And then ... the RAFT floated away.

Easter Sunday

It's Easter Sunday!  

Happy Resurrection Day!

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... 

I was musing a bit with my roommate yesterday about Easter traditions . . . here are some happy memories from my growing up years . . .

• Decorating eggs with dye, crayon, stickers, or plastic wrappers (depending upon the year!)
• Dropping grocery store sunny daffodils into the vase on the table
• Going to bed the night before in pink sponge rollers or tied rags all covered by a "grandma" scarf
• Waking up to streaming sunshine on new grass (or sparkling snow--depending upon the year!)
• Gleefully finding a basket filled with neon plastic grass, plastic eggs, jelly beans, and chocolate!
• Skillfully applying malted milk ball egg "lipstick"
• Wearing cute little ankle socks with frilly lace ruffles
• Unrolling all those curlers and becoming "fluffy"
• Piling into the car for the Sunrise Service at church
• Piling my plate with Mom's egg bake (because you truly can't trust anyone elses on Easter Sunday---it's a known fact that all egg bakes are NOT created equal) and coffee cake at the Church Breakfast
• Going to Sunday School
• Going to the regular Church Service
• Going HOME and tearing off my Easter dress and fancy socks . . . finally!
• Setting the table for the yummy deliciousness of ham, scalloped potatoes (hopefully the cheesy ones), and healthy stuff like salad and jello and pull-apart buns and pickles
• Stuffing myself on Mom's amazing cooking and feeling like taking a nap....
• But instead  . . .Washing dishes (because who needs a dishwasher when you have three perfectly fine ones (aka daughters)?
• Washing more dishes (there were always a ton because my mom likes LOTS of serving bowls)
• Washing even more dishes (Ick--to this day, I really strongly dislike washing dishes!)           ....and then, glorious naptime

Actually, I don't think I liked naps at that time in my life, so I probably curled up with a book or played a game with my sisters or something.  Hopefully no fighting was involved on Easter Sunday :)

Ah, but I'm forgetting one of the key things that I associate with Easter Sunday:

Special Music by The Miller Family

My parents LOVED Southern Gospel (still do!), and my mom was always on the lookout for a new song for us.  She'd listen to our local Christian radio station (KTIG 100.1FM @ that time) and find a winner!  She'd order it at the Christian bookstore in Brainerd, and off we'd go. Here's are a couple of songs that we sang on MANY Easter Sundays . . .
(UPDATE: I'm trying out a new audio embedding program, and it's not exactly working as I'd like it to!  So, here's a playlist with the songs I've tried to embed below.  Hopefully this one works for you!)


When He was on the Cross (this version is sung by Jake Hess)

Jesus Built a Bridge

Singing as a family is an amazing thing.  I used to think that EVERYONE had to do this, but since those naive years, I've learned that it's actually pretty rare to be in a family where everyone sings . . . on key AND with harmony. We sang songs in the car, and when I think about it now, I'm thankful for all the crazy games of "Can you find a harmony for this song?"  At the time, singing together did not always bring out the best in us (especially when we had to practice for church!). However, it's lovely to see how those memories fade and the pleasant ones brighten as years go by.

Instruments were added...my dad played guitar, and my mom played the hymns on the piano.  Eventually, my sisters became instrumentalists too (Moni became chief pianist and Melissa became the guitarist).  And me?  Well, I became the wannabe pianist, violinist, and percussionist.  Only percussion stuck--but I could only read rhythm and had to memorize all my bell parts....but that's another story!  Anyway, I was the one who really couldn't play anything.  You could call me the Charlene of the Darling family!

The Miller Family also sang in different combinations.

Tom & Cheryl sang.  My parents sang beautifully together, and I'm excited to be able to share a recording of one of their practice sessions in the playlist above.

The Miller Girls sang.  Had we grown up down south, I'm sure we would be singing some great bluegrass harmony, but instead, we sang some awesome hymns and, you guessed it, Southern Gospel.  This is one of our standards.  I don't have a recording of the three of us singing, so I guess you'll just have to listen to this one and imagine 3 girls instead of 4 men:

He Came Down to My Level (by the Gaither Vocal Band)

Singing.....

I can see it now!

Gathered around the kitchen . . .

We press "play" on the cassette player.

My dad conducts with his invisible baton.

Mom sings melody.

Monica sings soprano harmony.

Marcy sings alto harmony.

Melissa sings melody or another harmony.

Dad sings harmony in the gaps.

Stop!  Rewind!

Try it again!

Stop!  Rewind!

Try it again!

YES!  That's it!

Let's try it again!

You know, as I blog this Easter morning, far away in Taiwan, I'm wishing that we could gather around Mom's kitchen and try it again . . .

I miss you and love you all bunches and bunches and bunches!

He is RISEN!

that's my KING

I've been to the Philippines, and I've seen Jesus . . . literally everywhere!

Plastered on jeepneys

Splashed across billboards

Glued to taxi dashboards

Stored in cabinets

Tattooed on biceps

Clustered in market stalls

Worshipped in grottos

Carried over shoulders

I've heard that over 95% of Filipinos claim to be devoted Catholics, and I found my stay to be rather refreshing.  Lots of churches . . . lots of Bible verses . . . lots of Jesus!  I met some very lovely people, and I know the Lord has many children in the Philippines.  Now, I really don't know a ton about Catholicism; however, my BFF has schooled me a bit on some of the vocabulary and traditions through the years. Needless to say, even with my basic understanding, what I learned during my week in the Philippines shocked me a bit.  Here's the deal:  To the chagrin of the Vatican and the Bishops in the Philippines, some Filipino Catholics are very VeRy V E R Y devoted . . . to the point of voluntary flogging and crucifixion during Holy Week.  Seriously. 
(Here's a video from the most recent display.  It's rather gruesome on video---I've heard even more so in person. Praise God for HIS sacrifice that paid the price for us all!)

You know, as I write, I'm envisioning all of the directions I could go tonight, and there are many!

Honestly, I'm trying to digest all of my musings on this topic....especially in light of the fact that I live in a country like Taiwan where this Monday's big holiday is Tomb Sweeping Day--a day to worship ancestors and provide for their needs in the afterlife.  Really?  Do the dead need iPods, cars, houses, money, and food? Burning "ghost money" and incense, lighting firecrackers, and preparing food offerings is a fairly normal occurrence in Taiwan, but at times like these, things really ramp up.  (It's good to know that some folks are thinking "green" this year when it comes to their worship.  My lungs thank you!)

In the midst of all this ReLiGiOn, I'm so blessed and humbled to have a ReLaTiOnShiP with the King of Kings who bore my sins, died for me on a cross, and rose again--triumphant over the grave.  Do you know Him?

pHiLoSoPhY

1. Love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline.

2. Investigation of the nature, causes, or principles of reality, knowledge, or values, based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.

3. A system of thought based on or involving such inquiry: the philosophy of Hume.

4. The critical analysis of fundamental assumptions or beliefs.

5. The disciplines presented in university curriculums of science and the liberal arts, except medicine, law, and theology.

6. The discipline comprising logic, ethics, aesthetics, metaphysics, and epistemology.

7. A set of ideas or beliefs relating to a particular field or activity; an underlying theory: an original philosophy of advertising.

8. A system of values by which one lives: has an unusual philosophy of life.

---

[Middle English philosophie, from Old French, from Latin philosophia, from Greek philosophi, from philosophos, lover of wisdom, philosopher; see philosopher.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

 So, I'm filling out job applications, and one of the things that I'm often asked for is my

(drum roll) 

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION.

So give it to me honestly, how many of you in a career other than education have to submit your philosophy statement with an application?  What is your PHILOSOPHY OF ACCOUNTING or PHILOSOPHY OF SALES?  Outside the world of academia, do these things exist?  Please enlighten me!

Anyway, I must say that it was a good exercise.  I've written several of these during my career and during college, but I haven't sat down to think about my Philosophy for quite awhile.  Here was my process:  I googled "Philosophy of Education"....NO, not to copy, (come on!  I'm a teacher for goodness sake!) just to get some ideas of what employers might be looking for in the 2010s.

Check out this one done on Wordle:  GREAT IDEA!!  I think I'll make one of these too!

It seemed pretty standard to definition #7 above.  Simple enough to answer:  What are my beliefs about education?  Honestly, most likely the same as every other educator on the planet.  Not too original!  BUT then I was reading that employers really want to get to know the individual, so it's sometimes good to include your background and your inspiration for becoming a teacher...things like that.  Well, that was refreshing, because I LOVE talking about why I was inspired to become an educator!  Anyway, since I hadn't posted anything on my blog in awhile, but I HAVE most definitely been doing some writing, I thought I would "bore" you with my Philosophy of Education.  

Oh, and one more thing, I reserve the right to change this statement at anytime, because I just might want to change it up a bit.  How's that for official legal-ese?!

NOTE: Please understand that this is a general philosophy written with private (non-Christian) or public schools in mind.  My Christian Philosophy of Education would be the same....but incorporate more of my faith beliefs into the actual document.  Maybe I'll post that one at a later time!

Here we go . . . deep thoughts  . . . kind of . . .

Marcy Miller’s

Philosophy of Education

2010

From Minnesota, an idyllic state of hearty and loyal citizens known by Garrison Keillor fans worldwide, I am the daughter of two public school teachers.  My parents are gifted teachers, and I believe that can be said without bias, even by their daughter.  They are well known in their small town community for their integrity, collaboration, and professionalism. 

Building relationships has been a key factor to their success, and my dad, who is in his third year of retirement, was truly a master teacher.  Not only was he accomplished in his content area, but he also invested his life in that of his students.  He has hundreds of former 7-12^th grade students as friends on Facebook who love to hear encouraging words from Mr. Miller and harass him about his favorite football team.  He was a school leader, and he continues to be very well respected by former administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and members of the community. 

My mom is a “practically-perfect-in-every-way” 1^st Grade teacher.  Not only was she an amazing domestic engineer (aka homemaker) as my sisters and I grew up, but later, while raising three teenagers and taking care of my dad while he was recovering from major brain surgery, she went back to college with students half her age and graduated with a 4.0 GPA and her BS in Education. My mom, still incredibly passionate about education, will be retiring at the end of this school year in order to join my dad on some RV adventures.  Mrs. Miller, recipient of hundreds of hugs and “love letters,” is known for her work of differentiating instruction so that all learners have an opportunity to be successful, mentoring new teachers, and partnering with parents. She will leave a foundational legacy of nurturing, collaboration, and impressive achievement.  Like my dad, she is also a well-loved and respected member of the community at large.

Although I cannot provide scientific evidence, I think that perhaps being an educator is part of my DNA.  At one time, four out of the five members of my family were teachers.  And the sister who wasn’t a teacher?  Well, she is now working in banking . . . as a trainer and manager.   Let’s just say that the title, “Miss Miller” is a great fit!

I grew up hearing a myriad of stories from both in an out of the classroom fitting all genres of film.  Comedies were featured on a regular basis, because as I soon found out, an elementary classroom was full of laughter!  Suspense and Mystery were featured often, because not all children are honest and without mischief. There were occasional Tragedies—the unfortunate accidents caused by misuse of tools in the wood shop or devastating sagas of illness.  At times, a Western was afoot—there were showdowns of all types at the K-12 Corral—student vs. teacher; parent vs. teacher; teacher vs. teacher; teacher vs. principal; school vs. community, and the list goes on.  My favorite stories were the compelling Dramas—the stories that continued over several days, weeks, or even months.  These were the tales of struggling students, celebratory successes, and creative teaching.  Through all the stories that I have heard through the years, I learned what education was all about.  There were joys and sorrows; successes and failures; kind words and harsh accusations; inspirations and frustrations, as well as good days and bad.

Now, with over a decade of experience as an educator, I have been able to add several stories to The Miller School Tales Filmography Collection.  Living in an Asian culture has provided me with a few Comedies and Dramas about working in Taiwan with children and their parents who speak three or four languages, but may not speak English—subtitled, of course!  As an administrator, I have been able to add some Action tales of high treason and boxing matches on the playground.  I have also contributed a few inspiring Biographies of blossoming students with special needs, a captivating Science Fiction extravaganza taking place in the computer lab that is not so much fiction as it is reality; a couple of Horror films involving bleeding foreheads and H1N1, and of course, the essential Chick Flick of monumental proportions in the Middle School.

Education is not an easy profession. It requires dedication and work to be an exemplary teacher and life-long learner.  It takes hours of planning just to lay the groundwork for learning opportunities.  Teaching and learning takes a team--one where the members are not always willing, flexible, or active.  So what is my philosophy of education?  Well, simply said, I believe that it is all about what is good for the learner—whether that learner is 6 months or 102 years old.  In the instance of K-12 education, I believe that everyone (teachers/support staff, administrators, students, and parents) are to be held responsible to ideals of moral integrity, citizenship, effective communication, ethical decision-making, discernment, critical thinking, rational behavior, and life-long learning.  However, if I am in the role of educator and/or educational leader, all of my endeavors to instill these ideals through my instruction will be for naught if I do not live my life as a person of integrity and character.  My walk must match my talk.  If this is not the case, how can I honestly and sincerely educate?

As an enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated leader of integrity, I am committed to nurturing a vibrant, educational community where academic excellence and growth is accessible for all children. "What's good for kids?" is a question that guides my leadership in a school.  Firmly standing for quality instruction and assessment for 21st Century learners, data-driven decision-making, intentional curriculum design, and early intervention, I am devoted to fostering a school environment that embraces differing cultures and learning styles.  My desire is to serve as a strong leader--personally dedicated to life-long learning and endeavoring to cultivate collegiality and teamwork.

Yes, if my parents were in the Hollywood film business, they would be rich. However, as educators, they have what money just cannot buy.  They are partly responsible for the development of “Earth-Shakers”--children who have grown up to impact their world in amazing ways.  These children are present and future scientists, doctors, police officers, humanitarians, judges, mechanics, pastors, and movie stars.  They are global citizens and digital natives who live in a rapidly changing world where those impossible square roots can be found with the touch of a button; books can be read without going to the Library; conversations can take place anywhere and at anytime—as long as there is wifi and/or cell phone reception, and thousands of pictures, CDs, and documents can be stored on a flash drive that fits on a key ring. 

Educators are no longer the experts—the people who know everything.  We are the ones who inspire and lay the track for learning.  We teach our students to solve problems and think creatively.  We provide doors to open and horizons to ponder.  Education is an amazing calling!  At the end of my career (which, I hope, will be many, many years from now), I wonder what films will have been added to the collection?! 

What stories are waiting to be told?

 

"FoR fAsT-AcTiNg ReLiEf, TrY sLoWiNg DoWn." --Lily Tomlin

Linus Van Pelt has a Blue Blanket.

Christopher Robin has Winnie the Pooh.

Garfield the Cat has Pooky.

Marcy Miller has Summer Magic!

Yesterday's blog entry was about some mild freaking out happening inside my little head.  After digging into the Word, spending time in prayer, and getting a good night's sleep, I woke up fairly refreshed and ready to face the day (even if it was raining like crazy...but you know, I just have to tell you--I bought some new rain boots when I was home for Christmas, and walking in the rain is so much fun when you can splash joyfully through the puddles in your plaid galoshes!).

As usual, it was a busy day and made a little more exciting by the fact that I stumbled onto the Yahoo play-by-play of the last minute of the 4th quarter of THE football game....I won't pretend to be a die-hard fan, but that game was intense (at least the couple of minutes I followed), and I was thinking that it would be kind of fun for the Vikings to actually go to the Superbowl because I guess we can even watch the game live in Taiwan.  Oh, well.  Maybe next year.

Anyway, in an effort to decompress tonight, I watched my all-time favorite relaxing movie, the very "famous" Disney masterpiece: Summer Magic starring Hayley Mills.  I'm sure you've heard of it, right?!  Well, I do think the fan base for this particular classic is rather miniscule, but maybe that's why I love it so much!  It's not a musical, but it has plenty of music worked into the story....and it's got Burl Ives and a small town and beautiful scenery and a barn dance and ringlets and ice cream and a front porch and dancing inchworms and a cute little boy and scary stories and stagecoach bags and ragtime and beautiful bountiful bows and a player piano and a rockin' car and a general store and a white country church and a handsome teacher and a perfect stranger.  What more could you really want?!  Ah, the plot may not be so deep, but the tone of the film is well, MAGIC!!

Watching this movie is like curling up with a good book in a comfy bed made with freshly laundered linens during a summer rainstorm.  It's like sipping hot apple cider in front of a crackling fireplace and watching a magical Christmas snow fall from the sky and land on twinkling lights.  Honestly, watching it is like lounging on a chair on a secluded ocean beach under a bright blue sky and a colorful umbrella listening to the waves crashing on the sandy shore while sipping a mango smoothie out of a coconut shell.  Ah....utter bliss!

I leave you to R E L A X with a clip from the movie . . .

(Hmmmm. . . . now, if only I had someone to linger with . . .

wouldn't that be fun *wink wink*?!?!)

Stealth Freaking

I realized today that Taipei has become "normal."  Well, "normal-ish."  I was in my old neighborhood today to get a divine hairwash and cut/style, and I found myself looking around and thinking, "huh, I've seen this stuff before."  In other words, my "Strange and Different Radar Detector" was folded up and stored away....along with the camera in my bag.

When did I turn into a non-tourist in Taiwan?
When did I stop marveling at the foreign world around me?
When did I stop taking pictures of cultural oddities?
When did I learn to drown out the constant noise around me?
When did I stop noticing every non-Asian face?
When did I . . .

You know something?  I'm conflicted by this realization today.

Lack of "Wonder" = Opportunity for a Change? OR Apathy? OR Fatigue?

Change = Stress & Transition

Familiarity = Security & Comfort

This blog is a bit of a bummer.  I guess it's one piece of what I'm feeling right now.  Today.  At this moment.  (So please don't worry about me, Mom!  This is NORMAL....just not very fun.)

It's so easy to stay....it's so easy to go.

I will be leaving.

It's just hard not to be overwhelmed by all the change.

And... I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.

BUT

God is good!

All the time!

Here's what I learned back at PFO (Pre-Field Orientation) before coming to Taiwan:

When transitioning, leave-taking is really important to do well, and building a RAFT helps:

• Reconciling conflicts with others
  
• Affirming relationships
• Farewell to people, places, pets and possessions
• Thinking ahead

Since I most likely need to have some sort of employment in order to support my single-self in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, I've found myself skipping ahead to the T step.  I know I'm going to be in the US, but where and doing what?  Well, thankfully, He knows.....but I don't have a clue!  Anyway, I'm trying to work on the other letters, and I'll post a list of the "places" I'd like to say farewell to soon, because some of you may find it interesting:)

So, what's the plan?  I'm going to stop freaking out (it's all been internal freaking....yep, stealth freaking!) and seize each day that God gives me!  I'll keep you posted on my progress:)

Thanks for your prayers....
Love you bunches!

If I Could Fly.....This is What I'd See