Body Language

Body Language is CRUTIAL in the way people act around eachother. with good body language, people convey that they are interested in what the other is talking about, and generally concerned for the topic. If we have our arms crossed, we are conveying that we are closed up, or hiding something from the other, this will slow down the conversation, and/or show the other person they really don't want to talk to the other person.

We did a little role playing. and this really put in real life situations of what could really happen. and this teaches us how we can really act around people. and ANY situation.

This week, we are really learning how to communicate well. we are getting alot out of this, while having fun.

Operation Wii

This week, our class decided to buy a Wii system for the special education class room. We planned this out, so we will be giving them a used TV and several Wii remotes and stuff. this will be a christmas present for the class room. We are really excited for this, so the kids will have a new way of interacting with games, and having fun in school.

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intellectual and emotional development insight

Today we talked about the emotional interactions of the kids in mr shaefer's class room. we talked specifically how we can help participate in social settings.

also, we talked about the way we play games and mentor them so they learn and develop healthy relationships with people.

Mission Statement

continuing with our project, we are in the midst of planning our mission. based off our mission statement. we spent an entire class period writing a mission statement. that obviously told me that it was really important to get what is true, and know what we are talking about.

A mission statement states what you truely believe.

I believe that school should be a fun yet successful environment that allows students to be themselves and feel comfortable around their peers. I believe that with our skills, we should be encouraging others above and below our education level.

With the project, we really need to look at who we are dealing with. and do the best we can to make our and their dreams come true.

Core Values. What it really means...

This week, and along with many other weeks of leadership class, we got on the topic of core values, and what you really believe in. Our guest speaker this week talked about how you decide what you do by what you truly believe in. other wise you won't want to do it.

When you have a job, i learned that you need to stand up for what you believe, and not do something if it's against your core values.

some examples of care values are trust and mutual respect. these to play a big part in how you communicate and listen to people around you, no matter what the situation is. if you don't have these to, you won't get to know the person in a way that will help you and him or her in the long run, whether in the workforce or in school.

Knowing what your core values are off the top of your head is crucial for decision making. cause sometimes you won't have time to look in your journal and see if it goes or doesn't go with what you believe in. you need to know what you believe.

being humble

This week, the class was really busy working on real life problem solving. Our group is working on the interaction between general education students, and special education students. While working on how to survey the students and teachers, we really needed to humble ourselves with what we were doing.

Our group is doing the most sensitive subject in the class. It can be really easy to offend someone with how we ask a question and talk about the subject. I think all four of us needed to realize that we really don't know the whole story, and we needed to rely on extra help and advice in how to approach certain ideas.

When the students we survey ask what we mean. I learned that we need to stand up for the special education students, and not act like we are interrogating them and making them feel worthless. Instead, we need to approach sensitive subjects with humility in a way that we won't offend anyone involved, or on the sidelines of the subject.

Real Life Leaders

This week, in leadership develop, we put our leadership skills to the test to solve a "problem" everyone was ready to go. the thing that stuck out the most to what was most important, was listening. When we are working in a big group, we have to define listening as something to allow everyone to be heard, and their ideas to be included. If everyone is talking freely, and rambling on about not relevant things, people who are talking through the problem solving can't be heard, and people don't know if ideas have been thought out before.

Because listening is so important, our group decided to put that in our code of cooperation, to make sure everyone was heard. We didn't want peoples ideas to be thrown out the window, so we listened, communicated, and wrote down everything to make sure it was said correctly.

Problem Solving

This week, i learned a lot about how to solve problems. The big thing i got out of the week though, it the huge importance of communication with the group you are working with. i learned that simple communications flaws such as lack of listening can totally ruin the system and pattern of finishing the process of solving a problem.

communication is very important in everything we do. whether we are shopping n the store, or leading a group.

Law of Choice

Choice. Everyone has them. Everyone wants them. But not everyone knows how to make them. When making decisions, you have to look at the big picture. How will it effect me, the people around me, and my future. When you are making a major purchase you should wait AT LEAST 24 hours. this eliminates all the emotion of REALLY wanting to buy it. and you are able to see if it would be a worthy buy.

the four D's of decision making are:
DON'T: don't do something if it's their job.
DELAY: if it should be done at a better time, wait
DELEGATE: if others can do it better, let them
DO IT: if you are equipped for the job DO IT!!!

Making decisions are necessary for a teenager, and you need to know how to make right decisions, otherwise you won't be happy with what you did.

Teenager Motivation

What are your favorite things to do? Play video games? Watch tv? Or cleaning up after your mom’s famous meatloaf? What we do determines who we are. Are you using your time wisely, or wasting away in front of a television? The point is, teenagers have prime opportunities to do good around them. We ARE the future, and we need to show everyone we are capable of GREAT things.

Most teenagers today think their “teenage” years are the time we they can be lazy, and relax before going out into the real world. I think everyone has that point in their life. I certainly have. Last year as a matter of fact, I spent hours on end on facebook, on the phone, and slacked A LOT on homework, only doing the major assignments. But after reading books about teenagers accomplishing great things, I saw that I have opportunities to do even the smallest things that can impact everyone around me. For example: encouraging people around me to have a good attitude and to work hard in what they do.

Today, I see people around me with amazing potential, and I can’t help but think that they are missing the point of the teenage years. But what is the point of being a teenager? I think it is to learn how to “survive” but also have fun. You can’t help but want to spend time on the computer. But instead of taking on the impossible quiz AGAIN, go take out the trash for your parents. Im sure they would appreciate it.

So I’m asking you, yes you, to take on this challenge with me. Lets teach our generation what it means to be a teenager. Together, lets set expectations that can help us grow to be successful adults. Cause eventually, we will be expected by adults. Why not change that to we are expected by adults today. Lets not waste our life.

Nickelbacks song, If Today was Your Last Day sums up what I’m trying to tell you.

“My best friend gave me the best advice, He said each days a gift and not a given right, Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind. And try to take the path less traveled by that the first step taken is your longest stride.”

Thank-you

First Followers Video

After watching to "First Followers" video on Edmodo. the first thing I thought of is that it is important to be your self. If that one man in the beginning was scared to dance, he would have never inspired the others to start dancing. The people who followed him will leave with an impact like " wow, i really don't lead people as much as i should." or " hey! that was fun! maybe i should start doing that sometimes!"

It really does inspire people, and people have fun when leaders step up and make the fun for everyone else. Even the simple things like bringing food for a class, or dancing through the hallways make people laugh, and lead people to do the same.

The biggest thing i got out of the video, is that a leader allows fun for the others, and leads people to step up and make fun for others.

October Goals :)

after much thought on what i thought was the top five biggest things i want/ needed to accomplish this next month, i came up with these:

1. Finish reading one more book on my " to-read" list for my junior year.

2. Show up, and participate in ALL the church activities and meetings that i should be part of.

3. Don't use facebook when i know i need to do homework, have quiet time, do chores, or getting ready for something.

4. Don't take free/extra time for granite... use it to accomplish something on my "to-do" list

5. Don't spend money on UNnecessary items such as clothes, snacks, etc...

Core Values

Core Values are important for anyone. Leader or no leader, everyone needs core values... then again everyone HAS core values. whether or not they are good.

My core values include basic and none basic values i have.
1. Faith- always comes first, anchor of life.
2. Family- longest lasting relationships
3. Relationships- get advice, and supports from
4. Books- gives my guidance including Bible
5. Work- base of finances

"When on bases his life on principle, 99% of his decisions are made." Anonymous

Vision

What is vision. The dictionary describes it as the act or power of sensing with your eyes; seeing. When talking about leadership, vision is described as a dream with purpose; goal aspiring to reach. there is definitely a difference in these definitions.

When a person has a good vision, they spend time to think about what they want to achieve in there life time, and how they can impact the people around them. that is what you call a dream. people should have goals and dreams, but there is a difference between those two. goals are short term, and they have a deadline to achieve it, otherwise it wouldn't get accomplished. a vision is a long term "goal" that is what you want to achieve in your lifetime. Dreams are a crucial part of a person's life. otherwise people wouldn't get anywhere with what they do.

In the movie "The Pursuit of Happiness" Chris Gardner ( Will Smith) has a dream to be a stock broker. His dream gets shot down by all the people around him, but he still has determination to strive to get the one job opening. after risking all he had: hitting rock bottom, and being homeless for months, he finds out he was offered the job. At the end of the movie, Chris is in tears because he finally had a dream, and the dream came true. And he will finally give his son a good life.

So what i got out of this week, is that when leaders want to achieve something, they need to have a vision in where they want to go, and where they are now. Leaders need to make small goals that will lead to a bigger vision.

I hope to impact the people around me with the visions i have.

"It is better to lose your life than to waste it." -John Piper

how we know what we know

with the guest speaker, we talked about how we know what we know, and discussed using critical thinking skills. The discussions we had, enabled me to voice my opinion easier, and the class was open to discuss everyone's opinions freely. It really taught me patience with others, that not everyone has the same views about certain topics.


How we know what we know. I don't think that statement gets anymore complicated. It's all about how everyone has different bias opinions. and that the world should be open to new ideas, and willing to change.

Willing to change is a HUGE deal in today's society. I think that everyone should be open to change. Whether in the work force, at home, or in their leisure time, people should notice wrong, and try to change it. THEY should be willing to change. Knowing what we know is all about recognizing what we know, and figuring out how we know it. As in, was it a family value? a drastic change in your life? a common belief? peer pressure? that made you "know" this.

If I died.

if i died today. what would people think of me. i hope people would think i am an influence to the people around me. i hope people would say nice things about how i lived my life, or how i put forth effort in striving to be leader to the people around me, and how i served the Lord with everything i did. I hope people would see the things i did as an accomplishment.

If i died today. i would want the people at my funeral to be happy about the way i lived my life. i would want them to praise the Lord, because I would finally be home. I would want everyone to be united for atleast that one day, and rejoice that i am finally healed, and free from sin.

If i died today, i would want people to love eachother, because i loved them. i would want everyone to say good things about me. such as: how i lived my life for Christ, or how i worked hard everyday, and strived to be a leader. I would want them to quote the bible for everything i did. And i want them to thank the Lord for the wonderful life that He gave me. and how i lived it to the fullest.

My Daily Dozen, Minus 6

As we talked about in leadership class, people with goals in mind need to have a set list of things they need to strive to achieve every single day of their life. As an assignment, we are supposed to write our own daily set list of goals.

1. I strive to have a good/ great attitude for everything i do. Whether i like what i am doing or not.
2. To live on a rock foundation of faith and to let my light shine to everyone around me.
3. keep an accountability with someone to keep my goals in line.
4. To be willing to change for the better, even if i think it won't work out.
5. To have trust, especially if i think something isn't going to work out.
6. To love.... even my enemies.

Leadership

What I got out of this last week of leadership development is that we have to be humble, and willing to get out of our comfort zones to lead a group. we also have to push our limits, otherwise we are not going to get anywhere in our position. relying on what we believe will encourage us to work hard, and aim towards the prize in the end. Every time i think about leadership, i go back to the week i spent preparing for being a drum major, the most powerful student in the marching band. we spent three hours one day talking about how people will respond to what we say to people. and i think about how i have changed in how i talk to people, or how i lead people in the right direction. This class is helping me grow in so many directions. especially in my faith. andhow to apply my leadership in the church setting.

Low Expections of Teens

As I continue to go to school this fall, I realize what my teachers expect from us. I learned a lot over the summer and low expectations from teenagers, and how the authorities in today's society don't expect us to do much. For example: teachers lower the amounts of homework for us, because we don't have "time" to finish it.

We, teenagers, think we are too busy to do something, or finish something. Or think we are too good to do chores around the house, or hold the door for the elders walking behind us.

Teenagers need to think of themselves as "young adults" and work harder, make goals, and strive to be a leader. Teenagers have the best ability to accomplish something, and get it done, they just have to have their mind set to it. Just like finishing the last level of their favorite video game. that's what doing chores that everyone hates should be like. EVERYTHING we do should be done with a positive attitude, otherwise we won't finish it. Finishing a small task will lead to finishing big task which will continue in the right direction to become a better person, and a role model.

Do Hard Things.....Hopefully

So I've been reading this book. It's called "Do Hard Things" by alex and Brett Harris. I'm sure alot of you have read it, or heard about it. but it has me thinking.... am i working hard?? not in a breaking sweat, sore muscles kind of way, but serving others, and striving towards a better world. Even though I am only 16, almost 17 years old, i feel as though there are a TON of ways that i can help improve the community around me. I, being the busy girl i am, spend a large portion of my time volunteering. Working at East Iowa Bible Camp, volunteering as a VBS teacher, Childrens Church teacher, Church Board Trustee. i spend a lot of time serving God, but i still feel like i could be doing more. The book has taught me that I should rely on God for everything I do. And that nothing can be done without God's work. I don't expect to be sent all the way over to China to speak truth to them, but I hope I have opportunities this upcoming school year to work with others in a way i haven't before. And work before the Lord to get the work done.

This book has also encouraged me to have a good attitude towards ALL the work i do. Whether its scrubbing toilets, doing loads of dishes, or spending hours upon end folding clothes. (even though i know the costumers are going to destroy what i just fixed as soon as I walk away.) and that simple, small, things around the house should be done with a smile on my face. I learned that lightening the load of work for others with have a positive impact on my life. Even though it's hard in the initial moment of working.

Even though I look like a stereotypical teenager, i strive to work hard, and get the most out of my teenage years. Colossians 3:23 says: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

So after half my summer, i figured i should actually WRITE something on the blog I set up.... so here it goes.
As a sixteen year old, i feel like i have done alot in my spare time, serving others, making money, doing WAY too many chores compared to the ordinary teenager.
from June 7th to July 10th, i was working at the best place in the world, East Iowa Bible Camp. i wasn't paid, but it definitely paid off with all the great memories i created. working at a summer camp allows you to meet so many new people, and soon they are your best friends. i, personally, loved serving the other staff and campers. i worked in the kitchen, did dishes, and cleaned the bathrooms. not the most glamorous job in the world, but working with the best people ever makes the job well worth it. this was my second, and final summer working there, since i need to make money for my future. bleh. oh well, God has a plan for me. and this summer i have definitely seen him work in me.
Another event that has worked for the better in my life is being a VBS teacher. I've always said growing up, that i would never EVER teach. even if i was going to die. I don't teach. Period. But God gave me the courage to work with 1st and 2nd graders and teach them about Jesus. It wasn't always easy. especially for the girl who disliked teaching to great lengths, but i got through it. And in the end, i feel like i can teach more. things like this makes me smile, proof that God has done something drastic for my future, not that i plan on being a teacher when i grow up or anything.
for the next couple weeks i will be back at Old Navy. My place of employment. It's a really nice place to work, except for that fact that it's retail. working there reminds me of school again. and soon i will be going back and learning and reading again. this really excites me because i have learned so much about myself this summer. Not only with what i want to do in my future, but what God has been doing in my life. it's so great.
then there's band camp. oh the good ol' memories of that as a under classman. this year i will be drum majoring the entire band. it's kind of nerve wrecking, but i know that with the help of the other drum major's and the band director, i will be great, and we will have a great and successful year for the raider marching band.
On August 7th, our church is making a journey to montreal, Canada. Once again i will be teaching. Only WAY harder than VBS. our church is teaching french speaking canadians english. i am not sure how hard this will be, but i pray that God will let it be a stress free week, and that we have fun and success in what we do. leaving a path for the long terms missionaries.
the next week i go back to school!! baaahhh!! who would have thunk that this summer would have gone by so fast! i wouldn't have. oh well. i know that God has definitely worked in my life. i can see it. which i don't usually see it right away. it's a great feeling that i am working for the Lord, i am ready to finish the race.
philippians 2:12-13 says:

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

this always reminds me of the Holy spirit working in us. Joshua Harris says the Holy Spirit has changed us, is changing us, and will change us. so we are always changing for the better. so i work for the Lord, change for the better, and aiming to win the prize.