Deep Water

I remember a little tidbit I learned in Bible class in high school. You may have heard this somewhere along the way as well. In Biblical times people, both Christian and non-Christian, were afraid of deep water. All you have to do is watch an episode of River Monster to understand why. Deep water is teeming with strange and amazing creatures. Some soft and gentle, others a little less than gentle:

To live during a time with no scuba diving gear, no submersibles and pre-Jacque Cousteau era...I would be a bit concerned about dipping my foot in deep water where guys like this one and his buddies make their home as well!

Fisherman, like Peter and many of the disciples, spent most of their time dropping nets in waters that were relatively shallow. Plenty of fish swim in 12 feet or less depths of water, nets are effective when they reach to the floor of the lake and the fisherman do not need to spend time in the deep water, which was viewed as chaotic and fear-inducing.  

Bearing this in mind, I find it interesting to note Jesus' words when he begins to call his disciples found in Luke 5:4 "When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water, and let down the nets for a catch". And, as you know, catch they did! Hmmm....why were they told to venture first into the chaos and fearful section of the lake? 

Look again at the well-known story of Jesus walking on the water. The disciples were "a considerable distance from the shore" we read in Matthew 14:24. And, it's out in that deep, scary part of the water that Jesus calls Peter to step out and "Come" to him. 

Jesus does call us out into deep water. We are walking with families who are dear to us through a time in life that is seemingly chaotic and fear-inducing. But, Jesus is here with us. He has called us to be here. As in the stories from the Bible, Jesus reaches out and holds us up. We have children across the seas. God is there. We have a sister, a mother, a dear friend undergoing treatment and beyond treatment. God is here. He calls us to trust. He comforts us with strength. He calls us here and we find Him. 

Peggy undergoes surgery tomorrow morning at 10:30. Please pray with me that the procedure will be successful. Please pray boldly and humbly for a miracle. Her life is chaotic. She doesn't want to be in this deep water. Let's pray for and with her and her family. 

Those of you on our team also in deep water, we pray with you and for you. We ask every day for strength, patience and we trust in God's immeasurable grace and peace that passes our understanding. Let's help each other put our trust in Him. 

Lia, thank you for the sensitive and timely devotional this week. If I may, I'd like to share the verse you read to us found in 1 Corinthians 1:3-6:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 

Staff Meeting
We will have a staff meeting on Thursday, February 11 from 11:45-12:30.

Robotics Team

The high school and middle school robotics team is excited about our Makers Week endeavor. They asked me if they could present their robots to our students. If you would like to participate with your class in this presentation all our invited to the gym on Thursday, February 18 at 9:00. I anticipate perhaps a 20-25 minute presentation. The middle school robot is apparently kid friendly. They have offered to "tour" classrooms with this robot from 9:30-10:00. If you would NOT like to be interrupted with this robot, please let me know. Otherwise, they will travel from class to class from 9:30-10:00 allowing kids to try out their robot.

Walk for Warmth
Our running club has run a cumulative 55 miles just on Wednesday's lunch recess. If you could encourage your students to find 55 cents at home to donate, we'll have a nice amount to put toward a family struggling with a shut-off notice at home.

PD Details

• Breakfast is served on main street from 8:00-8:30
• Lunch from 11:45-12:30
• Snacks provided
• Our day should close at 3:00

We'll work on the Biblical narrative and entering information into Rubicon. I hope that you find the day a productive one!

Makers Week Supplies
I have been placing orders and will go mega-shopping next week. However, if you need items that I cannot purchase such as cardboard boxes or paper towel tubes, would you please advertise this need in your classroom blog? My concern about asking for toilet paper tubes in the elementary all-school blog is we'll be crushed under the weight of toilet paper tubes. If you ask and do not receive from your parents or if you wonder what materials you should ask for, please don't hesitate to talk with me. I'll help you navigate the material-gathering conundrum. Thank you for once again embarking on this important and alternative week with our students. I know it add "one more thing" and this is a biggie! I hope and expect another awesome learning experience for our students this year!

Dutch Village End of Year Shin Dig?
Let's think about this in advance and touch base at our staff meeting. Are we interested in overtaking Dutch Village for an end-of-the-year celebration with our students? If so, let's pick a date!