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How To Be on Guard in a World of Chaos
Some days I just don’t want to watch the news anymore. Frequently it seems like society is simply falling apart. Norms that kept us safe are being challenged. Values that helped keep families strong are no longer considered valid. We are encouraged to take care of ourselves and go after what we want, frequently with disregard for the needs of others. I see it in how my students have changed over the years. More so than ever in the past, I have a number of students each year with considerable anxiety. They struggle to process their world. I have also seen a rise in students who insist on their own…
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Our God Carries Us
The experiences of the Israelites as they prepared to and then left Egypt has always been a fascination for me. This group sees mighty miracles that lead to Pharaoh letting them leave Egypt. They walk through the Red Sea as God makes a safe path of escape for them. There is no doubt that it is God at work in this situation. His mighty deeds are recounted to many as they share what the Lord has done for them. Fast forward to when the Israelites get to the edge of the actual Promised Land. What should be a time of hope and delight is not. There is grumbling. There is…
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When Days Feel Bad, God Still Has a Purpose
Can you imagine being a privileged child whose father dotes on you? You have everything you need as your family is prosperous. Blessings abound. This should have been a good start to life – after all you’ve got it made. Old Testament Joseph was such a child; however, his father had a large part in making Joseph a target of disdain by his brothers. His father treated him differently and even had an ornate robe made for him. Scripture tells us of the reaction of Joseph’s brothers: “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind…
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The True Measure of Success
I really wasn’t sure about writing a post this week. I’m definitely in a somber mood. Mother’s Day is just around the corner – my first Mother’s Day with both my precious mom and mother-in-law not being here. How do I feel about it all? I cannot even define it. Sometimes it is such an empty feeling as I consider all that has been lost in my life. I had such a terrific relationship with both women. Not having them to talk to is an ache that doesn’t seem to want to go away. At other times I can rejoice that they are in heaven and they suffer no more.…
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Did God Really Get This Right?
Some days my heart just aches for the traumas my students endure and how it affects, not only their learning, but also every aspect of their young lives. These precious little ones, each an amazing gift of God, are way too often mistreated, malnourished, ignored, upset, and the list goes on. I find it difficult to balance this all in my brain. Each of these children is loved by God – of that I am certain. Why must they lead lives of such pain at such a young age? Who is there to advocate for them? Why does this happen? I knew a little girl once. She was a quiet…
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Are We Living Only for the Future?
I just came off a grueling week. Parent teacher conferences made for very long days. My voice is hoarse from talking steady for those two evenings plus the full school days. All week my mantra has been that I just need to make it to the weekend. Even more so are my thoughts that if I just make it to spring break next week, I will be okay. There are so many times in my life when all I can think about is how I am going to get through the day…the week…the month. The truth is – it frequently isn’t any better when I get to the “date” that…
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What Do You Do When You Crave Living Water?
We all have those days when fatigue runs rampant. We wonder how we will keep ourselves together, let alone care for someone else. How do we manage through challenging times when energy is thin and things are awry? Jesus had His share of up and down days. Ministry wasn’t easy in the cultural and political climate of His day. Yet, no matter what was going on, He kept on, teaching and offering care. In John He shares some amazing words that bring hope to our weary spirits: “On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him…
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God’s Son, Our Sacrifice
In numerous ways, my mother sacrificed to make my life better. She frequently went without things herself so I could gain an education and a better future. These sacrifices were driven by deep love and care. I have done the same as a parent. Our loving Savior made a sacrifice that cannot compare to anything we can do. While my mother made sacrifices by giving up things in life, Jesus gave up His very life for us. From the beginning God’s plan included Jesus dying for mankind’s sins. It is interesting that God allowed a brutal Roman crucifixion as the instrument for His wonderful plan of salvation.This centuries old practice…
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When God Hammers a Point in Your Life Circumstances
Recently we said goodbye to my dear mother-in-law. It has been a time to reflect on her life and her ministry to others. She had immense impact on those around her. Our pastor chose to preach her funeral sermon on her confirmation verse: “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 NIV) As I listened to these familiar words, the thoughts running through my mind centered on how I know these Scripture words to be true, but I seem to easily forget…
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What is my Destiny?
The term “destiny” is discussed lots but do we really know what it means? The media would like to tell us that we need to find our perfect “destiny” – that we were built for a specific destiny and we should go after it. When I searched online, Google’s summary suggests the following: Finding your destiny involves aligning your daily actions with your core values, passions, and authentic self to create a fulfilling life. It requires introspection to identify your unique, natural talents, followed by consistent action, overcoming obstacles, and trusting the flow of life. Key steps include identifying what excites you, setting goals, and cultivating a supportive environment. That’s…
