Category: Letter

Dear Class of 2017

4/25/2017

Jeremiah 10:23
"LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps."

Dear Class of 2017,

First, I must tell you I LOVE you all deeply.

Secondly, I must tell you that my wish for you is that you TRAVEL. TRY weird foods. MEET people who speak different languages than you. READ books about things you never knew. IMMERSE yourself in cultures that are opposite from everything you know. ALLOW international experiences change the way you think about the world.

The smaller you let yourself be in life - the bigger your world will become and the more opportunities you'll have to transform yourself.

Don't settle for being happy, find JOY in every circumstance.

Don't live to be content, instead be hungry for more of LIFE.

As the awesome British poet Alfred Lord Tennyson said,
"that which we are, we are,
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

Oh, and if you think of it, send me a postcard!

Love, Ms. Manning
Landrum High School
Spring 2017

Psalm 37:23-29
"A person’s steps are directed by the Lord, and the Lord delights in his way.
When he falls, he will not be thrown down headfirst because the Lord holds on to his hand. I have been young, and now I am old, but I have never seen a righteous person abandoned or his descendants begging for food. He is always generous and lends freely. His descendants are a blessing. Avoid evil, do good, and live forever. The Lord loves justice, and he will not abandon his godly ones. They will be kept safe forever, but the descendants of wicked people will be cut off.
Righteous people will inherit the land and live there permanently."

1 Comment

"MINE" A Conversation

3/3/2017

3 Comments

"I am so impatient. Lord, your timing is extremely hard for me."

"Do you trust me?"

"I do!"

"Then why do you become fearful and frustrated at my timing?"

"... ummm ... because I am human?"

"Because of that, yes. But also, because you doubt my willingness to bless your life."

"Oh... well... yeah, that's true... but... I don't want to feel that way."

"Then you must trust me and obey. Believe in my promises."

"You know what else, God?"

"What, my child?"

"I haven't been very devoted to sitting down, being still, and focusing on your recently."

"Yes, child."

"That's probably why I am so fearful."

"Yes, child."

"I don't know how to force myself to."

"You do, child."

"You're right, I do. I need to make you and seeking you a priority. I guess... I'm a sort of on again off again type of person."

"No, child. You only make choices that set you up to live like that. You are not, however."

"Really?"

"The choices you make, they orchestrate the things you convince yourself must be your natural tendencies. It is only that repeated action that continues to make it truth."

"I haven't really thought of it that way."

"You have, child."

"No fooling you, Lord. I know it's my choices, but I also know my will is weak."

"It is. So depend on me child. I AM strong, and you are mine."

"God?"

"Yes, child."

"Sometimes I don't feel good enough to be yours."

"It is true that you were not once, my child. But I made a way. Your sinfulness, the darkness that threatened to swallow you up, the evil that separated you from me ... IT IS FINISHED. Nothing and no one can take you from me. You are mine."

"Thank you, Lord."

"Always, child. You are mine always. Now, I need you to live like you believe that. Trust my timing. It is created with a future in mind that you cannot see. Trust my love. It is fulfilled by a past you cannot comprehend. Trust my strength. It is overflowing with power beyond any which you could ever imagine. I love you, child. Live in that promise and know that you are mine."

SCRIPTURE this conversation is centered around:

Isaiah 40:29 - He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Acts 1:7 - He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."
Ecclesiastes 3:11 - He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Psalm 100:3 - Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
John 10:28 - I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

3 Comments

An Open Letter To My Students

4/24/2014

1 Comment

An open letter to the students I taught during my student teaching.

Dear Student,

First, I want to thank you for playing such a vital role in helping me pursue my dreams. I have a passion for English, teaching, and literature; and without a doubt, being able to teach you has been the highlight of my college career. I’ve loved getting to know you, discover alongside you, and watch you grow and learn over the course of these past 12 weeks.

I can hardly believe it. I’m finally receiving my Bachelor’s Degree! Sometimes it seems like it took ages to get here, but at other times it feels like only a few days. Either way you look at it, it’s so exciting! This little African girl is out of the rural, desert village and moving out into the unknown of life... on the other hand, that is actually terrifying. Haha. As my graduation approaches, I find myself pondering the road I’ve taken to get to this place. My story. How special it is to have you as part of my story that brought me to this point. You are a piece I will NEVER forget. In life, we are never promised an easy or clear path. However, I can’t help but remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson shared. While we cannot choose ‘the garden’ we're given, we do choose what we plant in it.

Thank you for being a part of my life. Thank you for daily teaching ME what it means to be a more effective practitioner, caring leader, and life-long learner. I adore teaching. Even in the rough days, it was you and your classmates that reminded me why what I do is so worth it. You are worth it. Every moment of trial and struggle is worth seeing learning in order to come out on top. Sure, I had to learn some things the hard way, but I feel the positive rewards much outweigh the struggle. I have grown so much during my time with you.

I wish I could remind you for everyday of the rest of your life that YOU ARE AWESOME. I really, truly believe that. You are beautifully and wonderfully made! I feel honored to have been able to be a part of your high school education. My prayer is that you will pursue whatever dream, desire, or hope you have and give whatever it takes to attain it. Find what gives you purpose in life and chase it down. Do not be afraid to give your all in EVERYTHING (yes that includes high school). I know school can be tiring and sometimes seem pointless, but it’s not. The human mind and its capacity to learn is truly a miracle. Don’t let your brilliance go to waste! I believe in you! Give yourself the chance to learn, and you will open up doors and windows to places you never thought you’d reach.

I wish you all the best in the rest of this year and all the years to follow! You’re almost done! You’ve achieved so much, keep moving forward! I hope you won’t forget what we learned about in class in regards to standing up for what you believe in and the power of forgiveness and sacrifice. Okay, I’m done going all ‘motivational football coach’ on you, haha. I love you all dearly! Know you are in my thoughts and prayers!

God bless,
Miss Manning

“There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till. The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson in "Self-Reliance"

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To my dear Mr. Crane of Sleepy Hollow concerning perspectives on wooing and manhood...

9/26/2013

3 Comments

My dear Mr. Crane,

I have received news from your unlikely acquaintance, Mr. Washington Irving, about your recent experiences and ambitions in the art of love. Mr. Irving told me your story and I decided I must take it upon myself to write you and give you some vital "wooing" advice you obviously are in so desperate need of. I pray that you will read and consider my words carefully.

In the short time that I have come to know you Mr. Crane, I have made some very distinct observations about your character. I shall start with the good. You are learned man Mr. Crane. A man who possesses great wealth in knowledge and understanding. The people adore your stories and recitations of poetry. It is a skill in which you have no rival in our small town of Sleepy Hollow. I've seen and heard the way people flock to you when they desire an adventure, a thrill, or a story of suspense. This same skill is displayed in your wonderful voice. There is not one among our bretheren who does not love to listen to you sing praises to our Lord Mr. Crane. You have a strength for conversing with others, when your focus is not on yourself. This strength is also found in your ability to transfer your audience into your tale or song. This is a quality I, among many others, deeply admire in you Mr. Crane. You are most compliant with those around you. I have rarely seen you take up an argument or fail to complete a task someone has asked you to do. That type of servitude is admirable, when completed for the right reasons Mr. Crane (not out of fear)... but we shall come back to that in a bit. Please know, Mr. Crane that I did search ever so deeply into my knowledge of your person to discover your praiseworthy qualities. I know you shall find that my belief in the man you could be, is much stronger than the man I find you to be currently.

I'm afraid Mr. Crane, here is where I must point out to you your flaws and weaknesses. Be attentive in my harsh criticism, because it is for your benefit by my knowledge of your hope to win the heart of the Lady Katrina Van Tassel.

First, Mr. Crane you are a glutton. You spend more time focused on food and your stomach than the lives of those around you. I have heard how you are unable to purchase enough food to sustain yourself and therefore are forced to live with the families of your students. DISGRACEFUL, Mr. Crane! Do you really believe the Lady Katrina would ever want to marry a man who eats more than he sleeps, has no home, wastes his income, and is forced to live completely of the charity others to survive? I assure you she would never! Your first duty Mr. Crane would be to train yourself in the fruit of self-discipline and moderation! Food is worth nothing in this life man! Yes, three meals a day and tea time is vital for survival in this world, but beyond that there should be no such unsustainable value in food. This carries over in your desire for wealth in order to fill your stomach. You are weak Mr. Crane. In the face of all women you ought to be ashamed of your greedy obsession with wealth and the luxury you believe it brings. You are sorely mistaken man. It will never be enough Mr. Crane. You will die having gained wealth, but having lost everything that is of value to life. Those people you loathe now for looking down on you, you would sell out to become like them! Ichabod, I will not let you continue down this road of destruction! Our Holy Bible tells us that money is the root of all evil. Do not let yourself be tempted by the pleasures you feel wealth could bring you. It will ultimately destroy you. Besides Mr. Crane, no woman wants a greedy fat man for a husband, of that I can assure you.

I admire your belief in discipline among your students, but sir, you must express more grace and compassion instead of wrath. Man, we are to be like Christ during our pursuits in this life. Women want men they feel safe and secure with. Women swoon for men who carry compassion and love in their hearts. You have let your heart grow bitter and angry Mr. Crane. No longer! Bestow mercy, forgiveness, and love on the people around you. When you treat others with that Christ-like attitude everyone will notice, especially Lady Katrina. And you man, will be better off for it.

Secondly, you will find that not spending so much money on frivolous things you will be able to improve yourself in numerous valuable ways. You could get yourself some fine and proper clothes for a man of your station... not those bulky, baggy drags I saw you wearing last week. They lower you in the eyes of others Mr. Crane. Not only that, but once again, Lady Katrina shall be observing your dress in order to determine your stewardship. If you can not care for yourself properly sir, how she expect you to care for her? Buy some fitted clothes Ichabod. Wash and have your hair cut so that it no longer looks and smells like a rat's nest. Ladies are most perceptive about these types of things... as are people of higher stations whom you know look down on you for your state of dress. Do not purchase anything too expensive, just clothes befitting and intellectual, intelligent gentleman like yourself.

Speaking of gentleman sir. I am going to give you the most important lesson of this letter. BE A MAN. Lady Katrina desires to find a MAN to become her husband. Yes, yes, sir, I know age-wise you are very much a man. Yet sir, in your physicality, skills, and mannerisms I find you little more than a cranky, spoiled, inconsiderate, school-boy. BE A MAN! Think of the great men of old! You are learned Mr. Crane: King David, Sampson, or the legendary King Arthur and his knights, Robin Hood... the Jamestown adventurer John Smith, or even our own current General George Washington! What do all these men have in common? COURAGE, MAN! These men became great because of their extreme courage! They did not give up in face of adversity. They were and still are great leaders of our time. Women desire a leader. Someone to guide them through this difficult life. No more of becoming this "sniffling girl" in the nighttime Crane. Be strong and courageous! That is the true mark of man! Learn how to ride a horse properly for goodness sake Crane. No woman dreams of their knight in shining armor without a horse! Learn how to ride like a proper man! Not only will it be of great benefit to you in the long run, but it will completely transform your image in the eyes of all. Be confident and courageous in all your exploits! Lady Katrina will be at your mercy, begging for your love, if you do these things Mr. Crane.

Dear sir, I hope you realize my harshness is written in loving earnest that you would find a content and happy life with a content and happy wife. If you wish her to be the Lady Katrina, these are my suggestions on how to become the man of her, and every woman's, dreams. We've talked about what you need to stop doing, now let's discuss what you need to start doing. If you want Lady Katrina to notice you, you must make her feel valued and important. Go out of your way to compliment and surprise her. Flowers are a spectacular start (if you want to get really clever poetry and singing go a long way). Listen to what she has to say and care, Mr. Crane. Stop seeing Lady Katrina as a means to her father's money and instead seek to capture her heart, seek to know the smallest most detailed things about her. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way sir! As does patience. Dealing with any woman Mr. Crane require devotion and patience that comes only from our heavenly Lord. Don't be afraid to be honest. Being a courageous man means being honest with her in kind and comforting ways, putting yourself out there. You have much work to do Mr. Crane. Do not dally... a woman such as Lady Katrina is not likely to wait around for long.

I believe in you Mr. Crane. You have the makings of a great man in you... perhaps even a good one. You have my fondest regards and my deepest prayers as you pursue to be more like our Lord to win the heart of a lady. Times are changing Crane. A man as wise as you must know this. The war has changed everyone, some for the better, others not. Do not let your selfish ambitions or childish fears keep you from living life to the fullest. I will correspond again soon Mr. Crane as I wish to hear of your progress into true manhood.

May God bless and keep you Mr. Crane. I hope the next time we meet you shall be astride a brilliant charger looking like a whole new man with compassion in his eyes for all around him. Perhaps then the Lady Katrina will have a run for her money against myself.

Fondest regards,
Miss Sarah

Letter composed as an assignment for a university level American Literature class in response to the classic short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving, 1820.

3 Comments

A hand-written letter

3/26/2013

3 Comments

"Hey friend,
So I've been thinking how annoying technology is. I wish things were old fashioned, you know, when people took the time to write each other letters? I feel like it is really hard to get to know someone through say, Facebook messaging or texting. Emotions are not there to read. Tone of voice, mood, being able to read what someone's eyes are telling you. None of that is there. While old-fashioned writing by hand takes time. This world we are in is so impatient. We want fast responses, no delay... Yet, part of the beauty of letter writing is you can think of thoughtful responses. I suppose I imagine this air of 'magic' about letter writing. So, I often do it ... or often as I can, it's time consuming so you have to think rather highly of the person you are writing to ... to want to take the time to write them.
So, here is the question. Why am I writing to you? Well, in a way, we've only recently become friends, but you've really encouraged me during that short time. I feel that I owe you a letter, haha. Sometimes I get so sick of these modern day forms of communication. They are so 'formal' in that there seems to be no expression. Sometimes, I find myself texting people back and not even remembering what I wrote. Lah-may! So this dorky little letter is to express my friendly gratitude for speaking God's truth into my life. You have gotten to know me, probably at a time in my life when I am experiencing more trails, change, and turmoil then I ever have in my 21 years. I realize to some people, these struggles are nothing, but I'm telling you ... to me, it's like I'm the food and God has just sent me through the spaghetti strainer, cheese grater, followed by a meat grinder all in one shot. Yet, though I am so fearful, my prayer is that God is using this time to completely transform me. In 'The Lord of the Rings' terms, if I were Gandalf I feel like I'm facing my Balrog ... praying, that at the end of this I will no longer be Gandalf the Grey. At the end of this, I hope instead to arise like Gandalf the White ... clothed in the righteousness of a mighty and holy God. I'm doing my best to continually yield my anxieties, fears, insecurities, anger, doubts, temptations, and sins all to Christ My future hopes and dreams I'm surrendering at the throne of the one true King. IT IS SO HARD! So frightening to know I am giving Him everything ... Who knows what he may or may not ask me to do ... Yet, I am so sure that this is what God is calling me to do. God is calling me to lay it all down, holding nothing back ... I know it's not a one time thing. It is a daily almost 'by-the-second' action I must take. Despite all that, I have this momentary sense of freedom.
The knowledge that despite my fearful, terror-filled heart, my life is in the hands of a great, majestic and faithful God. I need to be reminded constantly that this is my great comfort.
Don't give up on me yet, Lord.
Your friend, Sarai"

Gandalf the Grey facing the Balrog of Moria (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring)

3 Comments

Thanksgiving

11/28/2011

1 Comment

This Thanksgiving I spent away from my family which was sad, yet God helped me through the homesickness by giving me the opportunity to spend my Thanksgiving with my host family. My host family has truly become a second family to me and I love them all so much. So I wanted to write a little something about them, because I know and care about each have a relationship with each and everyone of them that I treasure so desperately. So here is something I wrote about this amazing family that has been such a blessing to me in my life... a family who, like my own, know ALL my flaws and still seem to love me anyways...

Dear Meck family,
It’s Thanksgiving! This Sunday in church my pastor challenged everyone in church to write out a list of things they are thankful for and share them around the Thanksgiving table. I wanted to do this, but in a bit of a different way. I decided I wanted to share with you the reasons that I am thankful for all of you.

First Kathryn:
I am so thankful for your hugs when I least expect them. I am thankful for the moments we spent in my room on my bed just talking. Thanks for laughing at all the silly things I tell you. Thanks for the crazy antics and for being the best giggle buddy and dance partner I ever had. And for being the only one who knows what I mean when I say “Oh Yeah!”

Joseph:
You little genius! Thanks for being my ultimate baseball encyclopedia. I never knew I could know so much about Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, or Cale Ripkin Jr. Thanks for always being the one who never wants me to stop reading and for at random times just telling me, “You’re awesome” or “You’re my buddy”. It always makes my day.

Anna:
My courageous little sister! I have so much respect for you! Your way with horses is unmatched. Thanks for all the days of girl talk about hair, nails, and annoying brothers among other things. You are amazing at everything! Cooking, sewing, kids, cleaning, gardening, working with animals… is there anything you can’t do?! I’m telling you girl, one day, if some guy is lucky enough to survive your brothers and your father, you’re going to make an amazing wife and woman of God.

Samuel:
(Cue British Accent) ‘Ello my good fellow! I hope aat some point in your life you come to miss my awesome British accent. Thanks for always defending your food against me. I have come to the conclusion it’s because you’re worried about my figure so keep up the good work! A toast to the man who perfected the retorts of “your face” and “your mom”, I’ve been telling everybody… it’s the quiet ones you have to worry about, because when they choose to speak it’s brilliantly hilarious.

Isaac:
I’ve most definitely lost count of the times you’ve saved me from my lack of computer knowledge. Thanks for being a great listener when I’ve babbled away about everything under the sun. I will forever treasure the learning moments we had together as God taught us each the power and importance of patience. Remember the talk about Moses and the Israelites having to wait 40 years before they got to do what God promised them? I’m thinking we still got plenty of time. I am so excited to see what God has in store for you. Your perseverance and dedication to serving God by serving your country is a total inspiration to me.

Patrick:
You’ve always been more of a best friend then just a big brother. Thanks for all those phone calls about (Papa and Mrs. Meck you might want to cover your ears) about stressful parents, difficult siblings, and the troubles of growing up. Thanks for all the inside jokes, laughs, my tears, and the never-ending sibling banter. Isn’t it interesting how our lives have paralleled at some points? Thanks for all the guidance over the years (20 days has blessed you with quite the insight). I so admire your work ethic and determination. I am thrilled to be able to see how God is going to work in your life through these coming months as you approach your wedding day. You and Katie are both very dear to me.

Colin:
Though you don’t live at home anymore I appreciate the childhood stories you’ve left behind. I have been told many a story by both your parents and siblings that have made me laugh. For example I know to avoid you at all costs when you have a whole puncher within reach. It’s encouraging to see the Lord working in your life as you go on living.

Mrs. Meck:
How you manage this house with such grace and humility I will never know. Thank you for always being willing to teach me with love; helping me grow and learn. Your listening ear has been such a blessing to me. Your constant encouragement and support through the years continually reminds me of God’s faithfulness even when I fail Him and life gets difficult. You have blessed me to the point that I know I will never be able to repay you, but I want you to know that I do think of you as a second mother to me. Someone I look up to, respect, and love with all my heart.

Papa Meck:
It’s still scary to me sometimes how much you remind me of my own father. Thank you for the wisdom you’ve shared with me. Thanks for always trying to make me laugh when I’m feeling down. Thanks for the education about politics, business, biblical perspectives, and the many life lessons you’ve taught me (You know the things they don’t teach in public school). You should have seen some of my friend’s faces when I told them about your “smart” truck. It was awesome.

To conclude:
Thank you all so much for taking me into not only your home, but your family as well. Thank you for blessing me in ways I never thought possible. I love you all so much and I hope you all never forget that. A quick note to Grandma and Grandpa Heiser: Grandma, I’m sure going to miss your cooking and welcoming greetings! Grandpa Heiser, I hope you have as many international connections for jobs as you do around here or I’m doomed when it comes to finding a job. To the rest of the Heiser family, thanks for always making me smile whenever I’m with you all. Thank you all for allowing me to share another Thanksgiving with you. I’m reminding myself that Thanksgiving is more then just about time of fellowship, family, football, or even feasting. It’s about looking around the room and realizing how greatly God has blessed me.

I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Happy Thanksgiving.

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Dear Molly, a letter about greatness...

2/6/2011

1 Comment

For this blog post I have included some of my thoughts in a recent letter to my best friend Molly:
Dear Molly,
    "GREATNESS
    I have been contemplating this word.
    What does it mean to be great?
    What makes someone great?
    I thought about the movies I love. The books I love.
    They are all stories of people achieving greatness.
    People who were challenged and took adventures to secure greatness.
    Why do I love these stories?
    Because I want to be great. I want to do something great.
    Yet now, I sit here day in and day out and greatness has not found me…
    I thought of the quote, “some people are born great, and some people have greatness thrust upon them.”
    This is a falsehood, I think. For suddenly, I was reminded of what Jesus said about greatness.
    After the disciples argue among themselves about who is greatest Jesus says to them: “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
    No one is born like that or is forced to be like that. Greatness is a choice. A humbling thought.
    Choosing to be great is choosing to be nothing, and yet being nothing is what makes you great. I can tell you one thing Molz. I do not understand God’s logic.
    Later, in the verses about greatness, Jesus talks about little children. How children are great in God’s heart.
    Matthew 18 is titled “The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” These verses too are filled with the greatness of a child in the kingdom of heaven.
    This I cannot fathom.
    To become like little children…
    Humble, lesser...
    It seems in our world, what people would see as weakness is actually what makes us…GREAT!!!

    Lead me with strong hands,
    Stand up when I can’t

    “Make me great in your eyes Lord. Make me a servant to those around me. Give me the humility of a little child,
    And break me, Lord,
    Til I am wholly yours…

Give me your
Peace,
         Strength,
             And motivation…
Fill me with you."

    Greatness in our eyes is very different from greatness in the eyes of our Father, but if we let His greatness fill us and be the center of our lives...greatness in humility...living in the name of our great God...
Well, let me just start by saying now,

    The devil better look out.

1 Comment

Dear Class of 2017

"MINE" A Conversation

An Open Letter To My Students

To my dear Mr. Crane of Sleepy Hollow concerning perspectives on wooing and manhood...

A hand-written letter

Thanksgiving

Dear Molly, a letter about greatness...

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