Reading 'Rocket Boys', by Homer Hickam, got me to thinking about the mentors in my life. Today I will write about three teachers who inspired me.
The first was my 8th grade US History teacher, Mrs. Goodhue, at Pacific Beach Jr. High School.I had no idea how much I enjoyed her as a teacher until I was transferred out of her class. Never knew wny.Instead, I was stuck in different class with bunch of rowdies. I thought I would go crazy!!! I desperately needed to get back into Goodhue's class, ASAP. When I told the kids in this noisy, out of control history class that I wanted to go back, they thought I was crazy. "Goodhue is too hard, this teacher so easy, why to back?" The real reason, I WAS BORED!!! Mrs. Goodhue challenged us. My first exposure to the Constitution was in her class. She was an inspiring teacher.
Pacific Beach Jr High today.
The next two mentors I had were at Mission Bay High School. In 1975, Mission Bay was grades 9-12. For some reason I decided to tackle Adv English. My 10th grade teacher was Ms. Starr. Half way through the first semester I decided did not like her. I had to write a paper EVERY WEEK!!! Most Thursday nights I was up late, sometimes writing until one am, waking up at 5:15am to go seminary, and then coming home for breakfast and the paper my mom had typed. Now, I am thankful for the love of great books she gave me. The first time I read Shakespeare was in her class. I memorized my first a set piece from Julius Caesar. I also read Oedipus Rex, Moll Flanders, and Calico Palace. By the end of my senior year I loved her and the expectation she had set for us. My other teacher was Ms. McSwan. Where Starr was serious and a little intimidating, McSwan was fun, but with the same expectations. They gave me a love of the written word and an introduction to 'dead white guys'.
Mission Bay High School today The best gift they gave me, a never-ending desire to learn.
For family night this week, I had everyone decide what is the one commandment that they could follow perfectly for two weeks. Just one. At family night on June 20th, we will then discuss how everyone did. I think I may need to remind everyone.
Mine, well, it is the second day, and so far, not a problem. I look at it as just one little thing that I can do. Just one, not many. I can give it ALL my heart, and not let the natural man tell me 'it's ok, no one is looking'.
I will make it to June 20th.
That is the desire of my heart
About a month ago I was inspired to do a few things, one of them was to start a family blog. And not just a regular family blog that would keep everyone informed of the comings and goings. That would have been a whole lot easier. I had been thinking a lot lately about the needs of our extended family and how we could come together and help each other. My first thought was scripture study and prayer. My family could use improvement in both areas. Fasting with a purpose. Being more obedient. Did I tell you that I had these thoughts on a bike ride? That is usually where I get these kinds of thoughts. I approached my family with my plan. It took about a week and a half. Sam was the last to find out. Fortunately, he had been given a heads up by his brother, Tyler. Thank you, Tyler. Here is our plan for the summer: 1. Fast with a purpose. This could be for any member of our immediate family and I/we would love to include our extended family. I told my children we are going to use this to bless the members of our family. 2.Personal/family prayer. 3.Personal/family scripture study. 4. Be more obedient. This might prove to be the most difficult idea.
I am thankful to my family who have always supported me in my attempts to help us become a Zion family.This is the desire of my heart.
Mission Bay High School today The best gift they gave me, a never-ending desire to learn. 