Memorial Day

I remember the first time that the sacrifices of our military men and women really sank in for me. It was just after my sophomore year of college, and I sat beside a small white cross marking the grave of an unknown soldier killed during WWII in the campaign for Normandy.

I sat next to this cross and started to wonder about the life of the soldier that lay beneath it. What was his or her name? Did this soldier have a family? A husband or wife, a mother or father? Children, best friends? What were the desires, fears, dreams, etc. of this person who gave their life for my freedom? What did he hope for, and what did he aspire to?

And since this soldier's identity is unknown, was I the only person ever to have sat next to his grave and wonder these things?

After dwelling on that life for a long time, I stood up and looked across the cemetery at the sea of white crosses scattered as far as I could see. The reality of the loss of war hit me then in a way I don't think it could have had I not spent time dwelling on the loss of one life...how many desires, then, were represented in this whole graveyard? How many dreams, fears, hopes, children unborn, songs and novels unwritten, and medical cures undiscovered?

It was overwhelming to think about. The bravery and sacrifice of these men and women is astounding.

To each veteran out there, to each person serving here or abroad, and to those who gave their lives for our freedom,

Thank you.

And this may sound cheesy, but I'm doing it anyway. After the time I spent next to that little white cross, I vowed that though I didn't know that person's name, I would not let that soldier be forgotten.

And so to THAT soldier, thank you.

I would also like to add this prayer by Scotty Smith, pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN, courtesy of Ricky Jones via Facebook notes. I love this.

A Prayer About the War to End All Wars

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11-16

Most mighty and merciful Jesus, on this Memorial Day I gladly stop to honor the men and women who’ve served our country in various branches of the armed forces. In a world filled with “wars and rumors of war,” I don’t take our servicemen and servicewomen for granted. There’s has never been more of a thankless, even despised job.

But on this particular Memorial Day, I want to stop and honor you as the ultimate servant-warrior—the quintessential Service Man… the One, who on the cross, waged the war to end all wars.

No one hates warfare among vying nations more than you. No one is more offended even by the petty and pointless squabbles between spouses and friends (James 4:1-2). No one paid a greater price to bring the final and full peace for which we intensely long and hope.

Having secured the defeat of the king of darkness on the cross, you’re now the rider on the white horse—alone worthy of the name Faithful and True. You are faithful to fulfill every promise God made for the salvation of his people and the restoration of creation. And you are truly bringing to completion this good work of redemption, for your name is also the Word of God.

Though evil hates beauty, your love trumps all evil. Evil will not prevail. It has been defeated and it will be eradicated. You are already the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Your kingdom has come and your kingdom is coming. So very Amen, I pray, in the memory and victory of your matchless name.

last day of school...

Aaaand...release breath. Today was the last day of school, though it doesn't feel like it should be. I don't feel like summer for some reason - I'm definitely still in school-mode.

Here are a few pictures from the last days of school - some of the stuff we did and some of the students I will miss next year probably much more than I think.

This was a really neat group of kids - very unique, smart, loving, creative, hilarious, endearing, and really just delightful. There were some seriously frustrating days with them, but the truth is that they just might be the only group of kids I've had that are, collectively, as quirky as I am.

This is one of my sweetest girls - a budding author, this one. And she knows it. I dubbed her "Sylvia Plath" the first week of school - she writes novels, and boy are they dramatic. And dark, like Plath. She's hilarious - definitely a mini adult. Such a little grown up. Love. Her.

This picture is from our end of school picnic in the park (that's our school in the background - it takes up an entire block). Here are some of my lovelies trying to stay out of the sun. Oh that I would be so careful.

Boys taking a break from basketball

THIS, people, is one of my favorite human beings of all time. She is HILARIOUS and tiny. At a pep-rally in September, she hopped in the middle of a huge circle of kids and BROKE IT DOWN like you have never SEEN! She had a mild physical INJURY after she finished her dance moves. The whole school was cheering for her. She greeted me every morning of the year with a high pitched and very enthusiastic, "Heeeeeyyyy Miss HARDINNNN!!!!"

Isn't she a cutie?

A little synchronized dancing (the bunny hop in case you're wondering) never hurt anyone... Because of this here child, I am a stronger woman. Also because of her my vocabulary has expanded exponentially. Never a dull moment.

Reorganizing the bookshelves...

Some of my homeroom boys -- some of their nicknames include "The Milkman," "BrickSquad," "The Sunny Professor," and "Young Freshness." Speaking of Young Freshness, this is a special 5th grade friend of mine. I taught his brother last year, and he just kind of took to me when he was in fourth grade. Ever since, we get quality time together because his teachers send him up to me when he gets in trouble. Not because I'm a good disciplinarian, but because it's much harder to be such a bad A when you're 9 and in a room full of 14 yr olds. This is him on the day of his promotion ceremony. Check out that shirt...he was BEAMING with pride. Love it.

Last day of class...I feel ya, brother.

They begged me for a worm on the last day of school, and I brought each of them one. I am creating a dangerous army of mini-mes.

Can't believe year #4 has wrapped up. Welcome, summer.

lovely book rooms

Oh to have a bookroom in my house like this...


Or like this, in the mountains...

And my favorite one...

I found each of these on Book Lovers Never Go to Bed Alone - a favorite blog of mine brimming with good photography and good books. If I ever have a book room, this blog will be my inspiration.

Dear Future 8th graders...

My students begin a letter this way during the last week of school, and reading them is always one of my favorite things...here are some of this year's classics...

"On the first day of school, you will wish you were never born."

Really? The first impression is that bad?

"You should be afraid if Miss Hardin starts talking about jumping out the window."

Yes. Yes, you should.

"On the first day of school you should know that Miss Hardin is crazy. You will probably love her, but she is outta her mind."

And THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is why I get along with and LOVE 14 yr olds so very much...

"You should be aware that if you get on Miss H's bad side she might throw you out a window. And it don't matter if she goes out with you, because she was in the circus. She will land on both feet. You won't."

I always knew I possessed cat-like reflexes in mind-blowing excess...

"Miss Hardin always says 'don't test my gangster' and...she means it."

Absolutely I do. Because white lady gangster is not a pretty sight to behold...

"You should enjoy every minute of Miss H making jokes. Some of them are good and some of them are BAD. If she does the flex, you will know what I mean."

I'm still not really sure what the flex is.

And my favorite...

"Here's something you may not realize on the first day of school...Miss Hardin is black."

I KNEW it!!!

if you love salad...

...then you'll want this recipe.

I'm not a huge salad eater, but I tried a recipe for one this weekend that is OUT OF THIS WORLD. So even if you're not a salad fan, you might want to try this one. Especially if you love turkey pepperoni like I do. In that case, I promise you it will not disappoint. As a matter of fact, I got the recipe off the back of a bag of turkey pepperoni minis.

Here's what you throw together in a big bowl:

Turkey Pepperoni & Grape Salad

1. Your preferred leafy green, torn into bite sized pieces (I love baby herb salad the best!)
2. Grapes, halved (I like red grapes best, but green is good in this salad too)
3. Celery, chopped
4. Red onion, thinly sliced
5. Turkey pepperoni minis
6. Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
7. Sliced almonds (I use the target brand whole balsamic almonds)
8. Light raspberry vinaigrette

Try it - it is DELISH.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

my mind is on music today

My friend Wendy called from Nashville last night and said she had a couple of free tickets to a concert...

I was rendered speechless when she told me who.

I'm about to hop in my car and head north on I-65 to see these two:

That's right. James Taylor & Carole King - I can't handle it. I've seen James Taylor only once before, years ago in Charlotte. It was the best concert I've ever been to, save maybe Patty Griffin. I have always wanted to see these two in concert together.

Sigh.

On another note, I wanted to share a song that I'm loving right now.

A friend in my community group at church, Bryan, shared this stunning song with us last week - Emmylou Harris' "The Pearl," also covered by Matthew Perryman Jones. Both versions are beautiful.

I love it because she fearlessly stares into the eyes of the dilemma of what it is to be human and remains resolutely worshipful in the face of our all too apparent mortality.

If you're not already familiar with this song, it's worth the download:

"The Pearl"
Emmylou Harris

O the dragons are gonna fly tonight
They're circling low and inside tonight
It's another round in the losing fight
Out along the great divide tonight

We are aging soldiers in an ancient war
Seeking out some half remembered shore
We drink our fill and still we thirst for more
Asking if there's no heaven what is this hunger for?

Our path is worn our feet are poorly shod
We lift up our prayer against the odds
And fear the silence is the voice of God.
Of God, of God

And we cry Allelujah Allelujah
We cry Allelujah

Sorrow is constant and the joys are brief
The seasons come and bring no sweet relief
Time is a brutal but a careless theif
Who takes our lot but leaves behind the grief

It is the heart that kills us in the end
Just one more old broken bone that cannot mend
As it was now and ever shall be amen
Amen, amen

And we cry Allelujah Allelujah
We cry Allelujah

So there'll be no guiding light for you and me
We are not sailors lost out on the sea
We were always headed toward eternity
Hoping for a glimpse of Gaililee

Like falling stars from the universe we are hurled
Down through the long loneliness of the world
Until we behold the pain become the pearl
The pearl, the pearl

And we cry Allelujah Allelujah
We cry Allelujah

Here is MPJ's cover of the song:

exciting summer news...

Most of you probably know that for years, I have been a huge fan (read: mildly obsessed) of Mo Leverett and his work at Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans' upper ninth ward. He is now pastoring a church in Tallahassee, FL and starting up Rebirth International. Here's a short video about him and his ministry...

I have the opportunity to go spend the month of July working with him, learning his ministry model, and just generally soaking up the wisdom and know-how he's gained over the past 20+ years in urban ministry.

I don't know where this will lead me, and frankly it's a little nerve-wracking, but be still my heart.

I just can't believe I even have the opportunity to do this. I am so thankful!!

ps. Isn't his music phenominal?? You can get more info on that at Justice Road Productions.

why I'm in love with donald miller (and both of the other guys in this video)

Updates: 1) overheard today after school in the hall: "NO I'm not about to do HOMEwork. I'm not at HOME, am I???!!! So it would not be HOME work now, would it???!!!!" What a gem.

2) Kate and Nancy, since you are the lone commenters on my giveaway post, you are both now the proud owners of The Heart Mender. Nancy, if you'll email your mailing address to clairehardin@hotmail.com, I'll ship it right out to you. And Kate, I'm just going to give my copy to you when I finish since I'll be at your house all of June anyway. K? ;)

so much to talk about this morning, part II

My first class is settled down to read for a little bit (on Wednesdays we take some time to stretch out on the floor and read what we want to read - my favorite day of the week bar none) so I can finish my thoughts here. And they are mostly about school today, so...maybe boring for some of you. I'm sorry.

First I'd like to highlight one of my kids, with his permission of course. Each year, the Red Mountain Writing Project hosts an event called Writing With the Stars where National Writing Project teacher-consultants honor one of their outstanding writers at a reception where the students get to share their work.

I'd like you to meet Adonis. He is my honoree this year, and last night he shared the prologue of his science fiction novel (he's on chapter 3 now) called Machine Haven. I'm telling you, the kid is talented. Up until the second he got up to read his work, he was furiously scribbling and editing his prologue. He is hard core. And his writing actually makes me want to read science fiction. That's the stuff of a writer, right there.

Look for him on bookshelves in a few years - you'll likely find him there.

Along that vein, I need your advice. I'm starting a new blog where my kids can share what they've written. I want to learn WordPress, because it's more conducive to multiple contributors, plus it just looks better. I need a name for this new blog.

I thought of Downtown Shakespeare, or By the Waters of Babylon (a short story we read by Stephen Vincet Benet that we love) but that's all I've come up with. Any ideas, friends?

Ultimately, the kids will decide, but I need some good options to put on the table so it won't end up with a name like Miss Hardin and the ones who test her gangster.

Meanwhile, I have an entire class that wants to nominate me for What Not to Wear.

I'm serious! I didn't think I was that bad of a dresser, but to be honest I don't really give much thought to what I put on in the morning. They think they can get me on the show, though, and I'm all for it - $5,000 and a makeover! Bring it! To quote the one who is spearheading this effort,

"Miss Hardin, it's not that you're a terrible dresser, it's just that you're almost 29 and you look like you're 17. We can fix that for you."

Amen, sister. While I do hope I have that problem when I'm 50, I think it would behoove me now to look like someone who pays taxes.

msk(s), what say you?

so much to talk about this morning...

...and so little time before 104 adolescents descend upon me, bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Onward.

1. Awkward conversation at Wal-Mart last night that I can't not share with you. Why does some sort of ridiculousness ensue every time I buy a bottle of wine?

Me, at the self checkout machine: "Excuse me, could you please put in the approval code for me to buy this wine?"

Wal-Mart girl on machine duty: "Have you gone and broken my machine little girl?"

Me: "I don't think so. I think it just wants you to verify that I am of age."

WMGOMD: "Oh. Could I see your ID please?"

Me: "Sure - here you go."

WMGOMD: "I know JUST what I was doing in 1981."

Me: "Really? What's that?"

WMGOMD: "Teething."

Me: "You remember teething?"

WMGOMD: "I was born in 1979."

Me, a little confused: "Gotcha."

WMGOMD, after squiting at my ID again: "A lioness, I see!"

Me: "What?"

WMGOMD: "You're a Leo, like me."

And then...

She roared at me.

I just looked at her there for a minute, not really sure how to respond.

So she roared again.

And for the duration of our conversation, she continued to refer to me as either "Leo" or "Lioness."

I'm still mildly disturbed by this.

The gremlins have descended upon me, so I need to wrap this up here. But check back later...I've more to share with you.

oh my goodness.

I have got to own this.

Not only would I personally love to have this because I love stories and writing, but I have visions of summer story workshops, summer writing classes, yada yada I'm sure there is a better name for that that I can't think of right now (Mere you could help with this, a la Severed Wasp).

Seriously - I could rack up some serious mileage with this set of DVD's in my classroom, on my own, and in some fun little summer small group sessions with some of my favorite middle school rascals...hhmmm...my wheels are spinning at 90 mph.

Donald, thanks for sharing the wealth.

And, will you marry me?

the best teacher appreciation week gift ever

*Update: I started The Heart Mender yesterday, and I love it so far...it's a WWII mystery of sorts, and it's non-fiction, for the most part. I completely didn't realize it was a true story. Since there are just 2 people who want the book, both of you will get a copy! So if anyone else wants their name in the hat, comment now - giving away tomorrow!*

Can you see my name written on the lid?

You should know that I have no special affinity for peanut butter. I like it, but this was a completely random gift. And I was DELIGHTED.

the beach and a giveaway!!!

There are few things that sadden me more than driving home from the beach.

Time at the beach, particularly in a beach house with family, is a respite like none other. Really. My family spent a week in Gulf Shores in a lovely beach house (a client of my dad's has graciously let us stay there for the past several years) right on the beach.

We lay around, we play games, watch movies, lounge on the beach, kayak, cook, read, drink a lot of coffee and wine, throw the frisbee (this year we added tennis), and other sundry activities. It is my favorite week out of the whole year.

Anyway. I just got in from this year's trip - the rest of my family will be there till Thursday, but I just couldn't in good conscience take off more than 3 days of school and I wish I was still there. We did just beat the oil to the Alabama coast, for those of you wondering. It wasn't supposed to get there before tomorrow, but they did start shutting down all the fishing.

I only have a few pictures and like last year, they're mostly of Nita. We all looked pretty gross the whole time and who wants pictures of us anyway when we've got this little girl to take pictures of?

I haven't posted recent pictures of her in a long time so I figure I'm due a few without being obnoxious.

Isn't she the sweetest thing?

Okay, on to the giveaway! I've never done a give away on my blog before, so this should be fun. As you may know, I review books on occasion for Thomas Nelson's Book Review Blogger program. Since my review of The Sacred Meal, I've not signed up to review another one because none of the selections really appealed to me.

I checked the other day, though, and saw there was a new book by local writer Andy Andrews, author of The Noticer, which I really liked.

So I signed up to review The Heart Mender. Follow the link for a brief synopsis.

It arrived in the mail today, and they sent me an extra copy to give away on my blog. I haven't read it yet, so I can't yet say that it's a great book, but if you'd like a free copy to read along with me, leave a comment on this post. I'll use a random selector thing (because I know there are spades of you out there reading this...) and let you know the winner next week.

Once there's a winner I'll ship it out to you asap! :)

In the meantime, I'll be here wishing for summer & the beach and trying to become the Sue Sylvester of my school (even though Hailey insists that if I were a Glee character there is no doubt I would be Rachel...I refuse to accept it.)

Stay tuned for a few more pictures and an exciting update on summer plans....