I have had the privelge of teaching school agers this week. To be honest it is not my favorite place to teach, but today was a good day. Prayer helps a lot and God does answer prayers. I specifically prayed today for a good, fun day with my friends and I asked for His extreme wisdom. God answered that prayer today.
The school agers love to play foos ball. They usually play well on their own. I have the rule that they can play it as long as they don't fight. They usually argue a bit here and there, which is normal, but they should not get me involved. I learned with our two children that I do NOT want to be a referee nor should I be put in that position.
Today I was approached by 3 boys and asked to resolve a dispute they had over a foos ball game. These three boys have been friends for years. Two of them grew up in the center I work in; starting in the two year old room and they are now in the second grade. The other boy became part of their friendship over 3 years ago. They are well behaved boys, but they are boys and they are competitive.
When they came up to me and wanted me to resolve their dispute, my first thoughts were 'I really don't want to hear this'. As they were passionately setting forth their case I finally stopped them. I was about to remind them of my rule, but then a wise thought came to my mind (obviously not from me). I looked at the three of them and I said "Which is more important, the foos ball game or your friendship?" They looked at me and then at each other and they all three said their friendship and walked away. They went off and played with legos. They were happy, and there was no question in their minds about what was more important.
As an adult sometimes I need to be reminded of this too. Sometimes I get too concerned about being right, or doing something the right way and miss the big picture of what truly is important.
Proverbs 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sex Before Marriage??
I was listening to Chuck Swindoll today. He was talking about sex and what a gift it is in marriage. Sex is designed by God and to be enjoyed by married people. It goes beyond just the physical and practical it goes to the emotional and spiritual.
Today's society says that sex is just the physical and is a natural need. You deserve to have sex and if you are not married, but are committed then it is fine. You can try each other out and see if you are compatable. If you use a condom you will be safe from diseases, unwanted pregnancy and if it doesn't work out you will be fine. Not true!!
Today's Christian society is not much different. Many Christians say 'God loves us and we accepted Christ so we are forgiven' or 'God knows I have this need and I am sure he understands'. There is the 'we are going to get married anyway, so why wait?' reasoning that often comes in after a young couple has been dating for a long time and they may even be engaged.
The truth is premaritial sex is not God's design and there is a reason for it. Some of the consequences of premaritial sex are: sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy and relationship troubles.
Sexually transmitted diseases are just plain nasty. Some of them never go away. If you get an std from one person and then break up with him or her and marry someone else, the person you marry is going to have to deal with that disease also. Some of them can cause problems with pregnancies or can even make you infertile.
If you get pregnant before you are married it affects your marriage. Women often wonder if their husband really loves them or if they married them because they got pregnant. It is a thought that never goes away. The husband will often feel guilty about the pregnancy or feel betrayed and deceived.
Chuck Swindoll said one thing he noticed about marriages where there was premaritial sex is that the husband always becomes passive. He said he has yet to see a marriage where this does not happen when there is premaritial sex.
His comments made me think about the butterfly. When a butterfly is coming out of its cocoon it has to struggle to get out. It is a long hard process. It is hard, but it has a purpose. The struggle that the butterfly has in the cocoon has more of a purpose than just getting the butterfly out. While the butterfly is struggling it is actually pushing fluid to its wings so that they will be strong. If the butterfly does not have that struggle it will not get the fluid to its wings properly and it will be weak and possibly die.
Consider the dating and engagement period a time of necessary struggle against some of those temptations. If you wait and do it God's way the fluid will go to your wings and it is a good strong start to your marriage.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Today's society says that sex is just the physical and is a natural need. You deserve to have sex and if you are not married, but are committed then it is fine. You can try each other out and see if you are compatable. If you use a condom you will be safe from diseases, unwanted pregnancy and if it doesn't work out you will be fine. Not true!!
Today's Christian society is not much different. Many Christians say 'God loves us and we accepted Christ so we are forgiven' or 'God knows I have this need and I am sure he understands'. There is the 'we are going to get married anyway, so why wait?' reasoning that often comes in after a young couple has been dating for a long time and they may even be engaged.
The truth is premaritial sex is not God's design and there is a reason for it. Some of the consequences of premaritial sex are: sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy and relationship troubles.
Sexually transmitted diseases are just plain nasty. Some of them never go away. If you get an std from one person and then break up with him or her and marry someone else, the person you marry is going to have to deal with that disease also. Some of them can cause problems with pregnancies or can even make you infertile.
If you get pregnant before you are married it affects your marriage. Women often wonder if their husband really loves them or if they married them because they got pregnant. It is a thought that never goes away. The husband will often feel guilty about the pregnancy or feel betrayed and deceived.
Chuck Swindoll said one thing he noticed about marriages where there was premaritial sex is that the husband always becomes passive. He said he has yet to see a marriage where this does not happen when there is premaritial sex.
His comments made me think about the butterfly. When a butterfly is coming out of its cocoon it has to struggle to get out. It is a long hard process. It is hard, but it has a purpose. The struggle that the butterfly has in the cocoon has more of a purpose than just getting the butterfly out. While the butterfly is struggling it is actually pushing fluid to its wings so that they will be strong. If the butterfly does not have that struggle it will not get the fluid to its wings properly and it will be weak and possibly die.
Consider the dating and engagement period a time of necessary struggle against some of those temptations. If you wait and do it God's way the fluid will go to your wings and it is a good strong start to your marriage.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Biggest Fan
Who is one of your biggest fans??? You don't have to be famous to answer this question. Your biggest fan is that person or people in your life who always think the best of you and are always cheering you on when life gets tough.
My Mom is one of my biggest fans. She always thinks the best of me and wants things to go my way. When I am sick she sympathizes with me. When something exciting or good happens to me she is just as excited for me as I am. When I have been dealt a bum hand or been treated unjustly she is upset and tells me that she is still behind me, and she is upset with the person or people who have disappointed me.
My husband is a 'fan'. He wants whats best for me. He takes me to urgent care on a Saturday and waits patiently for me (3 hours later). He prays for me. He has the same interests for me as I do.
I have some friends who are wonderful 'fans' too. They cheer for me when things get tough, laugh when I laugh and give me a shoulder to cry on when things are not going my way. I can be real with these friends because I know they are in my corner and want whats best for me.
My kids are grown; both now and when they were younger they are some of my 'fans'. When they were younger they showed it by always needing my attention. 'Look Mom' was a constant when they were younger. If I was upset they would show their concern with a hug and a reassuring word. Now that they are grown they pray for me and their Dad as we do for them.
I have a friend who is a preschool teacher for 2 year olds. One of her 'students' did not take his nap. The teacher was hurt by what someone said to her and she cried. The student went over to her and gave her a hug and said in his 2 year old voice "it's ok". As a teacher your students are also one of your biggest 'fans' too.
I also am other peoples 'fan'. I am a fan of my husband, Mom, friends, kids, co-workers and church friends.
There are some rules for being a 'fan'. One of the rules is to communicate with the people whom you are 'fans'. You need to spend time with them, pray for them and follow up on how they are doing. Their concerns (not all of them) should be your concerns.
Life is a journey and not always easy. I hope your life is filled with 'fans' and I hope you are 'fans' of many people.
Proveerbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
My Mom is one of my biggest fans. She always thinks the best of me and wants things to go my way. When I am sick she sympathizes with me. When something exciting or good happens to me she is just as excited for me as I am. When I have been dealt a bum hand or been treated unjustly she is upset and tells me that she is still behind me, and she is upset with the person or people who have disappointed me.
My husband is a 'fan'. He wants whats best for me. He takes me to urgent care on a Saturday and waits patiently for me (3 hours later). He prays for me. He has the same interests for me as I do.
I have some friends who are wonderful 'fans' too. They cheer for me when things get tough, laugh when I laugh and give me a shoulder to cry on when things are not going my way. I can be real with these friends because I know they are in my corner and want whats best for me.
My kids are grown; both now and when they were younger they are some of my 'fans'. When they were younger they showed it by always needing my attention. 'Look Mom' was a constant when they were younger. If I was upset they would show their concern with a hug and a reassuring word. Now that they are grown they pray for me and their Dad as we do for them.
I have a friend who is a preschool teacher for 2 year olds. One of her 'students' did not take his nap. The teacher was hurt by what someone said to her and she cried. The student went over to her and gave her a hug and said in his 2 year old voice "it's ok". As a teacher your students are also one of your biggest 'fans' too.
I also am other peoples 'fan'. I am a fan of my husband, Mom, friends, kids, co-workers and church friends.
There are some rules for being a 'fan'. One of the rules is to communicate with the people whom you are 'fans'. You need to spend time with them, pray for them and follow up on how they are doing. Their concerns (not all of them) should be your concerns.
Life is a journey and not always easy. I hope your life is filled with 'fans' and I hope you are 'fans' of many people.
Proveerbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Henry
The first time I saw Henry was when I was walking my dog in our mobile home park. Henry was talking to someone who was leaving and I heard him smile and say "every day is a wonderful day as long as Jesus is in your life." I was hoping that I would get to meet him some day. He just seemed to shine and I thought there must be a good story behind his 'shine'.
I eventually got to meet Henry. Through a series of different conversations I found out some of the story. Henry is about 5'7", thin build, white hair and beautiful light blue eyes that just shine. When you watch Henry you can tell he walks with a little limp and the left side of his mouth is down turned, he looks like someone who has had a stroke, but has recovered very well. Henry has had more than 1 stroke, he has had 11 strokes.
The first stroke Henry had he was around 50 years old. It was so massive that the Dr.'s said if he survived he would be a vegetable. Henry had a good job, lovely wife of over 30 years and had built his own house before his first stroke. He was estranged from his mother when he was younger and never really had a good relationship with her, before his first stroke.
After his first stroke he ended up being in the hospital for over 100 days. His wife divorced him, but his mother took care of him. Henry has told me more than once that he never thanked Jesus when he had built his house with his own hands; but after his stroke he was sitting at a table trying to eat, and he saw a 30 year old man who could not even lift his head off his pillow. From that point on Henry started thanking Jesus for everything. He says he was full of pride before his stroke, but now he is thankful for everything.
Henry also shared with me that he had suffered from 'grandma seizures' after his stroke. He explained a 'grandma seizure' affects the whole body and it only stops after you pass out from the pain. He said he had 2-3 seizures a week. One night he just felt different. He did not have a seizure for over 6 months. He decided to go off his medications (19 pills a day), and his Dr. quit treating him because he went off his meds.
He said he would go through it all again because Jesus means so much to him now. He said his wife left him, his friends left him, only his mother and Jesus stayed by his side. He gives all of the glory to Jesus.
Now Henry takes care of his mom. He feels like it is the right thing to do. He goes to the gym 3 times a week, works on his truck and drives to a house he has in Arkansas for the summer. He keeps busy, but he is never too busy to give thanks and glory to Jesus.
Job 23:10 "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
I eventually got to meet Henry. Through a series of different conversations I found out some of the story. Henry is about 5'7", thin build, white hair and beautiful light blue eyes that just shine. When you watch Henry you can tell he walks with a little limp and the left side of his mouth is down turned, he looks like someone who has had a stroke, but has recovered very well. Henry has had more than 1 stroke, he has had 11 strokes.
The first stroke Henry had he was around 50 years old. It was so massive that the Dr.'s said if he survived he would be a vegetable. Henry had a good job, lovely wife of over 30 years and had built his own house before his first stroke. He was estranged from his mother when he was younger and never really had a good relationship with her, before his first stroke.
After his first stroke he ended up being in the hospital for over 100 days. His wife divorced him, but his mother took care of him. Henry has told me more than once that he never thanked Jesus when he had built his house with his own hands; but after his stroke he was sitting at a table trying to eat, and he saw a 30 year old man who could not even lift his head off his pillow. From that point on Henry started thanking Jesus for everything. He says he was full of pride before his stroke, but now he is thankful for everything.
Henry also shared with me that he had suffered from 'grandma seizures' after his stroke. He explained a 'grandma seizure' affects the whole body and it only stops after you pass out from the pain. He said he had 2-3 seizures a week. One night he just felt different. He did not have a seizure for over 6 months. He decided to go off his medications (19 pills a day), and his Dr. quit treating him because he went off his meds.
He said he would go through it all again because Jesus means so much to him now. He said his wife left him, his friends left him, only his mother and Jesus stayed by his side. He gives all of the glory to Jesus.
Now Henry takes care of his mom. He feels like it is the right thing to do. He goes to the gym 3 times a week, works on his truck and drives to a house he has in Arkansas for the summer. He keeps busy, but he is never too busy to give thanks and glory to Jesus.
Job 23:10 "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
Monday, April 11, 2011
For Granted
I have been married to the same man for almost 30 years (July). I love him dearly and he amazes me often and irritates me too. In the last few weeks I have noticed that I take him for granted more than I should.
I have a few friends who are going through some trials in their marriage. Their husbands have been making devastating choices. Choices in which Biblically these friends can divorce for. They love their husbands and really want to protect their marriage, but it may be too late.
Last week I went to coffee with these two ladies and listened to them. Their hearts are broken not only about losing their husband, but also losing their marriage. As I was listening to them it really reminded me that I should never and I mean NEVER take my marriage for granted. It is a blessed institution that Satan would love nothing better to do than break it up.
When I got home, I thanked God for my marriage and my husband. Then I prayed for our marriage and my husband.
Don't take your marriage for granted. NEVER believe the lie that you have a strong marriage and divorce or the possiblility of divorce will never happen to you.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable among all.
I have a few friends who are going through some trials in their marriage. Their husbands have been making devastating choices. Choices in which Biblically these friends can divorce for. They love their husbands and really want to protect their marriage, but it may be too late.
Last week I went to coffee with these two ladies and listened to them. Their hearts are broken not only about losing their husband, but also losing their marriage. As I was listening to them it really reminded me that I should never and I mean NEVER take my marriage for granted. It is a blessed institution that Satan would love nothing better to do than break it up.
When I got home, I thanked God for my marriage and my husband. Then I prayed for our marriage and my husband.
Don't take your marriage for granted. NEVER believe the lie that you have a strong marriage and divorce or the possiblility of divorce will never happen to you.
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable among all.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Integrity
I am a HGTV junkie. When I want to relax and just let my mind go, I like to have HGTV on and play games on my computer. Today I needed some download time, so I did my normal turn on HGTV and play my computer games.
I watched a show called Selling My First Place. It featured a couple in the Arlington Virginia area that wanted to sell their condo. They had bought their 2 bedroom condo for $340,000 in 2006 at the height of the real estate market. Since then they had one child and have another child on the way. They wanted to sell their place and buy a home with a back yard and another bedroom. They have been living off of the husbands salary and saving the wifes salary, because they knew they were going to take a hit when they sold their house.
At the beginning of the show the couple discussed trying to sell their condo for $300,000. As the show progressed they talked to their real estate agent and he explained how much condo's were selling in their area and he suggested they start at $295,000. If they did that it would take all of their savings, but they figured they could swing it. After having their house on the market for over 3 months and having their realator tell them that a condo just like theirs sold for $250,000; the couple decided to take their condo off of the market. They ended up paying off their second mortgage and refinanced their condo with the thought of renting it for the new refinanced payment.
During the show the wife said a few times to the husband that they could short sell their home or maybe have it forclosed. The husband said each time "No! That is why the market is in the mess it is in." He refused to give in to the easy solution or an easy way out and chose instead to take the way of integrity. It cost him and his wife $70,000 which they will probably never see again. I think the cost was high, but the integrity he showed to his wife and children is priceless. He is a man of his word, no matter what the cost.
Proverbs 21:3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrafice.
I watched a show called Selling My First Place. It featured a couple in the Arlington Virginia area that wanted to sell their condo. They had bought their 2 bedroom condo for $340,000 in 2006 at the height of the real estate market. Since then they had one child and have another child on the way. They wanted to sell their place and buy a home with a back yard and another bedroom. They have been living off of the husbands salary and saving the wifes salary, because they knew they were going to take a hit when they sold their house.
At the beginning of the show the couple discussed trying to sell their condo for $300,000. As the show progressed they talked to their real estate agent and he explained how much condo's were selling in their area and he suggested they start at $295,000. If they did that it would take all of their savings, but they figured they could swing it. After having their house on the market for over 3 months and having their realator tell them that a condo just like theirs sold for $250,000; the couple decided to take their condo off of the market. They ended up paying off their second mortgage and refinanced their condo with the thought of renting it for the new refinanced payment.
During the show the wife said a few times to the husband that they could short sell their home or maybe have it forclosed. The husband said each time "No! That is why the market is in the mess it is in." He refused to give in to the easy solution or an easy way out and chose instead to take the way of integrity. It cost him and his wife $70,000 which they will probably never see again. I think the cost was high, but the integrity he showed to his wife and children is priceless. He is a man of his word, no matter what the cost.
Proverbs 21:3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrafice.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Rejection
No one likes to feel rejected. It is actually one of the things that I have a hard time with. I don't enjoy failure, but I have learned that if I fail and gave it my all that it is better than not trying at all. There is an old saying that says "He who has never failed has done nothing." Rejection on the other hand is something I have a hard time with.
I even like to beat people to the punch when it comes to rejection, either cut off the relationship or quit the job etc..
Tuesday I had the privelege of subbing for the 3-5 year old class. The afternoon teacher was sick, so I subbed for her. I always expect the kids to misbehave a bit with me, because I am a sub and they are used to their regular teacher and schedule.
I know most of the children at the preschool I sub at. I have had most of them at one time or another either being their teacher or subbing. On Tuesday there was a 4 year old little boy whom I have had off and on in the past few years. When he was 2 everyone knew his name, and it was because he constantly needed correcting. He really does have a huge heart, but he wants all of your attention. As he has grown his behavior has improved immensely. Yes he still has his days and has to be reminded, but in general he can be fun in the classroom.
Tuesday this little boy gave me lots of trouble. The best word to describe his behavior was he was being a little terror. He did things in which I had not seen in a long time from him. I ended up having to physically set him down and put my leg on him so he would not tear up the classroom and hurt himself or others. After he settled down I finally asked him what was wrong. I told him I was sad and did not know why he was acting this way. He looked at me and told me that he missed his regualr teacher. When he told me that I was able to understand and piece everything together.
The little boy has always had a special bond to the afternoon teacher and normally that would not affect him in such a way, but his Daddy just left his Mommy, and I think the thought of being rejected by a teacher too was too much for him. I explained that the teacher was sick and that she still loves him very much, that I was just there that day until she could come back.
As an adult I do not deal with rejection very well, and I think it is even harder for a child to deal with it. Sometimes we just don't see things the same way as a child does.
Mark 10:14 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
I even like to beat people to the punch when it comes to rejection, either cut off the relationship or quit the job etc..
Tuesday I had the privelege of subbing for the 3-5 year old class. The afternoon teacher was sick, so I subbed for her. I always expect the kids to misbehave a bit with me, because I am a sub and they are used to their regular teacher and schedule.
I know most of the children at the preschool I sub at. I have had most of them at one time or another either being their teacher or subbing. On Tuesday there was a 4 year old little boy whom I have had off and on in the past few years. When he was 2 everyone knew his name, and it was because he constantly needed correcting. He really does have a huge heart, but he wants all of your attention. As he has grown his behavior has improved immensely. Yes he still has his days and has to be reminded, but in general he can be fun in the classroom.
Tuesday this little boy gave me lots of trouble. The best word to describe his behavior was he was being a little terror. He did things in which I had not seen in a long time from him. I ended up having to physically set him down and put my leg on him so he would not tear up the classroom and hurt himself or others. After he settled down I finally asked him what was wrong. I told him I was sad and did not know why he was acting this way. He looked at me and told me that he missed his regualr teacher. When he told me that I was able to understand and piece everything together.
The little boy has always had a special bond to the afternoon teacher and normally that would not affect him in such a way, but his Daddy just left his Mommy, and I think the thought of being rejected by a teacher too was too much for him. I explained that the teacher was sick and that she still loves him very much, that I was just there that day until she could come back.
As an adult I do not deal with rejection very well, and I think it is even harder for a child to deal with it. Sometimes we just don't see things the same way as a child does.
Mark 10:14 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
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