December 10, 2012

Thank you, Herdmans.

One of the many great things about teaching third grade is the opportunity to reread long ago favorites. Last week I finished reading The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to the students.

SPOILER ALERT:  If you have never read the book or it’s been too many years and you’ve forgotten….beware. I’m referencing the end of the story. So read with caution.

The third graders are hooked on the story by the first paragraph…the one that reveals to the reader that some of the characters, the Herdmans, are considered “the worst kids in the world.”  Elementary school aged, the Herdmans are feared by all their peers.  Known for lying, stealing, and occasionally blackmailing their classmates, the Herdmans land the lead roles in the Christmas pageant one year, coercing the usual stars to stay out of their way.

What’s expected to be the worst Christmas pageant ever turns into the best.

All because the Herdmans had never heard the Christmas story before.

During rehearsals, as they encounter the story of the Messiah’s birth, the Herdmans have no hesitation in sharing their bewilderment at what they hear.

They ask questions such as:

·      Who were the shepherds? And where did they come from?

·      No room in the inn…”not even for Jesus?”

·      If Mary knew she was carrying God’s child, why didn’t she just tell   

           everyone?

·      Why would Herod, a king, want to kill a baby?

The Herdmans were quite riled up at the injustice they heard in the nativity story. They simply could not understand a pregnant woman being turned away to a stable.  That chapter ends with the line, “And they (Herdmans) left the first rehearsal arguing about whether Joseph should have set fire to the inn, or just chased the innkeeper into the next county.”

When was the last time I paused and really thought about the Christmas story? Asked my own questions. Wondered in my heart about God’s son being swaddled and tucked away in a feeding trough.

Perhaps one of my favorite lines is how the narrator of the story captures this very essence near the end of the story…

“For years, I’d thought about the wonder of Christmas, and the mystery of Jesus’ birth, and never really understood it.”

Thanks to the Herdman ears that heard the story for the first time, the mystery and wonder and awe of Christmas was made real once more when they began to ask questions.

Hearing the story year after year, the cast of the three wise men, shepherds, Mary & Joseph and baby Jesus can become all too familiar.  But if I would just stop and listen to the story through the Herdmans’ ears.

With wonder and amazement.

Thank you, Herdmans.

November 21, 2012

Charlotte’s Web, mercy, and being thankful…

Just before Thanksgiving break, we finished reading Charlotte’s Web in 3^rd grade. I had warned the students when we began the novel, “there will be tears in my eyes at the end.”  Those last couple chapters, more than a few eyes watched closely to see if I had predicted correctly.

Definitely correct on that prediction.  Such a sweet story of friendship and sacrifice. And I was not the only one with a few tears.

Throughout the story, we worked together on vocabulary words, not looking them up in the dictionary, but using contextual clues to determine meaning. One word that we needed to define was “mercy.”

When one of the students contributed proudly to the discussion, “mercy is like grace,” another student intercepted saying, “No! They are two different words,” but then was at a loss on how to explain the difference.

That’s when I stepped in. I shared that mercy was when something you deserved was withheld or not given, while grace was being given something you do not deserve. An immediate connection to Jesus was made and the students began to murmur and nod in understanding.

A friend asked the other day as we entered the week of celebrating Thanksgiving, what I was thankful for…and my first thought was:

Charlotte’s Web and mercy.

There are SO many things that run through my mind that I’m thankful for? And I think of Charlotte’s Web?

But just the realization in that moment how thankful I was that in the school I teach, I can share freely about mercy and grace in reference to Jesus Christ.  And beyond that, I live in a country that I can choose to attend church, that I can freely attend bible studies, and that I really have no comprehension personally of persecution for my faith.

That’s lots of thoughts from just thinking of Charlotte’s Web and mercy.

How thankful I am to be thankful for that….and oh so much more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 4, 2012

Making my vote count…

Living in a city with a few million other residents, makes me thankful for early voting. I took advantage of this option last weekend.  On Sunday afternoon I found myself weaving my way amongst the other vehicles searching for a parking place at the nearest early voting location.  Had the parking not already taken enough great effort, I may have chosen to try another day when I walked into the “waiting” room and saw a couple hundred others already in line.  But this is my civic duty, I was already there, and I needed to make my vote count.

Standing in line with a sample ballot in my hand, I soon found myself in conversation with the guy in front of me.  He too was looking over the sample ballot provided in the waiting area.  He shared that he had not been in Houston for long and felt that he had not done due diligence in paying attention to the local candidates and issues like he should have.  Something he said next struck me…”It’s not like my vote counts anyway.  I’m just one measly person.  But it’s my duty, so I’m here to vote.”

How easy it is for so many to make the choice not to even battle the lines at the voting booths for the same reason.  Rationalizing that with millions of others voting across America, how could their one vote really make a difference???

But it is my country, the President is the leader that I am to follow, (“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Romans 13:1), so my vote is going to count.

I love that just before Paul penned those words in Romans, he wrote, “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). And preceded that with phrases such as….

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (12:9)

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (12:12)

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (12:14)

“Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (12:17-18)

I think today I’m struck most with verse 12…

BE JOYFUL IN HOPE, PATIENT IN AFFLICTION, FAITHFUL IN PRAYER

That’s how I’m going to make my vote count. By adhering to these words of Paul.

This morning, I was reminded yet again how we never know what each day will hold.  The first text I received greeted me with the news of last night’s tragic death of a young college guy I had the privilege of teaching when he was in middle school. I am grieving for his parents, his friends, and all those he has touched in his short life.

And it’s making me embrace yet again this reminder to make today count because….

I don’t know what today or tomorrow (or Tuesday’s election) holds.

But I do know my God. 

So I will be “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”

Prayer for my country, for its leaders, and for tomorrow is my way of making my vote count.

October 29, 2012

ANYTHING

I’m devouring a book.  It’s called ­­Anything by Jennie Allen.

Just one word, but one that packs a powerful punch. Especially when it is a simple prayer that surrenders everything to the Lord. Literally everything.

And waits for Him to do anything.

Some of my favorite quotes so far….

"In saying ANYTHING, it meant we were handing Him everything."

"To risk is to willingly place your life in the hand of an unseen God and an unknown future, then to watch Him come through.  He starts to get real when you live like that."

"Following God is flat costly...It doesn't make sense to us, but since this life....is not the climax from God's perspective, he's okay throwing a little wrench into the short plans we have to be normal here."

"The very thought of doing ANYTHING demands everything.  We have to face our fears. If we believe He is real, if we believe He has an eternal heart, we have to face the fact that a God like that may mess with our temporary comfort..."

My book is dog-eared and highlighted. I’ve recommended it to several in the past few weeks, handed a few copies to a few friends as well.

But now the rubber meets the road.

Time to pray…

ANYTHING.

October 21, 2012

This isn't home…

Yesterday morning I decided it was time for a little pampering.  So I headed just down the street to one of my favorite nail salons for a manicure/pedicure.  I switch up locations every once in awhile just to try a new place, but honestly, the one just a block down from me is my favorite.  Probably because they tend to be the best at the foot and back massage they throw in with the polish.  You know it’s good when it is hard to stay awake because you are so relaxed.

So there I was completely at peace when the conversation began.  Four or five of the nail girls, mine included, were becoming immersed in an animated conversation.  Their volume becoming louder with their excitement. 

But everything was being said in their native tongue. 

So to me, it was a mere whir of garbled sounds.  Sure I could deduce they were excited.  It was easy to tell by their facial expressions that they were all very happy about whatever it was.  But I had NO idea what was being said.

In that split second, my mind started to wander.  It’s not often that just a block from my home in the middle of America, I don’t feel at home.  When I closed my eyes and just listened to their conversation, I realized how completely out of place I was in that moment.  Nothing about what I was hearing was familiar or even recognizable.

It was just enough of a split second thought to make me think of Paul’s words in Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” 

I felt out of place for just a mere second, because I closed my eyes and only heard unfamiliar conversation. One second bringing to light how much I try to make myself comfortable, at home, at peace and how odd it felt to not feel at home.

And yet I don’t belong here.

We spend our time, our money, our efforts to make ourselves at home and yet this is not home. In that split second, I was reminded how of what I need to think of at all times.

This is not home.

My citizenship is elsewhere.

October 7, 2012

The thief comes to steal….

A friend called yesterday.  She said she’d had a bad morning.  Bad was an understatement.

It actually all began on Friday night.  After being away most of the week for work, she returned about midnight, after battling with delays and weary from three different flights.  Upon arrival, her only thought was crawling into her own bed and falling to sleep. But when she walked up to her front door, her eye caught sight of something disturbing.  Her front kitchen window smashed in.

So flash forward to Saturday. Her original plans of lazing on the couch watching football were replaced by the police arriving to fingerprint her place, calling insurance, listing her stolen items, and making plans of where to stay the night since she no longer felt safe in her own place.  Her home had been invaded.  Her items had been taken.

None of this was on her agenda for the weekend.

Whether it’s a robbery, an unfavorable diagnosis from the doctor, a car accident, a phone call bearing bad news….we could list so many life events that we never had on our agenda.

And yet they happen.  And we have to figure out how to survive them. And in the midst of the crisis, we often end up wondering “why me?” or “when it will it end?” or even sometimes “will everything ever be okay again?”

The real thief, the master thief, (aka Satan) would love nothing more than for these unexpected disasters we encounter to steal our true source of joy.

Yet, Jesus unequivocally pronounces…

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

The worse surprises in life aren’t surprises to God at all. He’s got them covered. Literally. And He offers something that far outweighs our worst day…

Abundant life.

My friend…she’s going to be just fine.  Her perspective yesterday afternoon was already, “its just stuff that can all be replaced.” She’s already prayed for the thieves.  Sure, her sense of security has been shaken.  She’s going to be battling mental images of her broken kitchen window for awhile.

But she’s clinging to something greater. 

Abundant life.

The truth amidst uncertainty.

September 30, 2012

Pink Lemonade and Popcorn

Some of my favorite memories of my time in full time discipleship youth ministry include Sunday afternoons.  I would set the pink lemonade and popcorn out, ready and waiting.  The knocks on the door would begin and in would tumble a handful of high school girls. At the time, some of them may have claimed what they loved most about the afternoons were the popcorn and lemonade. The most precious thing to me though was watching these girls grow in their relationship with the Lord.

It was with that group of girls I first spouted out my “roller coaster” analogy. It went something like…

Life can feel a lot like a roller coaster at times.

You get on the ride full of excitement. Anticipating the thrill of the ride.

And there is a thrill.  The rush of adrenaline amidst the many ups and downs.  There are the moments of anticipation as the track creaks slowly upwards and your mind begins to wonder what you might be about to encounter next on the drop, the twist, or the upside down turn. And then there’s the excitement as you lift your hands on the drop and scream at the top of your lungs.

But it isn’t all a thrill.  There are parts that are downright terrifying. Many moments that you realize you have absolutely no control.

The great news is that despite the ups and down, ignoring the stomach-dropping moments, and capitalizing upon the exhilarating seconds… you’re always buckled in. 

As in life…

Also full of ups and downs.  There’s great anticipation as we look forward to milestones in our lives.  Tears and screams pour out when life seems to be more than we can handle and we know we are out of control.  We may love the moments of the “ride” that bring smiles to our faces even while wondering what twist or turn awaits us next. 

But all throughout the ride, we are “buckled in.”

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38-39

September 23, 2012

Small, unexpected moments…

Yesterday morning I headed to one of my favorite brunch spots.  I had some reading I wanted to accomplish so I settled comfortably into one of the café’s over easy armchairs with my book and my meal.  Within ten minutes, a man occupied a seat within a few feet of me, probably mid-thirties, excitedly talking on his phone.  The essence of his conversation = wheelin’ and dealin’. He was pulling some deal together successfully and as he gained confidence in his victory, his voice grew louder and louder.

But that was just the introduction to this guy.

Soon after his call concluded, silence ensued from his area of the room for oh, about two whole minutes. Then, he called over the café’s manager, who had been walking around, checking in on customers.

And that’s when the small, unexpected moment that was a blessing to watch really began.

He handed the manager a credit card.  My initial thought was, “Does this guy think he gets served at his table? Can’t he see everyone walk up to the counter to order?”

Bad first judgment call on my part.  Because the next words out of his mouth were:

“I want you to go pay for someone’s meal.  How about that guy, the one in line with white hair?” Can you go take this to the cashier and see that the man’s meal is paid for?”

The manager looked at him astonished. Speechless for a moment.  Then smiled and headed to the line.  He slipped behind the counter and tried to explain what he wanted the cashier to do.  At this point, I could no longer hear across the room, but I was mesmerized watching the events unfold.

The customer that was going to receive this blessing stood completely unaware, about four customers back in line.  I was anxious to see what happened when he discovered his meal was being paid for.  In fact, my book was no longer captivating my attention; I was solely tuned in to the other side of the room waiting for the white-haired gentleman to make his way to the front of the line.

Finally, it was his turn.  He ordered, along with two others accompanying him.  The man reached for his wallet just as the manager stepped up to the cash register and refused to take his credit card.  Although I could not hear the words, the manager had to be sharing that the bill was already paid.  I watched the older man begin to scratch the back of his head.  I imagined, since I was only seeing the back of him, complete bewilderment crossing his face, as the manager stood there explain to him that another patron had paid for his bill.

A small, unexpected moment. But one that was just a fresh reminder of my own bill that was paid.

Sometimes small, unexpected moments remind us of life-changing events.

“But God demonstrates His own love us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him.”   Romans 5:8-9

September 16, 2012

Remembering 9/11

We had a moment of silence at school last Tuesday.  It was an interesting conversation afterwards with a room full of 3^rd graders.  Most were at least aware of a significance attached to the date. Several comments included, “My dad says….or my mom remembers when that happened…”    

But overall, it was mostly curiosity on their part.  That date is not part of their life story.  Their life story includes the aftermath, but not the memory of that day. 

An inquisitive mind asked if I remembered the day.  And as so many of us can say, absolutely I remember the day.  I remember exactly where I was the moment the news first came to my ears.  I remember what I did the rest of the day.  When an event like that occurs, an unshakeable imprint is made on our minds.  We may have trouble remembering what we had for lunch yesterday, but the details of a day like that are unforgettable.

9/11 is one of those memories that as a nation we share.  But each one of us has our own monumental moments along our life journey that are also imprinted into our hearts and minds.

Those moments that we can remember the details of where we were, what we were wearing, sometimes the sounds and smells around us.  Some of those moments are captured in great happiness, while others are poignant, reflecting times of loss and grief. They elicit emotions and sometimes when remembering, we seem to be transported back to the very moments.

For some reason thinking about this today, made me also think of the gospels. What a gift! Words from those who experienced the life of Jesus.  As they are retelling the events of Jesus’ life or the years just following his death, little did they know we would be relishing their words thousands of years later.

Just like the 3^rd graders had not experienced 9/11, I obviously did not experience the actual life of Christ.  Yet, the Lord wanted me to have the treasure of that time through the gift of His Word, penned by those that slept near Him, questioned Him, followed Him, learned from Him, prayed with Him, and eventually set out to share about His death and resurrection.

I wish I could say I wake up each morning ready to devour the Word, ready to immerse myself in the truth it offers to me. But that’s simply not true.  Sure, some days I relish in what I find and the ways God is revealing Himself to me.  Other days I find myself reading out of obedience. It’s true that I’m guilty of taking the Good Book for granted. Some days it even remains closed on my bedside table.

But this little reminder today makes me think:

It’s time to go read. With renewed eyes as I glimpse into the heart of my God.

September 9, 2012

I’m in a hurry…

When the song, “I’m in a hurry to get things done” (by Alabama) first came out a number of years ago, I had an instant connection with it. In fact, you could say it was the perfect theme song for my life. 

The chorus from the song:

I’m in a hurry to get things done

I rush and rush until life’s no fun.

All I really got to do is live and die

But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why

Not exactly the best theme song for life.  But it overwhelmingly fits.  You see I’m a list maker and a “doer.” In fact, when being completely honest with myself, I find joy and satisfaction in making a list and checking items off.  I’ve even been known to reflect upon my day, and realizing that I managed to accomplish a number of things NOT on my list, I’ve added them to the original list just so I could check them off.

Of course, list making can be a great strategy, don’t get me wrong.  I’d have no way of remembering everything I needed or wanted to do if I did not write it down.  The difference is, when that list determines all the moments of your day, plans your weeks and months.  And leaves you no time to just live.

That’s the problem. That’s when you know you are in a hurry just to get the list done, only to find there are more things on the next list.  And all the hurrying and “doing” leaves less time for the joy of living.

I’m not writing today to say I’ve found an answer. Far from it. 

But I’m writing these words down as a reminder, a reminder I really need each and every day.

So here is my revised list for today:

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…” Matthew 6:33

September 2, 2012

Back to School

The unplanned hiatus from the blog is now over.  The start of school has monopolized my time and attention. That’s just the life of a teacher.  It’s the season of the start of school that obliterates all other focus as we begin the school year. It’s a season that happens each and every August.

And it’s led me to contemplate the “seasons” of life.  Not my first time to ponder on this, but definitely timely.

Where many may consider January the beginning of a new year, for me, it is August, the beginning of a new school year. Everything starts all over again.

Ecclesiastes speaks to the “routine” of life.  That’s an oxymoron really…the routine of life and yet, 

"What has been will be again,

     what has been done will be done again;

      there is nothing new under the sun." Ecclesiastes 1:9

Nothing new, and yet how often I'm surprised with what I discover around the corner. Sometimes surprised with elation, and other times with trepidation.

If I held only to those words, that there is "nothing new," I would not be surprised ever would I? 

And yet I am.

So I need to keep reading...

Ecclesiastes 3:

"There is a time for everything,

  and a season for every activity under the heavens:

   a time to be born and a time to die,

  a time to plant and a time to uproot, 

   a time to kill and a time to heal,

  a time to tear down and a time to build,

   a time to weep and a time to laugh,

  a time to mourn and a time to dance,

   a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

  a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

   a time to search and a time to give up,

  a time to keep and a time to throw away,

   a time to tear and a time to mend,

  a time to be silent and a time to speak,

   a time to love and a time to hat,

  a time for war and a time for peace.

What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecc. 3:1-9)

The reminder for me today...

I may be surprised, but my Lord is not.

He's set forth the seasons just as He has determined my days.

AND..."He's made everything beautiful in its time."

The new beginnings, the same old routines, the welcome surprises, and the not so fun encounters around the corner = "He's made everything beautiful in its time."