So, a little over a month later I am back. Apparently my newly rekindled love for blogging had a short shelf life. So we try again. I recently joined a group of teachers at my school to be part of a leadership team that helps learn and teach new strategies to our campus. I think it will overall be a good experience although it has taken a bit more time then I first had anticipated. Anyways, the point is that we had our first meeting last week and we were presented with three questions:
1) Why are we in this line of work?
2) Why do you do what you do everyday?
3) What does success in this job look like?
First of all, I had a hard time distinguishing between the first two questions, but even aside from that I had a hard time answering them.
At first, I started in with all the cliches... I want to make a difference, I love kids and all that jazz, but honestly it has to go deeper than that because this job is rough and not the most profitable for the amount of time spent, but yet I come back every year. I was only given a few minutes to think about it, but even if I had more time, I think my answer would be the same. My ultimate goal in life is to share God's love with others and glorify Him. I am not sure exactly how I ended up teaching, but now that I am here that is what motivates me everyday. I am really glad I was able to remember that because it is so easy to get bogged down by other goals teachers hold dear - getting the best data, making money, controlling your classroom etc. But the main thing I should focus on is loving these kids and helping them become the best people they can by the end of this year. Day to day my goal is to teach them math, but not just so my data looks good, but so that they can learn and grow and be more successful. I really do think that I become better and better at my job every year, but I still think I forget the most important part sometimes. Loving these kids and guiding them to be their best selves. Ok, that all I got. Just a reminder for myself. Hopefully I can see this later when my focus shifts, but thankfully I also have lovely friends who can call me out if needed. So friends, as always, please call me out when I get lost. As always, I appreciate it and appreciate you. Krafft out:)
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Monday, September 9, 2013
You know how you have that friend, who you haven't talked to in forever, but think about all the time, but the longer you go without talking, the harder it is to pick up the phone?...that's me and my blog
I can't remember what exactly prompted my leap into the blogging world, and I certainly don't know what caused my indifferent abandonment of it, but I am trying to be more of a "doer" and less of a "talk/think about it and never actually do it-er". I have started running again, am getting much better at reading my Bible more consistently, have prayer cards and journals that haven't been completely thrown aside yet, am trying to make new friends at work, and really just live life. Recently I was googling myself, am I the only self-centered person who does that?, and re-found my blog. I kept trying to start it up again, but the more time passed, the more difficult it became. How do I summarize the last 15+ months- especially when they have been some of the most challenging, and life changing months I've ever experienced. Do I just pick up from here and warn: " You're joining the program already in progress' ( That's for you Agins and Joy) , or do I somehow fill the blogging world in on everything that's gone down? .
I started looking back at some of my blogs, which is sort of like looking through an old photo album or home videos, and it's kind of strange. Ok, dirty secret time: I -love-reality-TV. I am not exaggerating when I say that I had an entire summer one year devoted to the Kardashians... I hope you all don't judge me too harshly. Now it is more like Duck Dynasty or Top Chef types, which makes me feel less ashamed...maybe. Anyways, I always felt a bit envious that they have their lives on film. Whether it is to help settle a spat between spouses ( who actually said what and when) or just to see yourself from a new perspective. Maybe even more important would be to see change and growth. I feel like sometimes I am a raft drifting at sea, where in the day by day moments I feel hardly any movement at all, until one day I look up and see I am miles from shore. ( Which can either be a good, or not so good thing) Reading my old blogs kind of helped me see a snapshot of my life ( well at least the summer/fall of 2011) All of this is to say, I like my photo story telling blogs, but was more struck my by earlier blogs that were just my thoughts on a page. Honestly I can look at my pictures on facebook or instrgram or whatever to remember the amazing things I have done, but I don't often get to revisit the actual thoughts or feelings I had when I was doing them. I am becoming less interested in the places I go and more in interested in why I go there, and who I go with, and how it affected me. Unfortunately, that might make it a little more boring to the like 5 people who read this, but I think years from now, I will appreciate those more. Now of course, some things deserve pictures and shout outs(ahem, Alaska), but I think I am steering this more int he direction of how I, Erin Krafft, am trying to live life. Specifically, live a life "worth of the calling to which I have been called" ( Ephesians 4:1). Wish me luck, dear friends..
I started looking back at some of my blogs, which is sort of like looking through an old photo album or home videos, and it's kind of strange. Ok, dirty secret time: I -love-reality-TV. I am not exaggerating when I say that I had an entire summer one year devoted to the Kardashians... I hope you all don't judge me too harshly. Now it is more like Duck Dynasty or Top Chef types, which makes me feel less ashamed...maybe. Anyways, I always felt a bit envious that they have their lives on film. Whether it is to help settle a spat between spouses ( who actually said what and when) or just to see yourself from a new perspective. Maybe even more important would be to see change and growth. I feel like sometimes I am a raft drifting at sea, where in the day by day moments I feel hardly any movement at all, until one day I look up and see I am miles from shore. ( Which can either be a good, or not so good thing) Reading my old blogs kind of helped me see a snapshot of my life ( well at least the summer/fall of 2011) All of this is to say, I like my photo story telling blogs, but was more struck my by earlier blogs that were just my thoughts on a page. Honestly I can look at my pictures on facebook or instrgram or whatever to remember the amazing things I have done, but I don't often get to revisit the actual thoughts or feelings I had when I was doing them. I am becoming less interested in the places I go and more in interested in why I go there, and who I go with, and how it affected me. Unfortunately, that might make it a little more boring to the like 5 people who read this, but I think years from now, I will appreciate those more. Now of course, some things deserve pictures and shout outs(ahem, Alaska), but I think I am steering this more int he direction of how I, Erin Krafft, am trying to live life. Specifically, live a life "worth of the calling to which I have been called" ( Ephesians 4:1). Wish me luck, dear friends..
Monday, June 25, 2012
An Oldie but a Goodie
Whenever I am not sure where to go in my Bible, or if ever I am just feeling indifferent about reading God's word, I always turn to Philippians. It is my favorite book in the Bible. Are we supposed to have favorites? Is it more like your children, where you love them all equally, or like my students where I act like I love them all equally but secretly have favorites? Either way, I love Philippians, but sometimes I feel like its a cop out to turn to the same book I have read a million times....until I start reading. Paul challenges us so many times in this book, it is anything but an easy read.
The first verse that sticks with me is one of hope... " I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ"- God used this verse in a very profound way in my life right before I left for Africa. We had training camp in Georgia before we went- it was filled with biting ants,tents, red clay that ruined everything I had that was white, and no real bathrooms- it was a treat.
But God used that time to really dig in deep to many of the people there, before we were sent out. One night we were having a worship service/rally thing. I can't even tell you what sparked it, but by the middle of the worship set I was crying uncontrollably, seriously doubting that I could do this. I had absolutely no faith that God was still working in me, that I could go and represent him to another people, in another part of the world. I felt hopeless, desparate and completely unworthy. Just then a man by the name of Ben walked over to me- he was one of the leaders, but I had never spoken to him before. He leaned down next to my crumpled, sobbing body and just quoted that verse...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.... and walked away. God's words spoke directly against the lies that I had been beliving- it was exactly what I needed to hear.
Most people know the verse " For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.", but I really like the next verse...." If i am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me."- A big challenge- Is my life really fruitful labor? Sometimes, but often I think I am just living day to day, for myself, being completely unfruitful... What an eye opening reminder to plug back into God and live a fruitful, laborful, life.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ- Wow. Can you get any more challenging than this? Worthy of the Gospel- do you know how much the gospel of Christ is worth?! And to live a life worthy of it...to me, this is the biggest and most applicable challenge. Luckily, Paul continues with a few more challenges that can help us achieve this....
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourself. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others..." Its not all about you, Erin... give it up.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is your in Christ Jesus.... who made himself nothing taking the form of a servant...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross" If the son of God, who was equal to God can take the form of a servant and be humbled, who am I to hang onto my pride?
"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as light of the world" I'm not sure if you have talked to me much lately...especially while teaching, but boy was I a grumbler! And now you would think, well you aren't teaching much this summer, you must be happy! Nope, grumbling Erin returns and I am here complaining and questioning not being able to work much this summer! It seems no matter what I am doing, or not doing, grumbling comes into the picture for me. What a thought though, not grumbling can help you shine as the lights of the world in a crooked and twisted generation! Think about how great a witness you could be, just by not complaining all the time. What a challenge.
And that's just the first two chapters!!!
Anyways, I just felt very challenged and thought maybe if I share it with the world I can a) have some accountability for actually working towards living a life worthy of the gospel, and b) maybe encourage/challenge some of my friends out there too:) P.S I purposefully didn't put verse numbers in there, so you will have to go find them yourself:)!
Im going to go keep reading and see what else God has in store for me.. Krafft out!:)
The first verse that sticks with me is one of hope... " I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ"- God used this verse in a very profound way in my life right before I left for Africa. We had training camp in Georgia before we went- it was filled with biting ants,tents, red clay that ruined everything I had that was white, and no real bathrooms- it was a treat.
But God used that time to really dig in deep to many of the people there, before we were sent out. One night we were having a worship service/rally thing. I can't even tell you what sparked it, but by the middle of the worship set I was crying uncontrollably, seriously doubting that I could do this. I had absolutely no faith that God was still working in me, that I could go and represent him to another people, in another part of the world. I felt hopeless, desparate and completely unworthy. Just then a man by the name of Ben walked over to me- he was one of the leaders, but I had never spoken to him before. He leaned down next to my crumpled, sobbing body and just quoted that verse...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.... and walked away. God's words spoke directly against the lies that I had been beliving- it was exactly what I needed to hear.
Most people know the verse " For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.", but I really like the next verse...." If i am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me."- A big challenge- Is my life really fruitful labor? Sometimes, but often I think I am just living day to day, for myself, being completely unfruitful... What an eye opening reminder to plug back into God and live a fruitful, laborful, life.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ- Wow. Can you get any more challenging than this? Worthy of the Gospel- do you know how much the gospel of Christ is worth?! And to live a life worthy of it...to me, this is the biggest and most applicable challenge. Luckily, Paul continues with a few more challenges that can help us achieve this....
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourself. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others..." Its not all about you, Erin... give it up.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is your in Christ Jesus.... who made himself nothing taking the form of a servant...he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross" If the son of God, who was equal to God can take the form of a servant and be humbled, who am I to hang onto my pride?
"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as light of the world" I'm not sure if you have talked to me much lately...especially while teaching, but boy was I a grumbler! And now you would think, well you aren't teaching much this summer, you must be happy! Nope, grumbling Erin returns and I am here complaining and questioning not being able to work much this summer! It seems no matter what I am doing, or not doing, grumbling comes into the picture for me. What a thought though, not grumbling can help you shine as the lights of the world in a crooked and twisted generation! Think about how great a witness you could be, just by not complaining all the time. What a challenge.
And that's just the first two chapters!!!
Anyways, I just felt very challenged and thought maybe if I share it with the world I can a) have some accountability for actually working towards living a life worthy of the gospel, and b) maybe encourage/challenge some of my friends out there too:) P.S I purposefully didn't put verse numbers in there, so you will have to go find them yourself:)!
Im going to go keep reading and see what else God has in store for me.. Krafft out!:)
Monday, June 11, 2012
Sooo... It has officially been half a year since I last blogged. I feel so lame, because I love blogging but totally slacked. So, lets start off with a recap and then look forward!
January (and sort of December) going back to Tucson/Phoenix was the most amazing trip ever! I love all my friends so much- lets just do a picture recap!
February- We started attending a small group which has really really blessed us. It is a group of people who genuinely love God and want a deep relationship with Him and others. Its been wonderful. We get together every week and study the Word and have been hanging out other times too. I love it!
I also ran my first 5k! It was so fun! I did really well, ran the whole thing and was even faster than I thought. I really liked it- now its a million degrees out but when it cools down I will totally run another!
March- March was rather uneventful. Springbreak was neat, spent a lot of time at the park... and moving on
April- My birthday! I had an amazing week! Allison came down and so did Shawna and we had much fun! Tons of people came to my birthday dinner where we ate yummy burgers and fries, then we had a girls breakfast and shopping day, my first crawfish boil, and lots of hanging out time! It was awesome!
Easter was pretty great too!
May- Lots of fun events in May- I got to go to the park and see Ragtime and the Ballet with girl friends, it was Shane's birthday, and my best friend Shawna got engaged!
June- School is done! Shane and I celebrated our 4th anniversary ( woo hoo!) and I got to visit my momma! Blog about that soon to come- you know how I do it, you hear nothing for months and then millions of updates- get excited.
Anyways, I just wanted to write and catch up. I like blogging because it reminds me how much God has blessed me with! I really am happier in Houston than ever before and I am so excited about this summer- Already hit up Colorado and visited the momma, July is a time for Phoenix, Tucson and California with the Kraffts, then comes August which brings an amazing Alaskan Cruise with the Tauschs! Super excited:) Krafft Out!
January (and sort of December) going back to Tucson/Phoenix was the most amazing trip ever! I love all my friends so much- lets just do a picture recap!
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| Eat delicious Tucsony foods |
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| We got to walk around U of A! |
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| See old friends |
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| I love her |
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| Amazing Elf Party!!! |
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| We were all amazed by how great the boys did decorating! |
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| Of course Winterhaven and Michael Miller time |
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| Favorite place |
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| Christmas at Church! |
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| Christmas morning time! Paisley didn't enjoy the photo shoot:) |
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| We shot guns! |
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| I was nervous |
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| Paisley hated my dad's tortiose |
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| Here we were about to devour delicious ice cream! |
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| New Years Eve! |
February- We started attending a small group which has really really blessed us. It is a group of people who genuinely love God and want a deep relationship with Him and others. Its been wonderful. We get together every week and study the Word and have been hanging out other times too. I love it!
I also ran my first 5k! It was so fun! I did really well, ran the whole thing and was even faster than I thought. I really liked it- now its a million degrees out but when it cools down I will totally run another!
March- March was rather uneventful. Springbreak was neat, spent a lot of time at the park... and moving on
April- My birthday! I had an amazing week! Allison came down and so did Shawna and we had much fun! Tons of people came to my birthday dinner where we ate yummy burgers and fries, then we had a girls breakfast and shopping day, my first crawfish boil, and lots of hanging out time! It was awesome!
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May- Lots of fun events in May- I got to go to the park and see Ragtime and the Ballet with girl friends, it was Shane's birthday, and my best friend Shawna got engaged!
June- School is done! Shane and I celebrated our 4th anniversary ( woo hoo!) and I got to visit my momma! Blog about that soon to come- you know how I do it, you hear nothing for months and then millions of updates- get excited.
Anyways, I just wanted to write and catch up. I like blogging because it reminds me how much God has blessed me with! I really am happier in Houston than ever before and I am so excited about this summer- Already hit up Colorado and visited the momma, July is a time for Phoenix, Tucson and California with the Kraffts, then comes August which brings an amazing Alaskan Cruise with the Tauschs! Super excited:) Krafft Out!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011
Here are some of my highlights from 2011....
Ok that was a little much...lets move on
- Celebrated my 3rd year anniversary with Shaneface! We went to Austin as a belated celebration, but just the fact that we finished out our 3rd year and started a 4th and feel closer than ever just makes me happy.
- PAISLEY!!! She has been a wonderful edition to our little family- she is so low matinence, super sweet and fun fun fun! Look how cute she is...
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| Silly Pups |
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| Sleepyface |
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| She likes to rest her head on my computer while I work |
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| So cuddly!! |
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| The only 30 seconds of her life when she got to wear bows- she takes them off immediately |
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| Her and her friend Pogo |
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| Just Chillin with Shane |
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| Look at those sweet eyes |
- Friends! Joe and Jillian came to town and we have been hanging out more and more with the Belgard's making life way more fun!
Babies! Our friends the Belgard's were blessed with baby Boone and my cousins adopted little Micah! It has been fun falling in love with my new little friends.
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| Boone then... |
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| Boone now! |
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| Micah then... |
Micah now!
- Visits from friends and family! Shane's family came, my mom, my dad, little Adam, Shawna and Matt George all came to visit! Each trip was wonderfully fun!
- Weddings- lots of weddings that brought old friends together!!
- I phones!! Its silly but I am so happy we got our I phones:)
- Christmas Break- I had such a wonderful time back in Arizona. Seeing all our friends in Tucson and hanging with family in Phoenix was good for my soul. In a few days I will get all the pics on my computer so I can devote a whole blog about our lovely 2 weeks home.
Now lets look onto 2012! Shane and I did some resolutions/goals...we will keep you updated on how they go! A rough look involves more Bible reading, learning to play piano, expanding our horizons when it comes to cooking, and the obvious one: being more healthy. Here is to 2012!!!!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Apparently school started...
I have tried really hard this year not to let school consume every corner of my life. I think I have been more successful, but the blog is definitely something that got the cut. Here is a recap of my fall:
Weddings- I just posted all about the lovely weddings I was able to attend!
Work- School started and boy is it a million times better this year. Our administration changed and I have a totally new team, plus a lot of the same kids. All that results in tons and tons less stress. Can I just say- I LOVE MY TEAM!!! Working with people who are also your friends makes life a million times better!
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| These are my co-workers,lunch buddies, sanity preservers and favorite ladies!(PS it was Nerd Day) |
Church- we started going to Houston's First Downtown and are slowly getting involved in the young married people bible study. I made a friend on Sunday! We might hang out- it will be awesome. I am very hopeful for more involvement and relationships after Christmas as we start the new year.
Pumpkin Party!!!- I was so excited to hold a pumpkin party this year and have friends to attend it! Our pumpkins were aweeeesoooommmeee!! It was also fabulous because there was a Tucson pumpkin party happening simultaneously and thanks to the wonders of technology we got to i chat and enjoy our Tucson friends too!
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| We named him Sams after our Tucson loves! |
Dad- My papa came to visit us! We had so much fun- we also had a visit from Flat Stanley that weekend from Shane's cousin so most of the pictures used to show my dad weekend also have Flat Stanley in them:)
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| We went to the museum! |
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| There were crazy cars in the parking lot! |
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| We went to Kemah! |
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| There was a jazz festival! |
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| My dad and I rode the roller coaster! Shane and flat Stanley watched:) |
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| We went to the park... |
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| We went to the Original Ninfa's on Navigation and had the best Mexican food of my life- no joke |
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| We even went to Hermann park and watched a Salsa band and dancers! |
It was a really fun weekend with the papa!
Paisley - Our puppy is doing great! She is super low maintenance, very sweet and even learned a few tricks!This video is old, now she can lay down and almost roll over too!
We broke her for a few days...but she is doing better. We made the mistake of busting out a laser pointer and having a really fun time making her go crazy with it! She is a hunter a heart- lizards, squirrels, bugs and apparently little red dots. It was really entertaining to make her run round and round and freak out all over the apartment. Then we started feeling cruel so we stopped. Unfortunately, in the short time of hunting the red dot, she became obsessed. After we put the laser pointer away she continued to search for it for hours...days even. She would run all around and start searching for it. She would stare at the walls, jump on the couch for a better view...it was sad. Needless to say, she will never meet the little red dot again.
Thanksgiving- We had a friends-giving a few weeks before at our friend's the More's house- It was really yummy and fun to see friends! Actual Thanksgiving Shane and I spent together at home. We tried to do Meals on Wheels but failed because there were tons of volunteers so we got sent away. We went to the zoo instead and had a yummy turkey. We got to hang out with our friends the Mosier's the next night and go on a date night to see the Muppet movie on Saturday so it was a wonderful weekend!!
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| My favorite part of Thanksgiving- Cranberries! |
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| Friends-giving! |
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| Shane's turkey was really yummy! |
Random fun things- we have been enjoying hanging with friends, especially Jillian and Joe ( our new Texan amigos!) and our friends the Belgards- see cute baby picture below. Having good friends like them have made this year in Houston a lot better than the last.
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| Boone!! |
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| Jillian friend! |
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| Melissa made me my first Gumbo- it was delightful1! |
Christmas- Now it is almost Christmas time! Shane and I (and Paisley) are super excited to go back to Tucson and then to Phoenix to see all our friends and family!! We can't wait! So- there it is, my life in a nut shell. If I forgot anything I will be sure to do a mini post- but that seems like about it!
Krafft OUT!
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