Using my GPS (God's Positioning System)

I know it has been a while once again since I last blogged, but I have very good reason for this and I'm sure you see and hopefully understand why.  If you have noticed, the title of my blog has changed and pretty much sums up my life over the past 4 months.  First things first, I am no longer a resident of the state of Tennessee.  I have found my way back home to New Jersey and am currently living in my childhood home in Hackensack, NJ (the story to follow).  Nevertheless, life is good right now... I am spending more time with family, friends and loved ones, I continue to do what I love (teach and coach) and I am praying and listening to God's plan for my life.

How It All Happened? (Abbreviated Version of course)

Well, back in the winter there was word that there would be an interview process for a new head coach of my old high school, Hackensack High School, where I had a pretty exciting and successful career as a student athlete.  Between A/B grades, numerous honors and groups, I happen to be part of the only public high school to the year (2000) to start #1 in the state/tri-state (NY, NJ, CT) area and finish #1 in the polls, not to mention a finish of #8 in the nation by the USA Today High School football poll.  Anyways, so I inquired about the job and by God's plan realized that the timing was not right for that job.  (Thank you Jesus)
As the year and off season continued on in Tennessee, I was then contacted by the new head coach of Hackensack High School and was offered the offensive coordinator job for my high school and a good possibility at a teaching position in the district.  This was on my flight back home during Spring Break, so needless to say, I also inquired about that job as well.  It seemed like a could work and that God has His hands in what was occurring.  After a few more conversations with some helpful and loving people in my life, I realized that this was the challenge to take at this time.  It was a very hard to decision to leave a city, region and state that I so dearly loved and became accustomed to, but I believe it was the best decision for me and was going to happen with conviction and satisfaction from God.
Today I type on my blog as the Offensive Coordinator of my old school Hackensack High School and a 5th Grade Science Teacher at Hackensack Middle School (in which I also attended).  Thank you to all that helped me get to this point.  I am living life the best way I know how and plan to make those that have helped propel me to this point proud of me no matter the distance or effect they had in my life.

 

So Now What?

As of right now, I am kind of enjoying the fact that I don't start school tomorrow like my good friends in the South. (Special Shout outs to all my wonderful people at the best elementary school in TN - Glenwood Elementary, miss and love all of you) Up here school does not start until after Labor Day, September 4th but we do get out a bit later, like the end of June or so.  Also, I am gearing up this week for our camp to begin this Wednesday involving double session practices, scrimmages, heat, fatigue, football, football and more football, LOL.  I knew this day would come, just not looking forward to it.  I don't think anyone player or coach ever looks forward to camp, but the show must go on.

I am also trying to prepare a class for my 5th Grade Science class.  It will be a bit different this year because I have taught 4th grade - All Subjects for the last 5 years and now just specify a particular subject and focus on that will be a new challenge.  There won't be as many lesson plans I know for a fact but there will still be accountability to teach the students in a way that is effective for them.  Check out my new class.  Just got keys this past week.

Mr. Rosser's new classroom

Not yet furnished or decorated.  LOL. 

Staying at home is a new adventure in itself.  My parents retired last year from education and are both at home and here comes there firstborn as a 28 year old man coming back into the house.  LOL.  It has been interesting the last two months with them, but they are happy to have me back and there really is no place like home.  More stories about living at home to come in future blogs.  LOL.  But talk about my parents, I finally was able to finally get together some friends of there's, a location and the right set up to throw them a surprise retirement party and it went great.  They had absolutely no idea, many of there friends and family came and it was definitely an event they will never forget.  Thanks to Mrs. Carpenter for staying on me about this and Ms. Cooke helping me out with all the details and communication for the party.  It was a success.

Looks on their faces.....PRICELESS

Other than that I have just be trying to settle in back in a familiar place.  I left Hackensack, New Jersey as a teenager going off to college and came back a man with two degrees, a job and something to show for my life, but the journey does not end here.  I am looking to get my identity back and be a positive role model in the place where I partially grew up and help out as many kids as I possibly can to do what I did and more.  Here are some pictures of me working an NFL Play 60 camp with inner city kids in Union, New Jersey and a Hackensack Jr. Football camp I worked yesterday.

Early morning Coach Rosser

My little guys with the Hall of Famer Great Anthony Munoz

Helping the little ones get right

3rd grader had game

Get your back straight son. LOL. 

But as more the summer, being back close to more family and friends and being a small 20 minute ride from the boroughs of the great New York I have had some time to get out and enjoy the small intricacies of life.  Check out some pictures.

City Island, New York is beautiful

Yankess v. Braves game 20 rows up thanks to miss L

This boy love him some popcorn.

I am officially inspired to continued to blog because of the many more things I have to share with you guys and the more pictures I can't wait to show.  Thanks to Mrs. C for encouraging/antagonzing (as Lenore would say) to do my blog and see I got it done by the weekend.  LOL.  There will be more to come.  Please stay tuned.  

God's Plan leaving it in God's Hands

I know it has been forever since the last time I blogged, but I was given motivation/demands by one very dear follower of mine to give an update on my blog so here it is (Mrs. C)

RESOLUTION CONTINUES......
As you may have read or known I have challenged myself/given myself a resolution to read more books and I must say that in the 4th month of the year I have done a substantial job on this exercise.  As of this past weekend I completed my 7th book of the year, "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy which is a spectacular book.  He is an amazing man of Christian faith through all he has accomplished and experienced in his life on this earth.  Other books I have completed include "Letters to a Young Brother" which I am reading with a small group, "The Narrative of Frederick Douglass", "Unshakeable" by Nelson Searcy and "Give It All to Him" by Max Lucado.  I am thoroughly enjoying the knowledge, pleasure and relaxation attained by reading and am truly happy while I continue this endeavour.  Next two books on my list are "The Mentor, The Leader" by Tony Dungy and "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey.  I have quite the list of books I would like to read including Tim Tebow's "Through My Eyes" and Drew Brees' book but am accepting other good reads and donations towards my books of the future.  LOL.

STEPPING UP AND STEPPING OUT

After deliberation, hesitation and just plain talking with a good friend, parent and mentor of mine, Phil Thompson, I decided to listen to him and take a step out of my comfort zone with help from the Lord and join the praise team at Heritage Fellowship Church which I attend in Oak Ridge, TN.  I began going to practice after church on Sunday afternoons in February and started a few weeks ago singing on stage consistently with the praise team.  It is a talent, superior from God in which I have been shy to share but felt that it was a good time to step out and fill a void.  I have enjoyed it very much thus far and am happy for the opportunity God has planted in my life.  Truly a blessing.  I am looking to get some of the footage to share on my blog but until then it can be found on my facebook page.

Mr. Rosser heading to church on Easter Sunday

Molding Young Minds

Also, I mentioned a book earlier, "Letters to a Young Brother" by Hill Harper which I have read.  One of the reasons for me reading this book again was for a small group in which I've started with some upcoming seniors on my football team.  I selected 6 young men to buy the book for, read with them and expand to conversations to help them see and prepare for the world in a different light before their senior year of high school.  It has gone really well, some of these young men join me for church on Sundays and it is another great opportunity God has put in my life to be a positive role model/influence for these young men.  I am truly blessed to have met such wonderful teenagers in my life, along with the others I coach and help them in anyway I can.

The Off season

The Wildcats are hard at work in the gym, weight room and in the film room.  Our players even though losing a large group of seniors are returning with a senior class of about 18, most of them being our starters from last year.  We will have experience in key positions like the receivers, running back and quarterback which I am largely responsible for and will be looking to do some big things in 2012 and of course put up some big numbers on the scoreboard.  We are working out in the weight room 4 days a week, started agilities and conditioning in the gym with the kids about a month ago, along with being in the film room to prevent similar mistakes this season (or at least try).  Attached is a snippet of our workout regimen with yours truly on the chorus (chanting our theme a year ago of "Uh Oh") to give you a little taste of how we do things in the off season.  Enjoy.  

Life in General

School is quickly approaching the end of the year.  We have TCAP (state testing) coming up next week Monday through Thursday (23-27) which makes for a very anxious and exciting time of year.  A time for our students to show what they know and how well they can perform against the state standards of TN.  I am very blessed and fortunate to have a very bright group of students.  Though lacking a bit common sense (LOL), their sense of book smarts is through the roof and their test taking abilities and reasoning skills are very high.  I feel very good about the scores they will produce but know it will not come without the grace of God, so I ask for all prayers for my class and our school, Glenwood Elementary as we look to top the best scores in the state for the 2nd year in a row.  Thanks in advance.  

Physically, I am staying in shape, at least trying to.  I did do INSANITY for about 6 out of the 8 weeks and saw some great results.  It was thee hardest workout without weights I have ever attempted.  I was in great shape with the conditioning and cardio circuits but felt like I was lacking a bit in strength.  I am now back to weights for a bit and will look to hit INSANITY again in May before summer hits so I can have my "beach body".  LOL.  

Other than that, God continues to open doors for me in all levels of my faith and puts me in opportunities in which I am forced to wait and trust in Him.  I waiver from time to time with patience and fully trusting Him as we all do, but feel that I am getting better, stronger and more faithful as I live, learn and communicate with those closest to me.  God is working in tremendous ways and I am just doing my best to Let Go and Let God. 

Thanks for taking time to read this and I will do a better job of keeping more updates in the near future.  If you get a chance please join my blog, comment or like the site.  Thanks again for all the love and support and God Bless.  

IN DUE TIME

Welcome back to my blog.  It has been an extremely long time and I apologize for my absence.  Some of you could care less about my blog, some are quite interested in what will be stated and some are just reading it because I asked them too, LOL.  As is, thanks for tuning back in and I hope this is somewhat entertaining, informative or both for my readers.  Anyways, let's get down to business.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

Christmas break was everything I thought I would be and wanted it to be.  I was able to relax, take a vacation, take time for self, take a little "me" inventory and enjoy good times with loving family and friends.  With the first time me being home (for vacation) with my parents as retirees, it was very interesting yet fun.  We did more things together like taking walks with my dad, going to lunch with my mom and just enjoy there times around the house and sharing current and past stories.  It was just the time I needed with them at the end of a very eventful year.  With my sister still working back up until Christmas Eve, I had plenty of time to spend with the parents and them enjoy my company. LOL.

 


Anyways, Christmas came and my sister and my nephew (Jax, her dog) finally arrived to the house for us to exchange gifts, prep food and get the festivities started for Christmas dinner.  It was a very joyous time with family and friends that came by for dinner, music, movies, laughter and good times.  Everyone  thoroughly enjoyed themselves and with plenty of pictures, I have good times to keep with me while back down in TN.

The following week, I was given a very deserved and needed gift.  A 4 day trip to Cape Cod, Massachusetts which involved touring the cape, visiting more family and spending a great time with a wonderful, special and loving friend.  I enjoyed the time away doing nothing, watching movies, eating some good food and being in a different part of the country.  I am very thankful for that experience.  Thank you Ms. L.

                          

 

NEW YEARS

With New York City in striking distance, family/friends around and possibilities aplenty I decided to go to church with my mom for this time.  Decided to enjoy that time with moms and some family and then we came home to enjoy snacks that my dad prepared for us (crab legs, deli spreads, olives and shrimp) at home.  Not to mention I would be heading back to TN New Years Day, it was better that I did that and was very happy with my decision to do such.  HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS, no doubt about that.

THE MONTH OF JANUARY IN THE NEW YEAR

With a new year comes new challenges, surprises, stories, opportunities and experiences.  All of which I am willing to embrace and take in as they come.

By the way, I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but during my inventory I have decided to have one and keep it up.  I will READ more this year.  At least a book a month, if not two.  I am excited about this because first, reading is fundamental, LOL, and learning through reading is a powerful tool.  I teach it to my kids everyday so why not practice what I preach.  So far, I have read "Crazy Love"and "The Shack" (two great reads) and am currently reading "Heaven is for real" and "The Purpose Driven Life".  Taking time to do such has been different for me, yet very calming during this off season time. I am always looking for reading suggestions by they way so please share.

Spiritually - I am looking to increase my faith and be a better example of what a MOG (Man of God) is and share my experiences, thoughts, emotions and time with those that can help me reach a stronger level.  To assist in this, I have read the book "Crazy Love" and am currently reading "The Purpose Driven Life" with Ms. L to help keep reading and living God's purpose surreal for both of us.  I also plan to be more involved in church along with attending more consistently.  I will be attending practice for the praise team and will be in a small reading group with some of the members.  I am excited about my objective to grow in my faith and live life in a more Christian way.

Physically - I have become quite complacent with my workout routine and feel as though I need a new challenge, a regimen to follow and an obstacle to attain.  Therefore, I have taken the initiative and decided to purchase the INSANITY Workout DVD collection.  I started on Jan. 30 and am still in it.  It is a 60 day workout routine with strict exercises and diet and quite the goals to attain.  Stay in tune to hear more about how this goes.  It is by far, THEE HARDEST WORKOUT I'VE EVER DONE since college football.  LOL.  But I love a challenge and look forward to the results it brings.                                                          



Football - We are in the process of the off season with weights 4 days a week with players not in winter or spring sports.  It is not my most exciting time of the year but is the time when you make the most growth.  Off season is where teams win championships.  It is proven and often very true.  At my position of QB and WR

School - January means we are getting closer and closer to state testing time and with the high demands from the state and opportunity to acquire high recognition from our district and the state tension is increasing within.  As an educator this can create quite a bit of pressure and stress for all involved, but I believe this demand for high scores will create an environment in which we step up to the plate and reach the goals we have set for our students.  It will be interesting as we get closer to April and our preparation increases for the test.

ONE MORE YEAR

And with all of this, yours truly, had another birthday come by at January 25th in which I turned 28 years old.  It was a great time and week.  I celebrated pretty much all week with loving family and some new friends/co-workers.  Consumed pretty much every bit of food offered or I was around and thoroughly enjoyed my birthday.  Wasn't all flashy and crazy as previous birthdays, but it was still as elaborate and exciting as I wished.  Thanks for all who wished me and celebrated my birthday.

I guess I should have taken a resolution to blog more because it has been awhile and I forgot how create it is to get out my thoughts through this blog.  It helps in more ways than I thought and you may think.  Thanks for checking in and I promise to be more current in the days to come.  Take care and God Bless. Peace.