Dealing with Anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7)

INTRODUCTION The passage in Philippians 4 which tells us not to worry has been heavy on my heart this past year as our family has followed God’s leading to make multiple changes.

 Two summers ago, our church received a new pastor. After several sermons, I realized that the theology that my family believed and the theology of this new pastor were very different. It took us a while to decide how to handle the situation, but we eventually left the church in search of one with a solid Biblical foundation.

 Also, in the fall of this past year, I began trying to figure out how I could change jobs and which direction to go. While there were things in my previous district that I did indeed loved, I could also see changes happening which were telling me to dust off my feet and move on. I knew that my kids would also be coming with me and that my husband was supportive. He understood my stress. Together, we both wanted something different for our girls. I wrote out the Philippians passage on a notecard and set it on my bathroom counter for almost a year.

 Philippians 4:6-7 - “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 Over that year, God brought me signs and confirmations that everything would work out just fine. I couldn’t tell exactly how things would work, and I didn’t have definite answers until almost April about my job. My family wouldn’t land on a decision about a church until later in the summer either. Yet I could see it coming. The Word from the Scripture kept ringing in my head, “Don’t worry. Just pray and find peace.” This summer, I made time finally to dig deeper into this verse. I wanted to unpack it. I wanted to find all the hidden treasures in it.

 I wanted to completely own this verse. I wanted to make it mine. I wanted to claim it wholeheartedly. 

Here is what I found.

 DEFINITION

 Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines it like this, “concern or solicitude respecting some event, future or uncertain, which disturbs the mind, and keeps it in a state of painful uneasiness. It expresses more than uneasiness or disturbance, and even more than trouble or solicitude. It usually springs from fear or serious apprehension of evil, and involves a suspense respecting an event, and often, a perplexity of mind, to know how to shape our conduct.”

 Proverbs 12:25 tells us that, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Is that not the truth? Anxiety can turn into more than just an emotional response to a stressful situation. Medical News Today lists common physical and psychological symptoms to include: panic attacks, rapid heart rate, hyperventilation, dizziness, sleep problems, nausea, chest pain, and others.

 VERSE 6: BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING

 If anxiety is so terrible, how are we supposed to “be anxious for nothing”? The Apostle Peter says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” There are two ways to battle anxiety according to Philippians 4:6: pray and be thankful. By doing those two things, we are then able to hand our anxiety over to God. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16- 18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.” We are to be in constant communication with God. Philippians 4:6 says, “in everything by prayer . . .” Handing over our anxiety is a daily maintenance type of issue, not just a one time deal, which mandates that we talk to God about it as often as we need.

 Being thankful in conjunction with prayer is a God designed way to battle anxiety. 2 Chronicles 20:21 and Psalm 118:1 both tell us to, “Give thanks to the Lord for His loving kindness is everlasting.” We have instructions to be thankful. God tells us to be thankful and science can explain why. MelbourneChildPsychology.com says that, “there is also scientific evidence that expressing genuine gratitude on a daily basis can improve physical health as well by improving quality of sleep, cardiovascular (heart) health and immune function.”

 Therefore, in order to be anxious about nothing, we must be praying to God, giving thanks to God, and letting our requests be made known to Him. He already knows what we need, and there is an amazing peace in agreeing with Him so that we can see and watch Him work.

 VERSE 7: THE RESULT

 The result of following verse 6 is astounding and very rewarding! Verse 7 is tied to verse 6 with the conjunction “and.” When we do verse 6, then verse 7 happens. Watch out because this second verse is loaded. Verse 7 talks about peace of God which stands in contrast and opposition to anxiety. In poetry, and literature in general, this is a shift or a climactic point. If we have a full understanding of what can be ours, then we might be more motivated to do what it takes to get that peace.

 Our culture, and probably those of all times, seeks after safety, contentment, and tranquility. The best type of peace is the kind that comes from God. Paul says that God’s peace, “surpasses all comprehension,” because in John 14:27, Jesus tells us that His peace is different from the world’s peace. His peace rises above. His peace is superior. Scripture tells us that this peace is beyond our comprehension in a spiritual truth type of way.

 I just love when someone speaks comfort to another person by encouraging him to have God’s peace. There is wealth and extreme value in God’s peace. However, there is so much more to it than a sweet sentiment. It is more than a sympathy card can handle. The card would need heavy armor and not just pretty flowers. The Apostle Paul says that the peace of God will guard us. The word “guard” in the Greek means to protect with a military style force from a hostile invasion and to preserve one for the attainment of something. God is strongly protecting us and saving us for a purpose! We know He has a plan for us because Jeremiah 29:11 says He does.

 With this great peace, God is specifically guarding our hearts and minds. First of all, Jesus instructed us to love God with our hearts and minds and souls according to Matthew 22:37. Our hearts and minds are valuable tools and important to God. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Romans 10:10 says, “with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness.”

 Finally, all of this is wrapped up “in Christ Jesus.” Allow me to just play a little word connection game for a moment. Jesus is the Word of God. John 1:1 says that the Word was in the beginning with God. Verse 14 says that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Ephesians 6:17 says that the sword of the Spirit is the word of God. Jesus is the Word. The Word is the Sword. God wants to guard our hearts in a strong military way. I think we better spend time in the Word so that we can be well defended. We need to know it so well that world cannot shake us and cause anxiety. When we know the Word that is Scripture, then we also know Christ Jesus who wants to guard us and give us peace.

 My friend, do you see the intense nature of these two verses? God wants us to have this amazing peace which is such a wonderful treasure. When we have it, we will be heavily guarded when we have it. Will you invest in the treasure? Will you do what it takes to receive this? God loves you and wants to give it to you. Talk to Him about it.

Did Jesus Fail?

Looking over the Sunday morning bulletin, I noticed that the title of the sermon was "Holy Failure." This should be interesting.  I wonder who failed?  Romans 3:23 says we all fail and fall short.  However, the sermon was not just about us failing.  It was about Jesus failing.  

The sermon text was Mark 6:1 - 13.  In this passage, Jesus returns to Nazareth, but a prophet in his home town is never accepted.  Jesus wonders at their disbelief.  Therefore, He commissions His disciples to go out and perform miracles.  

The pastor said, "Failing at one thing does not make us a failure."  While this is a good point, I still struggled with the idea that Jesus failed.  When I asked about this concept, I was told that in the world's view, Jesus failed because the people of Nazareth didn't accept Him.  Did Jesus fail? or did the people of Nazareth fail? 

1 Corinthians 1:9 says, "God never fails." 

Joshua 21:45 - All of God's promises came true. 

Luke 1:37 - Nothing is impossible with God. 

Romans 9:6 - The Word of God has not failed.  

1 John 4:8 - God is love. 

1 Corinthians 13:8 - Love never fails.  

Perhaps the pastor was trying to make Jesus more relevant.  I'm still trying to figure that part out.  However, I can't change the Gospel of Christ to be something that it just isn't.  Jesus did not fail.  Do people struggle with that?  Jesus was perfect.  1 Peter 2:22 says that Jesus never sinned.  This is Truth.  I suppose that a failure doesn't always add up to sin, but we are talking about the Son of the Living God.  As fallen creation, we sin and we fail.  God does not.  His Son does not.  

It is dangerous to change the Gospel and the character of Christ to make Him relevant to the world.  

Teacher Tuesday: Broken Coffee Cup

Teacher Tuesday: Broken Coffee Cup

About ten years ago, a friend brought me a ceramic travel coffee mug.  It was pink and black with
a teal tiara under which read "Kiss my tiara." I have other travel mugs that I like and rotate, but
this was my favorite.

I brought it to school today and had only finished half of my coffee by mid-morning when my
students were switching classes.  At the end of each class, I take a moment with each student to
sign a communication binder and conference about how class went.  Sometimes I get to praise a
student for a job well done. Sometimes I take a personal moment to find out what went wrong and
try to give encouragement.  Sometimes it just doesn't go well when a student doesn't understand
consequences for actions. I'm not necessarily angry with the student when I record that no points
were earned.  Several students will confess it and own it.

Today, this was not the case.

Today, a student didn't agree with the points I recorded.  I was mid-sentence in the binder when he
yanked it from my firm grip which then knocked over my coffee mug.  My mug was broken and sweet
life-giving liquid was wasted on my desk and on student papers ready to be returned.  I sent him to
the office. What happened after that is out of my hands and not really the point.

I was angry.  I was angry at how my cup was broken.  I was angry at the student for his attitude
and lack of remorse.  I could probably be angry for when he will undoubtedly return to my class
and I will have to be polite and helpful.

Then I was angry with myself.  It's just a cup. I have others.  This situation is not totally about me
but about the very sad situation that the student is in that has resulted in his placement at a
discipline campus.  What kind of home life does he have that has nurtured this attitude in him?

Then the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the stories of the Hebrew people.  God loved on them and
yet they still rebelled. And sometimes His anger burned against them.

I've met the parent of this student which does shed light on the situation.  He may not know better
or may be conditioned to act this way.

God's people knew better, and so do I.  What should my response be?

When God did something amazing, His people would stop and build an altar as a reminder.  
If I keep this broken cup, will it be an altar to God to remind me of His love and forgiveness that is
available  to all, to me, to this student? Or am I just holding on to one more thing that I don't really
need? Or will it just remind me of my anger?

Today the tiara coffee mug is sitting on my desk.  Broken. I think I will need to let go of it soon
because I don't really need it or an altar.  Maybe journaling this event will serve as my monument
to remember 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness."  This forgiveness is extended until our last breath. And
although I need to hold this student accountable, I also need to offer forgiveness. I'm not sure he
will accept it, but that's not my responsibility.

Update: My friends are the most awesome people ever!

Very soon after the incident, a friend was cleaning out her cabinet and found the cup. She
brought it to school for me. It says, "Queen for a day," but we all know that I'm royal every
single day! I love the fun character on it and will enjoy it on my back porch this summer!
Thank you Carol!

And more recently, another long time friend brought me this travel mug with the same saying on
it that my other cup had. She had asked me for a picture of my tiara some time back and then had
it etched into the cup.That's my tiara, y'all! I cried right there on the spot. Thank you Jennifer!

In the quiet of the evening

In the quiet of the evening
my soul cries out in pain
I hear
the crickets
of all the people
not willing
to speak up
I feel
the gentle breeze
of those slowly moving
not willing to ruffle a feather
But in the distance
I see lightning
in the coming clouds
a storm
on the horizon
of an angry God

The Corn Dog

Some time ago, and I won't say how long, there was a naked corn dog incident at school.  I call it an incident because it was indeed a problem.  Corn dogs should follow the dress code the same as the rest of the school and be held accountable for leaving the classroom or lunchroom where they ought to be.

A substitute was hanging out of the doorway of her classroom for the day as I strolled down the hallway on my conference period.  My moral and ethical obligation dictated that the correct, polite, and friendly response would be to stop and see if she needed help.

"That boy has something under his desk and is making everyone laugh!"

"Gee whiz! Alright.  Tell him to come with me." And so she sent the accused boy out into the hall with me and we headed for the office.

"Hand over whatever it is."

"I don't have anything," he replied as he fidgeted with his pockets.

He didn't know that I'm not allowed to search him, maybe.  I'm not really sure about that.  However, when he turned out his pockets after my asking, there was a de-breaded corn dog. Not only was it a de-breaded corn dog, but it was a de-breaded corn dog with a smiley face on the end.  Controlling my own laughter was very difficult as I realized that during class the student was holding it in his lap and playing with it like a penis.  How do I explain this when I get to the principal? 

"Hand it over, mister," I mustered as best I could with a voice of authority.  And so he did.

The office staff seemed very interested in the entire story when I arrived with the student and corn dog in tow.  As seriously and irate as I could, I relayed the story and insisted that the Mr. Principal handle this instead of Mrs. Vice Principal.

As soon as the student walked off with Mr. Principal, the entire office erupted into laughter.  What else could we do?

Lessons:
1. Corn dogs are not toys.
2. Substitutes need special training.
3. Teachers need acting lessons.

Teacher Tuesday: Acronyms in Education

As we move into a new semester, every teacher needs to be aware of new acronyms for expressing your situation in the classroom.  Success in education depends knowledge and mastery of all the acronyms.  

First, STUFF is increasingly important to master.  Technology is playing a bigger role in the way that we communicate with each other and do business.  Teachers must teach STUFF.  




Each afternoon, I love to ask my personal children what they did at school.  I get worried when they tell me that they didn't do crap.  This is not a polite word, but it is now a recognized educational acronym.  I want my kids to do CRAP because they need practice.  


Finally, are you a DRIP teacher?  Sometimes you need to change up your strategies.  Unless they are working.  If your practices are working, keep going strong!  If you continue to be frustrated like a dripping faucet, switch up your activities.  

Fashion Friday

The right pair of shoes can change a girl's life.  At least that is what the story line of Cinderella teaches us.

Finding my perfect pair, or style, took me a while, but after finally moving to the country, I discovered cowboy boots.  To be honest, I have been wearing cowboy boots for 20 years even as a previous city slicker.  However, boots were not a consistent or essential part of life the way they have become in the past few years.

I am actually thankful that heels and other cute shoes don't work as well for me now because wearing them was usually painful and inconvenient.  I've seen the toll that the wrong kind of shoes can have on a person's feet.  When I was in the fourth grade, my mom had bunion surgery on both of her feet after years of wearing cute heels.  I watched my sister-in-law recover after the same surgery.  If there is anyway to avoid that situation and keep happy feet, I think I'll take that option.

My boots are comfortable enough that I can wear them all day.  They are also smarter shoes in almost every situation.

Fashion Friday - Be kind to your feet!

The Love of God

“Defining love is easier than doing love,” said Pastor.  Yes.  Giving an academic answer to something is usually easier than getting your hands dirty. 

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines love secondly as, “An affection of the mind excited by beauty and worth of any kind, or by the qualities of an object which communicate pleasure, sensual or intellectual.”  I love that this is the second definition.  This is a noun.  A thing.  Something you can possess. 

However, love is first defined as a transitive verb meaning, “to be pleased with; to regard with affection, on account of some qualities which excite pleasing sensations or desire of gratification. . . . The Christian loves his Bible . . . and if our hearts are right, we love God above all things, as the sum of all excellence and all the attributes which can communicate happiness to intelligent beings. In other words, the Christian loves God with the love of complacency in his attributes, the love of benevolence towards the interest of his kingdom, and the love of gratitude for favors received.”  Webster’s 1828 goes on to give the example of Matthew 22:37 which says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”  Additionally, the dictionary references John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son.”

Shakespeare had 150 sonnets about love.  Some of them are very famous, but I would never look to him for examples of love.  Romeo and Juliet died.  And the love sonnets written by Shakespeare were not all for his wife, Anne Hathaway, who stayed at home most of the year while he was in the cities trying to make a living as a playwright.  Sadly, some of those sonnets may have been written to a lover, the Earl of South Hampton, who financially supported Shakespeare’s plays. 

How do we know what love is?  John 13:34 tells us to love one another as Christ loved us.  How exactly did Christ love us?  John 15:13 tells us, “There is no greater love than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  Christ did this for us as the ultimate act of love.  Praise God that He is not asking all of us to that same thing. 

Christ also showed living examples of His love. 

John 15:9 recorded Jesus declaring that He loves us.  He spoke words of love to us.

Matthew 9 is the story of Jesus doing acts of service by walking around from place to place healing people.  He showed God’s love by taking care of their illness. 

In John 2, Jesus turned water into wine for a family wedding.  He gave the gift of wine at His mother's request.  In Matthew 14, Jesus fed the 5,000.  He gave everyone lunch.  Jesus gave gifts of love to meet physical needs.  In Romans 6:23, Paul tells us that Jesus also gave us the gift of eternal life if we will accept it. 

John 1 tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  Jesus gave us 33 years on earth of quality time so that we could get to know God with skin on. He spent 3 concentrated years showing God's love to us on earth. 

In Luke 5:12-13, Jesus touches a leper to heal him.  Dr. Luke shares this story with us which is significant because of his profession. Jesus did not have to touch the leper to heal him, yet the leper needed a physical touch of affirmation because no one would dare to touch a leper.  Jesus knew his needs were deeper than healing.  He showed the man God's love with a healing touch. 

Do these strategies sound familiar?  They are the 5 Love Languages that Chapman talks about in his book by the same name.  Jesus did all of them so that He could demonstrate them to us as He was reaching people with different needs. 

So how then do we respond to the command? How do we love as Christ loved and make ourselves a fragrant sacrifice offering to the Lord as commanded in Ephesians 5?  “What measure of love are we willing to show to one another?” Pastor asked.  We have the examples of Christ.  How can we use words or affirmation, acts of service, gifts, time, and touch to show others the love of Christ?

Speak by Anderson

Several years ago, I started a new job at a discipline campus.  This is a concentration of a select group of students who have done something to warrant removal from the main campus for a period of time.  I've honestly never been in the kind of trouble that these kids are facing.  I know how to listen.  I'm learning how to watch for signs.

When I started, a friend gave me the book Speak by Anderson because she thought it would be a book to which my new students could relate. She was right.  It is.  It has also been a good book for me to read as a teacher and a parent.

Many times, the point of books is more than the theme.  The point of many of these books in general is to help students learn to empathize with others.  There are several specific themes for this particular book:

• Speak up and don't be silent.  
• You don't have to be perfect, and that's ok.  
• Sometimes you have to get rid of the bad things in life so you can keep living.  

I love all of these themes and that the book really dives into the mind of the main character.  As the reader, I can really experience how Melinda feels as she goes through an intense withdrawal from society before she begins to find strength to deal with the tragedy.  As an English teacher, I love the symbolism of the tree that builds throughout the book.  As a parent, I would put a warning on this book.  It isn't for everyone.  I won't let my daughter read it.  At least not yet.  Maybe later.  She is close to the same age as Melinda is in the book.  However, my daughter's life experience is different than that of Melinda.

My friend's daughter read Speak after going through a tragedy of her own.  The book helped her to find a way to deal with her own unique situation.  That's the point.  That's the biggest point.  The student doesn't have to experience the exact same thing to be able to learn that there is hope in this world.

7 Mindsets: Attitude of Gratitude toward God

During the months of November and December, my kids were learning about an attitude of gratitude as set forth in the Seven Mindsets curriculum at their public schools.  This is a very good subject to address especially in today's entitled culture.  And as Christians, we need to go one more step to refocus our attitude and gratitude in the right direction.

The first point is to "Treasure Yourself." The students are told to, "Create the fantastic life you want by cultivating the great things within yourself."  On the other hand, Scripture  tells us to "delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."  Students are also told to recognize that they are a treasure.  This is true because of Psalm 119 where the psalmist explains how wonderfully we are made by God.  Letting this amazing treasure shine should not be about living an extraordinary life but about glorifying God in Heaven when others see your life according to Mathew 5:16.

Second, it is better to be more grateful than giving our attention to the negatives in life.  Whichever you select as your focus will multiply.  Philippians 4:8 gives an excellent list of suggestions for our focus: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy.

Third, saying, "Thank you," is powerful.  Seven Mindsets says that using those two words makes you and the other person feel good.  Even more happens when we tell God, "Thank you."  In Luke 17, all ten lepers were physically healed.  Only one had a spiritual healing when he returned to Jesus and praised Him and thanked Him.

Finally, elevating your perspective will transform your attitude when you face any situation whether positive or negative.  The Apostle Paul lists his struggles in 2 Corinthians 11, and yet he was also able to write an entire letter of joy to the Philippians from his jail cell.  The Apostle James tells us to consider us to consider it joy to have trials because of the positive things it produces.

Being grateful is extremely important, and when we keep our focus clearly set on God above and in our hearts, then our perspective of circumstances changes to allow us to be joyful and even thankful for many circumstances.

Grass Burrs

The weather is finally cooling off.  Fall didn't really happen, but winter blew down the door!

I'm always amazed at my closet.  I got through this season last year just fine.  However,  with each new year, I'm perplexed at how I managed before because there is obviously nothing in my closet, and I absolutely need something new.  Do I?  Or is that just the American mentality?  I'm sure it is.  

Getting dressed yesterday, I pulled out a sweater from my closet to wear over my school t-shirt because the temperature had dropped drastically.  I think I've only worn it a few times recently.  I wash it about every other time because it is a top layer, and I don't deal with the pigs or go deer hunting in this sweater.  

Here's the problem.  You knew this silly first world story had to go somewhere.  In my rush out the door in the morning, I failed to notice that I had a grass burr in the fringe of my sweater until I had already dropped off three kids for school.  As I set my stuff down at my own school desk, my hand brushed up against the little irritating pokey pins of this problem that plagues my yard.  

This tiny problem is actually not tiny.  Yes, it is just one little sticker in my sweater.  Yes, I got it out easily.  Yes, my sweater is fine.  This is a problem because our yard is full of them.  We live on several acres in the country which is two-thirds covered in grass burrs.  My parents actually spray for them.  My mom goes out with a shovel and pulls them up to throw away.  They spend their time to maintain their yard and to protect it against these tiny little issues.  These tiny issues have multiplied like the Black Plague of death to a family lawn.  

Are there small things in your life that need attention?  Do you need to take care of small problems before they get out of control?  What are they?  

1 Kings 11:4-8 tells how Solomon took extra wives.  I know this is a big jump from grass burrs to taking extra wives.  Just follow me for a minute.  He did not do this early in his reign.  He did it when he got comfortable in life and had become lazy about his relationship with God.  Solomon didn't think taking an extra wife or two was a problem if it was maybe for political reasons.  He built temples for their various gods.  

Solomon also bought horses and chariots from Egypt. He had the money, so why was this a problem?  He was already a respected power in the known world at the time.  Why would he need to do these things?  His father David had established this kingdom and passed it on to him.  King David's name was well respected and feared.  

Solomon's sin with the chariots and maybe the second wife did not immediately have consequences.  However, God did grow angry with him as Solomon's wives took him away from his relationship with his Lord.  Deuteronomy 17: 14-20 explains that the king was not to multiply horses or wives.  Solomon knew this.  Eventually, the consequences of Solomon's actions would tear the kingdom apart.  Literally.  It was divided into two kingdoms.  

How could the purchase of a few horses from Egypt or an extra wife or more end up with the division of the kingdom?  The delayed consequences of one sin resulted in more sins.  Unfortunately, the sins that multiplied and grew ended up affecting more people than just the one.  Solomon, ignoring the Law, caused larger damage to everyone because of his position.  

John O. Reid in his article titled Little Compromises asks, "Has this society and spiritual confusion among some of the churches of God caused us to ignore the laws, principles, and statues that we see in God's Word?"  He goes on to explain the situation with Solomon.  Our American society is in a comfortable state of delayed consequences and spiritual confusion because we are ignoring the laws of God.  As a country and as individuals, we are not maintaining our relationship with God.  Like the grass burrs in my yard, the problem will continue to grow and get out of control if not checked and up rooted.  

2 Kings 23:10-11 tells us the story of King Josiah standing up to these wrong doings of Solomon.  Josiah defiled the temples, removed horses, and burned chariots!  We need to ask for the forgiveness that 1 John 1:9 promises is ours for the taking.  However, forgiveness should also be followed with an action to fix the problem.  Those grass burrs are not going away if I just say, "I'm sorry."  I should say that.  Then I should get out in the yard and kill them all, pull them up, and throw them away! 

Growing into Me

Some people say that they are going to take time to find themselves. Whatever that means.  Some people say that when they get older, they will do whatever it is that is important to life whether that is church or charity.  Some people say that this job right now is just until I figure out what I'm supposed to be doing with the rest of my life.  Why?  Why do people wait?  Why are we always doing what we should be that is important right now?

Our first pigs for 4H. 

Recently, I was talking with a friend as we walked out to the pig barn behind our house.  Whoa.  That is a phrase I never would have dreamed of saying 15 or 20 years ago.  In that moment, I felt totally at ease with life.  I live on a small piece of property where we can hunt, raise some livestock, and garden as much as I want.  My family has room to . . . well, we have room to do whatever we want.  I absolutely love our slice of heaven on earth.

A family that hunts together . . . has food in the freezer!

My students get to do art when they finish a book. 
They must find an inspirational quote to put in their art. 

When I meet new people, the look on their faces when I explain my profession is always priceless.  I am a teacher.  Not just any teacher.  Some might stereotype me as an elementary teacher because I'm short or maybe cute.  Maybe?  It is not good to stereotype, although I understand that stereotypes happen for a reason.  However, I teach secondary level English and History at a discipline campus.  Yes.  I do.  And I love it too.  God gave me this job.  He called me out of my regular high school classroom and sent me packing to a new campus several years ago.  God knows what He is doing.  I never would have dreamed of this job, but I was listening when He called.

Hard at work most days. 

I think I never had to find myself.  I've always been right here.  When I was in college, a wise coworker told me to do God's will for my life right where I am and right now.  I am not waiting until I get older to do what is important.  What I do is important right now.  My family.  My job.  My church responsibilities.  This is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life.  This is my life.  I love what I'm doing, and I'm so grateful for where God has placed me in this moment.

A Student

Lip ring, tattoo
Who are you?
Sittin' in my class
Callin' me an ass
Are you stupid, are you smart?
Would you prefer to be in art?
Drawing on the page
Expressing big time rage
What's on the inside
Deep in where you hide?
Shutting others out
Putting on a pout
Who do you think you are?
How did you get this far?
Gettin' barely by
Making it on the fly
I can show you how to thrive
And do more than just survive
Praying that you'll listen
Embarking on this mission
Will you join me where I am
If I show you that you can
Trusting the potential
Knowing the internal
I want to do you good
If you let me,  . . .

Mole Hills

With words, I am worn out.
Just get the job finished.
I forgot what it's about.
Try to escape unblemished.

We talk in circles
and argue the topic,
Creating more squables,
approaching an epic.

The mole hill is growing
into a silly mountain.
It is now shadowing
the original lesson.

Will the mountain destroy
or just serve to annoy?

7 Mindsets: Everything is Possible (Dream Big) by focusing on God

From The 7 Mindsets - rewritten to focus on ultimate joy in God. 

Mindset #1 – Everything is Possible

-          Envision a wonderful life

-          Expect greatness

-          Make your dreams come true

Dream Big

“Raising the expectations you have for your life.”

“When you do this, your future becomes infinitely bigger and brighter.”

Mindset #1 tells us that everything is possible and to dream big.  Then your future becomes bigger and brighter. 

To make this ultimately true based on our God design, we first need to focus on who is our future.  “For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him, for my hope is from Him,” Psalm 62:5 If we will first wait and submit to God, then Philippians 4:13 can be true: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Please remember that when Paul wrote these words, he was sitting jail writing a letter about joy!

In order to truly focus, the first part of Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 37:4 must be our goal: “Seek first the kingdom of God,” and “Delight yourself in the Lord.”  When we follow these commands, the promise in the second half will ultimately come true: “All these things will be added to you,” and “He will give you the desires of your heart.” 

When our focus is right on God, then 1 Peter 4:2 is possible which tells us to “live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” Following God’s will brings us the hope and joy of Proverbs 10:28 which says it this way: “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.”  When we follow God’s will for our lives and when we want what He wants for us, the ultimate end result will be our joy as we bring God joy.  Everything else will perish. 

Jeremiah 29:11 and Proverbs 23:18 are then set in the correct context which contrasts what the world will think success should be or look like.  According to Jeremiah 29:11, God has great plans for us already; and the writer of Proverbs agrees that these is a great future and a hope already. 

Remember that even from jail, Paul desired Isaiah 26:8 that God’s name would be made great because Paul had the hope of the righteous and the joy along with it spoken of in Proverbs 10:28. 

What this means for Mindset #1 and Dreaming Big is that our dreams must first be focused on God.  He already has a great future in mind for us that really is possible when we want what He wants for us.  He designed and made us with a plan in mind.  Our fullest joy comes when we agree to that plan.

Hero's Journey of the Bible

I just can't help myself!  I love this story the best!  Can I use an exclamation mark on everything? I am an English teacher, and I get to evaluate a lot of literature.  I don't shirk away from a story because it isn't explicitly Christian.  Instead I compare everything to the greatest story ever written: The Bible.

An important plot line is known as the Hero’s Journey which was given recognition and made popular by Joseph Campbell in recent years (www.thewritersjourney.com/hero’s _journey.htm).  However, the basic plot line has been around since the beginning of time.  This basic plot line is demonstrated in the major plot and multiple subplots throughout the Bible.  Recognition of this major plot through the Bible is a valuable foundational tool of truth and of a standard by which all other stories may be measured and understood. 

            The Hero’s Journey is described by different people in various forms, but similar elements are present in each.  The hero begins in his home when he encounters a problem that he must solve.  Although the hero may not initially want to go, the hero will choose to cross over into a new world in order to accomplish a mission.  On the journey to complete this mission, the hero and his allies will encounter trials and challenges caused by enemies.  One challenge will be deep enough to relate the hero’s darkest fears.  After overcoming this monumental challenge, the hero will learn or gain something valuable and accomplish his task.  Finally, the hero will return home. 

            The biblical version of this journey is first and best seen in the story of Jesus Christ.  Jesus begins His journey in the Ordinary World with the Father in Heaven.  John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  His Call to Adventure is found in the beginning also – the beginning of humanity.  Genesis 1:31 tells that God “saw all that He had made, and behold it was very good.”  Unfortunately, Genesis 3 also tells us that Adam and Eve sinned against God for the very first time.  Sadly, all people sin as made clear in Romans.  Romans 3:23 says, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Additionally, Romans 6:23 agrees that, “the wages of sin is death.”  The sin separated Man from God.  This injustice is the very thing that sends Jesus on his journey to Earth in order to rectify the relationship between God and Man. 

            The next step in the journey for most human stories is a possible Refusal of the Call.  The Bible never tells us that Christ did not want to come.  However, there is a moment later in the story where Christ expresses His understanding of the difficulty of the task and his desire to find another way.  Matthew 26:39 says, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” 

            The next step in most outlines of the Hero’s Journey is Crossing the Threshold or accepting the mission which will take the hero to a new and different world.  Jesus was born as a human into this world.  Luke 2:7 says, “She gave birth to her first born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  John 1:14 also says, “the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” 

            As Jesus begins His ministry, He gathers allies or Apostles and disciples around him.  John the Baptist came before Jesus making the announcement of His arrival.  Most importantly, Jesus continued to spend time with the Father.  Matthew 14:23 indicates that by saying, “after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.” 

            Every hero encounters enemies along his journey as well.  Jesus certainly came across them as well.  Matthew 13:53 indicates, “His hometown questioned Him.”  Also verse 58 continues by saying, “He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.”  Matthew Chapter 4 explains the biggest enemy which Jesus refers to as Satan in verse 10.  Satan tempts Jesus three times in the wilderness to give up Himself and His mission on earth.  According to Matthew 11, Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies of Isaiah 35 to give sight to the blind, Isaiah 61 to preach the gospel to the poor, and Matthew 26:26 – 28 to be the sacrifice that would be our forgiveness for sins.  Satan was trying to stop Jesus from accomplishing the mission of the journey. 

            The most difficult part of the journey is labeled as the Ordeal or the Abyss.  Jesus faces moments without His heavenly Father in Matthew 27:46 when he says, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”  Also in verse 50 Jesus gave up his spirit and died. 

            Fortunately, there are rewards for surviving such a crushing experience as well as his entire time on earth.  John 4:39 says, “Many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman.”  Luke 24:47 tells that repentance and forgiveness will be proclaimed to everyone.  Acts 2:41 says, “Those who heard had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls,” as a result of the preaching at Pentecost. 

            Following the rewards of the journey is the Return to the Ordinary World.  Christ returned to God.  Acts 1:9 says, “after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”  Interestingly, Christ will also return to earth one day according to Matthew 24 and Revelation 1. 

            Some outlines of the Hero’s Journey say that the hero will be purified by a sacrifice and he will return with the elixir of life (Campbell).  In the Biblical journey, Christ is both the sacrifice and the elixir of life at the same time.  He came to pay the ultimate price for humanity’s sins and also provides the way of salvation. 

            This prime example of a plot resolving a conflict and a hero accomplishing a mission for redemption is the story by which every other story should be measured.  This example is truth.  All other examples are penultimate. 

            Understanding of the prime example is paramount so that readers may discern what truth is obtainable or omitted from other sources of literature.  There are hundreds, possibly thousands conservatively, of stories that mimic elements of the natural plot line and the Hero’s Journey.  Readers need to be familiar with these elements in literature and how they are first demonstrated in the Bible before moving on to other classic and contemporary literature as well as pagan mythologies from other cultures that hide partial truths or reflections of truth.  

Now take this knowledge and find a good book.  A good book draws you in.  A good book tells a story that is relevant in multiple settings and to different generations.  Sometimes the story is retold in a different setting like Romeo and Juliet compared to Twilight.  Compare the truth that you know to what the books represent.  Books are a reflection of the culture and times in which they are written.  What can we learn from books?  What truth is there?  What truth might be missing that we can find in Jesus Christ?  

10 Ways to FEEL GOOD Redone

It is really hard to blog, or wash dishes, or laundry, or study, or even love on my kids when they are throwing fits like they are right now.  One wants to wear what the other has on while the second wants to play a game that the first does not.  This list of 10 Ways to FEEL GOOD from Lynda Field just isn't cutting it with me.  It sounds good.  She may be a very nice lady.  However, her entire list is about you.  This life is not just about you.  Sorry, sweetie.  It isn't about me either.

Here is my list of 10 Ways to FEEL GOOD Redone: 

If someone wants to doodle and make this look cute like her list, have at it!  

1. Follow God.  

I Corinthians 11:1 says, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."  Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans for us.  His plans for us are better than our dreams unless our dreams are inline with His plans.  Whatever God has is way better than whatever I have in mind.  

2. Trust God (because my gut is usually full of gas.)

II Corinthians 3:4 - 6 says that we are not sufficient on our own but to trust God.  Psalm 91:2 tells us that God is our refuge and rest. 

3. Focus on God.  

I John 2:15 says, "Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  Additionally, Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."  Our focus and perspective must be on God before we view other things. 

4. Follow opportunities from God. 

Galations 6:10 says, "As we have opportunities, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."  Galations 5:13 tells us to serve one another humbly in love.  II Timothy 4:2 reminds us to always be prepared for the opportunity to share.  These are the opportunities that we must follow.  

5. You can do it!  

Of course you can do what God wills for you to do.  You can't just do anything.  Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  Don't forget that the verses surrounding this talk about Paul's suffering.  Paul wasn't talking about the ability to just anything but the ability to endure trials for the sake of Christ. 

6. Give it to God. 

Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  I've heard stories from many parents about doing this very thing with tough kids.  I don't doubt that I will be going back to this verse in dealing with my own kids.  It isn't just about letting go and moving on.  It is about dealing with things in the right way. 

7. Be kind.  

Ephesians 4:32 gives us the command to, "Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."  We are to be kind to others.  It is amazing how it makes us feel when we treat other people in the right way.  

8. God is the Creator. 

Colossians 1:16 tells that, "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things have been created through Him and for Him."  Better yet, out of everything that God created, He said that we are His favorite!  Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's masterpiece; He created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  How does that make you feel now?  

9. Pay attention to how you act. 

This verse is always ringing in my ears: Micah 6:8, "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"  It sounds simple, but after trying, I know it isn't.  Still, I can't give up.  I mess up and just have to try again.

10. Watch your attitude.

Philippians 2:3 - 8 says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality  with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.  Being found in appearances as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."  Wow.  So we need to be humble.  Scripture has mentioned that several times.  We need to be obedient.  Lots of that in Scripture.  Our attitude should be humble service.  

Human Trafficking Awareness

I remember clearly learning about human trafficking about five years ago.  I was driving through a rough part of Ft. Worth and witnessed a wild funeral procession.  Cars were turning corners on two wheels with girls sitting out of the windows.  Loud music was basing enough to rattle my windows. 

When I recounted the event to some friends, their comment was, “Yeah, there is a lot of traffic in that area.”  I thought they were talking about funeral traffic or daily traffic.  Sadly, they were actually talking about human trafficking.  I knew a young lady who was working with Redeemed Ministries, but I didn’t really understand everything. 

My friends told me read two books: Sold and Not for Sale.  After reading these books, I went to my principal and asked to buy a class set of Sold as an option for my PreAP English class.  It was not a required reading, but every single kid read it that year.  We had lots of conversations about the story and how trafficking looks in different countries.  We paid attention to the news and stories of a local restaurant not paying workers.  That year, we became aware.  We learned more than we wanted to know.  And we can’t be unaware now. 

Today I’m in a different kind of classroom at a discipline campus.  My students are learning history and literature that I get to flavor with my knowledge of what I’ve learned.  That’s what teachers do: bring personal experience to the classroom.  I get to talk to the students about the amendments and the Civil War.  We talk about what slavery used to be and what it is now. 

More people know about it today, but not everyone does.  I find it easy to talk about the subject because I am a teacher.  But what if you aren’t a teacher?  How do you bring it up in conversation?

Watch the news.  Talk about Redeemed.  Find fair trade products like Sparrow House Botanicals and others to promote.  Read a book.  Follow social media movements.  Do any one of these things and it will help one more person become aware.  It will help to save one more person.  One more person counts for everything.  

Social Stigmas

Reposting from http://redeemedministries.com/social-stigmas-of-victims/

As an English teacher, I feel that it is my duty and my pleasure to become a complete literary nerd with the classics.  However, I somehow did not read many of them in high school or college.  That is probably some kind of system failure.  Although, maybe the detriment of my youth will lead me to a better appreciation of the classics as an adult.  I also read current Young Adult fiction that my students enjoy.  The amazing thing that I notice is that there are trends that never seem to die.  Trends that probably should die. Let me explain.

Stigmas in Literature

Recently, I read Dracula for the very first time.  Vampire literature has become very popular in the past decade.  Yes, I’ve read the Twilight series, but that’s a whole separate topic.  Diving into Dracula was exciting for three reasons: it’s a classic, it’s a vampire story, and that’s one of my nicknames.  I enjoyed how the story was narrated from different points of view and how the characters came together to fight against this evil.

But here is the kicker: I was totally thrown off balance when Mina Harker was rejected by God because of something that Dracula did to her.  She did not want it or ask for it.  This doesn’t give too much away, I don’t think.  It is a classic worth reading for its style, descriptions, and suspense.  What I really want to point out is the idea that because Mina was bitten by a vampire, God rejected her.  I was more horrified by this idea than the evil vampire.  Dracula’s role was was no Edward Cullen of a gentleman.  I think this book reveals something more about cultures around the world.  It reveals how society views victims of sexual crimes.  Thank God that this is not how God really views us and our sin.  Thank God that He still loves us!

I couldn’t let this idea go that easily.  Other characters in other books carry these stigmas as well because of something done to them instead of a crime or sin that they committed personally.  Tess of the D’Ubervilles suffered shame after a child was born to her out of rape.  She had a child out of wedlock.  Hannah in 13 Reasons Why carried the weight of a false social image that was unfairly forced on her.  It was part of the reason that she committed suicide.  Melinda in Speak drug the shame of ruining a party although no one understood why.  Lakshmi in Sold probably was never able to return home because her stepfather sold her into a life of slavery.  She would be rejected forever because of what was done to her.

Literature often reflects the culture.  These novels, whether classic or young adult fiction, reflect the views that society has held against the victims of sex crimes for too long.  Check out these studies that expose what culture is thinking.

Studies

According to The Atlantic, “moral values play a large role in determining the likelihood that someone will engage in victim-blaming  . . . rating the victim as ‘contaminated’ rather than ‘injured.’”  I had to stop and check my morals.  Life used to be so black and white and easy to understand.  Now there are so many shades of grey.  I remember reading Sold and the way that Lakshmi was considered “contaminated.”  Do we think the same way?

A study done by Southern Connecticut State University highlights the dangerous issue that often victims feel like it is harder to come forward if society will possibly blame them in some way for the abuse that happened to them.  That statement is so difficult to believe even as I type it.  It is probably difficult until someone is faced with a real situation.

The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape agrees with Southern CT and adds that “offenders may intentionally encourage victims to engage in bad or illegal behavior knowing it is one more layer of protection for themselves should the victim report their sexual assaults.”

So then . . . 

Reading stories like these give personal accounts of the victims’ experiences.  Reading helps us to connect to these situations that we would otherwise never encounter.  Reading helps us to add emotion and background to a circumstance so that we can connect with a character on a different level.  Even the fictional accounts originate in reality somewhere.  These accounts help us to change our minds as a society in order to help real victims gain the opportunities for a good life which was stolen from them.  We’ve got to see them as victims who are people that have something valuable to offer society.

http://time.com/4909912/congress-sex-trafficking-bill/

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/10/the-psychology-of-victim-blaming/502661/

http://southernct.edu/sexual-misconduct/facts.html

http://www.pcar.org/blog/common-victim-behaviors-survivors-sexual-abuse