Teaching IS a work of heart!

        "Teaching is a work of heart".That's a slogan I had on a coffee mug that I used for many years as a classroom teacher. While teachers have come under fire for the current state of our school system, those of us in the classroom know the truth!
         Teachers teach through the swinging pendulums of what "the authorities" think is the right way to teach: centers, whole group instruction, phonics, no phonics, literacy circles, reading groups, whole language, new math, old math, spelling (no, I mean vocabulary development), homework, no homework...I learned to go with the educational flow. Today's teachers do the same.
       I  taught through the additions in curriculum: "Hands are not for hitting", "Everyone is special", toothbrushing, sanitizing, computer instruction, "Special friends", nutrition education, what to do about inappropriate touching...and then I adjusted to what was subtracted:  art, music, creative writing,...I had to find ways to supplement what "had to be cut". Teachers still do.
       I started teaching when children came to school rested, clean, and fed. Schools now have to serve breakfast, lunch, snacks, & hand out doggie bags of food for children who need it to survive their weekends. They are also mandated to serve through the summer months when schools are supposed to be closed for cleaning (ha) and repairs. Teachers can no longer count on teaching children who are rested either. Many children are allowed to stay up  late, with little or no supervision, and spend way too many hours on computers or watching inappropriate television. They come to school tired, irritable, and often late - if they get there at all.
       When I started teaching, supplies were provided. They weren't fancy but they were efficient. Today, teachers have to send home long supply lists and districts provide less and less support. (By the time I retired, I routinely spent at least $5,000.00 a year on basic classroom supplies like crayons and paper.) Every teacher I know buys curriculum support materials out of his or her own money as well as supplementing the Kleenex, snacks, & other necessities the children have to have.
       Then there are the 3 ps: politics, paperwork, & parents. Political correctness has taken the place of common sense. The idea behind "No child left behind" sounded good, but execution was impossible for the majority of districts - and the teachers became the victims. Classroom paperwork takes up hours of time that teachers could be preparing. Testing takes up weeks of instruction time - at least 3 weeks 3 times a year. Parents can be unreasonable, and usually the children with the most severe behavior problems have parents with the loudest opinions & most demands -  so we coddle them and put the children in program after program, hoping to counteract their lack of discipline and shaky home lives by additional attention. Then there are the children with the variety of learning disabilities, some which have been caused by alcohol & drug addictions of the parents, who want the school system to "fix" what they created! This is on top of the second language students who have their own distinct Federally-mandated plans. Regular classroom teachers teach these "special needs" kids for most of the day, taking away large chunks of time and attention from the rest of the students. Additionally, try planning a day of instruction when there is a steady stream of kids getting pulled out of class for remediation of one sort or another.  And don't get me started on the lack of respect... the rude behavior of some of the hottest stars on "favorite" shows is not the example that we should be condoning for our kids, and yet we laugh and expect that somehow what they're watching is not going to translate into their behavior!
       So there you are. Teachers have become the scapegoats for our "failing" educational system while factors way beyond their control have set parameters that are almost impossible to teach within. In spite of all those things, however, Every teacher I know works extremely hard for very long hours, with very little support, & with all of the above obstacles.( If you think I'm over-dramatizing, visit your local school for a day!) Instead of criticizing teachers, try giving them the encouragement & support they earn year after year. Volunteer, ask what you can do, provide supplies, send a Thank you note "just because", do what you can to help. After all, you couldn't be reading this unless some dedicated teacher had done her/ his job. The bottom line is this:  If teaching wasn't a "work of heart" there wouldn't be any teachers!!  Think about that as your kids & grandkids start another school year. And remember to pray daily for your kids' teachers - after all, they will be with your kids almost more than you will for the next 9 months!

"The Running Plan"

My exercise mantra has always been "When you feel like exercising, lie down until the feeling goes away". In spite of that, an article called "The Running Plan" caught my eye this week.  It was written to give beginning runners some strategies and to remind seasoned runners of some of the basics. As I was reading, I couldn't help but make analogies to the Christian life, which the Apostle Paul compared to running a race. Here are a few of the author's points:
1. The hardest part about running is the decision to start. Ignore those who tried but gave up, decide to make the commitment, and watch the exciting changes that begin to occur in your life.
2.  Keep your goals realistic. You're not going to magically go from couch potato to marathon runner. Huge expectations often lead to frustration, feelings of failure, and eventual quitting.  Negative thoughts destroy motivation.
3.  Pay attention to your form. The right posture has a lot to do with the body's ability to move efficiently and comfortably! Slouching often occurs as you get tired. And keep your eyes focusing on the road ahead. Looking back or away can easily & quickly lead to disaster!
4.  Gradually increase your duration. Check your breathing to determine your speed and distance. Injuries occur when you push too hard.
5.  Listen to your body. It will let you know when you're doing too much too soon. Fatigue undermines your best efforts.
6.  Be kind to yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. They may always be able to do more...
7.  Find a running buddy - it's safer and provides motivation but be sure to work at your own pace regardless of anyone else's prodding.
8.  Experienced runners may have valuable tips but always apply them to where you are at your personal level of activity.
9.  Focus on your smallest successes. Even if all you ever do is walk, you're better off then when you were sitting. You're doing good things for your body and your health.  Keep it up!! Even reward your mini-milestones - just remember #2 & keep the goals realistic!
10. Get out there. The old Indian proverb says the hardest & longest journey begins with a single step.  My father-in-law's sales adage correlates, "The hardest door to exit is your own."

Do you see the amazing Christian life applications? You decide to follow Christ, making the commitment to live for Him, regardless of others' opinions. Instantly there are changes that begin to occur. New goals & activities begin to emerge and you incorporate them into your life. Bible reading and prayer time become important, but don't expect to read and understand the whole Bible in a week, or instantly become a mighty prayer warrior. Work slowly, as the Spirit leads, to replace old patterns and habits with new ones, and keep your focus on Christ. Ignore distractions or the temptation to "look back" at past mistakes. At times you may be frustrated with your slow progress but keep on! The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't worry about small trip-ups. That's what 1 John 1:9 (God's forgiveness) is for. Watch your witness because others are, but don't compare your spiritual progress or ministry with anyone else. God doesn't! He designed a wonderful life specifically for YOU.  Find partners who will encourage and support you, keeping you accountable. Listen to those with more experience, taking suggestions as they apply to you, sifting everything through the Word for credibility! When you begin to feel discouraged, recall how far you've come and the wonderful changes you've made. But most importantly of all, Just Do It. The hardest part is surrendering to God & making the commitment. Once you're determined to live for Christ, He will help you with all the rest!!

Seasons

On a beautiful summer morning like this, it is hard to remember the raging winter storms of years past. The lightning, thunder, drenching rain, gale-force winds, and biting cold seem distant and almost unimaginable. The treacherous driving conditions of blinding snow and black ice are lost in the glaring sunshine of the warm and glorious day! It's a season of peace...
Thank God for these times of refreshing and rest, for calmness and contentment. These are long, lazy days filled with good books, gentle breezes, sunbathing & cool drinks. They are filled with vacations, shopping, lunches with friends, and long walks. They are my season to regroup, rejuvenate, & revive my spirit and I take full advantage of them. I know that winter is coming.
Before many months have passed, rain will start. The amazing colors of Fall will turn to the barrenness of winter. Trees that are filled with fruit and lush green leaves will take on a skeletal form. The temperature will drop and heavy coats & boots will replace shorts & sandals.  The long days will shorten and the nights will grow long. Even during the day, the clouds will obscure the sun and the grayness will dominate. It's not something I want to think about right now, and yet I know it's coming.
Our walk with the Lord is so much like these seasons. There are times when all is right with our world. The cares and worries decrease as we experience seasons of peace and contentment. There are no serious storms to derail our faith or envelope us in fear. We coast along in His love, basking in the warmth of fellowship, refreshment, and relative ease. Then the storms come. A parent gets sick, finances fail, relationships end, illness attacks, a loved one passes away...there are so many things that can cause darkness to fall on us. We cower in uncertainty & cry out for relief. Where is God? Why am I having to deal with this? What do I do?  As the song says, "We are all just one phone call from our knees." And, ironically, that's where God wants us. Circumstances cause us to withdraw from Him or run to Him. We choose how to respond, basing that choice on one of several things:  our past experiences, our feelings, or God's promises. 
If we base our decisions on our own feelings or experiences, our trust is in ourselves. We become our own god and the outcome of that choice is disaster.  Our past is interpreted by a variety of factors and can't be trusted. Our feelings are unreliable and ever-changing. Neither of these will guarantee our success or safety. Only God's promises, found in His Word, are able to be trusted to shelter, guide, encourage, protect, and make all grace abound to us.(2 Co. 9:8) Our hope is in believing that His plan will be accomplished for our Good! (Jer. 29:11/ Ro. 8:28)
In my reading in Psalms this morning, there were two exhortations to take shelter under His wings. Like the story of the mother bird that stayed put through the fire, losing her own life in order to protect her nest, Jesus "stayed put" on the cross, although He could have chosen not to, in order to provide life for us - and not just existence, but abundant life (Jo 10:10). 
We all have our storms. The Bible doesn't say "If you walk through the water...if you walk through the fire."  It says "WHEN". The choice we make is who we will trust when the storms come! So, take a moment today to check your spirit.  Thank God if you're in a season of rest and refreshing, and take shelter under His wings if you're in a storm...He is always there with you, no matter what season you are in!!

"Timing isn't everything...but it sure does matter!"

       The Children's lesson this week is about Joseph, the dreamer.  I was thinking about how much trouble he got himself into by revealing too soon all the things that God told him would someday happen. His dreams were definitely sent by God, and yet because he shared them with those who weren't willing or ready to hear, & he didn't wait on God's timing, he caused family division that led to much heartache. Eventually, the brothers saw Joseph's dreams turn to reality but the road getting there was filled with major detours, and although Joseph ended up where God wanted him to be, perhaps he would have gotten there sooner & with less pain if he had chosen to handle things differently.
       Sometimes God will give us a glimpse of something to come, for ourselves or for someone else, and He means for us to ponder it in our own hearts. As we watch Him work, it strengthens our faith and encourages us.
       Sometimes He speaks words to our hearts that we alone need to hear - words of wisdom or clarification or even direction for the future. He may show us a ministry that He eventually wants us to start, build or help with. He may give us a calling or confirm one that we know we have been given. However, timing is  critical and wisdom demands that until the time is right we should be very careful about who we share with. A good prayer partner or two is one thing; sharing it with those lacking your vision or faith is another.
       Many Christians have run off unprepared & unsupported because they "heard a word from God" and didn't wait for His release. "Preparation preceeds priesthood", Pastor Evans used to say.  Receiving a word from the Lord often means there is a season of training, education, and preparation that needs to take place for that word to be accomplished.
       Several times people have come to us as pastors declaring that God has told them they are to have some leadership position in our church & expect immediate placement, while refusing to put in the time and effort to build relationships or wait for confirmation first. Still others have come to us with ministries that God has placed on their hearts that they are sure WE as the pastors are supposed to start.  Dan's counsel is so wise in this area:  He always says that first God will confirm it with other witnesses. Then the 3 f's will be in place:  we'll have the facility to do it, the faculty to lead it, and the finances to make it work.
       There are times, truly, when God says for us to do it and do it now...but we better be sure that it's His voice and not our own ambition before we launch out into something we think He said! The fallout from presumptuousness might be more than we can handle and may lead to serious stumbling blocks for those who are watching from the sidelines!

The Lessons of a "Four-Letter Word"

       The phrase "four-letter word" has a seriously negative connotation but I always smile when I think of it!  At a Women of Faith conference, I heard the funniest sermonette about DIET as a four letter word.  I still remember the crowd laughing and relating as the speaker went on and on about her "trials by mouth!" Hatred of dieting is an almost universal bond among women!
       While "Diet" is not a favorite of mine, there is one four letter word that I hate even more...WAIT.  My Bible reading this morning was out of Psalms 37. Twice in this precious Psalm, David encourages us to Wait on the Lord.  In verse 7 he tells us to wait and trust. In verse 34 he says to wait for the Lord's help and follow Him. The consequences of this waiting will be inheritance, honor, seeing the wicked defeated, peace, and a number of other things. While I know that waiting is an essential part of our Christian walk, I still don't like it! If you're honest, you probably don't either.
       Our society has not trained us to wait. Instant is expected and waiting has the connotation of inadequacy or inferiority. Fast food, fast service, instant pictures, fast internet speeds...our time has become so "precious" that any waiting is seen as waste. However, our God who created time has a different perspective. He knows that waiting is good for us. It gives us time to evaluate our circumstances and allows us to contemplate where we might need to make changes. It slows us down and helps us prioritize correctly. It is essential in building our faith and deepening our trust.  When everything is laid out for us and life is rushing by, we don't usually spend the time necessary to really stop, pray, quiet our hearts, & give God the opportunty to speak to us. Sometimes it takes a doctor's waiting room or some other potentially disastrous situation  to loom ahead of us before we are willing to Wait.  (commonly known as a "spiritual 2x4")
       Waiting can show us the true depth of our relationship with God. Our waiting rooms should be times of reflection.  The more superficial our faith is, the greater the chance that waiting will turn into anxiousness, fear, worry, and the dreaded "what ifs". Instead, we need to use His waiting room to think on His greatness, His power, His miracles. We need to remember all the good things He has done, and imagine those great things He has yet planned for us. We need to let go of doubt and replace it with calm assurances. We know His plans are good. We know He has our best in mind. We know He won't ever leave us or forsake us. We can count on His power, presence, and protection. We are loved by Him!
       All of us will experience the Waiting room. It is part of living and part of growing. It's your choice as to how you use your time there. You can experience peace through whatever situation you are in or you can fret & fume.  The waiting time won't change, but the resulting change in your heart & outlook sure will.

Our Good Shepherd

My Bible reading this morning included the 23rd Psalm. As I was reading, I remembered a quote from Max Lucado that said, "I'm sure glad our God calls Himself the Good Shepherd and not the good cowboy." And yet I know some people that see God as having the rough and tough persona of a ranch hand. Cowboys get the job done by driving the herd forward and forcing their direction. They are anything but gentle.

Our Good Shepherd, however, is the exact opposite. The Bible says He walks among the sheep and they know His voice. They trust Him completely, following Him wherever He goes. He lovingly leads and guides, making sure to use His staff to correct their errant ways, so that they don't wander or get lost. He protects them with His own life, keeping watch over them constantly. He prepares the way ahead, ridding their grazing grounds of harmful things. He makes sure there is adequate pasture and quiet waters for them to drink from. He is vigilant in caring for each sheep, checking to be sure they are free of pests and disease, and that their wool is not to heavy for them to manage. He is concerned about each individual, and according to Jesus' own words, He will leave the flock to go find the one that is missing. He truly is invested in the thriving & health of each sheep within His flock, unlike a hired hand that has no concern other than keeping them alive for their owner.

The picture God provided of the Good Shepherd is an awesome one. If you are ever in doubt about God's love and care for you, and don't have the benefit of being a sheep owner, get a copy of Phillip Keller's book, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23". It gives amazing insights into each and every phrase of the beloved psalm from someone who understands the symbolism. As a city girl, I gleaned so much from his comments and the psalm took on even more intense meaning. David, the writer of the Psalm, had raised sheep and knew the depth of the comparisons. Once you understand each analogy, you will be amazed at how much more you will love David's simple words and John 10's references.

God, in Jesus, truly is our Good Shepherd...the only question is whether you will submit to His care or not!

Don't waste another day...

Dan and I were at our favorite Mexican restaurant when we noticed that our usual waitress, the manager's sister, wasn't there. At the end of our meal, Sergio came up to us and tearfully told us that his sister had passed away - suddenly, without illness. She had a major heart attack and was gone. We were stunned because she was younger than either of us and had been laughing and talking with us just the week before.
As I was telling a friend about it, she told me that a friend of hers had just lost her husband. They are both in their 30s and were seemingly in good health. He went to bed and in the morning was gone.
My girlfriend and I were discussing the brevity and uncertainty of life, and it led us into the discussion of wasted days. So many people we know have spent too many days in self-righteous anger, bitterness or unforgiveness. We've adopted the presumptuous attitute that we have lots of time. We simply procrastinate, waiting for the other person to make the first move toward reconciliation. Unfortunately, that's not the Biblical way. God says we shouldn't wait and won't even accept our worship of Him unless our hearts are right. Even if the other person is at fault God demands that we leave our gifts at the altar & make peace with our "brother" (doing all that we can to "fix it") before coming to Him. He doesn't care about our innocence or guilt, or about whether the other person accepts our attempts or not. He says to go make peace.
Nancy Messler started her ministry with the quote "Why do I have to be the first one to change?" The answer simply is that she wasn't, and neither are we! God was the one who initiated forgiveness, though He was not the guilty party & though He knew many would reject His offer. He loved us and gave His best while our hearts were still far away. He didn't stand on His righteousness, innocence, or "rightness". He stood on the principles of love, mercy, & grace. His love gave it all, His mercy paid it all, and His grace covers it all. Our job is just to receive it all! And once we have, then we pass it all to those around us, whether we think they're deserving or not. In that way we fulfill God's command that freely we have been given, so freely now we must give...
Don't waste another minute, another day! Lay aside all self-righteousness or pride and go to those whose relationship with you is strained, broken, or scarred. Do everything within your power to heal that breach, and do it now. They might not have tomorrow, & you might not either!