Lets face it, we live in an alarming and scary world. Maybe it's the election year, or this slow and steady push of personal agendas, maybe its social networking and the medias fault, or maybe its a combination.
It feels like every new law passed fly's in the face of God and there is essentially nothing we can do about it. I know as a "Christian" what ever that is anymore... I'm suppose to "hate" the Obama administration but I can't think of any administration in my lifetime time that I was suppose to "like." I see so many pushes to stand and take action against ...but is that really God's will? Are we not suppose to respect and pray for those placed in authority? After all they are only flawed human beings...We don't have to like them and we are told not to compromise our moral standards...Jesus himself encourages the idea of separation between church and state. "Give to Caesar what is his"
or better yet
Romans 13
I struggle with how upset and shocked "Christians" are with the state of the world, does no one read the bible anymore It say's these things will happen and it tells us to take heart.
I see post after post from my "Christian" friends who are angry at this law or that statement. We are encouraged to stand for what we believe, yet do we sometimes do it at the expense of the unbelievers soul?
I see very little encouragement to LOVE and more importantly PRAY for our leaders, the law writers, the candidates, the unbelievers, the transgenders, the same sex inclined, the broken ... as if we are so perfect we can call "them" bad people and freaks.
"You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:5
It's like everyone is yelling ITS NOT FAIR on both sides and we,on the side of Jesus have all forgotten
God.is.in.control.
It doesn't feel like it,
It doesn't sound like it.
It's hard to believe it but.
God.is.in.contorl.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
God is not surprised that Trump is running for president. God is not surprised transgenders are receiving the right to use what ever public restroom they choose, God is not surprised Christian business owners are being forced to server, or fined if they don't serve, same sex couples as well as any other minority that their religion may stand against. God is not surprised the secular world is enforcing separation of church and state. God is not surprised because he in the end is the ruler of all.
Jesus sent his disciples out to tell others about him to be examples not once did he say to judge, condemn or force them to follow Jesus...these men were often killed, beaten, laughed at, or thrown in jail... That first century church was prosecuted beyond our imagination and still thrived...because they did it for God future kingdom not this world.
"This is nothing new under the sun." God is not surprised.
For years we "Christians" have used that title to push our beliefs and policies on everyone else, even if they don't believe the same as we do. Instead, of reaching out and sharing Jesus while living as an example... we have spent years wrapping ourselves in our traditions, beliefs, and judgments. That now, when its come full circle we can't handle it. Now that the world is pushing back we have forgot how God says its going to be...We can't remember how to stand up in adversity with a spirit of peace and a desire to share Gods love. Its a shame our first reaction is to "rant" on social media about something we don't agree with. We have the ability to reach people all around the world with a click of a button and we use it not for growing Gods Kingdom but for our own personal agendas and righteous anger.
It's not our job to make non believers or the government follow Gods moral laws. It's simply our job to tell others about Jesus and let the holy spirit work so they might want to follow Gods moral laws. Someone who does not agree with you is not going to be saved by social media posts about how evil America is. Being angry, whiny, and judgmental about our world isn't going to help anyone see it our way. I read some status and posts and I can't help but think "man we all sound like spoiled little children, pouting because are not getting our way." We are so full of righteous anger that we don't show any love or compassion.
There is enough bad in this world, enough to be scared of, with out piling on... Now more then ever we "Christians" (and I use that term reservedly) are being observed to see how we handle ourselves. Sadly from what is see....it's very poorly.
For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. ~2 Timothy 1:7~
No, it's not fair, and it does suck. Yes, we need to follow God's laws above all else but that's because we believe those laws. We need to be examples of God's Love. We can't judge those who don't believe the same as we do. We can't hate Trump, Clinton, or Obama because they are lost...though man is the struggle real.
This is our chance to show the world what we are made of, start the fire...to cling to the promises in God's word and to not be afraid. Fear is one of Satan's greatest tools to undermine everything the original church tried to set up. Hitler used Fear, the Media and Politicians use the same fear now.
So this election year don't let fear drive you to the polls (or away) Pray God reveals his will to you. Above all else Pray for our leaders, for our country, for our candidates, for our states, and our families. Pray and don't give into fear. He never promised us a rose garden.
When you need comfort, when you feel so discouraged about the state of the world, when someone else points their finger at you and says "hypocrite, judgmental, close minded fool"....When a news post celebrates the success of another passed bill that mocks God. Instead of whining, and getting upset seek comfort from the only source that can comfort you God's word.
Stand firm, Love God, Share God...it's not always going to be easy, comfortable or convenient but though we don't have a sound like wind and flames of fire...we are filled with the "holy spirit" lets prove God's love is still alive. Let's make the term "Christian" usable again.
Let's live our lives so when this world passes away we can stand before our Father and say "I did all I could."
Psalm 37 and 46 I find especially comforting.
What verses comfort you in these times?
Some more food for thought.
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/politics/how-christians-should-engage-election
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Sunday, March 6, 2016
A new kind of beautiful
I've written on beauty in past blogs. About this skewed idea of what a beautiful woman is.
http://chasingredbirds.blogspot.com/2015/07/beauty-redefined.html
I'm going to do it again, this time for my sake and not anyone else.
I'm past seeing a taller, skinnier, more endowed girl and promising myself "I will look like that" However I will forever battle the "I wish" "I'm so fat" mentality when it comes to my body.
'I am woman hear me roar."
Because lets face it, if it's not in the genes it's not going to be, Look at your family, your genetic predisposition. If you are not naturally tall and thin no amount of diet or exercise will get you there.
You know what a healthy diet(healthy eating, eating for your bodies needs) and exercise will do for you. It will make you the best version of yourself it will make you HEALTHY.
When your body is healthy, you feel happier, you live longer, you have more energy, and yes you will lose some weight.... Healthy is good, If you are not naturally thin, thin is not a appropriate goal,
So sweet sister, as the weather warms up as it's harder to hide under layers of cloths or you think "man this will not look good in a swimsuit." (my thoughts today) set your goal on healthy not thin.
Goals are good, but be realistic otherwise this pattern of diet, and overexercising, stressing out which will cause you to binge on "bad" food to cope with another failure...will just continue Causing you to miss out on so much by being consumed with this ridiculous idea of what you think you have to look like.
I've been there.... and I never got there...and I spent a lot of time feeling rotten about my body and now my self-image effects my marriage, effects my niece, and I would be willing to bet if I had children it would effect them. I grew up hearing my mom talk bad about her body...and I look like my mom so as a young girl, as a teen, and now as a full grown adult I can't help but think...I must look bad too.
Change it before you pass it on.
It.Stops.Now.
Save yourself from the body hating flood, that will come when you type "weight loss" in the pinterest search. If you have to find a professional, a nutritionist, or do some legit research on nutrition (not on pinterest) because in the end
"Knowledge is Power"
not some naturally thin female who tried something and lost weight. Please find someone real, in your life that has lost weight and talk to them...not a before and after picture that is probably edited....that promises you 6 weeks to a bikini body.
Lets flood pinterest with "Healthy and Strong" not "Thin and Sexy". Or" curvy and vivacious..."
Lets stop this cycle of preteens with eating disorders, and negative self images and bullies picking on young people whose genes made them who they are. Lets change the idea of beauty in our heads to model for the next generation a healthy lifestyle... lets save the next generations, your daughters, nieces, granddaughters, from this self hatred we all battle daily. Lets empower them to be healthy and by extension beautiful, because when you think about it...
what healthy person have you met that you didn't find beautiful?
Sunday, January 31, 2016
At what point.
At what point do you draw the line between fighting for your church and starving your soul for a cause?
At what point do you shake the dust off your feet in your hometown.
At what point is enough enough....
Is it possible for Satan to have such a hold on a church that he could actually succeed in crushing it and driving away the few that are trying to Gods work?
At what point does fighting for whats right do more damage than good?
At what point do you shake the dust off your feet in your hometown.
At what point is enough enough....
Is it possible for Satan to have such a hold on a church that he could actually succeed in crushing it and driving away the few that are trying to Gods work?
At what point does fighting for whats right do more damage than good?
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Whew... I made it...or did I?
I made it through the holiday season with no children, with out throwing computers, ripping out my eyes, or even cutting myself off from the world. I even managed to hide how much my heart truly hurt (though my pillow knows)...
I even spent Christmas day in a house with children not my relatives, and managed to have a very good time.
But did I really make it through? Did holding it in help or hinder.
How do you heal a wound that gets torn open every time you see a child (I'm a preschool teacher wouldn't change it for the world but some days it amazes me no one can see the blood), open a computer, talk to a friend, watch T.V. How do you heal a wound that has no source.
How do you go from okay almost acceptance and peace to I would kill for that?
How do you define an existence where it's easier to be friends with single people but they don't talk to you about their problems..because you can't relate to them and they know it? Yet your married friends that live somewhat close to you have kids and can't relate to you and you know it..
I define it every day
Lonely.
Even when I'm holding on to hope and a promise of the future regardless of having children or not,
Even when I know with every breath God's got it
Even when I know I'm not alone.
Sometimes it just hurts. Honest.
I even spent Christmas day in a house with children not my relatives, and managed to have a very good time.
But did I really make it through? Did holding it in help or hinder.
How do you heal a wound that gets torn open every time you see a child (I'm a preschool teacher wouldn't change it for the world but some days it amazes me no one can see the blood), open a computer, talk to a friend, watch T.V. How do you heal a wound that has no source.
How do you go from okay almost acceptance and peace to I would kill for that?
How do you define an existence where it's easier to be friends with single people but they don't talk to you about their problems..because you can't relate to them and they know it? Yet your married friends that live somewhat close to you have kids and can't relate to you and you know it..
I define it every day
Lonely.
Even when I'm holding on to hope and a promise of the future regardless of having children or not,
Even when I know with every breath God's got it
Even when I know I'm not alone.
Sometimes it just hurts. Honest.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
When a child calls me teacher
"Teacher, will you tie my shoe?"
"Teacher, can you open this?"
"Hi, Teacher I love you"
"Teacher, can you read this book?"
"Teacher, can you help me with this puzzle?"
These are normal statements and questions in my preschool classroom this year as well as other years. It's never bothered me when my children call me 'teacher'. However, because of how often I am called "Teacher" with this particular group I've noticed that it bothers other adults. I've bit my tongue more than once when one of my precious students was told "Her name is Miss Leah" or "that's not her name". I've even been asked "Do they ever call you by your name?" While I can see where the adult is coming from in regards to respect, and future teachers. I can't really understand why it's so important that they not call me exactly what I am and what I have been called to be. A mother wants her children to call her mom...for that is what she is. So it is with me as their teacher.
It's a constant reminder of what I am suppose to be to these children, often when I'm disengaged from the children one says "teacher" and I'm instantly reminded of my job and my awesome responsibility to these children.
It's a constant reminder that I am in service to not only my students but to my God, and my place of employment which fortunatly for me is also an extension of my church. To God be the glory not to Miss Leah... Maybe it's WLC's fault that I enjoy being a servant leader.
It honestly warms my heart when a little voice calls me teacher with so much simple joy and love in their eyes... I'm not blessed to be called mommy by a child. I'll take what I can get.
I AM "Teacher"
Jesus is known as one of the greatest teachers in history and some of the people that have had the biggest impact on my life; outside of my family have been my teachers. So now, to be able to turn and give back what was given me I am proud to be referred to as "teacher". It's simple and uncomplicated.
"Of the 90 times Jesus was addressed directly in the gospels, 60 times he was called Teacher. This was the word the multitudes used. This was how the disciples referred to him. Jesus himself used the term when he said, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am" (John 13:13). When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, he said, "We know that you are a teacher who has come from God" (John 3:2) " ~http://www.jesus.org/is-jesus-god/names-of-jesus/why-was-jesus-called-teacher.html~
How am I much different than that? God has called me to teach, it is what I am, I'm not ashamed of my position I don't feel disrespected when they call me "teacher" and not "Miss Leah"
"Go ye into all the world and teach nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19 KJV.
The last thing Jesus told his disciples to do was go into the world and make disciples, how were they to do that without teaching God's word?
Who am I to say that "teacher" is not a respectable name to be called when the greatest teacher in all of history and our Savior was called "Teacher" himself.
We were commanded to go and teach, to go and serve others....I'm simply lucky enough to not have to look for chances to do just that, but to get paid( allbeit not a whole lot) to do that each and every workday.
I.am.teacher.
I am servant
I am blessed.
"Teacher, can you open this?"
"Hi, Teacher I love you"
"Teacher, can you read this book?"
"Teacher, can you help me with this puzzle?"
These are normal statements and questions in my preschool classroom this year as well as other years. It's never bothered me when my children call me 'teacher'. However, because of how often I am called "Teacher" with this particular group I've noticed that it bothers other adults. I've bit my tongue more than once when one of my precious students was told "Her name is Miss Leah" or "that's not her name". I've even been asked "Do they ever call you by your name?" While I can see where the adult is coming from in regards to respect, and future teachers. I can't really understand why it's so important that they not call me exactly what I am and what I have been called to be. A mother wants her children to call her mom...for that is what she is. So it is with me as their teacher.
It's a constant reminder of what I am suppose to be to these children, often when I'm disengaged from the children one says "teacher" and I'm instantly reminded of my job and my awesome responsibility to these children.
It's a constant reminder that I am in service to not only my students but to my God, and my place of employment which fortunatly for me is also an extension of my church. To God be the glory not to Miss Leah... Maybe it's WLC's fault that I enjoy being a servant leader.
It honestly warms my heart when a little voice calls me teacher with so much simple joy and love in their eyes... I'm not blessed to be called mommy by a child. I'll take what I can get.
I AM "Teacher"
Jesus is known as one of the greatest teachers in history and some of the people that have had the biggest impact on my life; outside of my family have been my teachers. So now, to be able to turn and give back what was given me I am proud to be referred to as "teacher". It's simple and uncomplicated.
"Of the 90 times Jesus was addressed directly in the gospels, 60 times he was called Teacher. This was the word the multitudes used. This was how the disciples referred to him. Jesus himself used the term when he said, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am" (John 13:13). When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, he said, "We know that you are a teacher who has come from God" (John 3:2) " ~http://www.jesus.org/is-jesus-god/names-of-jesus/why-was-jesus-called-teacher.html~
How am I much different than that? God has called me to teach, it is what I am, I'm not ashamed of my position I don't feel disrespected when they call me "teacher" and not "Miss Leah"
"Go ye into all the world and teach nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19 KJV.
The last thing Jesus told his disciples to do was go into the world and make disciples, how were they to do that without teaching God's word?
Who am I to say that "teacher" is not a respectable name to be called when the greatest teacher in all of history and our Savior was called "Teacher" himself.
We were commanded to go and teach, to go and serve others....I'm simply lucky enough to not have to look for chances to do just that, but to get paid( allbeit not a whole lot) to do that each and every workday.
I.am.teacher.
I am servant
I am blessed.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
I'm reminded daily how human I am.
How much I screw up even when doing the right thing.
How imperfect, and sinful I am
I am reminded daily that it's still too much about me and not enough about Him.
Ah, my pride is smarting.
I am reminded daily that I NEED a savior.
We all screw up but like I was encouraged today... God can use our screw ups...I mean God uses us all the time and we screw up all the time. There is hope in that.
"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. "Matthew 10:22~
I like to think that I don't believe I'm better than others..but if I sit down and search my thoughts and feelings over the past week those who feel or have been calling me judgmental are probably right probably not in the exact way they are thinking but still judging and not loving. It's not so much pointing at a person and saying I am judging you because...It's not intentionally, its not even willingly. I'm just a sinner and we are all victims and we are all continually creating victims.
Instead of showing love I have whined about not being liked, instead of showing love, I have gotten angry when someone pointed out my faults, cause I tried to point out the plank in their eyes instead of taking care of the one in mine. Instead of showing Christs love through prayer I have been selfish with my prayers. Instead of encouraging people to come to God I've given them reasons to be pushed away or I have done nothing at all and have lost opportunity. So, no maybe I haven't had thoughts about a specific person but I have thoughts like look at me going to church, going to bible study, reading my bible..look at me...whats wrong with you.
No I'm not the only one in the wrong, it's not ALL my fault...but lets get real, its never all anyone's fault.
So I get thrown in...in an amazing spiral suddenly but not at all. Because my sinful nature was in and I didn't even realize it.
A line in the sand, and the war with Satan rages on.
I should know I can't be luke warm, I can't sit on the fence. In this world sides find your right or wrong. But at some point you lean too far one way. We were not called to be silent...we were called to stand firm, speak love, and remain true to the faith. Today I went with the unpopular option..knowing full well it could make things uncomfortable. Yet had I not stood firm for what I believe in I have no doubt I would be uncomfortable with myself. "I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul" (Mathew 16:26).
This.is.not.our.home. Praise the LORD
Keep watch for we don't know the day or the hour of the LORDS return (Matthew 24:42). But when that day comes which way will you be leaning, oh fence sitters? Isn't there a song that says "You have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything? How much pride, anger, un-forgiveness, and malicious gossip is stored up in your heart ; these things are poison, How much poison is to much?
We need to fill ourselves with love, forgiveness, and encouragement ...love others as Jesus loves you .
Even.When.They.Make.It.Hard.
Satan must not like where I am going, what we are trying to do. He may be part of this world, he may have a foothold in this place...but take heart Jesus has overcome the world. (Paraphrased John 16:33)
Forgive Me.
How much I screw up even when doing the right thing.
How imperfect, and sinful I am
I am reminded daily that it's still too much about me and not enough about Him.
Ah, my pride is smarting.
I am reminded daily that I NEED a savior.
We all screw up but like I was encouraged today... God can use our screw ups...I mean God uses us all the time and we screw up all the time. There is hope in that.
"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. "Matthew 10:22~
I like to think that I don't believe I'm better than others..but if I sit down and search my thoughts and feelings over the past week those who feel or have been calling me judgmental are probably right probably not in the exact way they are thinking but still judging and not loving. It's not so much pointing at a person and saying I am judging you because...It's not intentionally, its not even willingly. I'm just a sinner and we are all victims and we are all continually creating victims.
Instead of showing love I have whined about not being liked, instead of showing love, I have gotten angry when someone pointed out my faults, cause I tried to point out the plank in their eyes instead of taking care of the one in mine. Instead of showing Christs love through prayer I have been selfish with my prayers. Instead of encouraging people to come to God I've given them reasons to be pushed away or I have done nothing at all and have lost opportunity. So, no maybe I haven't had thoughts about a specific person but I have thoughts like look at me going to church, going to bible study, reading my bible..look at me...whats wrong with you.
No I'm not the only one in the wrong, it's not ALL my fault...but lets get real, its never all anyone's fault.
So I get thrown in...in an amazing spiral suddenly but not at all. Because my sinful nature was in and I didn't even realize it.
A line in the sand, and the war with Satan rages on.
I should know I can't be luke warm, I can't sit on the fence. In this world sides find your right or wrong. But at some point you lean too far one way. We were not called to be silent...we were called to stand firm, speak love, and remain true to the faith. Today I went with the unpopular option..knowing full well it could make things uncomfortable. Yet had I not stood firm for what I believe in I have no doubt I would be uncomfortable with myself. "I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul" (Mathew 16:26).
This.is.not.our.home. Praise the LORD
Keep watch for we don't know the day or the hour of the LORDS return (Matthew 24:42). But when that day comes which way will you be leaning, oh fence sitters? Isn't there a song that says "You have to stand for something or you'll fall for anything? How much pride, anger, un-forgiveness, and malicious gossip is stored up in your heart ; these things are poison, How much poison is to much?
We need to fill ourselves with love, forgiveness, and encouragement ...love others as Jesus loves you .
Even.When.They.Make.It.Hard.
Satan must not like where I am going, what we are trying to do. He may be part of this world, he may have a foothold in this place...but take heart Jesus has overcome the world. (Paraphrased John 16:33)
Forgive Me.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Teaching and Class Parties
Dear Teachers (specifically early childhood teachers)
Happy Halloween,
I don't know about any of you but I was exhausted by the end of this week,..but not as exhausted as I have been in previous years...not as exhausted as some of you....
Each year I struggle with my "worth" as a teacher during the holiday season. As I image these days parents struggle with much the same issue. As I watch other teachers prepare for their classroom party and it's all so nice and "pintresty" and just better then mine. Some do it for the kids and they do a fantastic job with all those amazing pintrest games and activities. Some do it for the parents to see as well as for the kids, because parents can be a bit scary and you want them to see what a great job you are doing with their precious child. Some do it because they are natural entertainers and the thought of it doesn't give them a panic attack. Some do it because it's their first year...
Sometimes I wonder if I'm the only broken teacher out there. Am I the only teacher who thinks extravagant parties for 4 year olds is well extravagant? Am I the only teacher who dreads the holiday season because the social pressure is ridiculous?
None of these reasons for fun days in a classroom are wrong. I remember my first year Halloween Partry....it went okay the kids had fun; I was miserable the whole time but the kids had fun, That's what mattered. I had sign-up sheets, and the whole deal... it wasn't done like the previous teacher and I actually had parents complain about it because I didn't invite parents specifically and the one that came didn't like the way I did it.
I have a standing invite in my classroom "Parents are invited and encouraged to drop by and see whats up at any time."
I struggle with my worth it was my first year and I think it's part of the reason class parties stress me out. I also work alone and have 3 different classes which means I do it all: prep, party, and clean up alone and do it 3 times in 2 days...Since my first year I have worked to de-stress my teaching job, KISS (keep it simple stupid) Kids love anything new and different no matter how simple it is like painting a pumpkin no prep needed. I've found that I have more time to interact with and instruct my students when I keep it simple.
I've found in my 4 years as a preschool teacher, that parents have mixed feelings about parties just like I do. Some want to come to their child's first school party and it's a huge event. Others (most) like the no pressure approach because they can't get of work, or they have other things to do, or they bring their child to school so they can have some time without them. They like the idea that someone else is going to parade 10-20some kids around in costumes and play games with them. I remember class parties in elementary school and grade school but I don't remember parents there with cameras I don't remember a ton of games. I remember less structure and a ton of candy sent home. I remember being excited.
So, now I have low key parties. Usually one exciting activity (this year we painted pumpkins) and a movie because otherwise the T.V. is not on in my classroom. No sign up sheets for parents to bring things, I found that without the sheet I get a couple of parents who want to bring something and there is a lot less waste in my classroom. Some parents asked if I would need help and I told them it's pretty chill but you are more then welcome to come and chill with us!
No. Stress.
If I'm not stressed I can have fun and if I have fun the kids have even more fun.
Yet I look at other rooms with tons of food that kids take one bite of and throw away, tons a things planned and they are fun things all going with the theme of Halloween (or whatever holiday; it is) and I struggle. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, Maybe their way is better, they are better at this than me.
but that's not it, not really. It's not about me. It's about God and it's about the children. I'm not a bad teacher because I have social anxiety and prefer to keep it lowkey. I'm not a bad teacher because I let a movie be part of my party...I'm not a bad teacher and neither are you for doing it all and being super enthusiastic and amazing.
It's not about me.
This job is stressful enough with out new social standard,s new test standards, and your own personal standards. This job is from the heart...This job is love. You.are.Amazing.
Happy Halloween!
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