Right now Tim is talking to a retired principal. A man who is giving him feedback on his resume and cover letter. A man who is taking time out of his weekend to help Tim increase his odds of getting a job for next school year. A man Tim played softball with in the early years of our marriage, years before Tim was ever involved in teaching. A man who was my principal, years before I knew Tim.
The cool thing about this man is that people from two totally different seasons of my life know who he is. Friends from Brookings know him because he was their principal or the principal of their kids or siblings. Friends from Phoenix and Ashland know him for the same reason or because they went or go to church with him.
His name is Jeff Schlecht and there are three times in my life that I've been very thankful for him.
The first time was in December 1991. He had called my dad's place of employment in Brookings for some unknown reason irrelevant to the story. My dad took care of business, then mentioned that he had a daughter at Mr. Schlecht's school (that would be me) who was concerned about missing final exams. You see, at that time my mom was dying and my dad planned on taking my siblings and I on vacation the week after she died. The way things were going it was beginning to look like that vacation would be during finals and I was a little stressed about how my grades would be affected.
Not to worry. Mr. Schlecht said he'd take care of it. A day or two later I saw all my teachers walking out of his office before school started one morning. He called me in later, saying he'd explained the situation to all of them and given them each two options - let me take my final late without penalty or let me skip it and adjust my grading scale accordingly - and that I could work things out with each teacher individually when I went to their class that day. My mom died a short time later and I went on vacation without any worries about the finals I was missing.
The second time was in 2005 when Jeff (that's what he'd told me to call him when we reconnected several years later and I was adult) welcomed Tim, who he'd met when they played on a softball team together, into his office one day for a meeting. Tim was at the end of his MAT program in Ashland and Jeff did a mock interview with him, giving him all sorts of useful information that proved helpful in the job application and interviewing process.
The third time is today. Tim now has several years of teaching under his belt, an administrative license, and really needs a job. We've lost contact with Jeff over the years, but a friend relayed a message from us to him earlier this week and he promptly called Tim to set up a time to talk this weekend. Today, with Tim having several years of experience under his belt and and some different circumstances than last time the two of them talked, Jeff gave Tim helpful feedback, information that Tim can use as he continues applying for jobs.
If I were to state my feelings like I write many of my Facebook posts, then I guess this is what I'd say ...
Blessings. Jeff Schlecht.
Showing posts with label the spotlight is on .... Show all posts
Showing posts with label the spotlight is on .... Show all posts
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Saturday, July 25, 2009
JUDY
Roses are red
Elephants are grey
I know someone
Who's sixty-nine today
Her name is Judy
And she's totally great
The reasons?
Well, let me elaborate
If I'm discouraged in marriage
Feel like a bad wife to Tim
She challenges me with ways
That I can bless him
If I'm weary in parenting
And just want to sob
She puts things in perspective
Reminds me it's a long-term job
If I'm generally weepy
And falling apart
She gives me a hug
And speaks from her heart
If I'm talking to someone
And she passes by
She'll squeeze my shoulder
Just to say hi
But it's not just me
Many others are blessed
Far more than she
Could ever have guessed
So I hope on her birthday
The fun doesn't fade
As she kicks off the last year
Of her seventh decade
Friday, March 27, 2009
ASHLEY
Roses are red
I'm not a mister
Neither is Ashley
She's my step-sister
She posted on Facebook
A few days ago
Who wanted mail?
She wanted to know
I do, I do
I think mail's fun
I answered quickly
Response number one
Something would come
But I'd have to wait
It would be soon
Though I knew not the date
Today we were gone
On a family outing
Tired and grumpy
I just felt like pouting
When we got home
Saw a box at the door
Figured the Moffits
Is who it was for
When I got closer
Saw my name in print
So into the house
I started to sprint
I opened the box
The gift I did see
I got a big smile
So filled with glee
Two dozen cookies
To pass through my lips
Macadamia nut
And white chocolate chips
She'd put some thought
Into which type to bake
No generic cookie gift
Was she going to make
So she thought back
To a chat we'd had
When she'd come to visit
Along with my dad
It was a few years back
But her memory's snappy
She sent cookies I love
And my taste buds are happy
I'm not a mister
Neither is Ashley
She's my step-sister
She posted on Facebook
A few days ago
Who wanted mail?
She wanted to know
I do, I do
I think mail's fun
I answered quickly
Response number one
Something would come
But I'd have to wait
It would be soon
Though I knew not the date
Today we were gone
On a family outing
Tired and grumpy
I just felt like pouting
When we got home
Saw a box at the door
Figured the Moffits
Is who it was for
When I got closer
Saw my name in print
So into the house
I started to sprint
I opened the box
The gift I did see
I got a big smile
So filled with glee
Two dozen cookies
To pass through my lips
Macadamia nut
And white chocolate chips
She'd put some thought
Into which type to bake
No generic cookie gift
Was she going to make
So she thought back
To a chat we'd had
When she'd come to visit
Along with my dad
It was a few years back
But her memory's snappy
She sent cookies I love
And my taste buds are happy
The loot.
Just doing some quality control testing.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
REASON #93806937 I LOVE MY DAD
He makes me laugh. I needed to laugh this morning! This is an e-mail I received from him this morning. For the record, the "historical" information in his note is fictional.
Bethany,
Your blog posting about complaining too much reminded me of the passage in Romans 7 where Paul discusses the ongoing struggle we all have as believers doing the things we know we shouldn't do and then not doing the things we know we should be doing.
Well, back in the 1960's the Beach Boys wrote a song about this very struggle. In addition to being singers-of-surfin'-songs, the Beach Boys were also musical theologians. One of their best songs was originally called "Help Me, Jesus", dealing with this ongoing struggle, but the pagans back then got hold of the lyrics and changed it to "Help Me, Rhonda". Sad.
Anyway, I just happen to have the lyrics to the original, untainted version of the song. I also have guitar chords if you'd be encouraged by having Tim strum and sing for you.
Open the attachment and sing the words to the tune of "Help Me, Rhonda" and your spirit will be lifted and you will gain biblical perspective to your struggle with complaining and with all those other sins.
Dad
HELP ME, JESUS
Since I came into this world I’ve been out livin’ in my sin
Then I read in the Bible, Jesus said “You must be born again”
He gave me eternal life
But I’m still feelin’ some kinda strife
You gotta help me, Jesus, help me keep You close to my heart
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, yeah, keep You close to my heart
Well, the things I should be doin’ are the things I never want to do
And the things I should avoid are the very things that I pursue
There must be something that I just don’t git
‘Cuz I’m feelin’ like a hypocrite
You gotta help me, Jesus, help me keep You close to my heart
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, yeah, keep You close to my heart
Bethany,
Your blog posting about complaining too much reminded me of the passage in Romans 7 where Paul discusses the ongoing struggle we all have as believers doing the things we know we shouldn't do and then not doing the things we know we should be doing.
Well, back in the 1960's the Beach Boys wrote a song about this very struggle. In addition to being singers-of-surfin'-songs, the Beach Boys were also musical theologians. One of their best songs was originally called "Help Me, Jesus", dealing with this ongoing struggle, but the pagans back then got hold of the lyrics and changed it to "Help Me, Rhonda". Sad.
Anyway, I just happen to have the lyrics to the original, untainted version of the song. I also have guitar chords if you'd be encouraged by having Tim strum and sing for you.
Open the attachment and sing the words to the tune of "Help Me, Rhonda" and your spirit will be lifted and you will gain biblical perspective to your struggle with complaining and with all those other sins.
Dad
HELP ME, JESUS
Since I came into this world I’ve been out livin’ in my sin
Then I read in the Bible, Jesus said “You must be born again”
He gave me eternal life
But I’m still feelin’ some kinda strife
You gotta help me, Jesus, help me keep You close to my heart
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, yeah, keep You close to my heart
Well, the things I should be doin’ are the things I never want to do
And the things I should avoid are the very things that I pursue
There must be something that I just don’t git
‘Cuz I’m feelin’ like a hypocrite
You gotta help me, Jesus, help me keep You close to my heart
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, help, help me, Jesus
Help me, Jesus, yeah, keep You close to my heart
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
PAM
The hour is late
But I want you to meet
A woman who's great
I've known her for years
Twenty-four, in fact
Into that time
Much kindness she's packed
Cooked carrots for Ben
When he was a boy
Hosted my 16th party
Both a surprise and a joy
My mom's last Thanksgiving
At Pam's table was set
Her kindness that day
I'll never forget
For Beep and I
Pam was a rock
Both in practical ways
And when we needed to talk
She's kept in touch
Over the years
Pretty sure at our weddings
She shed some tears
Now we're grown up
Have kids of our own
And into their lives
Kindness she's shown
She tells us she's proud
Of the adults we've become
And praises the family
That we came from
This lady is special
I love her a lot
Lest she ever doubt that
This poem she's got
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
DAD - ANOTHER VIEWPOINT
My sister sent me an e-mail after reading yesterday's post about our dad and granted my request to post it here. We really do have the most fabulous dad!!
Not too mention......
He bought all Daisy and Ally's diapers because he wanted to help our young family.
He supports us in our choice to be missionaries - both with money and with only, always encouraging words
He's not clingy or needy, but enjoys watching his kids take off and soar
He's a good communicator. He is consistent in writing, calling, visiting, etc.
He is totally approachable and easy to talk to - both about light and heavy stuff
He does what God wants him to do without whining or complaining
He sends my kids presents
He sends my kids pictures
He sends me pictures of my childhood and reminds me that that is still important to him
When we were teenagers and the pastor made a joke about how horrible teenagers are, he is the only parent who didn't laugh along with everyone else
He's funny
He taught us to enjoy working in the yard
He's nice to my husband
He says 'I love you'
And on and on and on and on
Not too mention......
He bought all Daisy and Ally's diapers because he wanted to help our young family.
He supports us in our choice to be missionaries - both with money and with only, always encouraging words
He's not clingy or needy, but enjoys watching his kids take off and soar
He's a good communicator. He is consistent in writing, calling, visiting, etc.
He is totally approachable and easy to talk to - both about light and heavy stuff
He does what God wants him to do without whining or complaining
He sends my kids presents
He sends my kids pictures
He sends me pictures of my childhood and reminds me that that is still important to him
When we were teenagers and the pastor made a joke about how horrible teenagers are, he is the only parent who didn't laugh along with everyone else
He's funny
He taught us to enjoy working in the yard
He's nice to my husband
He says 'I love you'
And on and on and on and on
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
DAD
Today is my dad's birthday. I know that I frequently say that he's the greatest dad, but I thought I'd make a list of some of the things that make him great. I'm sure I'll think of other things as the day goes on, but at least this will give you an idea of why he's great.
He creates and keeps traditions. He respects my opinion, even if he disagrees, and tries to understand my perspective. He has unique musical abilities – to change the words of a well-known song to fit entirely different circumstances (What’s the Matter With My Bladder), to take a song and sing/play it to the tune of a variety of other songs (Silent Night), and to write songs about random topics (Come On, Let’s Dance). He verbalizes his love for his kids. He worked hard to provide for us when we were growing up. He taught his kids how to use sarcasm, the love language of our family. He is resourceful and creative when a problem arises. He calls to check in when he knows I’m struggling emotionally. He pinched pennies to take us on vacations as kids. He’s very flexible and goes with the flow. He doesn’t complain. He does magic tricks for my boys. He’s a practical joker. He prays for his kids. He asks questions that challenge me to choose wisely in marriage and motherhood. He eagerly and willingly serves his family.
And because I wouldn't want everyone to get all serious and sappy, I'm going to include the lyrics to one of his famous songs. I've shared it with the SL crew and many others over time, but it's always good for a rerun.
WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH MY BLADDER
(to the tune of "Hello Muddah Hello Fadduh")
What's the matter
With my bladder
I think my Pepsi
Made it fatter
In a minute
I'll be sadder
Cause I think my
Fatter bladder's
Going to splatter
Take me to
A service station
To relieve
My situation
If you wonder
Why I squirm and dance
It's so
I will not wet my pants
He creates and keeps traditions. He respects my opinion, even if he disagrees, and tries to understand my perspective. He has unique musical abilities – to change the words of a well-known song to fit entirely different circumstances (What’s the Matter With My Bladder), to take a song and sing/play it to the tune of a variety of other songs (Silent Night), and to write songs about random topics (Come On, Let’s Dance). He verbalizes his love for his kids. He worked hard to provide for us when we were growing up. He taught his kids how to use sarcasm, the love language of our family. He is resourceful and creative when a problem arises. He calls to check in when he knows I’m struggling emotionally. He pinched pennies to take us on vacations as kids. He’s very flexible and goes with the flow. He doesn’t complain. He does magic tricks for my boys. He’s a practical joker. He prays for his kids. He asks questions that challenge me to choose wisely in marriage and motherhood. He eagerly and willingly serves his family.
And because I wouldn't want everyone to get all serious and sappy, I'm going to include the lyrics to one of his famous songs. I've shared it with the SL crew and many others over time, but it's always good for a rerun.
WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH MY BLADDER
(to the tune of "Hello Muddah Hello Fadduh")
What's the matter
With my bladder
I think my Pepsi
Made it fatter
In a minute
I'll be sadder
Cause I think my
Fatter bladder's
Going to splatter
Take me to
A service station
To relieve
My situation
If you wonder
Why I squirm and dance
It's so
I will not wet my pants
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
LINDA
Roses are red
Jewelry is pretty
I got some in the mail
From a different city
I needed a present
To ship overseas
I knew Linda's creations
Would be sure to please
So I hopped on her site
But there was bad news
Everything was so nice
I just couldn't choose
Do I mix and match
Or do I buy a set
I wanted the most
That my money could get
I finally chose
She made a sale
And before I knew it
It arrived in the mail
Now, my sister knows
What site I bought from
But she has no idea
What selection will come
Linda has jewelry
For all types of girls
Simple and fancy
But none made with pearls
She'll even do custom
Make your vision come true
Then in record time
She'll mail it to you
So, if you need a gift
For a woman that's great
Then go visit Linda
Hurry, don't wait
In case you missed the link in the poem, click here to see her site.
Jewelry is pretty
I got some in the mail
From a different city
I needed a present
To ship overseas
I knew Linda's creations
Would be sure to please
So I hopped on her site
But there was bad news
Everything was so nice
I just couldn't choose
Do I mix and match
Or do I buy a set
I wanted the most
That my money could get
I finally chose
She made a sale
And before I knew it
It arrived in the mail
Now, my sister knows
What site I bought from
But she has no idea
What selection will come
Linda has jewelry
For all types of girls
Simple and fancy
But none made with pearls
She'll even do custom
Make your vision come true
Then in record time
She'll mail it to you
So, if you need a gift
For a woman that's great
Then go visit Linda
Hurry, don't wait
In case you missed the link in the poem, click here to see her site.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
KELLY
Roses are red
Kelly is not
A package from her
My mailman just brought
It has something in it
Oh wait, there is more
There are five things
Not bought at a store
They are dishcloths she knit
Some blue and some green
The prettiest ones
My kitchen has seen
Handwashing our dishes
Is a regular chore
Thanks to Kelly
It won't be a bore
Kelly is not
A package from her
My mailman just brought
It has something in it
Oh wait, there is more
There are five things
Not bought at a store
They are dishcloths she knit
Some blue and some green
The prettiest ones
My kitchen has seen
Handwashing our dishes
Is a regular chore
Thanks to Kelly
It won't be a bore
I just have to say that I love all my Sonlight friends! Kelly, thanks for blessing me with these dishcloths. They're beautiful, though I must say it seems a little weird to use that word to describe a dishcloth. :)
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