life beyond the well…

Author Archives: erin.almond


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Reflecting on Christmas

Yesterday, I attended the Christmas program hosted by the church that I attend here in Roanoke Rapids.  Quite a few of my students and colleagues attend the church as well, and were participating in the program, so it was an enjoyable experience.

The Christmas program’s theme was “Christmas Around the World”, and the program displayed celebrations from Zimbabwe, Ireland, France, Argentina, and the United States.  It was a beautiful way to demonstrate that God’s love is truly for the world, regardless of how it is celebrated.

The celebration caused me to reflect on how we think about Christmas, and how it, along with Christianity, is promoted in the media.  I’m often frustrated when people display my faith as one that is hateful towards others for a variety of reasons.  I feel like far too often we hear John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life), but we hardly ever hear the next verse, John 3:17 (“For God sent not his Son to the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved).

God’s gift to us is Jesus, not to condemn us, but to save us.  Christmas should be a time of joy, as we reflect on the most precious and thoughtful gift that we’ve ever been given.  It is not a time to down others about their faith, or lack thereof.  The best way that we can promote our faith is by upholding the same tolerance, love, grace, and kindness that God has shown to us- not just by His gift, but in our daily lives.

Until next time…


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Over Winter Break…

Well, it’s officially winter break around these parts.  These breaks usually come a little too slow, after the onset of the beginning of the year excitement, and then the lull of the grind that takes place in October.  By November, we’re all thankful for the time off with Thanksgiving, and even moreso looking forward to a longer break to recharge, reassess, and refocus.  That time is Winter Break.

While break was scheduled to begin on Friday, it began a little earlier for me…and for the rest of us.  An upper respiratory infection had me out of school on Tuesday and Wednesday (doctor’s orders).  Being rested and functioning on antibiotics, I was looking forward to returning to work on Thursday.  But then there was the snow.

Yes, folks.  We got our second snow of the season on Thursday.  I suppose I should add that the first snow of the season was on Monday of this week, which led to an early release at 1:30pm on Monday afternoon.  But I digress.  The second snow of the season arrived around 7:15 on Thursday morning, forcing us to close (we had already planned a 2 hour delay).  What was particularly unusual was that we received more snow than anticipated (because who really expects those weather guys to get it right?).  Anyhow, the after effects of the snow (namely ice) forced us into closing again for Friday.  Thus, winter break began early.

While I was at home sick, and just kind of dreaming about winter break (3 days is a long time in the life of a teacher), I started thinking about all of the things that I wanted (and needed) to accomplish over winter break.  Here’s that list:

  1. Celebrate my best friend’s birthday
  2. Watch basketball
  3. Watch the Complete Series of The Wire
  4. Organize and Reassess
  5. Watch Good Morning America
  6. Bake
  7. Read (for pleasure, not for work or school)
  8. Get an early start on Spring Coursework
  9. Reassess and Refocus (What are long term goals, and how am I progressing towards getting there)
  10. Spend time on what’s most important
  11. Prepare for 2011 (and beyond)
  12. Get into a solid gym routine

I’m sure there’s more.  There’s basic stuff like- laundry and home organization tasks that I want to accomplish too.  Overall though, I think that’s about it.  I’ll follow up with how that’s going later…

Until next time…