September 8, 2008 by Joel Miller.

I have noticed that this year, I am increasingly satisfied with life. I enjoy my work more than I did before. I enjoy my free time more. I enjoy even the menial aspects. I don’t dread Monday’s. I don’t want to sleep in on Saturdays because I don’t want to miss any day.

I’m not sure what spurred this. I wish I could say it was some remarkable spiritual awakening. It might be, but I’ve yet to be aware of it. Some of it is personal growth and some is professional growth.

I guess, at this point, I’ll just consider it a blessing and keep living this life!

Posted in personal/career | 6 Comments »

August 31, 2008 by Joel Miller.

Well, I’ve been up tonight fixing a bunch of crap issues for our church’s network. I’d rather sit through a Barry Manilow concert. Oh well…

I just finished the 7th day of school (thanks to TS Fay). So far, so good. I have had very few issues with students not meeting my expectations. Being a 2nd year teacher is much, much easier than being a 1st year teacher. I love this job, and I am usually very relaxed while I am there.

I’ve noticed something of interest. Others–mainly teachers–seem astounded when you try to help them. I drilled some dry-erase and bulletin boards into the wall (and also into my hand, long story) for several of the teachers because the maintenance staff was behind and school was starting. You’d think I snatched their children from the jaws of death by the reactions I got. Not that I minded–their gratitude was clear and appreciated–it was just surprising HOW surprised they were. To me, people are supposed to help people. To me, it was no big deal. That’s how it’s supposed to be. And they showed the same character…all throughout my first year, these people bent over backwards to make my life easier.

I guess it just goes to show that what should be considered ordinary is often considered extraordinary.

Posted in personal/career, intentionality/missional living | 1 Comment »

August 1, 2008 by Joel Miller.

Just finished working Freshman Connection at Orange Park High, and I have to say that I’m incredibly excited about this upcoming school year. I’m glad to say that I’ve associated myself with the teachers that are chomping at the bit to get back to work…we love our jobs and we love our kids. It’s interesting, because I had a weird first year trying to figure out whether I’d be able to handle teaching as a career. I worked two jobs…as a teacher and as a worship director at Murray Hill. It was CRAZY, as the first year of teaching is overwhelming and there are so many things to learn. But around the end of the year, I got the hang of it. I realized that I was in control of my classrooms and we were having a great time and learning a lot. Now, I have the opportunity to do it right and start strong.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still terrified by how busy I’ll be this year. I’m still also the worship director at Murray Hill, which has many responsibilities I have to balance, and I’ll also be taking classes on Monday nights (4 hours each week with an online counterpart) to get my certification. So, it’s gonna be hectic and crazy, but it’s also gonna be rewarding. Just know that if you ask me how I am doing, I’m quite likely to say “great, but tired”. However, in March I’ll finish school and then do spring break realizing I have a huge chunk of time back for the rest of the year.

Here’s to another year of teaching kids and hopefully changing lives. In only 16 days.

Until then, TO THE BEACH!!

Posted in personal/career | 2 Comments »

December 27, 2007 by Joel Miller.

i got the news on 12/25 at about 9:00 pm…and it was very sad news indeed. kim alford lost her struggle with liver/colon cancer on the morning of christmas day, leaving behind her son (AJ) and her husband (Alister). i’m not sure, but i believe aj was about 11 years old.

it doesn’t seem fair, and it surely doesn’t seem right. it’s times like these that make me doubt. because kim alford did nothing but good. she was an overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging person and worked a job that made a difference in the lives of others. she was a true difference-maker, and orange park high school will never be the same without her. neither will AJ or Alister. and it’s not fair.

i wish i had a good answer for it. i wish i could have some sagely perspective, but death is an issue i’m still very novice in dealing with. i’m sad, then i’m angry, then i just sort of deal with it. and i’ll be fine. i knew and loved kim, but i didn’t know her nearly as well as veterans at orange park, or much moreso, her family.

i do know one thing. kim died without many regrets, because she lived her life knowing that each day was precious. she made a difference NOW, because later was no guarantee.

perhaps the finest tribute i can pay to her is to live my life the same way.

Posted in personal/career | 1 Comment »