Turn Your Eyes to the Cross

I thought I’d share a couple poems I wrote in the past couple years.  I wrote the first one not too long ago as just a reminder to put my hope in the Lord.  As for the second one, I started the first four lines last year and finally decided to finish it up for today. Hope you enjoy:

Do we live to dream or dream to live?

     That phrase just makes you wonder...

If I give my life to the dream will it

     come true or take me under?

Underground and out of mind,

     depression takes its toll.

Life becomes a dreadful thing

     that's relentless, grim, and dull.

But hope remains for those who turn

     their eyes upon the cross.

Without the love of Jesus Christ

     our efforts would all come to loss.

He gave His life to set us free

     from the awful curse of sin.

He rose again to life

     so those who follow Him can win.

 

It’s not about bunnies or baskets or candy,

It’s not about bonnets or dresses so dandy.

Egg hunts and parades become such trivial things,

If we sit back and listen when the true message rings.

Jesus died on the cross and then rose again,

He gave His all to save us from our sin.

So whether your Easter is full of rain or shine,

Make sure to give Jesus a moment of your time!

Letter of Resignation

Warning: The following blog is a personal soapbox.

                Recently, I watched what this country would consider to be a controversial documentary called IndoctriNation.  It was about the decline of the American public school system and what it has done to our children and the people overall.  I taught kindergarten for one year after I graduated from OBU and it was a very tough year, so tough that I decided that something needed to change in my career.  After taking a year off, I started the application process again.  I tried adding English as a second language to my certification, thinking that working with smaller groups was what I needed.  I tried applying at smaller, local schools thinking that the inner-city system was what made my first job so hard.  I did get a few interviews, but, for some reason, I was never offered a job over the last few years.   I will admit that I did not put a lot of effort into applying because I was not sure if I wanted to return.  I was on the fence, but I believe God has used this movie to push me over the edge, and this is why I will not be applying for a public elementary teaching position this year:

                When I was in elementary school in Arizona, I remember learning many things and never felt a lot of pressure from the teachers to do well on a test.  We learned through hands-on experiences and teamwork.  I understood math better than most of the other students, but I was not bored because my teachers offered me the chance to work independently.  There are many other examples of how the teachers I had would cater to the different needs of the students.  My experiences in Arizona planted the first idea of becoming a teacher. 

                Unfortunately, things changed a lot over the years since I was in elementary school.  No Child Left Behind was passed, and from what I’ve observed in the schools, it seems to do the opposite of its intent with many students.  Learning and teaching is not as fun anymore with all the push for testing.  At the school where I did my student teaching, I was told that I could only have 15 minutes each day to teach a science lesson to the second grade class.  Many principals whom I have worked and interviewed with have said things like: “Students will not need to learn science and social studies until 4^th grade when they are tested over it,” “You can teach science and social studies to the kindergarteners through the literature you read,” and worst of all, “Those kindergarteners will not have time to play, you must focus solely on getting them to read by the end of the school year.” Now, I’m not saying that children should be running around wild in the classroom, but sometimes, learning can look like play.  Children learn best through interacting with their learning and by being given a chance to explore and discover things on their own.  Of course, the teacher is in charge of directing and guiding the children in their exploration and each child is unique in his or her pace.  I feel as though I have been told that type of learning is no longer acceptable and the teacher is expected to be standing in front of the class, holding a book.  It’s all about those dreaded tests held in April.

                I really could go on and on about that subject alone, but there are many other ways things have changed over the years for the school system.  The movie focuses on how God has been removed from the schools, and that is a far worse occurrence than NCLB.  Removing God and prayer from the schools has led to an overall disrespect for authority and a physically and morally unsafe environment.  IndoctriNation explains this and so much more and I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially teachers and parents with students in the public school system.

                At first, as I was watching the movie, I thought I should still try to teach to be a light for Jesus to my students, and I related my thoughts to one of the teachers they interviewed.  But, as they told her story, she mentioned that if she ever stood up for God in front of her students, she would be asked to resign immediately, and that is exactly what happened.  How can I be a light in a place controlled by a government that extinguishes all flames as quickly as possible?  Now I know that here in Oklahoma, things are not quite as bad as other areas, and I could talk about my beliefs in the classroom, but how much longer will it last?  Given the choice between my degree and God, I most definitely choose God.  I feel like a burden has been lifted from my shoulders.  I still may not know where God is leading me, but at least I know one thing He will not have me doing. 

P.S. Anyone know of any good private schools?  Can an elementary teaching degree be used for things other than teaching?  At least I know some tips for teaching my own children someday :)

www.IndoctriNationMovie.com

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Misplaced Time

            Pastor Clay preached a very convicting message this last Sunday.  It was about how we, as Christians spend our time.  He said it’s so easy for Christians to ignore the critical and focus all their attentions on the frivolous.  He read John 19:19-24, which talks about how the soldiers were casting lots for Jesus’ clothes as He was hanging on the cross, dying.  They got so caught up in their game, that they did not realize the significance of what was taking place behind them.  Clay spoke of misplaced passion and asked “What do you care the most about?”  Our passion is evidenced by how we spend our time.

            Of course, I have heard messages or read devotionals on the subject of time before.  But, at this point in my life, that message really hit home.  Lately, I have found myself highly interested in (aka: addicted to) an online game.  Those who introduced me to it will know what I’m talking about.  I found myself making all kinds of excuses for spending so much time playing: “My friends might be/get on,” “I had a hard day at work and need an escape,” “Just one more hour, I need to finish this mission,” etc.  In fact, let’s just focus on that work excuse, I tend to use it a lot to explain away wasted time on TV, gaming, reading, and music.  These things are not bad in and of themselves, but when they consume most or all of your free time, that’s when they become a problem.  Instead of trying to escape the stress, I should be turning to God at the end of each work day.  I should use that time to pray about the specific things, at work or elsewhere, that make me feel that need to escape. 

            As human beings, we have a tendency to be passionate.  Think of the sports fans cheering when their team wins or the readers who cry when a book character dies.  Christians should have that kind of passion for God.  We should desire to read the Bible and talk to God, to serve Him and bring honor to His name.  Once we are saved, that should be our passion and purpose, but how often do we find ourselves focusing on the things of this earth?  Col. 3:1-3 says, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”  Enjoying something, such as a movie, a football game, or a good book, is not bad; but just remember that these things hold no significance in light of eternity, so don’t let them consume you.  We should build our lives around God and doing His work.  Although, it may seem difficult at first, when you spend enough time with Him, you start to realize just how important your relationship with God is.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11-13 (KJV)

When the Magic Fades

         Christmas can be a magical time of year. Children are excited, the weather changes (for some), beautiful lights and decorations flood the stores and streets, and many people seem to be in a merrier mood. Of course, this isn't always the case. Some people do not enjoy this time of year-and to them I say bah humbug!  For those of us who are Christians, we have an even greater reason to celebrate. I know we have all heard this a lot, but it is important to set aside time to remember how God sent His son to earth to take on an earthly body as a little baby boy, knowing He would one day sacrifice that Son to save us.
This year brought an amazing Christmas Day for my family. After a fairly hectic month with work, doctor appointments, and crowded shopping, that day was so peaceful. My brother and I took charge of making the dinner, and he even ground up the turkey and stuffing so my mom could enjoy it since her jaw isn't fully healed. We enjoyed gifts and filming the cats (our children) with their new toys. Then, as my dad was reading about the nativity, it started snowing! It was a great day that we did not want to end.

         After such a wonderful day, I was deeply saddened as I started at work the following day. Despite the weather, many people decided to take advantage of the clearance sales, so the store was crowded. But I expected that. What really got to me is that after such a magical day, everyone was carrying on business as usual. Customers were frantic and impatient. Drivers on the slick roads were the same. My coworkers were discussing grievances about the job. It was like time was frozen in the snow that one Christmas Day, and then it unfroze and life forgot it. It seems that the music, lights, joyful spirits, and goodwill all faded in an instant. Why do people allow themselves to forget so quickly?  Why do we change back to our normal glum selves when the family goes home and the decorations come down?  Shouldn't we have those joyful feelings and kindhearted nature all the time?  And what about those who don't feel that way even on Christmas?  I don't believe God meant for us to get so caught up in our day to day busyness that we become grumpy, depressed, stressed-out, or inconsiderate.  We need to not only look at Christmas through the eyes of a child; we also need to find that childlike faith all year long.  So, as we enter a new year, don't allow the Christmas spirit and its true meaning to fizzle out. If you are too busy to spend time with God, then you are too busy!  Let us not forget the things God has blessed us with. As my pastor says, if God doesn't bless you beyond your salvation, you still have a reason to thank Him. And if you are not saved, please consider God's gift, it's the best Christmas present of all! 

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’”   Luke 18:16-17 (NIV)

What I'm Thankful For

                So, I noticed how a lot of people were doing the 30 days of thankfulness posts.  Well, I decided not to try to keep up with the daily updates, but since it is the end of the month of Thanksgiving, I thought I’d share some things I’m thankful for.

                I thankful for this time of year.  I love the lights and the Christmas songs.  The food, the time with family and friends, the reminders that Jesus is the reason we celebrate, and for the kindness that some people decide to share.  Thanksgiving and Christmas always remind me of childhood memories of going to my grandma’s house and my family would gather with my cousins, aunt and uncle and enjoy great food, making Christmas cookies, and presents, of course.  I really miss those times, and I’m thankful that my grandma was there to orchestrate those activities during my years in Arizona.

                I’m thankful for the people I have gotten to know in Oklahoma.  I’m thankful for the friends who have stayed close over the years even though we’ve been separated by distance and lack of time.  I’m thankful for my church and for pastors who are willing to preach the truth directly from the Bible.  I’m thankful for my mom, my dad, and my brother.  It has just been the four of us since we moved here, and although we’ve been through many rough patches, I’m still glad to call them family.

                I’m thankful to have a job.  There are many people who live on much less and can still find things to be grateful for, so I have no right to complain about the things I have been blessed with.  I’m thankful that besides a cold or sinus infection once in a while, I have lived a fairly healthy life.  I still have the ability to see, hear, smell, touch, think, breathe, run, and I could go on…there are many who have lost some of these abilities or never had them in the first place, so I am definitely grateful for 28 years of good health.  I’m also thankful that I was born in a country where we have so many freedoms and privileges.  I’m thankful for the soldiers who have fought to protect those freedoms and those who are still fighting or have given their lives for this country.  I’m thankful for those who guard and protect us within our own borders: the firefighters, policemen, paramedics, nurses, and doctors.  Those who carry out these tasks with honesty and integrity are America’s true heroes. 

                I’m thankful the beauty of nature.  It’s fun observing animals and their quirky habits, especially cats.  I’m thankful for interesting weather patterns and clouds.  Thunderstorms and snow always create an exciting day.  I’m thankful for the beautiful landscapes I’ve observed as I’ve traveled through different states and the pictures I’ve seen from around the world.  God has created such amazing sights to behold.  I’m thankful for the many different ways people have to express themselves.  It’s inspiring to experience the writing, music, painting, or other forms of art that people have made.

                There are so many day-by-day things that I sometimes take for granted.  In my own selfishness, I sometimes forget what I have been given and only focus on what I wish I had.  I'm thankful for the quiet moments to reflect on what God has blessed me with.  I'm thankful that He sent His son to die on the cross and rise again to save us from our sins.  Without God's amazing love and mercy, I would have nothing.  I think taking the time to remember God's love and blessings is the most important part of this season.  May God bless you during this coming month and have a Merry Christmas!

Still Learning

Prayer for the day:

Help me through this day Lord.  Guide me with Your joy and peace. Help me to see Your whispers of encouragement throughout this day.  I'm feeling very overwhelmed and flooded with things. Give me the peace of your presence and empty my mind of these worries, fears, doubts, and troubles.  Empty all my cares and fill my crowded mind with your presence instead.  Please take my desires and feelings into your hands today as I should be surrendering them to You each day.  I don't know what Your plans are or where you're taking me, just help me to trust that they are good.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

            Lately, it seems like trials are just piling up on me.  It's kind of funny, because I was praying before the evening service at church the other day that God would take these trials away.  Then, Pastor Tim preached directly on that subject.  Instead of begging for the trials to go away, we should pray that God would help us learn from our trials and become a stronger Christian because of them.  Needless to say, I felt convicted because I had been searching for a way to escape; I was blaming myself and my failures.  God uses the hard times to bring us closer to Him and to shine His light to others.  He is in charge and He has a plan for each of us.  We have no need to be anxious because He is in complete control of the length and intensity of our trials.  So, if you feel trapped or worried about the future, fear not, for God knows what He's doing.  He wants us to grow and to bring honor to His name.  He will use our circumstances, no matter how tough they seem, to achieve that growth and glory in our lives.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

Fiery Trials

            Do you ever get the feeling that you've been outdone by someone else?  Maybe that's not exactly the right way to phrase it...Has there ever been a time that you have felt down-in-the-dumps depressed and then you come across a story or some news that is far worse than what you are going through?  When you hear about someone whose life is harder than yours, do you feel upset with yourself for feeling down about your own situation?  Or maybe it's the opposite: Do you ever feel like other people have it too easy and barely have any problems?  Of course, there are many different levels of pain both emotionally and physically and each of us handles things differently, so I guess we can't really put our trials on a scale. 

            God knows everything about us, so He knows what we can and cannot handle.  Maybe, when you are in the midst of the fire, you may not feel like you will make it through the flames.  But, if you call out to God for help, He will not let the flames completely consume you.  He discerns and assesses your situation and knows exactly how much oxygen you have left and when to pull you out.  I've heard it said in church that God uses the trials in life to refine us.  Just like pottery, we have to go through the fire to become a finished piece.  1 Peter 1:6-7 says, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith -- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 

            Christians will all go through trials and tests of their faith.  I'm speaking to myself when I say there is absolutely no reason for us to compare our troubles to one another.  Each person is unique and struggles with different things.  Romans 12:15 says, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."  So, instead of trying to judge what seems fair or who is better off, we should just be encouraging and comforting to one another regardless of our own situation.  And when you feel like the flames are surrounding you, just remember all the blessings God has given you. 

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail."

-Lamentations 4:11

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

-James 1:2-4