented an art activity to do with the children.
c. I have supervised their snack time.
4. I have had numerous opportunities to teach within my church.
a. I have been the Sunday nursery leader at church for two years or more. This represents the children age 18 month to 3 years.
b. I have been the Sunbeam teacher at church for three years or more. This represents the children age 3 to 4 years.
5. I have spent countless hours helping in elementary classrooms, mostly from Kindergarten through 5th grades.
a. I helped with reading groups.
b. I assessed reading comprehension levels.
c. I helped to tutor those who were behind, both one-on-one and in groups.
d. I helped those who were behind use their reading in a reading group as a springboard for discussion and writing.
e. I helped those who were ahead with creative writing assignments.
6. We had a co-op, Joy School, for teaching pre-school when my children were young.
a. I would have the children for two mornings a week, about every 5th week.
b. I had a lesson plan to follow.
c. I taught them new songs and we did activities.
d. We did art projects.
e. We took nature walks and did projects.
7. I enjoy teaching and I am good at it.
a. I have been blessed with an ability to teach.
b. My greatest interest in teaching is to serve those who need it most.
c. I like working with the students who are behind and the students who are gifted.
d. I have strong language skills and a good writing ability that will be shared.
e. I am gifted at math and enjoy teaching it from Kindergarten level through middle school and into high school. (I have yet had no experience teaching anything above Algebra 2.)
f. I enjoy doing arts and crafts and sharing this talent and interest with children.
8. I am a first generation American.
a. My father is from Germany and my mother from N. Ireland.
b. I am sensitive to those who feel differently or don't see things the same way or learn things the same way as the majority.
c. I value diversity and do not think that everything must be done the same way.
d. I know that hard work brings positive results, but if there isn't some fun, everyone will lose interest.
Application letter:
My Address
Date
Name
Address
Salutation,
I would like to formally apply to fill the position of CAVA’s nursery teacher. I enjoy teaching pre-school children, but I am also busy home schooling my daughter and working towards my bachelor’s degree in Family Science. So this part-time position is of particular interest to me. You have asked me to teach this nursery class several times on short notice, so the children and the parents already know me.
I have studied child development. More importantly, because of my life experiences, I have a working knowledge. I have taught people of all ages and ethnicities. I have had the opportunity to teach preschool aged children many times: in my home, in a preschool parenting cooperative Joy School, and as a nursery leader in my church for a total of more than seven years. I have also volunteered in the public schools, working with children individually and in groups. I have tutored children who are behind and offered enrichment to those who are ahead.
My involvement with the Joy School curriculum helped me understand that a child’s learning environment should be warm, fun, and friendly. In working with my own children and tutoring other children, I understand that everyone has his own way of learning and of viewing the world. Because I have children that are gifted and children with ADD, because I am a first generation American myself, and because I live in a highly diverse population, I am sensitive to others and realize that a teacher must often be creative in order to reach each child. To me, every child is gifted and every child has a special need. I will provide an atmosphere that is warm and inviting, where each child will be able to participate and learn and grow. I will help the children in developing their pre-reading skills, their social skills, and their fine motor and gross motor coordination.
I have had much experience as a nursery teacher. I know how to run a balanced program with a variety of activities: free play time, lesson time, art activities, outdoor activities, snack time, story time, and singing time. I understand the importance of being a greeter as the parents arrive with the children and having a gathering activity that is engaging. I understand the importance of communication to the parents how their children fared during class and how they are progressing.
Thank you for your consideration,
Heidi
Resume:
My Name
Address
Job Objective: Nursery School Teacher at a Community Day
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Brigham Young University, Provo Utah (anticipated April 2012)
Major: Family Science
GPA: 3.3/3.8
Awards:
Stake Missionary Certificate(2 yr)1996
Ward Missionary Certificate(2 yr) 2002
Volunteer of the Year Award (Elementary)2002
Seminary Teaching Certificate(3 yr)2006
Employment:
Substitute Nursery Teacher 2009—2010
Receptionist/Clerical 1999---2003
Volunteer Service:
Classroom service:
Grades Pre-School through 5th grade
CAVA Community Day 2008—2010
Bonnie Oehl Elementary 2000—2002
Seneca Elementary 1994-1996
Joy School Teacher 1987-1988
Joy School Teacher 1992-1993
Private Tutoring 1992-2010
Church Service Among Primary Grades:
Counselor over Music and Nursery 1996—1998
Activity Day Girls (10-11)1992-1993
Church Nursery Leader (1 ½ -3)1991—1992
Church Nursery Leader 1985-1986
Sunbeam Teacher(3-4)1983-1984
Sunbeam Teacher 1976-1977
Special Skills: Reading Readiness,Arts and Crafts,Developing Fine and Gross Motor
Coordination,Learning through Music,Outdoor Appreciation,Kindness and Understanding
a. We read, sang, and played together daily.
b. Teaching reading happened naturally as each child was ready.
2. I have been home schooling my youngest child since 3rd grade. We are now in our 7th year. She is in 9th grade.
a. For the first two years, we made up our own program.
b. She has been with CAVA since then working from the K-12 curricula.
c. Along with monitoring her lessons, I have been her main teacher. She has taken two years of Pre-Algebra, one year of Algebra, one year of Geometry, and this year she is taking Algebra 2. I have gone through her lessons and assignments with her each day.
d. I have also been the one who has taught her grammar and writing skills.
e. As a result of home schooling, I am very familiar with appropriate benchmarks and curricula for schooling through the elementary and middle-school years.
3. In connection with my daughter's charter school, there is a community day held once a week. I have volunteered help at this school.
a. I designed writing lessons to teach the children how to write to prompt. I taught these lessons in the 3rd to 5th grade class and in the 6th to 8th grade class.
b. I planned and oversaw art projects for the older group.
4. I have also been a backup nursery leader for the community day.
a. I have planned and presented stories, songs, finger-plays and activities to do with the children.
b. I have planned and presented a short lesson to share with the children.
c. I have planned and presented an art activity to do with the children.
d. I have supervised their snack time and story time.
e. I have supervised outdoor activities and playground time.
5. I have been in charge of the test high school class this year.
a. I have written a newsletter to the parents and 9th graders who may be interested in attending.
b. I have planned lessons from the students' on-line school to do with them at community day.
c. I have welcomed them to bring their current assignments.
d. We have also conducted a science experiment at community day.
e. We have also done art lessons.
6. I have also held a weekly story hour in my home.
a. I have planned and presented stories, songs, finger-plays and activities to do with the children.
b. I have planned and presented an art activity to do with the children.
c. I have supervised their snack time .
7. I have been a private tutor to a number of students.
a. Most recently I tutored a girl while she was in second and third grades. I helped her with math, reading, and writing skills.
b. I tutored a girl that was in 7th grade who was struggling with pre-algebra.
c. I tutored a girl in 6th grade to help her with her reading and English skills.
8. I have had numerous Sunday school, Relief Society, Primary, and Young Women teaching opportunities.
a. Currently, I am teaching the Gospel Doctrine class each Sunday. We are studying the Old Testament.
b. Prior to that I was the education councilor in Relief Society.
c. I have been the Sunday nursery leader at church for two years or more. This represents the children age 18 month to 3 years.
d. I have been the Sunbeam teacher at church for three years or more. This represents the children age 3 to 4 years.
e. I taught the Merry Miss girls on Sunday and held an Achievement Day in my home one day every other week. On these days we learned crafts, homemaking and literary skills. This lasted for two years.
f. I will not list all of the teaching posts that I have held.
9. I taught early morning Seminary for 3 years. This is a religion class that is held for high school students each morning prior to their school day. I taught New Testament, Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon.
a. This calling required preparation to present the material in an interesting fashion.
b. This calling required sensitivity to the needs of each individual student.
10. I have been a stake missionary and a ward missionary. These callings are to aid the full time missionaries in teaching discussions and to teach new member lessons.
a. These callings required much time and commitment.
b. I needed to be in tune to the needs and concerns of the investigator.
c. I needed to be able to present knowledge that I had at a level of understanding that was appropriate for the investigator.
d. I also taught the Sunday Gospel Principles class periodically in relation to the missionary calling.
11. I have spent countless hours helping in elementary classrooms, mostly from Kindergarten through 5th grades.
a. There were periods of time that I volunteered 15 to 20 hours per week helping out in classrooms.
b. I helped with reading groups.
c. I assessed reading comprehension levels.
d. I helped to tutor those who were behind, both one-on-one and in groups.
e. I helped those who were behind use their reading in a reading group as a springboard for discussion and writing.
f. I helped those who were ahead with creative writing assignments.
12. We had a co-op Joy School for teaching pre-school when my children were young.
a. I would have the children for two mornings a week, about every 5th week.
b. I had a lesson plan to follow.
c. I taught them new songs and we did activities.
d. We did art projects.
e. We took nature walks and did projects.
13. I enjoy teaching and I am good at it.
a I have been blessed with an ability to teach.
b. My greatest interest in teaching is to serve those who need it most.
c. I like working with the students who are behind and the students who are gifted.
d. I have strong language skills and a good writing ability that will be shared.
e. I am gifted at math and enjoy teaching it from Kindergarten level through middle school and into high school. (I have yet had no experience teaching anything above Algebra 2.)
f. I enjoy doing arts and crafts and sharing this talent and interest with children.
14. I am a first generation American.
a. My father is from Germany and my mother from N. Ireland.
b. I am sensitive to those who feel differently or don't see things the same way or learn things the same way as the majority.
c. I value diversity and do not think that everything must be done the same way.
d. I know that hard work brings positive results, but if there isn't some fun, everyone will lose interest.
Qualifications for a nursery teacher:
1. The teacher will be working with children age two to five.
2. She must plan and organize both indoor and outdoor activities.
3. She will be responsible to plan lessons and activities.
4. She must be there before the children to set up for the day and to greet the children and parents as they arrive.
5. She must be there until the last child is picked up, and then she must tidy up for the next day.
6. She will be responsible to monitor snack time and reading time.
7. She will be responsible to keep the parents up to date on their children’s behavior, development, and attitude in class.
8. The teacher must encourage the children to work and play cooperatively together, to share when appropriate, and to be respectful.
9. The teacher’s purpose is to aid each child in his development in the following areas: personal, social, emotional, and physical.
10. She must help each child develop his language, numerical, and literacy skills.
11. She must give each child the opportunity to develop fine motor and gross motor skills.
12. She needs to monitor the child’s development and identify problems that would require early intervention.
13. She must be tested for TB.
14. She must be fingerprinted for a background check.
15. She must be CPR and First Aid Certified. Done.
How do nursery teacher qualifications apply to me?
1. The teacher will be working with children age two to five.
I have had experience with this age group in rearing five children of my own. We participated in many pre-school activities together which developed their reading skills, fine and gross motor skills, and their social interaction skills.
I have been a nursery leader in my church when my first two children were in nursery, and when my next two were in nursery. This age group was 18 months to three years. Here I learned many children’s songs and finger and dance activities to share with the children. I learned how to move them effectively from one activity to another. This time included welcoming and gathering time, free play, art activity, lesson, snack time, song time, and story time.
I have been a Sunbeam teacher three different times. The first time was when I was in middle school. These children are 3 to 4 years old. This group had a longer lesson time than the nursery group, but we still engaged in songs, finger plays, and art activities with a short snack time.
I participated in a Joy School co-op when my children were young. This was a pre-school ran by the parents. Although, we were given a lesson plan, we learned how to run an effective program. Joy School had the goal of capturing the wonder of childhood and helping children retain their love and zest for life and new experiences.
Last year, I held a story hour once a in my home. Within this hour, we participated in songs and finger plays. I read a few books related to one theme to the children, and then we did an art activity together and had a snack. This was an opportunity for the children and their mothers to be together.
The past two years, I have been the back-up nursery teacher for CAVA’s community day. We have had a gathering time and free play. We have had a small lesson and art activity. We have had outdoor walks and play, sometimes at the playground. After the children have eaten there lunch, we have had story time and singing time.
I have helped out in many public school classes ranging from Kindergarten to 5th grade. I have helped children individually and in small groups. I have helped with reading and writing activities, including assessments. I have helped in math teaching as well. I have helped with creative writing assignments and art projects.
2. She must plan and organize both indoor and outdoor activities.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School and the many other nursery teaching experiences that I have had.
She would be responsible to plan lessons and activities.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School and the many other nursery teaching experiences that I have had.
She must be there before the children to set up for the day, to greet the children and the parents arriving with the children.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School, in church nursery, and at community day.
3. She must be there until the last child is picked up, and then she must tidy up for the next day.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School, in church nursery, and at community day.
4. She would be responsible to monitor snack time and reading time.
I have had this opportunity in Joy School, in church nursery, and at community day.
5. She would be responsible to keep the child’s caregiver up to date on the child’s behavior, development, and attitude in class.
Because I have had opportunity in teaching experiences with children and adults of all ages, I feel comfortable speaking with adults and giving them updates on their children’s progress.
6. The teacher must encourage the children to work and play cooperatively together, to share when appropriate, and to be respectful.
Being respectful to the children first, helps them be respectful to each other. Because I have had many opportunities to care for children of this age group, I can handle their problems with sensitivity and redirect them as needed. I can also teach them home to work out their own problems in appropriate ways.
7. The teacher’s purpose is to aid each child in his development in the following areas: personal, social, emotional, and physical.
I enjoy teaching and witnessing the growth of each individual child. I recognize that each child has special needs and that each child requires sensitivity as he progresses in his own development. I enjoy helping those who may not fit in the normal range.
8. She must help each child develop his language, numerical, and literacy skills.
I have had much experience with this. I have helped out in public schools numerous times. As a stay at home mother, I spent the majority of my time with my children during their young years helping them develop the learning skills that they would use throughout their lives. This was done in an atmosphere of love and fun and enjoyment.
9. She must give each child the opportunity to develop fine motor and gross motor skills.
I believe in giving the child many opportunities to be creative. Art projects allow the child to develop fine motor skills as he colors, cuts, glues, and paints, etc. Outdoor activities help him use his larger muscles and develop gross motor skills.
10. She needs to monitor the child’s development and identify problems that would require early intervention.
I know that some behavior is age appropriate and some behavior may signify problems in the home, problems in development, or learning disabilities. I will watch for these and request the advice of others if I see problems.
She needs to complete assessments for each child and keep on-going records.
I have had some experience with assessments, and I will keep records and keep parents informed.
11. She must attend training courses and meetings. I will be glad to do this.
12. She must be tested for TB. Done.
13. She must be fingerprinted for a background check. Will need to redo for this post.
14. She must be CPR and First Aid Certified. Done.
Merged list of qualifications from which to produce an application letter and a resume:
The following list of qualifications will help me as a nursery school teacher:
1. I taught my five children how to read.
a. We read, sang, and played together much.
b. Teaching reading just happened naturally as each child was ready to learn to read.
2. I have also been a backup nursery leader for the community day.
a. I have planned and presented stories, songs, finger-plays and activities to do with the children.
b. I have planned and presented a short lesson to share with the children.
c. I have planned and presented an art activity to do with the children.
d. I have supervised their snack time and story time.
e. I have supervised outdoor activities and playground time.
3. I have also held a weekly story hour in my home.
a. I have planned and presented stories, songs, finger-plays and activities to do with the children.
b. I have planned and presented an art activity to do with the children.
c. I have supervised their snack time.
4. I have had numerous opportunities to teach within my church.
a. I have been the Sunday nursery leader at church for two years or more. This represents the children age 18 month to 3 years.
b. I have been the Sunbeam teacher at church for three years or more. This represents the children age 3 to 4 years.
5. I have spent countless hours helping in elementary classrooms, mostly from Kindergarten through 5th grades.
a. I helped with reading groups.
b. I assessed reading comprehension levels.
c. I helped to tutor those who were behind, both one-on-one and in groups.
d. I helped those who were behind use their reading in a reading group as a springboard for discussion and writing.
e. I helped those who were ahead with creative writing assignments.
6. We had a co-op, Joy School, for teaching pre-school when my children were young.
a. I would have the children for two mornings a week, about every 5th week.
b. I had a lesson plan to follow.
c. I taught them new songs and we did activities.
d. We did art projects.
e. We took nature walks and did projects.
7. I enjoy teaching and I am good at it.
a. I have been blessed with an ability to teach.
b. My greatest interest in teaching is to serve those who need it most.
c. I like working with the students who are behind and the students who are gifted.
d. I have strong language skills and a good writing ability that will be shared.
e. I am gifted at math and enjoy teaching it from Kindergarten level through middle school and into high school. (I have yet had no experience teaching anything above Algebra 2.)
f. I enjoy doing arts and crafts and sharing this talent and interest with children.
8. I am a first generation American.
a. My father is from Germany and my mother from N. Ireland.
b. I am sensitive to those who feel differently or don't see things the same way or learn things the same way as the majority.
c. I value diversity and do not think that everything must be done the same way.
d. I know that hard work brings positive results, but if there isn't some fun, everyone will lose interest.
Application letter:
My Address
Date
Name
Address
Salutation,
I would like to formally apply to fill the position of CAVA’s nursery teacher. I enjoy teaching pre-school children, but I am also busy home schooling my daughter and working towards my bachelor’s degree in Family Science. So this part-time position is of particular interest to me. You have asked me to teach this nursery class several times on short notice, so the children and the parents already know me.
I have studied child development. More importantly, because of my life experiences, I have a working knowledge. I have taught people of all ages and ethnicities. I have had the opportunity to teach preschool aged children many times: in my home, in a preschool parenting cooperative Joy School, and as a nursery leader in my church for a total of more than seven years. I have also volunteered in the public schools, working with children individually and in groups. I have tutored children who are behind and offered enrichment to those who are ahead.
My involvement with the Joy School curriculum helped me understand that a child’s learning environment should be warm, fun, and friendly. In working with my own children and tutoring other children, I understand that everyone has his own way of learning and of viewing the world. Because I have children that are gifted and children with ADD, because I am a first generation American myself, and because I live in a highly diverse population, I am sensitive to others and realize that a teacher must often be creative in order to reach each child. To me, every child is gifted and every child has a special need. I will provide an atmosphere that is warm and inviting, where each child will be able to participate and learn and grow. I will help the children in developing their pre-reading skills, their social skills, and their fine motor and gross motor coordination.
I have had much experience as a nursery teacher. I know how to run a balanced program with a variety of activities: free play time, lesson time, art activities, outdoor activities, snack time, story time, and singing time. I understand the importance of being a greeter as the parents arrive with the children and having a gathering activity that is engaging. I understand the importance of communication to the parents how their children fared during class and how they are progressing.
Thank you for your consideration,
Heidi
Resume:
My Name
Address
Job Objective: Nursery School Teacher at a Community Day
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Brigham Young University, Provo Utah (anticipated April 2012)
Major: Family Science
GPA: 3.3/3.8
Awards:
Stake Missionary Certificate(2 yr)1996
Ward Missionary Certificate(2 yr) 2002
Volunteer of the Year Award (Elementary)2002
Seminary Teaching Certificate(3 yr)2006
Employment:
Substitute Nursery Teacher 2009—2010
Receptionist/Clerical 1999---2003
Volunteer Service:
Classroom service:
Grades Pre-School through 5th grade
CAVA Community Day 2008—2010
Bonnie Oehl Elementary 2000—2002
Seneca Elementary 1994-1996
Joy School Teacher 1987-1988
Joy School Teacher 1992-1993
Private Tutoring 1992-2010
Church Service Among Primary Grades:
Counselor over Music and Nursery 1996—1998
Activity Day Girls (10-11)1992-1993
Church Nursery Leader (1 ½ -3)1991—1992
Church Nursery Leader 1985-1986
Sunbeam Teacher(3-4)1983-1984
Sunbeam Teacher 1976-1977
Special Skills: Reading Readiness,Arts and Crafts,Developing Fine and Gross Motor
Coordination,Learning through Music,Outdoor Appreciation,Kindness and Understanding
Sunday, February 14, 2010
What Love Means to Me Now
http://tinyurl.com/aolsvot
When I was young, I was in love with the idea of being in love. Now that I've lived a few years, I have found that love is constancy. It is a sweetheart that listens and cares and is there for you in good times and bad, that values you at your best and your worst. It is being that sweetheart for your mate. Love is holding your newborn child in your arms, and then holding that child again when he's a teenager or a grownup. Love is enjoying the simple pleasures of life with someone else; it is sharing those things with someone else. Love is not being afraid to be yourself in your sweetheart's presence. Love is being a better self because you are whole when you are with your special someone. Love is lifting that person up and helping him be his best self. "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." The collective memories of the love I've shared with my husband take my breath away. The individual quiet moments that we share in love making take my breath away. The children God has sent to us take my breath away. The memories of all our days together take my breath away. And all these things restore my breath, restore my hope, and give me new life.
The kind of love that Jesus has for us is called Charity. It is the kind of love that we should seek to develop in our relationships with one another:
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth...And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity ( See 1 Corinthians 13:4-13). Christ's love for us will never fail. It is always His purpose to lift us up. We should follow His example and work to love each other with an everlasting love and the desire to lift each other up.
I have been blessed with a wonderful husband. I am in love and in awe of his love. Happy Valentine's Day, dearest Bobby. I am in love with our beautiful children. We have six. I am in love with our Heavenly Father's plan. Because of His love for us, He sent His Only Begotten Son.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved (See John 3:16-17).
I am thankful that because of Jesus Christ's mission of love, my love for my family and their love for me can extend beyond the grave and throughout eternity.
I Stand All Amazed
by Charles H. Gabriel
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me
I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine
That he should extend his great love unto such as I
Sufficient to own, to redeem and to justify
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me
I think of his hands, pierced and bleeding to pay my debt
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me
Secure in the promise of life in his victory
Thus ransomed from death I will live to my Savior's praise
And sing of his goodness and mercy through endless days
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me
God is love. And God delights in us loving and serving one another. Happy Valentine's Day. Because of Christ's atonement, Love will conquer all.
Another blog about love:
Thankful for My Marriage
When I was young, I was in love with the idea of being in love. Now that I've lived a few years, I have found that love is constancy. It is a sweetheart that listens and cares and is there for you in good times and bad, that values you at your best and your worst. It is being that sweetheart for your mate. Love is holding your newborn child in your arms, and then holding that child again when he's a teenager or a grownup. Love is enjoying the simple pleasures of life with someone else; it is sharing those things with someone else. Love is not being afraid to be yourself in your sweetheart's presence. Love is being a better self because you are whole when you are with your special someone. Love is lifting that person up and helping him be his best self. "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." The collective memories of the love I've shared with my husband take my breath away. The individual quiet moments that we share in love making take my breath away. The children God has sent to us take my breath away. The memories of all our days together take my breath away. And all these things restore my breath, restore my hope, and give me new life.
The kind of love that Jesus has for us is called Charity. It is the kind of love that we should seek to develop in our relationships with one another:
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth...And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity ( See 1 Corinthians 13:4-13). Christ's love for us will never fail. It is always His purpose to lift us up. We should follow His example and work to love each other with an everlasting love and the desire to lift each other up.
I have been blessed with a wonderful husband. I am in love and in awe of his love. Happy Valentine's Day, dearest Bobby. I am in love with our beautiful children. We have six. I am in love with our Heavenly Father's plan. Because of His love for us, He sent His Only Begotten Son.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved (See John 3:16-17).
I am thankful that because of Jesus Christ's mission of love, my love for my family and their love for me can extend beyond the grave and throughout eternity.
I Stand All Amazed
by Charles H. Gabriel
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me
I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine
That he should extend his great love unto such as I
Sufficient to own, to redeem and to justify
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me
I think of his hands, pierced and bleeding to pay my debt
Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me
Secure in the promise of life in his victory
Thus ransomed from death I will live to my Savior's praise
And sing of his goodness and mercy through endless days
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me
Oh, it is wonderful
Wonderful to me
God is love. And God delights in us loving and serving one another. Happy Valentine's Day. Because of Christ's atonement, Love will conquer all.
Another blog about love:
Thankful for My Marriage
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