tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13616454376202884882024-02-02T05:44:55.875-08:00Faith of a GriffinMrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-9044475848914165692017-08-24T19:30:00.000-07:002017-08-24T19:30:01.628-07:00A Loss, But Oh, What a Victory!For the first time in my coaching experience, I have never been more proud to lose.<br />
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Tonight marked the first match of our Varsity volleyball season. On the road traveling with three teams this year, the pre-game jitters seemed to be amplified. It’s never easy to acclimate to a new environment, especially when opposing fans come out in droves. But we started out the evening with the first win from our inaugural freshman team. Go Griffins!<br />
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I’m always a bit nervous before a Varsity match. I double and triple check the lineup, I think through substitutions I’m planning to make, and I even try to anticipate difficult situations in which I might need to call for an opportune timeout. There is no way to plan for everything, but I do what I can to get into the zone so that I am aware and present in each moment for my team.<br />
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While I have reiterated in practice a number of times that we train hard in order to play hard for 90 minutes in any game, I have not yet coached a team that has ever fought for that long. Until tonight. For the past two weeks in practice, we have been focusing as a team on cultivating the virtue of grit – passion and perseverance for accomplishing long term goals. We discuss how passion increases from God’s grace and perseverance requires our daily choosing to move forward, especially in the midst of adversity. We, as a team, play volleyball for something other than ourselves. We play for Jesus Christ. <br />
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Standing on the sideline of tonight’s match, I witnessed the perfect example of what it means to have grit. My girls played for over 90 minutes, remained within five points of the other team for all three games, fought with tenacity to come back from several difficult runs, and always seemed to answer with a surprising offensive attack that caused an eruption of cheer I have never before heard in a gym. I saw my team play with inspiring passion and incredible perseverance. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted that win desperately. But in every huddle during a timeout, it was my girls who reminded me that, win or lose, it was for Christ that we played. <br />
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We lost the match 22-25, 25-22, 22-25. But I will never forget the reaction from my team after that final point. The six on the court came together in the center and communicated to each other without words that there was much more we had gained tonight than a loss. This was one of the most exciting matches any of us had ever been a part. I have never been more proud to see a team stand in front of an immediate loss with such integrity. There were tears, but they weren’t because of a failed victory. They came because we had all just experienced what it felt like to commit every bit of ourselves to playing for Jesus Christ.<br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-37749126501042748202017-05-12T14:53:00.000-07:002017-05-12T15:01:17.975-07:00Reawakened by Beauty<br />
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Imagine seventeen high school students performing the musical score of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGVvGZ6vlOo" target="_blank">Fanfare for the Common Man</a> by Aaron Copland. The majestic introduction by the trumpets and French horn is followed by the powerful echo of the timpani and bass drums. The stage is set for an encounter with objective beauty.<br />
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This performance was certainly not imagined. Last night I was moved, almost to tears, by the program and talent of the McGivney band and choral concert. And it was my students, by their presentation, that reawakened an awareness of a personal need to encounter this beauty. The music lifted my spirits- literally. I sat a little taller, felt more confident, and began to think noble and optimistic thoughts. The beauty of instrumental and vocal harmonies reawakened in me a desire to experience that which is good. I became aware of a desire to be more present to my reality, to appreciate what I have been given with gratitude, and to recognize more intensely the inestimable treasure of the human spirit.<br />
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Standing in front of this beauty, I was prompted to ask the question that arose from the depth of my soul: why? Why did God make a sunset so enchanting, a rainbow so striking, and a high school concert so inspiring? I didn’t want the performance to end and I was secretly hoping the program continued beyond what was printed. In experiencing beauty, recognizing it is good, there is an accompanying wish to experience more of this goodness.<br />
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The answer to this question is the framework for a Catholic Christian worldview. God made the world beautiful and good because He loves us. At the end of a long and tiring semester, I am tempted to abandon the practice of awareness to the beauty of reality. I have consequently found myself in a daily struggle to see the good. My attitude has been negative, I’m overall less hopeful, and I approach various situations from an unsatisfied perspective. But in allowing myself to stand in front of the beautiful, I am inspired to ask the question that ultimately leads to Truth.<br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-41939464629937005962017-02-15T15:55:00.000-08:002017-02-15T15:55:13.091-08:00Beyond McGivneyFather McGivney Catholic High School alumnus, Danielle Villhard, was recently selected as a University of Dayton Chaminade Scholar. Only 15 first-year students were selected for the program which includes special seminar classes over the next three years developing students’ understanding of their call from God as it pertains to Christian leadership. The program offers several retreats to build relationships among the scholars and culminates in a pilgrimage to Rome.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAj78omGH3g-zs5wuL3aIzEku-BPBCVZ_XkpFPkWgyn4Hf1hR2tgKDGYNVzlSs-iXC3XYqB3t7gYmGR8dMGQe377poPiVCQdC5cjeEY3qB8Ox1hQsRo7i97FICcZasVOBTsKipyrU4Sc/s1600/newimg_1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAj78omGH3g-zs5wuL3aIzEku-BPBCVZ_XkpFPkWgyn4Hf1hR2tgKDGYNVzlSs-iXC3XYqB3t7gYmGR8dMGQe377poPiVCQdC5cjeEY3qB8Ox1hQsRo7i97FICcZasVOBTsKipyrU4Sc/s320/newimg_1299.jpg" width="213" /></a>“Starting at the University of Dayton last fall, I knew I wanted to take the values I learned in high school into college. I learned the essence of servant leadership as a House Leader and the importance of service.”</blockquote>
Danielle Villhard was a graduate of McGivney’s inaugural class of 2016. She served as the School Captain of our House Community System, was actively involved in the National Honors Society, used her skills in graphics to head the Yearbook Club, and was an athlete on the Varsity soccer team. Danielle demonstrated her leadership in every aspect of the school and was named as a recipient of the prestigious McGivney Award. But more than her accomplishments, Danielle acknowledged her faith as central to all that she did.<br />
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“McGivney truly prepared me not only to take on the challenges and opportunities that come with beginning college, but to do everything with faith in God.”</blockquote>
Father McGivney Catholic High School seeks to integrate Catholic identity in every aspect of the school. But the endeavor of our faith formation program is not solely focused on simply maintaining an understanding of the faith until graduation. It is our hope to launch students into a lifelong Catholic mission, beyond McGivney, to serve the greater world community by leading with Catholic Christian values.<br />
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As a Catholic educator, I hope to show my students that faith corresponds to a fundamental, original need that all men and women feel in their hearts. I seek to inspire my students to recognize their destiny, and in their search, accompany them through the art of judging reality. I surrender to witnessing the result of this hope, understanding that growth and development of my students will occur over a period of many years, beyond even my time at the school. But there have been gifted moments of the present when I have encountered a young person who validates my reasons for pursuing a career in Catholic education. In these moments, I am the one inspired.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-43697583834828403032017-02-04T08:02:00.002-08:002017-02-04T08:03:31.763-08:00McGivney Students Reflect on Pro-life March in DC<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“This was my first time on the March. In thinking about going on a pilgrimage like
this, people might say they don’t have time for this. Time doesn’t really matter. You always have time to stand up for your
faith.” <i>--Class of 2020</i></blockquote>
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Just one week ago, 50 students from Father McGivney Catholic
High School participated in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Traveling over 800 miles by bus, the group
joined thousands of Americans from across the country to march peacefully in protest
of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in support of abortion. Whether it was their first time participating,
or their fourth, McGivney students were struck by the incredible number of
people marching in support of similar ideals to re-build a culture of life.</div>
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"I was going through the motions when it came to my
faith. Seeing that many people inspired
me. I’ve never been so proud to be
Catholic than when I was on that March and chanting in support of life." --<i>Class of 2020</i></blockquote>
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"I’ve been that person - the one who has not been that
expressive in their faith. Seeing 5,000+
people who share the same beliefs as you will really do something. You’re not the odd one out." <i>--Class of 2019</i> </blockquote>
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"This was my fourth time on the March and I was really struck
this year. By the sheer number of
people, it was evident that God is really on our side." <i>--Class of 2018</i> </blockquote>
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"At first, I didn’t think the word ‘pilgrimage’ really
applied to this trip. But I think it’s
the most accurate description- it has been exhausting and thorough. It has helped me to believe that people do
share the same ideas as me." <i>--Class of 2017</i></blockquote>
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Father McGivney Catholic High School has participated in the
March for Life the past five years, this year bringing its greatest number of
student pilgrims. The pilgrimage included a visit to the Baltimore Basilica,
the Babe Ruth Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Cathedral of St. Matthew in
DC, and Ford’s Theatre. We will continue
to join our voices with the thousands, upholding the motto of our school:
Servire Culturae Vitae – Serving the Culture of Life.<o:p></o:p></div>
Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-87320912118444203502017-01-13T10:58:00.000-08:002017-01-13T11:01:02.647-08:00A Year of Hope<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lRSOIHABV0opNuTsGSNwII_EqDm0OI09dQ2-dbcDkJz6bN8ouXZKLo195w8AgSFtIfckNz-TKE01DP0_PSgsXGOg5C-6ZyKtauNb4RtFEQOPVJwysv-xtg1_AuGClpME4nMS8FEhun4/s1600/A+Year+of+Hope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lRSOIHABV0opNuTsGSNwII_EqDm0OI09dQ2-dbcDkJz6bN8ouXZKLo195w8AgSFtIfckNz-TKE01DP0_PSgsXGOg5C-6ZyKtauNb4RtFEQOPVJwysv-xtg1_AuGClpME4nMS8FEhun4/s200/A+Year+of+Hope.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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In last Sunday’s Gospel account of the Magi’s quest to discover the newborn king of the Jews, we were presented with two approaches to seeking Christ. Upon King Herod learning of a possible threat to the throne by the awaited Messiah, fear overtook his capacity to see with the mind and heart of God:</div>
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<i>“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him”</i> </blockquote>
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– Matthew 2:3</blockquote>
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When presented with the prophecy, King Herod acted out of fear, seeking to kill the alleged king. How often do I receive information, whether true or in the form of gossip, and immediately jump to a judgment or negative conclusion? This path of imagined thinking often leads me to destructive thoughts or actions that find no grounding in reality. I then find myself frustrated with God and seek him out of anger, jealousy, or with feelings of being betrayed.</div>
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In contrast, the Magi searched for the Messiah according to God’s promptings:<br />
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<i>“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.”</i> </blockquote>
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–Matthew 2:10-11</blockquote>
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With faith, the Magi trusted in the prophecy of the Old Testament that a ruler, a shepherd for the people of Israel, would come from Bethlehem. And in hope, they followed the star that lead them to the fulfillment of joy itself. How often do I experience peace and joy after entrusting my desires, plans, and projects to God? When I choose to let go of the control I frequently exercise in many areas of my life, I experience freedom from the pressures I seemingly create.</div>
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In this New Year, let us ask God for an increase in faith, to believe that He <i>can </i>do all things. And may we also ask for an increase in hope, to know with certainty that He <i>will</i>.</div>
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<br />Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-82601469855787491012016-11-24T06:00:00.002-08:002016-11-24T06:00:51.892-08:00Gratitude from Giving<br />
This week in my Theology classes, I asked my students to share some of the things for which they were thankful. Many shared that they were grateful for family, friends, and food. But I was particularly struck by a freshman girl who explained why her gratitude for family was so full. Every year, her and her siblings would forgo gifts received at Christmas in order to give, what would have been their presents, to the children in a local orphanage. She described the event as something ordinary and normal, but the joy and gratitude on her face while recounting this family tradition was clearly evident.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY5SSXt1DlKb79kmllPomqP9gTgnNnjra3xxeZPbPcyTEqjijotHuFJDC2gB9NmXLkTNsqn0RMke6yo-GgoRkwdYcXq6rXaFZHT2qbJhhF7qKyhK3SG9oZuaaFZi3bBRdOfiuawhg-8M/s1600/Thanksgiving+Challenge+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY5SSXt1DlKb79kmllPomqP9gTgnNnjra3xxeZPbPcyTEqjijotHuFJDC2gB9NmXLkTNsqn0RMke6yo-GgoRkwdYcXq6rXaFZHT2qbJhhF7qKyhK3SG9oZuaaFZi3bBRdOfiuawhg-8M/s320/Thanksgiving+Challenge+2016.jpg" width="320" /></a>For over a week, students were planning, calculating, and couponing in their House Communities for a Thanksgiving menu and meal for families in need. On Monday, I brought 14 students to Schnucks to compete in the annual shopping challenge. It was quite entertaining to witness the mental math of turkey price by weight and the competitive dash through the aisles. The students brought their baskets of food, menus, and Thanksgiving cards to the Family Community Resource Center in Granite City. I was moved by the warm reception and gratitude of the staff as the students dropped off their gifts. How little was given on our part, and yet such joy and delight from those who received.<br />
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In being prompted to think of things for which I am thankful, it is sometimes a struggle to go beyond the standard response. I recognize that I have already taken for granted the many gifts I have received. But in the midst of my experience this week of giving to those in my local community, I was moved to gratitude. Giving allowed me to know certainty of blessing in my own life - a united family even though separated by hundreds of miles, the providential place of my employment, and the privilege to share in the growing of young hearts and minds. My growing desire to be an instrument of God’s love in this world reminds me of a familiar prayer,<br />
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“O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.”</blockquote>
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-58877582469753530122016-11-16T05:12:00.000-08:002016-11-16T05:12:35.289-08:00Building Blocks<br />
In my own experience I have seen that in order to do anything well, I require focus. In any given day, there are frequently a vast number of opportunities towards which I can direct my attention. When I actively choose to focus on one, or a few of those options, my productivity increases and achieving excellence is possible. At this moment in history, the same amount of focus is needed. Inspired by the wisdom of a beloved sister-in-law, I am convinced that this focus must be on the family.<br />
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When it comes to identifying the most important things in life, I focus on the gifts I have received which form the foundation for all I think, say, and do. Without hesitation, they are faith and family. My sister-in-law is the wife of a naval officer and mother of two small children. I was struck the other day by her wisdom, sincerity, and simplicity of truth:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TuX3odTLkus3Q3-C5UBmsqvFeq7OMpQ3UxrgOSfpK5fyd7JocwWQozIWH57qLp6RVf1n9wakU1Q96_NL5cakB7kAIepxzrWsEKw7i3NIaA3vB9hiP5aLzwqxS2GUGpUeKcKpEq30WQE/s1600/Pirih+Family_edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TuX3odTLkus3Q3-C5UBmsqvFeq7OMpQ3UxrgOSfpK5fyd7JocwWQozIWH57qLp6RVf1n9wakU1Q96_NL5cakB7kAIepxzrWsEKw7i3NIaA3vB9hiP5aLzwqxS2GUGpUeKcKpEq30WQE/s200/Pirih+Family_edit.jpg" width="195" /></a></blockquote>
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<i>“If we want real change in our country that transcends political loyalties, we have to return our focus to the family. Teach your little boys to be respectful, generous, and to have empathy. Teach your little girls to have confidence, independence, and to be kind. Treat your spouse with honor and fidelity. Families are the basic building blocks of a nation; they must emanate positive values in order for the nation to reflect those values.” </i></blockquote>
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If everything in this world constructed by man should one day fail, neither my faith nor my family could be broken or taken away. Within the context of family, I learned my identity and encountered my first experience of love. With the gift of faith, I am certain of the One from whom my identity was given and the One who continues to love me into existence. If the family truly is the building block of society, then our focus must be redirected, here. Let us commit to raising our children to recognize their inherent dignity and the dignity of every human being. Thank you, Erin.<br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-29704049065084161352016-11-08T04:24:00.002-08:002016-11-08T04:24:30.841-08:00For Doctors and Physicians | Day 9<br />
On the last day of our prayers for the building of the culture of life, we ask for God's special blessing upon those within the medical field who are charged with the responsibility of making decisions regarding life. Today is also the last day to help us reach 500 signatures for the McGivney Pledge to defend life! You can sign the pledge<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" style="background-color: white; color: #c5960c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">!</span><br />
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<br />Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-17625797814793438052016-11-07T03:57:00.000-08:002016-11-07T03:57:09.756-08:00For Those Considering Abortion | Day 8<br />
On this final day before the election, we lift up our prayers as a community for those who are considering abortion as a solution for their distress.<br />
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To day, we have reached 450 signatures for the McGivney pledge to defend life - we are so close to 500! Please help us to reach our goal by clicking <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" style="background-color: white; color: #c5960c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">!</span><br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-30672682764859897452016-11-06T13:19:00.002-08:002016-11-06T13:19:37.962-08:00For the Healing of Those Who Have Chosen Abortion | Day 7<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px;">Through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, we pray today for healing of all those who have chosen abortion. We have nearly reached 500 signatures! If you have not yet signed the McGivney pledge to defend life, please consider to do so </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" style="background-color: white; color: #c5960c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-8763480811700039402016-11-05T07:55:00.001-07:002016-11-05T07:55:17.455-07:00For the Transformation of Society | Day 6<br />
We pray for the transformation of our society, that truth would inspire peace and justice in the hearts and minds of all citizens to uphold the dignity of all human life. We have nearly reached 500 signatures! If you have not yet signed the McGivney pledge to defend life, please consider to do so <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" style="background-color: white; color: #c5960c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-36984942070474256012016-11-04T03:00:00.000-07:002016-11-04T03:00:10.330-07:00For Fathers | Day 5<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">We are grateful for the gift of our fathers and the important role they have in protecting and defending life. Help us to reach 500 signatures by signing the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge to defend life </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" style="background-color: white; color: #c5960c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-79223973838929364482016-11-03T06:05:00.000-07:002016-11-03T06:05:04.820-07:00For Mothers | Day 4<div style="text-align: justify;">
We pray today for the gift of all mothers and their capacity to bring life into our world. Help us to reach 500 signatures by signing the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge to defend life <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" style="color: #c5960c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">!</span></span></div>
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<br />Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-91283076491794172002016-11-02T06:06:00.001-07:002016-11-02T06:06:23.071-07:00For the Leaders of Our Country | Day 3<br />
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<span style="color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">Let us pray for the leaders of our country, that all those who serve in public office will seek to safeguard the dignity of every human person. </span><span style="color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;">If you have not signed the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge to defend life, you can do so </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" style="background-color: white; color: #c5960c; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #00264b; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-46023704553350304842016-11-01T06:03:00.000-07:002016-11-01T06:03:13.544-07:00For All Those Who Vote | Day 2<br />
Today we hold in our intentions all those who will vote in this upcoming election. Please join us as we pray for wisdom, right judgment, and the protection of all human life from conception to natural death. If you have not signed the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge to defend life, you can do so <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-87968930431386713152016-10-31T04:55:00.000-07:002016-10-31T04:55:17.045-07:00For the Voice of the Unborn | Day 1<br />
We begin a period of nine days in which McGivney students have written prayers in honor of lives lost, those involved in the devastating action of abortion, mothers, fathers, leaders of our country, etc. We invite you to join us as we pray together as a community in these crucial days leading up to the election.<br />
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Will you help us to build a culture of life?</div>
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Sign the Father McGivney Catholic High School Pledge <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<br />Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-22198209169570601782016-10-27T10:20:00.002-07:002016-10-27T10:20:47.980-07:00Will You Pledge to Defend Life?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PRhpnwlQHE86EuzdVREPb55crxXbkJ5nd5Enx_UHw1kLeahN53L87TUxrAVbbS2gst4xYfTD3l7iVMH11fPxLCKjNFiB4U7thcfCldZDc7rZeB4QHnWq82VgkXPn8mW5n7Y7fZkNsG4/s1600/ProlifePledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PRhpnwlQHE86EuzdVREPb55crxXbkJ5nd5Enx_UHw1kLeahN53L87TUxrAVbbS2gst4xYfTD3l7iVMH11fPxLCKjNFiB4U7thcfCldZDc7rZeB4QHnWq82VgkXPn8mW5n7Y7fZkNsG4/s320/ProlifePledge.jpg" width="245" /></a>Dear Students and Families,<br />
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It is our mission at Father McGivney Catholic High School to carry out and express our support for life from conception to natural death. It is also our responsibility to pray for every individual and family involved in the act of abortion. As we are faced with this issue, in addition to many others with the upcoming election, we would like to encourage that we pray together as a community.<br />
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Beginning on Monday, October 31st and ending on Tuesday, November 8th, a prayer will be sent each morning to the greater school community dedicated to lives lost, those involved in the devastating action of abortion, mothers, fathers, leaders of the country, etc. Please join us in praying wherever you are. The students will include these prayers in our morning announcements.<br />
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Additionally, we would like to encourage you to sign the McGivney pledge in support of building a culture of life. You can click <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdZlcFzvnGeriVKlwcpobABuwdzmzEG6spGWZNYq7pxrhuHvA/viewform" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> to sign the pledge. A magnet will be made in honor of your support and placed on student lockers around the school. Students, siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors are all welcome to sign the pledge! Our goal is to gather 500 signatures!<br />
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Your prayers and pledges truly make a difference and are much appreciated. Let us continue to build our McGivney community as one family in unity, charity, fraternity, and patriotism.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Student Representatives of Griffins for Life<br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-61125191450869023602016-10-04T07:52:00.001-07:002016-10-04T07:52:10.553-07:00Receiving the GiftI love gifts. Actually, I really enjoy crafting unique, personal, and ‘just because’ gifts for friends and family. I love to give these gifts and to experience the joy and delight of the ones who receive. It makes me feel good to know that my intention of love was acknowledged, accepted, and treasured. But, receiving gifts? I cringe, slightly turn my head, wave my hand in dismissal, and kindly deflect with, “Oh, you don’t have to do that!” or “I don’t need anything!”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBDfOEED0YmCZQwKQ33dMxq3_RXQYxBHfyDln7x8D82UVnCAgcD84a44GlY8F9yWMgUdEKnLPbhjusWOEwfcHdwEUr2m63jYFibgBYnZCVeXMaojiJ0PmF1hru9xDwbQcDRK98KNqlTA/s1600/Receiving+the+Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBDfOEED0YmCZQwKQ33dMxq3_RXQYxBHfyDln7x8D82UVnCAgcD84a44GlY8F9yWMgUdEKnLPbhjusWOEwfcHdwEUr2m63jYFibgBYnZCVeXMaojiJ0PmF1hru9xDwbQcDRK98KNqlTA/s320/Receiving+the+Gift.jpg" width="320" /></a>I experience so much happiness in giving a gift and watching another receive. But in failing to receive equally as well, I deny the other an opportunity to experience joy. I have never considered that my humility might be false, and that my attempt to be considerate is actually a lack of charity. I personally find it much more difficult to receive than to give. And with a go-getter personality, I often bypass the difficulty and simply ‘take’ what I want. Instead of growing the virtue of patience in waiting to receive, I cultivate the mindset that receiving is unnecessary.<br />
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But I see the effect receiving has on the giver with my brother and his new daughter. There is noticeable happiness on his face when she laughs at his attempts to be funny. I know he cherishes the first moments of the morning to find her awake and smiling in her crib. And I am certain of his gratitude for the little girl who needs her father when she is sad. When I am honest and acknowledge the desires of my own heart, there are things in this world I cannot possibly ‘take’ for myself – authentic friendship, a loving relationship, affirmation, security. Everything I have in this life has been given to me as gift. And just as I can picture the delighted face of my brother in the company of his daughter, I can imagine an even greater delight from my own Father who longs for me, His daugther, to receive all He desires to give. Perhaps instead of my typical dismissal or giving a speculative rationale for why I don’t deserve these gifts, I can simply say, “thank you.”<br />
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<br />Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-89191892095949241092016-09-20T05:49:00.002-07:002016-09-20T05:49:29.360-07:00A Game of ErrorsI have never liked to fail. At anything. To not achieve something for which I was working always incited great disappointment. For many years, I based my identity and value in effort and works performed. Therefore, failure was equivalent to a loss of self, or at the very least, a diminishing of my worth. Through my experience as a coach, my understanding of this has changed and I have recognized this line of thinking as incorrect.<br />
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With the inaugural varsity volleyball season, loss is evident in the scorebook. We are currently 3 – 9. On numbers alone, there are more losses than victories. On effort alone, we’ve battled some of the best teams point for point, and lost. The temptation I face as a coach is to judge my abilities against these numbers. The false misconception is to conclude that I am not an effective leader. However, when I run the numbers on positive enthusiasm, hard work, and togetherness of my team, we have a winning record. This will never appear in any scorebook, yet I have to remind myself constantly of the greater purpose for which we are playing.<br />
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Standing in front of nine women at the end of a tough loss, it takes every effort of my will to remind them that volleyball is a game of errors. If not, there would never be an opportunity for victory. The post-game pep talk becomes the occasion to remind my team that there is indeed beauty in loss. It is a greater gift to have tried for something and lost, than to have given only a minimum effort and still experience the same result. I see through the hard work and determination of my high school athletes the realization that the greatest happiness can only come through suffering. I am struck by the heart each displays when facing a tough competitor. And I am moved during our pre-game prayer when my captains thank God for the opportunity to play for Him. Even with 100 more losses, I am confident we have already won.<br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-80330108992422756402016-09-13T04:57:00.001-07:002016-09-13T04:57:09.768-07:00The Art of LivingIn the past week, I’ve been prompted on more than three occasions to reconsider the ways in which I have been caring for myself. Let’s be honest; this tends more towards ‘lack’ of care. In seven days, I have been struck by a group of parents, a podcast, and a challenge from a dear friend. I have been moved to make a change.<br />
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During the first monthly Parent House meeting, I had the privilege of sharing faith, as well as life experiences, with a group of McGivney parents. We looked at the reasonable and evidential claim that Jesus is who He said He was – God, Himself. This lead to provoking questions about whether this Truth affected our personal realities. One of the parents responded that in a recent job transition with an increased work load and responsibility, it was helpful to recite the mantra, “It’s God’s mission, not my mission.” This was helpful for me. In my own experience, I often struggle to allow Jesus to be Lord of all that I do, because I desire to be in control.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nrA5mNAhwS_oLrxi2wRFtBq56FXkV-bbnozvdbe4hH5fg-lYR3pmOLZ6_4hn_7PxQ966L_6LZlh5DyIf280MB9lAHL7NGeI0-UERJSLcQXwsxnc2lOlLX7QjAdyUcFeEpk7cf9YKoSM/s1600/Maine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nrA5mNAhwS_oLrxi2wRFtBq56FXkV-bbnozvdbe4hH5fg-lYR3pmOLZ6_4hn_7PxQ966L_6LZlh5DyIf280MB9lAHL7NGeI0-UERJSLcQXwsxnc2lOlLX7QjAdyUcFeEpk7cf9YKoSM/s320/Maine.JPG" width="320" /></a>This week’s podcast from a group of friends was on the topic of learning how to live. The claim was that it takes a lifetime to really learn the art of living. We struggle as human beings to identify the essentials, the priorities, or the non-negotiables in the midst of to-do lists, responsibilities, and self-induced busyness. Ultimately, it is my relationship with Christ that is foundational to everything I do. And the duration of that relationship depends on the investment in my health and wellbeing. Both of these factors prompted me to reconsider the time I spend in prayer and the number of hours I sleep.<br />
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I was primed to have the following conversation with a dear friend, who challenged me to put into action the desire to take better care of myself and to grow in my relationship with Jesus. Reasonably, I could not weigh any of the responsibilities at work against the health of my mind, body, and soul. So, my desire became a reality. I committed to a bedtime this week with a built-in wakeup in order to pray. I am currently celebrating the victory of day 2! The journey through life is indeed long. But I am determined to learn how to live it well.<br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-42829135215664659852016-09-06T05:29:00.000-07:002016-09-06T05:29:21.456-07:00Saints of Madison County<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfBMGb0b-WPq3t3dXKA2h8tjMZ7rVfgYfC7cR4OAQJGcVMPhRtrOHe-evWDitMzBzKxuSTeEL2-BWvsXww0PR6iDayWzRvjZ8n3KdKGJuvXxdvBU9CLjNNIlN_ZcnnTO3Rafb0bWHKQ4/s1600/Teresa+of+Calcutta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfBMGb0b-WPq3t3dXKA2h8tjMZ7rVfgYfC7cR4OAQJGcVMPhRtrOHe-evWDitMzBzKxuSTeEL2-BWvsXww0PR6iDayWzRvjZ8n3KdKGJuvXxdvBU9CLjNNIlN_ZcnnTO3Rafb0bWHKQ4/s320/Teresa+of+Calcutta.jpg" width="320" /></a>On the recent canonization of St. Teresa of Calcutta, I am struck by the monumental impact of a humble soul. St. Teresa lived a life of inspirational virtue and yet her mission was very simple. She loved the poorest of the poor, caring for each man, woman, and child lifted from the street as if she was caring for Jesus Himself. The reason for her capacity to love came from her prayer of two Holy Hours a day – one before the day’s work, and one again at its close. I am moved by the witness of this meek and beautiful woman. I desire to serve as she did. Perhaps I can go on mission to another country, to serve the poor and grow in charity. Yet almost as soon as my heart’s desire meets reason, I quickly realize that I am not called to be St. Teresa of Calcutta.<br />
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I am struck by St. Teresa’s example because of her presence to the present. She responded wholeheartedly, totally, to the circumstances in which she was living. She didn’t go out to seek the poor of world because it was a good idea or a noble thing to do. She responded to Christ’s personal invitation to serve Him, in the poor. I often look elsewhere for opportunities to serve, with a misguided desire for recognition. I am reminded that sainthood is the vocation to which we have all been called. I may never reach official canonization by the Catholic Church. But by God’s grace and through my cooperation with His Will, my heart is perfected in charity. Saints are those who have been perfected in love. What is love, but to will the good of the other, to place that good ahead of my own. While I am not called to be St. Teresa of Calcutta, it is possible to become a saint. It is possible in my circumstances to love, totally, those who are right in front of me.<br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-29335091138935818392016-08-29T03:59:00.000-07:002016-08-29T03:59:04.406-07:00Why are you taking this class?In my Senior Theology class, the students begin each day with silent reflection and journal writing, attempting to verify with their own experiences the relevancy of the quote or passage given to provoke. In the moments following, I offer students the opportunity to share their reflection, comments, or further questioning that was prompted in their thought. On Friday, the questions for consideration were related to the purpose of being in my class. Besides a mere graduation requirement, I challenged the students to consider what purpose this class would serve in the journey towards realizing their destiny.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWEkJjvsYPY5P-S5Kks9IyVeo6eh9Nz7Rw8gipTXge9yQVmE4K9A0985ubzgVAaHht3b3WyPIEgphKA3ozoFtg_fdUQFzAWP1cBCwwPHrL6hvOYNXJa-8WALMQfhCrJ9LwyZGZoX1oC8/s1600/McGivney+Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWEkJjvsYPY5P-S5Kks9IyVeo6eh9Nz7Rw8gipTXge9yQVmE4K9A0985ubzgVAaHht3b3WyPIEgphKA3ozoFtg_fdUQFzAWP1cBCwwPHrL6hvOYNXJa-8WALMQfhCrJ9LwyZGZoX1oC8/s320/McGivney+Men.jpg" width="320" /></a>One of my students responded. He began to describe how his prejudgments of taking Church History included the belief that it would basically be another class of receiving information to remember and recite. After just one week in class, he indicated that his perception had already changed. He recognized that the way in which information was being offered in class was meant to provoke and engage his entire person. He was being challenged to judge the information presented in terms of his experience. Looking forward, he commented this method was preparing him for life, teaching him how to think.<br />
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At the beginning of each year, I tell all of my students, “I’m not here for you to take my ideas as your own. My job as an educator is to give you a method for which to judge the things I will teach you.” To my seniors in Church History, I add, “And this method is based on experience of over 2000 years.” I was struck by the reaction from this student because it corresponded to the desire I have for my classroom to be an environment in which each of my students might flourish. It was also a call to something greater, a reminder of how my actions, words, as well as deeds unseen affect more than myself. Everyday, I am faced with the reality of being a source of inspiration or failing to inspire. Lord, give me the grace to see that the students I accompany are also accompanying me in my own journey towards realizing my destiny.<br />
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Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1361645437620288488.post-40346312070830519612016-08-23T04:40:00.001-07:002016-08-23T04:40:08.711-07:00Playing for Something Other than OurselvesIt was the start of the Griffins inaugural Varsity Volleyball season, and we were headed to a tournament at Roxana High School. Before we got on the bus, my girls huddled together in the hallway with both nervous and excited energy. The captains of the team lead the group in prayer. I was struck by what happened next. “Lord, let us remember tonight that we are playing for something other than ourselves – that we are playing for someone – playing for Him.” The prayer concluded, the cheering followed, and the eager dash for the bus ensued.<br />
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I was amazed by the attitude of the girls playing on the volleyball court. The other coaches and referees recognized it, too. “They never gave up” and “No matter what the score, those girls always had a positive attitude on the court.” Even though the Griffins were out-skilled by the competition, the team fought to never let the ball hit the floor. They fought for each other, coming together with positive encouragement after every rally, point or no point. The tears after the game were not because of the loss, but because they had given themselves completely. They played for something other than themselves. <br />
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This is the capacity of every human heart. We are inspired by athletes who demonstrate positive energy, who sacrifice for their team, who play for something other than themselves. We are inspired because our hearts were made for the same greatness, and what we observe triggers this desire. I often get wrapped up in the details of daily tasks, forgetting that the gifts I’ve been given are meant to be used for His glory, not my own. But it is always in front of the other that the desires of my heart are surfaced and I remember for whom I am living.<br />
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Thank you, girls.<br />
<br />Mrs. Davishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11667504143368712760noreply@blogger.com