Christmas .... before it was Christmas

Some guy just appears out of no where and tells your fiance that she is now pregnant with the coming savior?
...likely story, right? That's believable isn't it.
...and to top it off, she isn't just going to have a baby. She is going to have "the savior."

You must understand that this "savior" wasn't viewed in the same light we see Him today. Those around Joseph and Mary--namely Herod--didn't view Jesus' birth as the coming of salvation from sin. Those people saw Jesus' birth as the beginning of the end of a revolution against the Romans. The birth of the nation's savior over Rome.
Many, many years ago a family by the name of Maccabees started a revolt. They revolted against Rome because of religious differences, and many people sided with the Maccabees. As guerrilla warfare ensure for year after, the coming of "the savior" sparked fervor into the revolutionaries and fear into the kings and provincial leaders. The names that were prophesied for Jesus were not peaceful names: they were names to invoke fear into the enemy, names that overshadowed weakness, names identical to the names of the kings. Jesus' birth was meant to separate the entire Roman world: "choose you this day who you will serve" just became a whole new thing.
Not a great way to enter the world:
...1. being born to an unwed virgin
...2. taking the name of King Herod
...3. being born into the province with a power crazed king who kills anyone that might think about being powerful

And during the last few weeks of pregnancy, idiot king that he is orders a census to be taken. So Mary has to ride a donkey or walk from their town all the way to Bethlehem. They do say that exercise is good for the pregnant mother and soon to be born child, but come on! Riding a donkey?
When they finally brave the elements, other travelers, and bandits, Bethlehem has no room at the taverns, inns, or even family's houses for Joseph and Mary to rest. These two, surely exhausted, find themselves in a manger (most likely a small cave). Way to go God. Have your one and only Son born in one of the most un-sanitized locations of the farm.
...but why not? Why not have the one and only Savior of the world! be born in a messy place? Jesus came to a messy world, to get messy, to get into trouble for being with un-sanitized people, to rescue everyone and anyone from their mess. Why not start out on the same level as the people you are trying to help? Sounds like a brilliant plan to me.

Once Jesus is born, who are the first people to hear about it? Shepherds. Really? That's the best you could do, God?
God: Who should we tell about my Son being born? Well, who should we tell first?
Angel: Let's tell the towns' people! They will be really excited about it; they are staying in the same town as The Savior!
God: Eh. I was thinking more along the lines of
Angle: Well, how about the people who own the stable? They must be excited that Jesus the Messiah is now living in their stable! Oh how cool would that be!
God: No, I think you should tell the
Angle: Oh! The first person who said that Mary and Joseph can't stay with them. That'll show them that you should always be hospitable.
God: Oh be quiet. I have decided that you all should tell the shepherds first. Yes. Tell the shepherds.
So God sends the angles with all of His glory to freak these shepherds out during the middle of the night! Not just one angel goes to bring great news to these unsuspecting men on the hills outside of Bethlehem. This , this host? this huge group of angels -- I imagine them in white, with wings of gold, floating effortlessly in the midnight blue sky -- singing Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" while the shepherds are there with their eyes all bugged out and their mouths wide open, unsure of what to do or say, perhaps even forgetting to breathe.
As the giant choir vanished in the night sky, I laugh as I think that one of the angels might have had to run back to the shepherds and remind them that they really should go visit this little miracle who will one day save everyone from tyranny.

And that is the real story of Christmas. A new teenage girl, pregnant and unwed, traveling with her fiancee perhaps twice her age, to a town she has never visited while riding on a donkey. She was almost ready to give birth to the promised one who will save the world as she knew it, but did she really understand what that meant? She did understand the danger she and Joseph and her new child were in, being the same province as crazy King Herod and his minions. Mary did understand that naming her child Jesus meant that she was to call Him "savior," the same self-proclaimed name of Herod. Joseph and Mary did know that God was providing for them, but wow! What a whirlwind of God and miracles and craziness.

It was not a silent night in Bethlehem.

Merry Christmas.

5th Period

December 2012

I began a long-term substitute position with high expectations. The teacher was organized and the classes paid attention. Then she left for weeks on end, and I was in charge. It did not go as smoothly as I foresaw.

There were far too many students who stopped working diligently once I arrived in their classroom, however I was unable to see this until after their nine-weeks’ exam. I had a headache after I graded those tests because of all the poor grades.

You must understand that I have an incredible desire that every student learn. I honestly believe that every student is capable of learning. The problem lies in getting the students to believe they are intelligent enough to learn what is being taught and getting that knowledge onto paper. Of course, having the state “assess” teachers based on their students’ test scores added a little to my anxiety: almost 25% of these students failed. *Please do not think that the full-time teacher did not do her best to educate these students; this is just how these students feel and act towards education and school.*

God was with me through all of this, because after talking with another teacher about the test results I found out that the results this year were considered normal for this particular group of students. God knows how to calm someone down alright. But He also brought to mind that letting them fail was not an option, so I busted my butt to help them understand all the material we covered after that huge assessment.

God provided again and again throughout the weeks when the regular teacher was absent. Patience, calm, insights, understanding, humility, alertness, tolerance for idiotic words and actions, etc… God provided it all. 

The most amazing and easy to see God working was during the time of 5^th period.

God gave me such an attitude that even though almost all of these kids did not want to learn, their comprehension was easily equal to the classes of eager students! It was all God too. I am an effective teacher, I would like to think, but without God’s amazing spirit and attitude filling me during 5^th period those students would not have passed the second nine-weeks.

God is worthy of our praise even when we can’t see His works, but even more so when He lets us in on what He is doing.

--Me

Mercy and Grace

The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. 

He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 

He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. 

For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 

He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west. 

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. 

For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. 



Psalms 103:8-14 

I don't understand it, but how can I say no?

My God is incredible and incalculable. I hope that whatever or whoever you serve can't be contained. If so, ask me about my God.

OCTOBER CHALLENGE Update

As we continue our challenge to read scripture in the morning and before we retire for the night, I find myself anticipating the next encounter with this strange book. Each chapter I read has some insight into life, and sometimes it holds hidden truths that are not realized for days. Yet, no matter how often I read, there is always one more chapter, one more line, one more…

I have found it rather difficult to stop reading certain days. There is such a draw into the stories and accounts I am reading that I want to jump into the book and be there myself. Just as I do with novels, I find myself immersed in the culture, time of day, life situations, of all that is going on in whatever I am reading—and it is incredible.

I am learning about myself and how to interact with others. I am learning about God’s timing and how we play a role in what He accomplishes. I am learning that change doesn’t mean “fix it this way.” And I am learning that my God, my God, is so powerful that all he said (HE SAID mind you) was “let there be light,” and the sunrise was born with all its majesty and brilliance and perfect timing.

A friend asked me, last evening, what the next step would be for “Bill” to stop drinking alcohol. The only answer I could think of was that when “Bill” is ready to stop drinking and embrace Christ, there will be drastic changes in “Bill’s” life: this could include giving all money to “Bill’s” wife, staying away from any place where he has easy access to alcohol, turning to scripture to occupy his mind, etc… And what is still with me today is that “Bill” has no idea what kind of changes will take place if he were to sit down and read a chapter or two of the Bible each day.

I understand the argument “we shouldn't be so radically different that it turns people away from Christ,” but how do you explain JESUS telling those who did follow Him “some of you will say to me, ‘Lord we did follow you and do all these things in your name.’ But you will be sent to hell because you followed me with a lukewarm attitude.” (Matthew 7) God demands all or nothing. So why not try this “all or nothing” with a little bit of scripture reading.

You don’t need to proclaim to the world or even your friends that you are spending extra time each day reading scripture. You don’t even need to tell your family. But you do need to start. Everything else will come later, so don’t worry about the later stuff.

I hope that you are still reading in the morning and evening, or at least once a day. You can argue that you don’t have time, but I work two jobs and can still make time to read two chapters a day.

Philippians 4:8

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

October Challenge!

October Challenge

July 17 was a very special day for me but not nearly as amazing as the following weeks. The weeks following that afternoon we filled with love, joy, new found wisdom, and satisfaction. No, I did not get a dog. No, I did not find Mrs. Right. No, I did not move out of my parents' house--although that might just fill me with joy and satisfaction. 

I got into the Word.

The time commitment I was asked to partake of was rather large, considering I am severely limited in the area of self-discipline. I was asked to read at least one chapter of the Bible in the morning, before I left for work, and one chapter in Psalm before falling asleep each night. It did mess up my normal routine, by which I mean I did whatever whenever because I had no “normal” work hours. However, the payoff has been incredible.

The payoff was enormous.

I felt close to God. I continued to find a nugget of truth every day. I was so focused upon God’s word that I have lost a lot of the desires for other things—TV, radio, surfing the internet, buying new things, etc… Now don’t think that I have no interest in those things any longer, because I do. The desire is much less strong now. I have a new focus.

I invite you to join me and my church as we embark on the October Challenge! For the entire month, spend time reading at least one chapter in the Bible each morning and one chapter of Psalm each night. A relative of mine once said something to the affect of “God’s word should be the key to unlock your day in the morning and the deadbolt to lock you up at night.” That is the idea: immerse yourself in God’s word and you will find a different life altogether.

Warning: This will mess up your “normal” routine. This might mean you should practice more self-control and go to bed 10 minutes earlier. You will probably need to awake 5-10 minutes earlier than usual for time to read in the morning.

I hope you will join me. I have been doing this for almost 3 months now, and God has yet to let a day go by without showing me something—even a reminder. If you need a good place to start, try Galatians, Philippians, James, Jeremiah, 1-3 John, Daniel, Ruth, or even Genesis (although this might take more than 1 month).  And don’t forget about reading a Psalm each night before bed.

Suggestion 1 … tag a few friends so that they know about this too, and then talk about what you are reading with each other.

Suggestion 2 … read the Psalm together with your family. What a great way to introduce spending time with God with your family!

Suggestion 3 … get some friends who don’t live near you to get involved. Jesus said “go to the ends of the Earth,” so why not?

Join the October Challenge!

Incredible

I recently had my family Doctor cut glass out of my right, big toe. The shot was much worse than any other pain felt even during recovery. Through the past few days of hobbling around the house and church, I have marveled at God’s creation.

I have known that toes are incredibly important to us for years. There is no possible way to replicate the foot’s ability to balance, so if you are trying to create a sculpture you must either cement the statues feet to the ground or create a third “foot.”

It’s amazing that God created us such intricate beings! NO! We are not delicate, although that word might capture part of the concept here. We are intricate. At least males are intricate. If you are female, feel free to be delicate.

God wrote to us in the Corinthians that we are part of a bigger body and each part of the body deserves special respect. In applying this to my physical body, I began to see how amazing I am! Yes, you are in the presence of an incredible human being! No, no, no. I have been created an amazing human, just like you.

Do you have any idea what the longest/biggest organ in your body is?

The inside of your blood vessels.

Did you know your heart can pump blood 15 feet into the air?

I was created by God as an intricate, incredible person. My body functions as it should most days.

But we do so much to destroy these incredible, intricate, amazing bodies!

We gossip—talk about people when it’s none of our business. We slander—talk negatively about another person. We smoke, drink alcohol, view pornography, over eat, don’t get enough sleep, “love” things that aren’t good for us… And it all works to destroy our bodies. Everything that does not draw us closer to God slowly wreaks havoc on our bodies.

Be careful.

Enjoy your life.

Find pleasure in the gift of God: your body.

Take care of it.

And make sure to tell someone that you are an amazing person! 

I'm Not Who I Used To Be

Last month, a friend introduced me to a song written and performed by Big Daddy Weave. I fell into the song and absorbed the words as if I was the reason the band wrote that song.
I sing parts of the song every day.
I live most of that song every day.
There is a joy and celebration along with truthful sorrow throughout the song.
There is freedom of life within the words of this song.

Find them.
That is your mission.
Find the freedom and embrace it.


Big Daddy Weave
"Redeemed"

1st Verse 

Seems like all I can see was the struggle 
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past 
Bound up in shackles of all my failures 
Wondering how long is this gonna last 
Then you look at this prisoner and say to me  
"son stop fighting a fight that's already been won" 

Chorus 

I am redeemed , you set me free 
So I'll shake off these heavy chains 
Wipe away every stain 
Now I'm not who I used to be  
I am redeemed.....I'm redeemed 

2nd Verse 

All my life I have been called unworthy 
Named by the voice of my shame and regret 
But when I hear you whisper "child lift up your head" 
I remember oh God you're not done with me yet 

Chorus 

I am redeemed , you set me free 
So I'll shake off these heavy chains 
Wipe away every stain 
Now I'm not who I used to be  

Bridge 

Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me  
'cause his day is long dead and gone because  
I've got a new name , a new life I'm not the same  
and a hope that will carry me home  

Chorus 

I am redeemed , you set me free 
So I'll shake off these heavy chains and 
Wipe away every stain 
Now I'm not who I used to be  

I am redeemed you set me free 
So I'll shake off these heavy chains and  
And wipe away every stain 
Now I'm not who I used to be 
Oh God I'm not who I used to be 
Jesus I'm not who I used to be  

'Cause I am redeemed  
Thank God redeemed



http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0BBCCCNU 

Motorcycles, User Names, "Yet," and God

Last week I was stumbling through a day of boredom when Kyle asked me to help him work on his motorcycle. If you haven’t figured this out yet, I know nothing about motorcycles. I can change the oil, check and correct tire pressure, and check and refill liquids in a car. But I agreed to help. My big task?

Sit on the motorcycle so it doesn’t fall over onto Kyle! If you have never held a motorcycle up while sitting on it let me make one thing very clear; when it might fall and crush your brother the whole ordeal is not what you might expect.

At first I was marveling at how much of a weight difference there was between my imagination and the actual weight of the bike. It was lighter than I anticipated. I couldn’t relax though, because once I did the bike’s weight would take over and fall on both of us.

Then there was the “user name” fiasco. I have begun the process of changing my life, and part of that is to get rid of my old email. How do you delete an email account? Good question. When you find out, let me know. (I used yahoo.)

When I tried to log in, for the past few weeks, I start by using my old user name for Facebook, email, and various other accounts I have. WRONG! I changed the user name, to reflect my new lifestyle, thus rendering all of my initial efforts useless.

And now we arrive at “yet.” Do you know anyone who is Amish? anyone who was Amish? If not, let me enlighten you. They string their English sentences together very awkwardly at times, and without fail most of their sentences end with “yet.” It is a very hard habit to stop, and it is very easy to learn. I catch myself ending sentences with “yet” along with many of my friends. Ever have an annoying song stuck in your head? the one you can’t remember very many words? This “yet” habit is very similar; annoying once you realize what’s happening.

All of that leads to this: life is full of changes, and they all revolve around God. When I began this revamping of life based around God, I had to change my email, a few passwords, account names, you get the idea. The problem is that I keep reverting back to things I used to know, things that are comfortable because of previous repetition. I find that these little reminders encourage me though.

I have a new life! I have a new name! I am not the same man I once was. And God is now the center of my life, not me. These changes are for the good. The old me, the one I left and never desire to take up again, is gone, but I will have reminders of my past life. Those reminders keep me honest about myself and others. I can look at these reminders and say “I was also ……. I also fought against …… I didn’t understand the freedom from …… that God could grant me. But now I’m different. Now I am changed, and one day I hope that….is able to change by the power of God.”

Don’t get rid of your reminders. They tell us how far God has brought us. 

Crazy People, the ones really close to you

I planned and executed a pre-teen trip to Heath Water Park this past Sunday. The planning was not too strenuous although driving down and back was. During this trip is when I realized that the truly crazy people are the ones are the ones closest to you. I had just over 3 hours to figure this out—1.5 hrs down and 1.5 hours home.

This is how I know:

Before we had driven 10 minutes, my co-chaperon received a call on her cell phone from her sister.

Sister: I can’t get the DVD player to work. What channel does the TV need to be on to watch a DVD?

Chaperone: 3.

Sister: It’s on 3 but nothing is happening.

Chaperone: Is the DVD in?

Sister: I’m not stupid.

Chaperone: Is the DVD player on?

Sister: Oh.

Tod, Randy, and Woodie were sitting in the first passenger seat of the 15 passenger van. Their first conversation went a little like this. . . .

Randy: Don’t! The water bottle isn’t all the way closed.

Woodie: Then close it.

Tod: Yeah, close it.

Me: Hey! I don’t want any crumbs, water, or trash in this van or I will skin you all! (pause) Did you hear what I said Tod?

Tod: Yeah. (pouting) Don’t drink any water.

Halfway through the trip to the water park, the other chaperone voices the idea to play “I spy.” The boys, all of the boys rode with us, thought this was a great idea. I did too, until . . .

Zeek: I spy something pink.

Woodie: Her shirt.

Zeek: No

Tod: The stuff up there.

Zeek: No

… …

… …

… …

The guesses get more wild and stupid.

Zeek: No. It’s inside and outside.

… …

 … …

Again, the guesses get wilder.

Zeek: It’s Bree’s shirt.

(Side note: no one had on a pink shirt.)

Randy: How can it be inside and outside then?

Zeek: Well it’s outside this van and inside the other one.

We drove from the Sugarcreek area to 77 South. Before we were on the highway Kristin began asking if we were almost there.

Me: Bristol, if you sit up at the end of the slide your face won’t go under the water.

Bristol: Ok.

As Bristol slides toward the water, at the last moment she leans forward. “What happens” you ask? She falls face first into the pool.

She then proceeded to repeat this confounded action for the last 2 hours we were still at the park.

Back in the van.

Me: Oh look! There’s a smart car. I would like to have one of those.

Kristin: How do you know if it’s a fart car?

It is amazing that God created all of these kids—there were 12 pre-teens all together—with unique voices and humor levels. Some of the kids didn’t say things that were silly, but they sure did act them out. And most of all, these kids were able to enjoy being outside with friends. Thank God that we were able to spend some time together before school started and just relax without parents.

These conversations are not verbatim. I cannot remember them that well.

All the names of the pre-teens have been changed.

Hard Times Call For Stupid-Fun

Recently I have been put to the test mentally and spiritually. Hard pressed on every side, but not crushed: that is the power of God!
So to celebrate God renewing my spirit, I thought I might help renew yours. Laughter is a great way to relieve stress and heal your body naturally. It releases endorphins, the bodies natural "feel good" hormone, which allows you to relax and take some time to just be yourself. ... Right before you run back out the door and get smacked in the face with more stress.

These are actual incidents. Really, I couldn't pretend this stuff happened.

Test Question:
     What decimal do we use for pi?
Answer:
     yes


A student pointed to the inside of his elbow and, very seriously, announced, "I got hit with the football in the nervous system, and now my arm hurts."


I took the class to the gym to study angles. The Phys Ed teacher was standing close by, watching what we were doing. One of my students looks around the gym then sees the Phys Ed teacher leaning against the wall. My student turns to me and asks, "Can I use his legs, Mr. Kelley? They are an acute angle."


While being video taped, one little boy waved and said, "Hey. My name is ..."


"Mr. Kelley, can I take you home with me? ... ... ... So you can do my homework?"


At the beginning of school, a student runs up to my desk!
"Mr. Kelley! Do you know what will happen in two hours?"
"No, I don't. What?"
"I will turn 11!"
"Why not now?"
"Because I was born at twelve something."


Today is National Shut Up Day, so be quiet!
--one of my students made that up


Two students were arguing about playing baseball. After one of the boys became very agitated he said, "I can to hit the ball! ... Just not if it isn't my ball."


First day of school questionnaire:
     Tell me (Mr. Kelley) something I should know about you.
Student response:
     I'm funny, aggressive, fast, and kind of annoying.


Well excuse my bladder!


Multiple choice options:
     A B C D
Multiple choice answer:
     5


Have you ever thought about your favorite color? What if it's red? Then blue is like, "why not me? I'm as good as red." And then there is orange, way out there beside purple; and they are both alone. And what about brown? "I look like crap!" And black is all down in the dumps thinking "only the bad kids like me."


The book read:
     He scratched his head...
The student said:
     He scattered his head...


"When did we cover invisible numbers? Was I asleep that day?"
"Yes. And they are divisible numbers."


A teacher walked in to the classroom and motioned me aside. She pointed out a child with a frown. "Do NOT let him sit down. At all. He just tried to glue himself to his chair. He still has glue on his backside."


While driving, I listened to the driver say "The person in front of us just needs to go a consistent temperature!"


Girl: LBJ! That's Lebron James!
Boy: No. I'm pretty sure it's referring to Lyndon B. Johnson.
Girl: You made that up!


I hope that you were able to at least chuckle at a few of those. There are many more, but some of them need explained and that takes away part of the humor.
The last ditch effort to help relieve stress? Go buy the game "Curses." It comes in a yellow box and can be found on Amazon.com for right around $22.50. Everyone that plays ends up sounding and looking like idiots, but it is well worth it because of the laughter and fun.

Enjoy life, have fun, and do it all with friends.

Kathleen B.

Some of you know, I recently got a new kitty, Finnick. I got him because he was homeless, and I wanted to save him. In the past couple weeks since I've had him, I feel like Fritzy keeps giving me these looks... like, "How dare you do this to me. Now I have to share my bed and food. How dare you cuddle with him when I'm sitting right here!" However, when I go out of my way to cuddle with Fritzy, he

 runs away. He's always been like that. He's always sat and watched from afar, only coming when I give him food or a treat... or if he's feeling lazy and lovey enough to lay on me for a few minutes. Finnick comes always... always wanting to cuddle and give me kisses. I want to give them both my love, because I love them both equally, but Fritzy won't always come close enough to accept it.

I wonder if the way I feel, is how God feels. I sit from afar and watch, waiting for Him to give me things, not willing to give Him much of me. I look at others that get blessings and think, "How dare you! What about me?" At the end of the day, though, I have to ask myself, what am I doing for HIM? Am I actually going close enough to accept His love and blessings?

--from a friend's Facebook, Kathleen B.

A Renewal of Faith...Remember that God really is all-powerful

Chris Tomlin wrote a song titled "Our God"

...You should listen to it on youtube.com

Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind there's no one like you none like You!
Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one like you none like You!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one like you none like You!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
What could stand against. 

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.
Then what could stand against.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any other.
Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!

Guidelines for Party Etiquette

The last "party" I attended was oddly non-active. They--I did not partake in the second--watched 2 movies and we all tried to play a game. The air of the party was 'uuuuuhhhhhhh.' I had never attended a party where almost everyone was in 'uh' mode, so, needless to say, I was unsure how to respond.

All in all, I did enjoy myself. I left around 3am in order to rest before my Saturday driving expedition.

There were a few things I learned though, just like the beach.


When pulling a prank, such as toilet papering, make sure that the target does NOT know you have planned a TPing event or that you have yellow and green paper mache. Part 2...Make sure that the person who hosted the party does not tell the TP target who was involved. (This is highly suggestive of not allowing people under the age of 16 to attend.)

When you are preparing to attend any party, make plans to rest before you arrive. Sleeping and lolling about on the couch does nothing for the morale of the other people attending. We all want to be jovial and party, play games and be loud, but with your attitude and lack of energy people follow you into the world of Ho-hum. Get an understanding about life, you do need sleep, but not at nor after the party. Rest before.

When playing a game such as Imagine If... being accurate is rather mundane for all other players. The object of the game is to be ridiculous and tease the other players. The same is true for the game Curses--you are supposed to make fun of and laugh at each other. The point of both games is to laugh at each other and make fun of each other. (general rule for playing games)

Perhaps most importantly, keep track of your car keys, underwear, and cell phones. Car key and cell phones are easily taken and tampered with--swapping the names of contacts in someone else's phone is a great starter. Underwear, while not all that common to be lost or not-on during parties, they can be very nasty after placed in the freezer for any length of time.

Pranks that are acceptable at any party
...shaving cream in the hand of anyone who falls asleep. Gently blow on their face, or use a piece of paper to tickle their face. You should be able to guess what happens next.
...setting the alarms in the place to varying times. Setting the alarm on the phone is also a great way to annoy those closest to you.
...place marshmallow cream in the mayonnaise squeeze bottle. This is great as long as you do not forget the whole thing.
...text someone to come pick you up while you stand outside the door of the party. When the exit the door, scream and jump in front of them making sure to cover your face and groin. The reaction is fantastic, especially if you wait for multiple people to exit and jump out at the last person.

Party with fun and energy!

ADDITIONAL NOTE: The greatest prank, for myself, to pull is the "I drooled" or "I peed" prank. Needed materials: sleeping friend, ice cubes
Action: take ice cubes and place gently so that as the ice cubes melt they form a puddle that makes the sleeper look like they drooled or peed their pants.
Then sit back, take pictures, and wait for the hilarity to ensue.

Vacation

A couple of weeks ago I spent a week at the beach, on an island to be more precise. It was great. I began missing the water and sand two days after I returned to Ohio.

I learned a few things during vacation.

1.      According to my mother, being a “morning person” entails (1) getting up early, no matter what time you retired the previous evening, (2) be willing to carry on a conversation moments after you climb out of the top bunk bed, and (3) having great tolerance to children being loud and obnoxious before, during, and for 43 minutes after you awake.

2.      I am not a morning person.

3.      Our neighbors believe that whining “don’t do that” will naturally give us the logical resistance to not turn them in for (a) catching the dune on fire, (b) putting it out by jumping on the fire (illegal because they had to stand on the dune to do so), and (c) setting off fireworks (which is also illegal).

4.      Stupid people can do anything if they have grand amounts of money.

5.      6am on the beach is NEVER too early for a walk, if you have a camera and are taking pictures.

6.      You must the take a nap beginning before 10am if you arise before 6am and you are living beachside.

7.      Children who leave the room without first turning the TV off should have their hands—plural—chopped off. At all times!

8.      Shoes are ridiculous, unless you are going out to eat. They should not be worn unless you will not be admitted into the establishment without them. The only other exception is when you are working. 

Stagnant

Stagnant ponds are something I find intriguing and gross: the film lying on the surface, growing daily, is disgusting, but the cause to the film and possible ways of ridding the pond of film are unknown to me. The unknown of what lies below the surface does not appeal to me at all, but wondering if a certain fish or snail or animal will rid the water of such scum does interest me. I do not want to "fix" the pond, merely find out what has the potential to release the pond from the stagnant growth.

Last week, I was outside for too long and earned a sun burn for my lack of preparation. For the remainder of the week, I was unable to do any of my exercises because my back and shoulders hurt so badly. I was unable to stop my muscles from becoming stagnant.

This weekend, my skin returned to its normal pallor and its flexibility returned, which allowed me to return to biking this week. However, after playing volleyball Sunday evening then biking 9 miles my muscles were incredibly sore. The muscles from the small of my back down through my calf muscles ached yesterday afternoon until this morning.

And I realized that stagnant muscles grow pond scum.

In order for you to remain mentally sharp, you must actively engage your brain--crossword puzzles, word finds, sudoku, etc... To keep your muscular physique, you must continue using your muscles--jog, cycle, lift weights, etc.... In order to maintain your spiritual prowess, you must practice your religion--pray, read, get together with others of your faith, etc...

Remain active! Stay away from stagnant. Don't let pond scum get into your life. Do something!

Go.

Truth?

I have been raised in a church my entire life, and at the age of 27 I find myself drawn back almost every Sunday. Why? Why do I want to subject myself to various rules and regulations and strict patterns of thinking while not exploring the world as it is and people for who they are? Because I think I have found something in the Bible that I want to hold onto.

Throughout college and the past 4 years, I needed something upon which to hope. I learned the hard way that people cannot hold up to your expectations, and the deity presented in the Bible never failed His followers. His followers grasped something that I want to own. 

I think they held onto hope, love, and trust. 

I really needed that this past decade. I really need that now.

I decided to enter into the field of education because I loved the summers I spent working with kids at summer camp. I will not trade those summers for anything. I fell in love with teaching and helping kids and wanting them to succeed and try new things. Even with that passion, I have two part time jobs--substitute teaching and a coffee shop. My dream of teaching has been put on hold by a remote control that is far beyond my reach. I need something upon which to hope and trust.

What I have found in the Bible is not a deity of laws and rules and regulations with strict codes of conduct and narrow mindedness, but a deity who cares about me and wants me to succeed. This deity has supposedly inspired individuals to write out His thoughts and a history of certain peoples. Through all of that, this Deity reads to all people as a god who loves human kind, wants what is best for the entire race, but acts as a sort of parent in all of His dealings--He doesn't always give what is wanted, He understands timing better than we, and above all He wants us to realize and understand that He loves us.

That hope and love and trust is what I have needed and am still finding. 

Do I want the church? Not really. 

I have seen it hurt and scar. I have seen it help 100s of people with their daily, "real" lives--groceries and clothing. I have watched it shape many people into incredible people who go on to live lives that point back to this deity or fall apart and want nothing to do with the deity. 

But the church is not the thing with the TRUTH. Often times it is the church that twists and taints the truth most severely.

I want the Bible and the hope and love and trust within it. 

I need that hope. that love. that trust. That deity telling me that 'in due time I will give you pieces of your dream that will slowly fall into place for you. And in a time scale you do not understand, you will be truly happy.'

I need hope. And truth.

I think that I have found it, in some weird, crazy deity called the God.

The Shack

The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity

            by Wm. Paul Young

“Mackenzie Allen Philip’s youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend.

Against his better judgment, he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack’s world forever.”

In approximately 250 pages, Young adapts his own story of change and tells us where God is in a world filled with such unspeakable pain. Young’s main character, Mack, encounters God—in all three forms—in very real ways. Man? Meet God.

Young recognizes the ability to describe a place where you have been, and he uses the land around him. The details give depth and honesty into Young’s story. The setting details and family crisis set the reader at ease, enabling the story to take hold of the heart.

Mack begins the adventure of talking with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, when he runs into Jesus, a large, loud, black woman. Mack continues to shock readers with his encounters and discussions. Talking with God and Jesus, readers quickly identify with Mack’s understanding, or lack thereof, of the divine trio.

God is represented by an overweight, African American woman. Jesus is represented by a young, average looking, Jewish man. The Holy Spirit is represented by an Asian woman who looks like a mirage and moves like the wind. Young compels the readers to unconsciously accept a god who transposes all generations and cultures.

While this idea of encountering God sheds great light onto the mysteriousness and misunderstanding of God, it also omits a very important element of the Judeo Christian belief: God is the father, Jesus the son, and Holy Spirit is God living inside humans. Even as Young writes for later chapters, most readers find that even with creative license, God should very much be portrayed as a male.

“I [Jesus] came as a man to complete a wonderful picture in how we made you [man]. From the first day we hid the woman within the man, so that at the right time we could remove her from within him. We didn’t create man to live alone; she was purposed from the beginning. By taking her out of him, he birthed her in a sense. We created a circle of relationship, like our own, but for humans. She, out of him, and now all the males, including me [Jesus], birthed through her, and all originating, or birthed, from God”

            Chapter 10

Young creates a character that anyone can immediately connect with. Even as readers learn more about Mack, they find themselves looking into a mirror at times. Readers learn in the first half of the novel that Mack cannot escape his pain, even while with The Great Comforter. And like most humans lost in this technology age, Mack cannot share his pain with those who care most about him.

When Young presents the discussion about the crucifixion, his presentation lacks a few important elements. Part of the identity of Judeo Christianity is based in the crucifixion and the resurrection, but Young brings in an element of creativeness that somehow detracts from the story laid out from the Bible.

Perhaps the most gripping chapters are very late in the book—incredibly climatic even within themselves. Mack is asked, by a new representation of God, to sit for judgment. Mack’s argument with her presents the limited human understanding and our urge for fulfillment through loving those around us. The most powerful moment of the entire reading is found on the pages when Mack verbalizes his understanding of the sacrifice Jesus made for all humans on the cross.

Ending with a surprise that will completely catch you off guard or that you see coming a mile ahead, Wm. Paul Young writes a fictional novel that is sure to catch the attention of your heart. Whether or not you believe in the God he writes about will not matter; the discussions and understanding that one human finds in his quest for peace may change your world. It change Young’s.

Your Grade: C

A “C”? What the crap? That’s passing, but it’s only average.

I am studying Cooperative Discipline through Critical Connections Academy and Ashland University. The text that this course is based upon is a phenomenal read because of the human insights it provides: Albert’s 3 C’s.

Linda Albert has traveled around the world, helping teachers understand the needs of their students (pre-K through graduate students). She bases her whole strategy on the 3 C’s: capable, connection, and contributing. Show everyone in your classroom (work place, study hall, home, family) that they are capable of reaching their realistic goals; that you care about them and are establish a connection with that person; and make sure they understand you value their contribution to society and your life, or show them how to contribute.

The most profound part of Linda Albert’s teaching has been Connecting. She states that all 3 C’s are critical, but I think that Connecting is the most important because the other two will automatically follow. Connecting doesn’t mean to tell that person or group they are integral to your life, it means showing them.

Acceptance, Attention, Appreciation, Affirmation, and Affection are how we show the Connection. I love it! Meet these basic needs of every human and you are all ready to take on the world. Perhaps you’re not actually ready, but you’ll feel like it.

Acceptance—accept the person as they are, complete with quirks, flaws, and faults. It must be unconditional: there is no substitute for authenticity in our relationships. It is not necessary that you condone the way the person acts or talks and conducts business, but they need to know you accept them as an individual for no other reason than you value their life as a human.

Attention—make yourself available to that person and share your time with them. Many people find it uncomfortable to listen to other people’s problems because of the incorrect belief that we must solve all the problems brought to our attention. No! Just listen. Nod your head a few times. Summarize verbally when they take a breath. Then politely end the conversation without unsolicited advice. They will love it!

Appreciation—this differs from applause because the focus is on the contribution, not the achievement. Focus on the deed. Focus on the present.

Side Note for anyone working with peers or young people: sometimes people need to know that it’s ok to ask for appreciation. It is a normal, biological need. I haven’t figured out how to do this, but some days I even find myself thinking, “I wish someone would just say that I did a nice job, gave great effort, something.” This is normal: the need for appreciation.

Affirmation—acknowledge the person’s positive personality trait(s). Now focus on the doer. Every person has at least one positive character trait. This is also a need for almost everyone: to know that they have the potential to be liked.

Side Note: watch your vocal volume. Not many people over the age of 12 want you to broadcast these things. Just tell them quietly, so one or two others hear it.

Affection—this is simply, “I like you because I like you.” It is always addressed to the doer, regardless of the actions. When you genuinely like other people, it becomes hard for people to dislike you. Hard, but not impossible. This is probably the hardest for me to do, but I’m learning slowly.

Show people you care about them. Not because they’re nice. Not because they’re hot. Show them you care about them because they are human; they are worthy of your acceptance because you are worthy of someone else’s acceptance.

Show someone else you care about them. They deserve it.

Be Nice!

For as much emphasis people place on treating others, what about how we treat ourselves?

Growing up, we’re told …

                                    be nice

                                    don’t say mean things

                                    be kind

                                    don’t hit him/her

                                    … It’s been about being nice to everyone around us. Showing compassion to the other person and saying nice things is what’s it’s been about since we entered Kindergarten. Today, in middle school, I repeated everything my teachers and parents told me: don’t say mean things, be nice to him/her, keeps your hands to yourself… And as a professional (teacher, plumber, janitor, college student) showing up before your job starts is courteous, being attentive during work is expected, listening when your boss is speaking is expected, not being intoxicated or overly tired is critical to keeping your position; you get the idea. But what about you?

What about being nice and kind to yourself?

I am closely related to a person who never understood why they were stressed out every work day. I have worked and studied with people who don’t understand why they can’t pay attention. I live with someone who doesn’t understand why their temper flares so quickly some days. And the people I work with don’t understand why their attention spans are up to par, why they get frustrated quickly, nor why new concepts take so long to comprehend.

It’s because they are not being nice to themselves.

Try it. Be nice to yourself these next two weeks and see what happens.

A.    Turn off all electronic devices 30 minutes before you are supposed to go to bed.

B.     Set your alarm for 5 minutes before you are supposed to get up, and get up when the alarm rings.

C.     Keep your morning quiet—no TV or computer or music devices.

D.    Take a walk during lunch or after work. Take someone with you or just walk in silence.

Take some time to be nice to yourself. You will relax, get some needed rest, and feel better all around.

I dare you.

BOLD is being held back

The only thing holding us back from having a revival, shouting our praises, pacing up and down the aisles because God is amazing … well, it’s us.

During the time of the New Testament, we read of people doing new things, different things, taking adventures, traveling all the way around their known world. These followers took great pride in showing the love of God to others and praising God for all He did. Through emperors such as Nero and persecution from neighbors, the “New Testament” followers of God still found time to meet together and share how God was providing.

So why doesn’t that happen today?

There are many possible answers, each describing a different person in our modern culture.

Money.

Money is valuable. When I cannot see what it is doing then I get worried. Why should I donate money to a church if they don’t tell me why I am giving, and then they don’t show me how the money is making an impact?

Time.

I have so much to do! I hardly have time for my spouse and kids; how can I spend time I don’t have going to church or helping with an outreach?

Saving face.

The people I work with or am friends with will think I’m odd if I go to church or talk differently or don’t smoke and drink. How can God expect me to be that different if He says we are to make disciples of all nations?

Resources.

I am only a 20something with hardly anything to my name. I don’t speak well in front of people, sometimes it is hard for me to carry on conversations, and I do not have a lot of knowhow when it comes to working with my hands. How can God ask me to work with these people or help with this project?

You are more concerned with how the world views you than if God is able to take care of you.

I realize that last sentence may be a little harsh, but it is a reality. When people perform, instead of just thanking or praising God, they are concerned about what other people think of them. The idea that “God is taking care of me” is replaced with “these other people think that God and I are tight.

So change something, anything, one thing. Pick one thing to change . . . it could be a sitcom you decide to skip watching, certain jokes you decide to keep to yourself, certain people you are kinder towards, whatever.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Balance

Balance: a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc... The meaning has a little extra significance today because of the winter storm. In fact, I learned a trick to staying on your feet when it is slick outside: lean forward an inch or two. The article read that it keeps your center of gravity more forward and under your feet. I have yet to fall while walking on ice since reading the article.

And now tonight I will fall. Hahahaha.

I am halfway through a book titled The Jesus of Suburbia. I recently set the book aside to create more time for my graduate class and because I now have another book. In chapter six, of The Jesus of Suburbia, Mike Erre writes that even as early as when we learn how to pray we are unintentionally deceived: God is interested in our devotions, a friend who is sick, and church.

But if Jesus is also God and God Jesus, then God is concerned with every part of our lives. Jesus did not only perform miracles and teach; He had friendships, acted as a mentor, showed compassion. And he prayed, spent time alone with God, and went to “church.” Jesus was interested in everything that was going on in the lives of the people around Him.

So how do we start to balance our lives? Can we separate secular and Christian? Or should we just lump it all together and call it life?

Right now, this moment, I am learning how to balance what I know about God, with what I am learning about God, with what I am learning about me. Let me give you an example:

I am angry with a certain person at church. The Bible reads in Romans that we are to live at peace with everyone around me, and Jesus said that I am to “love” my neighbors as myself. But how does all that work?

I am called by God to agape those around me. (Mark 12)

I am called to live at peace with those around me. (Romans 12)

I am advised to speak when I am calm. (Proverbs 15)

I am allowed to be angry. I am allowed to be hurt. I am allowed to not like someone, if I desire things to be right between us.

So I am beginning to find my balance. Balancing my emotions with Jesus’ teachings: my natural self with my spiritual self. It is hard.

My challenge to you is to listen to this song and make it your prayer for the following week. It will help you understand how to balance the way you want to react with how God wants you to love.

Love’s Not Easy, Francesca Battistelli

What do you need to discuss with God today?

If you are not sure, just pick a spot and go with it. God is concerned with all of your life.

Do or don’t . . . . . . but choose

I was reminded last night of Newton’s third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Later I was also reminded that every action has a consequence, severe or minimal.

I saw a former colleague in our local mall last night and mentioned that God has been taking care of me even though I still do not have a fulltime teaching position. We then chatted about her new 4^th grade class this year and how they are progressing through the curricula and how I am doing with substitute teaching. It was quick, short, and nice to see her again.

And that was it.

A few hours later I received a phone call from the secretary and she needed me to substitute Thursday. Cool!

For years God has provided for me: work, not going crazy because I still live at home, being able to pay my bills on time and completely, good friends, a small discussion group, etc… It is no small thing! God has truly provided for me. It may help to realize that although I live at home my education loan payments are ridiculous. Through it all God has given me work to earn money to pay all of my bills.

Back to Newton’s third law of motion; every action has an equal and opposite reaction. I praised God to a colleague and it seemed like God’s response was to flash a big smile at me and give me one more day of work.

Praise God enough?

I recently asked my Sunday school class to write out two praises every day of the week and bring the list back next Sunday. It was like I was tearing out their finger nails. Even these past few weeks, some days I really don’t feel like I have anything to praise God for, but I’m wrong. God is worthy of praise every day for every little thing.

Not every motion has an equally visible reaction to it; we need to understand this. Think of breathing in and out: it doesn’t take much thought, but they are equal and opposite actions. Perhaps that is what is missing in your life. You are praising God from your heart.

one day of thanks

            Choose a few things you are thankful for today, and for the rest of the day focus on what you thank God for instead of something you want or need. From dawn till dusk, praise the Lord.

the beginning

Recently I was asked to "help" teach a Sunday school class. As time progressed, I realized that I would need to plan the lesson for a few months at a time: this was exciting and unsettling. Who was I to tell these kids what Jesus expects from them? to tell them that "this is how you should live your life"? to try to help them see the differences in living between people who love God and people who do not?

And I realized why a few hours ago: I'm human.
I'm not saying that I am more qualified than the initial Sunday school teacher. She is phenomenal! I am merely qualified because I'm human. Just like the kids in the class.

And that is how I have approached this new year. I know I have made mistakes. I know that I'll probably make some more in the near future. All that is left is to follow God to the best of my ability, continually ask for His help, and keep my focus. And that is part of my resolutions.
I have decided to focus on something that will last the entire year: have a personal journal where I can write through my discussions with God.

Teaching Sunday school with these boys and girls has taught me that I have a lot to learn, and if I am going to continue teaching these kids God's Word accurately I need to really find God and improve our relationship.

The only advice I have found to be of great importance when dealing with goals is to stay positive. Instead of "I won't do ..." focus on something you will do.

What will you do differently this year? this month? tomorrow?