A Better Way

 

We have five children. We have nine grandchildren. Although I teach high school, I’m still fascinated with toddlers and lower elementary. Now don’t get me wrong, I do not want to teach at that level. I don’t think I have the energy to keep that up continually. I just like observing.

My wife has a gift of helping and ministering to younger mothers. She has many friends at church with children in the elementary ages. There are many mothers of my junior high students or my fellow teachers that also have younger elementary children. I have been watching. There is one young mother of three that has intrigued me. She has quite a mix of intelligence, energy and cuteness on her hands. But it is the way that she corrects and redirects them that fascinates me. Well, fascinates me and causes me to reflect inwardly.

I like to think I keep an organized & orderly classroom. But sometimes you have admit that even though things seem to be going well, there may be a better way. It’s one of the curses on teachers; you really are never good enough. There is always room for improvement.

In classroom discipline, I tend to get right to it. You might hear, “Please stop.” or, "Are you finished so we can go on?”.  It works, but it sometime lacks that outward compassion element. It’s something I’ve been working on. I’m sure we’ve all seen lists and memes that help to give better responses. A teacher named Mr. Mizrahi has a list. Here are just a few:

·         Let’s remember gentle hands     (“No Hitting” “Stop Fighting”)  

·         Outside is a good place for being loud     (No Shouting Inside the House!)  

·         Let’s try to breathe through these yucky feelings    (Calm Down, Stop Crying, No Whining)  

·         Let’s use kind words, please     (Don’t say that, don’t talk like that)  

·         Shoes are for your feet, remember?   (Stop throwing your shoes around the house)  

https://mrmizrahi.blog/2021/01/21/positive-phrases-to-use-instead-of-stop-no-dont/

These are all great, but sometimes they are hard to remember in the moment. It takes a lot of practice to break bad habits. That’s why my observations with this mother were so amazing. It caught my attention so captivatingly that I keep coming back to them.

I remember the first time I saw her struggling to get her child, the one with unlimited energy, to stand still so she could get done whatever she was doing. (I believe she was putting a jacket on. No one would have faulted this mother for saying, “Hold still!”. Instead I heard, I really appreciate your energy, but now it’s time to help mom do what she needs to do.” The child stopped and held still so mom could adjust their jacket. What a kind way to correct & redirect! I saw many more examples like this. It challenged me to look for better ways to kindly redirect in my classroom, especially with the 7^th graders. Now, don’t be deceived; I am still a work in progress. But I do hear myself giving more compliments while I’m correcting. Who’d a thought you could teach an old dog new tricks? Never keep looking for a better way. They are out there!

National Medal of Honor Day

 

This coming week, on March 25^th, we will celebrate National Medal of Honor Day. It honors members of our US military who, according to the Department of Defense, “distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”. It is our nation’s highest military award for valor. It was started in 1863 to honor 6 Members of Andrew’s Raiders for their participation in what is called The Great Locomotive Chase during the civil war.

Although I do not know anyone personally who has received this medal, my heart is still stirred when I read the various account of bravery for each recipient. There are awardees from virtually every war and conflict since 1863. It is important that we don’t forget their sacrifice to keep our country and the world free.

At present, there are over 3500 recipients, some of which have received the medal posthumously. There are sixty-one members still living. According to the National Park Service, there has only been one woman receive the award, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker. She was the first female Us Army surgeon. She spent four months in a Confederate prison when she was captured and charged with spying.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Medal of Honor Day.

• ·       Fly the U.S. Flag: Display the flag with pride at your home or business.
• ·       Visit Memorial Sites: Pay a visit to local memorial sites or the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
• ·       Support Veteran Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with veteran service organizations.
• ·       Learn About Medal of Honor Recipients: Research the stories of Medal of Honor recipients and share their bravery with others.
• ·       Attend Events: Some federal, state, local, and military organizations may hold events recognizing Medal of Honor recipients.
• ·       Use Social Media: Share information about National Medal of Honor Day on social media using the hashtag #MedalOfHonorDay.
• ·       Adopt a Medal of Honor Gravesite
• ·       Attend a "retreat" ceremony honoring the fallen with "Taps" and the lowering of the flag
• ·       Attend ceremonies honoring living MoH recipients

You can read about the many brave recipients of this medal on the Congressional Medal of Honor Society web pages found here. 

https://www.cmohs.org/recipients/overview

https://homeofheroes.com/medal-of-honor/medal-of-honor-recipients/

Sources:

https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/honors-for-valor

https://www.cmohs.org/news-events/blog/what-is-medal-of-honor-day-and-why-does-it-matter

Comparisons

 

Comparing things is a way of life. When we go to the grocery store, everything becomes a matter of comparison. This mango looks fresher, bigger, and nicer, than all the others. This package is a better deal according to price per unit. Sometimes we compare generic to brand name to see which we prefer. This line is shorter so it might be (ha!) faster. My advice for lines is, get in any line that I’m not in. I have a way of choosing the longest line – no matter what I do!

In reality, there’s nothing wrong with being “choosy” about our purchases. In fact, in some ways it involves being a good steward of our hard earned money. It gives us a sense of satisfaction to have not just settled for the “this will do” things in life.

Unfortunately we do the same thing with people. Here’s where we get into trouble. It causes division, racism, fights, division, anguish, and all kinds of depressive disorders due to comparison caused low self-esteem. Unfortunately, most of what we are doing is simply averaging, hoping to just end up better than someone else so we don’t see ourselves on the bottom.

Comparison, to be justified, needs a usable standard. As teachers, we go through several evaluations throughout the year. They may be scheduled, or just impromptu. They both serve the same purpose. The teacher is scored according to a set rubric that show categories of achievement. The skills desired are listed and defined. There's always room for growth, but you desire to be toward the top. I think teaching is one of the only occupations where you are never really good enough. Oh, well, it's part of the job.

For life it’s not so easy. There are many different standards and little agreement among them. Some just try to do more good than bad; some just try to be as good as the next guy. Others claim there are no absolutes, so do what you think is right. Then there is the group that has just given up.

As a Christian, the Bible say that our identity (and our worth) comes from a relationship with God himself. If we seek to please Him, we will have no need to compare ourselves to others. It doesn’t mean we will always measure up the metric, but leaving it the hands of the Just Judge can help take away the debilitating fear of competition we often face. If I please God, what else matters? What someone else thinks becomes less and less important. I am not saying that our friends shouldn’t give advice or help at times, but the focus needs to be on pleasing God, not men. It is the “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” as found in Matthew 25:21 that I am looking for.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.

When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves,

they are not wise.   2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

 

What Are You Hungry For?

 

In our last teacher’s meeting one of the young ladies in our Extended Care program challenged us to go deeper. We have been in a “rebuilding” year and have been praying for God’s provision and direction. She challenged us to join in several voluntary 3-day fasts at specific times during the rest of this year’s school year.

I am not foreign to fasting, but I cannot say I practice it regularly like many other of my friends. Many groups (religious or otherwise) practice fasting at various times of the year, often in association with prayer or meditation. Some people fast as a way to lose weight. Fasting can help you focus on your goals or desired outcomes that you would like to see accomplished. The main idea is to do without something (often food) for a specific period of time. During that time, if you think about what you are fasting from, you are encouraged to pray/meditate about why you are fasting. Since our times are voluntary, we also get to choose how we fast, and from what to fast. 

Several common fasts that I an associated with are:

• ·       Partial Day - No food until 10:00 AM or skipping 1 or more meals
• ·       Daylight Fast – waiting until sundown to eat
• ·       Water Only Fast – no food, but regular water intake
• ·       Juice Fast – no food, but fruit juices are ok
• ·       Daniel Fast – Fruit & vegetables only, no sweets, no meat, no caffeine
• ·       Social Media Fast – giving up all social media apps

So what kind of fast should I do? There are many kinds, each with its benefits and drawbacks. (Note: If you have any underlying medical conditions, I encourage you to check with your physician first.) Normally I would not share what fast I am on. I think it’s a personal thing between you and your Creator.

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV)

However, since I’m blogging about it, I will share my choice for the next 3 days. For the first time, I have chosen to do a 3 day social media fast. I spend way to much time scrolling anyway. (Facebook I can easily avoid, but no Pokémon Go? (Ya, that’s gonna leave a mark.)  I plan to replace it with listening to scripture and praying for the needs of the school. I haven’t decided what I am going to do for the other times.

So what are you hungry for? Maybe fasting can help.

 

Take these as they are – possible helps. I have not read everything but they looked helpful.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-christians-need-to-know-about-fasting-and-prayer.html

https://www.crossroads.net/media/articles/what-are-the-types-of-spiritual-fasting

https://www.health.com/fasting-8620781

Find the Way Out!

One of the new fads in team building and just general recreation is the escape room. They seem to be popping up everywhere. I for one have not, and unless monetarily coerced (meaning my boss is making me and he/she is paying for it) will not be attending. I have zero desire to participate. I mean, isn’t life itself one big escape room? We face choices and temptations of all kinds each and every day and hopefully choose the right decision. Why do I need an enhancement on that?

I have never been really competitive. Video games are not my thing, especially the ones that are timed. In fact the only game I play (not counting Pokémon Go which I started so my grandson and I had something to do during Covid) is FreeCell. One of the things I like about it is that each game has a solution. The other plus is that I can play it at my own speed. I have decided to not let a game go until I solve it. It may mean restarting multiple times, but it helps me struggle through the process. I think my highest is 10.

So how does all this relate to real life? Like I mentioned earlier, life is a continuing series of choices. Last week I needed to get some mice for the snake in my classroom. With things being so tight in this economy, I did not want to ask for it out of the budget at home. (The school budget is just as bad.) I was amazed at the different scenarios that rambled through my head. Some were entrepreneurial; others were a mix of minor theft, embezzlement, and or other petty crimes. It’s not that I really seriously contemplated misappropriating cash from somewhere, but the thoughts were there none-the-less. As I faced and rejected each one, I remembered the verse that talks about a way of escape. I remember praying and asking for God to show me that escape route. Turns out we had a little extra money, and all I had to do was ask in the first place.

Most of us would not even think about robbing a bank (at least I hope not!). But borrowing a little from “Peter to pay Paul” might be a bigger temptation. Maybe it’s not money; maybe its food, online shopping, or little white lies. It doesn’t really matter what it is. We all have those seemingly little temptations that we face on a daily basis. The scriptures say there is a way of escape. We just have to find it.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthian 10:13

Focus

 For many years, February has been one of my least favorite months. It has a kind of sad, somber tone to it. I have always been glad to get through it. The strangest part is that for a long time I was not really sure why. It wasn’t until I broke it down into good/bad lists that I understood my feelings.

For me, it contains some of the worst days of the year. It’s traditionally the coldest month of winter.  It’s the month I usually sit down and figure out how much taxes are gonna cost me this time. It’s the shortest month. And it’s the month in which my father passed away.
Oddly enough, it also contains some of the best days of the year. There are two, four day weeks, a special treat for school teachers. Valentine’s Day is the anniversary of our first date.
Two of my precious grandchildren and my youngest son were born in February. The days are starting to get longer, and I’m starting to plant indoors in anticipation of spring. In Arizona, spring training is in full swing. All in all, February is a decent month. So what gives? Why do I sometimes feel it’s a bummer?

I think the key is focus. When we are using microscopes in my Biology class, we often like to use “deep well” slides. They are slides with a slight dished-out area in it. They allow you to see things that are a bit bigger without squishing them flat. The problem is, because of the depth of field it gives, you have to know where to focus. You can focus on the top of things, on the bottom, or somewhere in-between. One part will look perfectly clear. The other parts will be blurry or even nonexistent.

 Focus in life, is all about what I spend my time thinking about. If I continually dwell on the negative, it will drag me down. If I focus on the cold, loss, and taxes, I will trudge through the month head-down, hoping for it to end. But if I look to all the great things I’ve been given in February, I can gratefully smile my way into spring. Now that I think about it, February is not all that bad. No butterflies yet, but they will be here soon. Yes, I choose to focus on the best of February. Time to put on some warm socks and go to some birthday parties!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

Do Something Good!

 

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, a time of love and adoration. But why only one day? The Bible tell use to “love one another” and love your neighbor as yourself”. Surely that means daily, every day, the whole year through? Doing something good for someone else for no reciprocal reason is the ultimate expression of selflessness and love. It’s what we are called to.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”.

The Strong's Concordence says this about that word works: 2041 érgon (from ergō, "to work, accomplish") – a work or worker who accomplishes something. érgon("work") is a deed (action) that carries out (completes) an inner desire (intension, purpose). Think about that. God already has a list of good things he wants us to do. All we have to do is join him. So how do I find out which “good works” are on my list? Well, some are obvious. Obey His commands. Trust in God. I’ve already mentioned, “Love one another” and “Love your neighbor as yourself”.  That should keep us busy most of the day. Then when we have extra time, we can look for projects that are suited to our talents.

For my wife and me, God has lead us into helping the poor, homeless, and otherwise needy. In summer months, we make “goody bags” with water, snacks, some kind of clothing item like socks, a New Testament, and a card we made with the Gospel message. When we can afford it, she likes to put $5 Dollar Tree gift cards in. In the winter months it may contain a scarf or hand warmers. I know that the common thinking is that all homeless are just drug addicted bums, but we have found this to be a great oversimplification. Although this is not uncommon, there is also a large element of mental illness involved. Some are homeless or addicted because they are mentally ill; others are mentally ill or addicted because homelessness has taken a great toll. In any case they are still someone’s son, daughter, and family.

So this Valentine’s Day, by all means let that special person know they are loved. But take some time to look around. Is there someone in need who’s all alone? Be their valentine also. A hot meal, a warm coat, or a gift card with a note of encouragement can go a long way.

Years ago my daughters loved to listen to a group called Avalon. I leave you with one of their songs that has grown on me over time, and often brought me to tears. The chorus says,

For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love

I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough

With every breath I take, I will give thanks to God above

For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love

 

Songwriters: Henk Pool / Robert T. Riekerk / Ralph Van Manen / Paul Field

Testify To Love lyrics © Universal/mca Music Holland B.v., Emi Music Publishing (wp) Ltd

 

Mistakes Happen!

 

Mistake are a fact of life. No matter how we try to avoid them, they happen. Sometimes we get so worried about making mistake that we may make the situation even worse. How we react to those mistakes is what shows our character.

Many years ago when I was a beginning teacher in the Escondido, CA area, the salary was not enough to carry us through the summer. I had to work other jobs to help meet the needs. One summer, I worked for a man named Al Keiffer. He and his son John ran an electrical contracting business. They we both exceptionally talented and were well known in the area. I’m sure I made them laugh more than once when I fried screw drivers, dropped things, and generally slowed them down. They both trained me patiently, although John did enjoys sending me up ladders as often as he could get away with it. I do not enjoy ladders, but that is another story.

One job I will never forget is wiring a set of gas pumps at a station that was being renovated. It was technical & challenging because there were very rigid specifications for the way things were to be done. One day Al ask me to cut off a pipe that was sticking down in the way. He reminded me that it was right above the fiberglass pipes that transport the fuel and admonished me to be slow and careful. I grabbed a hacksaw and carefully started cutting. I even positioned my foot under the pipe as a cushion. Because of the pipes position I had to adjust my angle to finish the cut. I moved my foot. With a last draw of the blade the pie was free and gracefully slid out of the grasp of my glove, dropping squarely onto the pipe. I can’t say my life passed before my eyes (I mean I was only 24 at the time) but it was one of those slow motion moments that one does not forget. There on the pipe was a cloudy spot that was the tell-tale sign of a crack. I looked around. There was no one in sight. I’m ashamed to admit that the temptation to just cover it up with pea gravel and forget about it was a viable option at that moment. Knowing what I should do, I went to Al and told him that I may have just spent my whole day’s wages. He looked at it and said that he would ask the foreman of the pipe fitters. A few minutes later he came back with a slight smirk on his face and told me, “You have no idea what you have done.” It turned out it was a vent pipe. They can be easily patched. If it had been a delivery pipe it would have needed replacing. Basically, no harm, no foul. But what the foreman said next was telling. “Where do you find employees like that? Even my one men would have just covered it up and we would have had to go searching for the pressure leak. Al got to tell him that we were Christians, and that God requires honesty. He just walked away shaking his head. Al smiled and said “Thank you. You know who he will call for the next job.” Mistakes happen. Face them, tell the truth, it’s the right way – its God’s way.

The one whose walk is blameless,
    who does what is righteous,
    who speaks the truth from their heart;

whose tongue utters no slander,
    who does no wrong to a neighbor,
    and casts no slur on others;
 who despises a vile person
    but honors those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
    and does not change their mind;
who lends money to the poor without interest;
    who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things
    will never be shaken.    Psalm 15:2-5

 

This Is My Testimony

 Since part of the motivation for my blog is to leave a legacy to my children & grandchildren, I thought I would share some history this week. This post is about my father, I will share mine at a later time. Many of us grew up in churches that had the occasional “testimony time”, usually in an evening service. Unfortunately, most people don’t really know what a personal testimony is. I’m not talking about the type one gives in court, but a personal testimony of their relationship with Christ. The Christian site Cru.org gives a definition as good as any. They say a testimony is “The story about how God has changed your life through a personal relationship with Him — that is your Christian testimony.”  When I was a trainer for Evangelism Explosion, we would tell people its’s three easy steps.

1. This is how I was. (spiritual condition)

2. Here’s what happened. (conversion experience)

3. Here’s how I’ve changed. (new creature in Christ)

 Some people have dramatic stories. Others have a much simpler one. My father, Maynard Cross, once told me his.

He said he had started attending church (mostly because he had met the girl that would soon be my mother) and had made friends with the Pastor. They even went fishing together. He liked to share his passion of fishing. One morning Pastor Adam Lutzweiler ask my father to travel to the Chicago Gospel Rescue Mission for a taping of the radio program “Unshackled”. Pastors Lutzweiler story was being featured, that day.

 Here is an excerpt from the poetry collection & writings of James Lutzweiler, his son. (MS615_Lutzweiler_James (3).pdf  p37)

 Before my father's own conversion after a theatre performance on the night of 1 August 1925 on the 10th floor of the Paul Revere Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, he had been a jazz-mad marimbist in Vaudeville, where he went by the far more euphonic name of Lew Adams and helped to make the Twenties roar. His life story was broadcast on the serialized program "Unshackled" in 1953 by Chicago's Pacific Garden Mission. Upon his conversion, my father abandoned Vaudeville for the Christian ministry, and he returned to Philadelphia where he eventually enrolled in the Philadelphia College of the Bible, a school founded by C. I. Scofield.

 My father said when pastor Lutzweiler had finished, he went forward and handed him something. It was a package of cigarettes! “What am I supposed to do with these?” the pastor asked.  “I don’t know, but I’m not going to need them”, quipped my father.  On that day he quite a 2 pack a day smoking habit cold-turkey, and never looked back. He had given his life to Christ. My mother and father were baptized in the same church shortly after, and throughout the years always strove to raise their family in accordance with the scriptures. They are great examples of what God can do. 

Thank you, I miss you dad.

 

This is my testimony

From death to life

'Cause grace rewrote my story

I'll testify

By Jesus Christ, the righteous

I'm justified

This is my testimony

This is my testimony

 “My Testimony”

Writers: Brandon Lake, Christopher Joel Brown, Steven Furtick, Tiffany Hammer

Copyright: Lyrics © ESSENTIAL MUSIC PUBLISHING, BETHEL MUSIC PUBLISHING

 

Extinction: The Last Christian?

 

Extinction is a sad thing anyway you look at it. In the last few hundred years we have seen the last Dodo, the last Tasmanian tiger, and the last Passenger Pigeon. And let’s not forget the dinosaurs. Am I glad there are no T-Rex dinosaurs roaming the California countryside? Yes. It would really change our camping plans! But I still wish there was a place, a continent or island, where they could frolic and terrorize the creatures there. I mean, we have Komodo Island don’t we? How about T-Rexia? Hmm, I guess it’s a good thing I’m not in charge.  

Lately I have been revisiting books that I have read that have left a lasting impression. One of these is The Last Christian by David Gregory. It speaks of a day where Christianity is considered “hate speech” and basically outlawed. 20 years ago I would have laughed at the idea. Today is a different story.

But how could we get to such a dilemma? Sue Bohlin, a writer for Probe Ministries  (https://probe.org/the-last-christian) summarized it so very well, so I will use her words. She stated, “One reason the book was compelling is its explanation of how Christianity died out. One of the main characters is a history professor at a Dallas university who gives a five-point lecture about what rendered Christianity so irrelevant and obsolete as to have no presence in the culture at all. The biggest point was the lack of distinctiveness between believers and unbelievers. Since professing Christians had the same beliefs and the same behaviors of those with no allegiance to Christ, there was no reason for anyone to become a Christian”.

It all comes down to the changed life. I have mentioned it before. (See March 9, 2024, What Do You Have That I Would Want?) In this day and age, people want to see results, often instantly. When there is no change, it sets up a big red flag.

Interestingly enough, It is said to be one of the main reasons Anton LaVey founded the Church of Satan.  LaVey claimed to have seen that many of the same men attended both the bawdy Saturday night shows and the tent revival meetings on Sunday mornings, which reinforced his increasingly cynical view of religion. In the foreword to the German language edition of The Satanic Bible, he cites this as the impetus to defy Christian religion as he knew it. In it he explains why he thinks churchgoers employ moral double standards. (LaVey, Anton Szandor (1999). Die Satanische Bible (Satanic Bible). Berlin: Second Sight Books.) 

Since I have not, nor do I plan to read his works, I will take Wiki’s word for it. But I do think he was on to something. How will Christianity stay relevant if it doesn’t really do any good? If Christians can live like the world Monday through Saturday and then go to Church on Sunday to sing and pray - pretending they are religious, what’s the point? Christianity is either all or nothing. Either we are all in, or we’re just faking. Are Christian’s perfect? Of course not. But the people around you should notice a difference (and not in a weird way).

Jesus said in John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The Apostle Peter said, Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12.

If we are going make an impact on this generation, we have to be able to show them that Christ is just as meaningful to the world as He was in the 1^st century. We have to live it – Daily. It’s either Involvement or Extinction. What will it be?

Amazon link for book: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Christian-Novel-David-Gregory/dp/1400074975

What If? No Looking Back

Let’s face it. Times are rough. Money is tight. We actually went backward when we came back to California to care for my wife’s mother. Sometimes, in the midst of the drama of life, I have stopped to think about the what-ifs. What if I had chosen a different career?

I have had several possibilities over the years.  Coming out of high school I was doing a lot of jewelry making. I actually considered going to school for diamond appraisal/Jewelry design. Another option was a career in Microbiology. Diamond appraisal would have been a great choice money wise. Microbiology (I had my sights set on working for the CDC in exotic viruses) would be exciting and rewarding. After seeing the gem business, I decided I didn’t want the stress nor security risks that went with it. I soon realized that the type of work in the CDC I was interested in was not conducive to raising a family. I didn’t like the idea of being on call 24/7 and possibly missing anniversaries, birthday, or other major milestones in my family’s life. I decided to be a science teacher.

Later while I was in between teaching jobs, I worked for McDonnell-Douglas in an information data center. I had only worked there about 9 months and my supervisor was wanting to send me to supervisor school. Again, it would have been a great financial opportunity. Several of my friends did very well with the subsequent mergers and takeovers.

While we were in Arizona, I had a friend who worked for the Edward Jones financial group. At that time it was #4 in the nation in job satisfaction. He though I would be perfect since teachers seemed to do very well. It would have been a huge pay increase, not to mention the opportunities for regular golf games with clients! I realized it would mean a total career change. After much prayer and searching I was confident that God wanted me to continue teaching so I declined. Over the years, I have been able to help and influence others in building God’s kingdom. You cannot put a price on that.

Do I regret it? No, not really. This week I have watched how millions of dollars in assets can disappear in just one fire. Add to that, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes & tornadoes, and bankruptcies & theft and you really get to see what the scriptures were talking about when they say “riches are fleeting”.

Would I like to be rich? Sure, why not. But my wife and I also realized we enjoy seeing God provide. We have numerous stories how He has provided the right amount, at the right time. It actually seems like it would be a shame to walk away from that. I remember how forgetful I am…

Proverbs 23:4-5 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

James 1:10-11 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

If you curse me, then I will bless you

If you hurt me, I will forgive

And if you hate me, then I will love you

I choose the Jesus way

If you're helpless, I will defend you

And if you're burdened, I'll share the weight

And if you're hopeless, then let me show you

There's hope in the Jesus way

Songwriters: Jonathan Smith / Phil Wickham The Jesus Way lyrics © Be Essential Songs

 

Carry On!

 

It’s a new year, but for teachers it is the half-way point in the school calendar. First semester is over - time to start the second half. We tell our students to keep going, to persevere. But what does that really mean?

Perseverance is defined as continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. (merriam-webster.com) Sometimes perseverance is a long term struggle; other times it is just a transient blip on the journey of life. It might be a prolonged illness or time of healing. It could be growing a business from the ground up. It might simply be the finishing of a short term goal. Several of my grandchildren are taking Karate lessons. Getting through your white belt may only take a matter of months. Getting your first black belt may take many years. Recently I spent 3 days climbing up and down ladders, running and testing cables, just to get an outside camera up and running. I have to admit, there were times I wanted to just throw the thing away and go on. But eventually I found the problem, fixed it, and walked away victorious. The camera works and it was also a good leg workout. I knew I could finish it, because I had done it before. I just had to keep trying. It’s funny how the struggle doesn’t seem as bad once you are through it. The goal is reached and we get to bask in the success of a job well done, at least until another struggle comes along.

 Struggles help us grow. I like to start tomato & pepper seedlings in February here in California so I can get them in the garden as soon as things warm up. (Yes, it’s also because I’m cheap and don’t want to spends $4 on a single plant at the store, but that’s another story.) When you grow seedlings inside under lights, gardeners always advise you to have an oscillating  fan pointed at them. This is to make the stems move back and forth. It helps them to have stronger stems. If plants could talk, they would probably complain, but whether they like it or not, it’s good for them. Stronger stems means more resilient plants and fruit.

 Just like physical trials help strengthen our physical bodies, spiritual trials help us grow spiritually. Knowing we have succeeded before can give us the energy to overcome the next trial. It has been said that, “The only way to fail is to quit”. When asked about all of his failures in light bulb designs Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." The key to perseverance, whether short or long term, is never giving up. It’s the daily grind, moment by moment, that finally adds up to a realization of your intended goal.

  

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Start the New Year Right!

Does it feel like a letdown after Christmas and New Year’s are over? Turns out New Year’s Depression is a real thing. I kind of remember not wanting to get into the routine again when I was in high school, but I had always thought it was a combination of more homework and the freezing cold temperatures that come with winter in Northern Illinois & Wisconsin. I remember seeing it in my friends also, but mental health was not really talked about much when I was a kid. Now that I look back, I can see how we all were affected. Although I’m still not a fan of AI (Skynet still comes to mind) it did come up with some good suggestions. (Note: I did do some editing for length.)

Key signs to watch for: (for others and yourself)

1. Mood swings: Feeling suddenly down or tearful after the holiday excitement fades.

2. Social withdrawal: Avoiding social events or interactions, preferring to stay alone.

3. Loss of interest: Lack of enthusiasm for activities that were previously enjoyable.

4. Excessive self-criticism: Focusing on perceived flaws or failures, feeling inadequate.

5. Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, oversleeping, or disrupted sleep patterns.

6. Changes in appetite: Significant decrease or increase in food intake.

7. Increased substance use: Turning to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.

8. Physical complaints: Unexplained aches and pains, fatigue, headaches.

9. Negative thoughts: Focusing on negative aspects of life, feeling pessimistic about the future.

To cope with New Year's depression, focus on self-care practices like maintaining a healthy routine, engaging in activities you enjoy, setting realistic goals, managing expectations, reaching out to loved ones for support, and seeking professional help if needed; if the feelings are persistent or severe, consider talking to a therapist about potential underlying issues related to seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Key strategies to manage New Year's depression:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Don't dismiss your emotions; accept that it's normal to feel a sense of letdown after the holiday season.

2. Set realistic goals: Instead of drastic resolutions, set achievable goals that build positive momentum throughout the year.

3. Prioritize self-care:

            Healthy eating: Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

            Regular exercise: Physical activity can significantly boost mood.

            Quality sleep: Aim for consistent sleep schedules.

            Mindfulness practices: Meditation or deep breathing can help manage stress.

4. Social connection:

            Reach out to loved ones: Spend time with supportive friends and family.

            Join a group: Consider joining a club or activity group based on your interests.

5. Focus on the positive: Reflect on accomplishments from the past year and celebrate small wins.

When to seek professional help:

1. If your depression is severe or interferes with daily life.

2. If you experience persistent feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

3. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

 

The real key is don’t stay silent. Talk to a pastor, a friend, a parent, a sibling. You will find out you are not alone. Tell God how you feel. He cares. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7