Be Optimistic NOT Downimistic

Finding the bright side of a situation can sometimes lead to frustration. 27% of times there may not even be a bright side to something, but as humans we must find a way to overcome the fact that life isn't always sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. Although yes, I agree it would be amazing if it were.

Honestly, this is something I just recently had to accept. As circumstances with dying family members and a chaotic school year suppressed me each day, I had to learn many things: talk to family and friends, but most importantly talk to the ultimate friend of life that will never leave me nor forsake me in times of difficulty, Jesus Christ. 

He will turn fearful into faithful,  and the storms of life into isles of grace. And the coolest thing about it is to simply trust Him! Yeah, my GOD is that powerful! 

Standing in the car rider line today just doing my duty...my friend and I asked a former student if he remembers what optimistic meant. He proceeded to tell us it meant looking on the bright side. And so we then asked him what the opposite to optimistic was and his answer was indeed: Downimistic. 

We are all on this journey together. Let's make the best of it and be the best Christians we can be! With the help of other Chrisian support, we will be able to fight the gloomy day battle and overcome Downimisticness once and for all. 

"In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?" Psalm 11:1 

Man vs..........

It's been quite a while since I have been able to sit down and chat with all of my blogsters. A plethora of things have consumed my life, and one of those has been starting a new school year. And as all teachers now, a new school year means a totally different group of kids and personalities. 

To demonstrate my perspective on this matter, I will start by sharing this:

Introducing conflict...I ask the kids what the four types of conflict are before teaching them anything on this matter. 

 So, they tell me...

1. Man vs. Food (as you know, TV show)

2. Man vs. Predator (movie, I think?)

3. Man vs. Wild (yet another TV show)

4. Man vs. Wife (go figure)

Instead of...

1. Man vs. Man

2. Man vs. Nature

3. Man vs. Society

4. Man vs. Self 

Regardless of how much TV they watch, through a co-teacher and I demonstrating these scenarios in real life ways (somewhat pranks), they will now NEVER forget the legit 4 types of conflict...and they have stated that conflict demonstration/prank day was their favorite day of 6th grade so far!

Never a dull moment with middle schoolers!