Free books from Waterbrookmultnomah.com

I recently joined Waterbrook Multnomah publishers blogging for books. It's great! They give you the book of your choice (from quite an extensive list of titles), and all you have to do is read the book and give an honest review (blog) of the book. Below is my review of the first title I received from them.

Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for my review copy of Blind Hope: An Unwanted Dog & The Womena She Rescued by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher.

I picked this book because I enjoy true stories about animals, and their owners. I would have to say that my favorite part of this book is the beautiful photography, and I truly enjoyed the sections of the book about the dog and her relationship with her owner, but did not enjoy the way the story was relayed. The book is filled with written conversations between the authors, and the sequence of events are tough to follow. I found myself skipping ahead and not wanting to finish. If you are looking for a heartwarming, quick read, this is your book.

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLV)

This year more than any other I can remember people everywhere seem to be feeling (and expressing) more pressure and tension; not because of the season, but because of uncertainty. Traffic is as terrible as ever. The weather is getting colder. There is so much to think about and do, gifts to buy, friends to see, family to visit and care for, programs to attend, parties, budgets, baking, cards, etc... The list goes on and on, and just writing about makes me feel tired.

As we race through stores and drive in our cars a familiar song plays in the background, “Hark the herald Angels sing, Glory to the newborn King.” We might even be humming along as it continues… “Peace on earth and mercy mild…” Peace, you might muse, what a thought. How great it would be to have peace. “If only I had a moment’s peace.” Have you heard someone say this statement (have you said it yourself)? Yet, is it peace we are after, or are we really longing for an absence of conflict? Are we really seeking to exercise what peace is really about, or do we just want people to stop fighting, and or leave us out of it? One has to finish the rest of the song to know what peace the songwriter is talking about, “… God and sinner reconciled.” The only One who can give true peace is God, and the peace he offers is so different from the world’s idea of peace. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Our world talks about peace, but what they often settle for is truce. Truce is a temporary absence of conflict - an agreement to cease from physical hostilities for a time. There is no reconciliation just an agreement to stop the fighting for now all the while allowing the real problem to fester and boil over inside. Peace on the other hand, is the interjection of righteousness into a situation in order to bring about reconciliation. This often causes chaos because people want their way and do not want to consider that they are a part of the problem. Peace involves humility and the realization that I may have to give up my perceived rights, and exercise my responsibilities. When we allow the King of Peace to rule in our hearts and make His desires ours, then we will experience true and lasting peace. The peace that was promised and given through the baby in the manger.

At the heart of Christmas is the greatest gift ever given. Packaged in the Person of Jesus is every gift we will ever need to fulfill every longing we may ever have. This good news outlasts anything and everything that this world offers, and has brought the greatest change, and the only true peace in the hearts of people everywhere who have received it. May your Christmas be filled with His presence and all that comes from knowing Him.

Thanks for reading.

“There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.”Oscar Wilde

Once again, we find ourselves in the season of giving and getting. What will I give? What will I get? We all know the saying, “it is better to give than to receive.” The only problem is that sometimes what someone is “giving” is not something that you are necessarily “wanting.”

What do you do when someone gives you something undesirable? Have you ever been blind-sided by someone’s bad attitude, hurtful look, or snide comments? Have you ever felted pushed, or shoved into something? How do you deal with these kinds of gifts? Do you ignore them? Do you push back?

I have been reading a book entitled, “QBQ! The Question Behind The Question” by John G. Miller. I have found it to be a great read! He proposes that often when people are confronted by new situations (aka change) that their first reaction is to ask “incorrect questions,” questions like “Why?” “Who?” or “When?” He is quick to point out that these kinds of questions often lead to complaining, blaming, and procrastination. He suggests that a person learn to make better choices by recognizing and asking better questions. There are three guidelines that he offers: 1. Begin with “What” or “How” (not “Why,” “When” or “Who”); 2. Your question should contain an “I” (not “they,” “them,” “we” or “you”); and 3. Focus on action. So the questions, “What can I do?” or “How can I adapt to this situation to make it work?” are examples that follows the guidelines perfectly.

Sometimes when what one receives from others is grief or trouble, it is hard to believe the promise given in Romans 8:28. The main problem is that often many view the Christian life as a life free from all adversity. However, a better understanding would be that a Christian is delivered in the midst of adversity, which is something very different. Psalms 91: 9-10 (NLT) states, If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.” It does not say that you will not experience evil. On the contrary, if you are breathing, you will certainly encounter troubles, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. He says, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b) (NLT). Jesus is the one who has overcome and he is saying, “There is nothing for you (or I) to fear.” I like the way Oswald Chambers puts it, “God does not give us overcoming life—He gives us life as we overcome.” It is through the strain of life that a person is able to build his/her strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. You might say that if you never used your muscles they would most certainly atrophy. Using your muscles tones and firms them, and as a result, you are stronger.

So what are you asking for this year? Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. Once you face the strain, He will sustain you with strength (Philippians 4:13). Overcome your own fear and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment—“To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God” (NLT). God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Part of learning to seek Him means learning to avoid the “incorrect questions” and learning to ask better ones. Trust Him and He will provide all that you need in your moment of struggle.

Thanks for reading.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Pericles

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. Amidst its’ great beauty, there is great drama. As the days grow shorter, the leaves of the trees become vivid with color, and when the sun casts its’ amazing golden hue over everything it is truly breathtaking. Yet, it does not take long before the true nature of this season becomes a reality. It is a season of decrease. After the harvest comes winter, but before the ground becomes hard, something wonderful happens. Seeds are scattered, the seeds that will turn into the new growth of spring. During lunch recess the other day, some of the students and I watched as this happened right before our eyes. The wind was blowing the leaves off the trees. We watched and laughed as the leaves danced before us on the ground. The leaves were carried too and fro swirling around us in wild abandon. Moving this way and that, no one could predict which way they would be tossed next, or where their final resting place would be.

Parker Palmer in his book “Let Your Life Speak” shares his experience with realizing the autumn of life. How he rarely saw autumn as a time of seeding, rather he focused upon the fact that summer had ended and now death was inevitable. There is a paradox within this season of dying and seeding of decline and hope for the future. In many ways, our lives are like the seasons. Often change means allowing some experiences to fade while focusing and placing emphasis on new ventures.

I have entered an “autumn” period in my life at Fairview. As I write this, I realize that some of you have already heard the news of the changes happening within my life and how those changes effect Fairview Christian School. In case you have not, I have resigned my position as school administrator effective January 3, 2009. I have been blessed to have been chosen (out of 700 applicants) to fill one of 30 slots in a medical radiography program here in Seattle. I am very excited about the opportunity. Beginning in January, I will work as a part-time pastor at Fairview, and will continue to be available to our new principal as he transitions into the leadership role of the school ministry. I am excited about Mr. Cultum, and believe that God has crafted him for this time and place. My goal in life has always been to do my best to follow what I believe that God has called me to be and to do. I have enjoyed my work with students and families here at Fairview Christian School these past 12 years, and have many wonderful memories, but is time for this chapter to close and I believe God is calling me to a new adventure. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you and your family.

Thanks for reading.

“Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy, and mutual valuing.” Rollo May—Teacher, Author and Psychologist

This week I thought I would review some information about “Hints to having a successful Parent/Teacher Conference.” I hope you find the information helpful. In order to help your kids have a successful school year, you need to know what is expected of them, academically, from now until June. You can find out by asking some questions. Take this list with you to your next parent-teacher conference, and be sure to take notes.1. What skills and knowledge will my child be expected to master this year?2. How will my child be evaluated?3. What can I do to stay more involved in my child's academic progress?4. How do you accommodate differences in learning?5. How are students prepared for learning? Other good ideas prior to a conference with your child's teacher:

-Prepare ahead of time for the conference.
-Look over recent assignments and test grades so that you know how your child has been performing in class.
-Look through books and see what your child is learning.
-Ask your child questions, such as what is their favorite subject? What are they having a difficult time with? What subject do they find easiest (hardest)? And ask them to tell you who their friends are at school.
-Write down questions you have for the teacher so you will remember what you wanted to ask.
-List your child's strengths.
-Be on time for the conference, most are tightly scheduled. Being even 5 minutes late will substantially cut down on the time you have with the teacher.
-Be open to suggestions from the teacher.
-Ask what you can do at home to help your child be more prepared for school.
-Offer suggestions and insights into your child. You know your child best and you may be able to offer information that will help the teacher help them to succeed.
-Ask about social interactions as well as academic. Children struggling with friendships can suffer from low self-esteem, which can cause additional problems in school.
-If you find your child is struggling in school, ask to re-conference in a couple of weeks. This way the teacher will be able to spend more than 20 minutes with you and you can both work together to develop a plan to help your child succeed.

No matter how many suggestions, conferences can be stressful for you, the teacher, and your child. Before attending the conference, be sure to let your children know how much you love them and that you will love them no matter what is shared. Let them know that conferences are not for the teachers to "tattle" on children, but for parents and teachers to work together to best help them succeed.

Thanks for reading.

“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow.” Anonymous

Yesterday we took time to honor veterans, and were privileged to have five with us. It was a wonderful to have them with us, to take time to honor them for their courage and bravery, and to thank them for their service to our country. Some of our students had made special “Thank You” cards for them. It was priceless to watch as the students shared their cards with our guests.

I have been thinking about the word gratitude. The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful.”

I like what John Ortberg in his book, “When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box,” states about gratitude. He says, “Gratitude is the ability to experience life as a gift. It opens us up to wonder, delight, and humility. It makes our hearts generous. It liberates us from the prison of self-preoccupation … Gratitude is the gift God gives us that enables us to be blessed by all his other gifts, the way our taste buds enable us to enjoy the gift of food. Without gratitude, our lives degenerate into envy, dissatisfaction, and complaints, taking what we have for granted and always wanting more.”

There is an account found in Luke 17:11-19, about ten lepers crying out to Jesus for help. Lepers were commanded to make their presence know by shouting “Unclean, unclean,” so that anyone near them would not accidently touch them. Somehow these lepers must have heard about Jesus and his power to heal, and so from a distance they yelled, “Jesus, Lord, have mercy on us.” Jesus’ heart was moved. He told them to go show themselves to the priests, which is interesting in that earlier he had healed a leper by touching him, now he is asking these lepers to go and show themselves before they had been healed. I can only imagine that they might have been a little confused by this command, but they had nothing to lose. The ten left Jesus and something happened. As they traveled they were healed. I am sure that the thrill of being healed and restored was overwhelming and so they ran home to tell their families, friends, and neighbors what had happened. All except one. One of the former lepers turned and ran back the way he had just come in order to fall on the ground before Jesus in gratitude.

Gratitude is always an act of humility. Unfortunately, many believe that they will experience gratitude more if they received new stuff, the stuff they really want. Yet the truth is that having too much can make a person feel entitled rather than grateful. According to researchers Robert Emmons and Mike McCullough gratitude can be learned. They did a study where by they randomly assigned people to keep a daily diary for two weeks of events in their lives. One group was to record happenings that they were grateful for, and the other hassles or simply life events. Joy, happiness, and life satisfaction all rocketed up for those in the gratitude group.

My advice is do not wait until you “feel” grateful or thankful before giving thanks. Usually thinking and doing lead to the emotions. Begin today to express gratitude and you will begin to change the world around you.

Thanks for reading.

“A person’s worth is revealed in his attitude toward the ordinary things of life when he is not under the spotlight.” Oswald Chambers

The end is coming (of first quarter). Friday marks the first “ending” of this school year. The students have mixed feelings about this. Some are excited because it will be a half-day rather than a full-day of school. Some are relieved glad to have finished all of their work. Some are frantic trying to finish their work, yet others are neither agitated nor excited.

Have you ever felt irritated about completing something? Faced with duties below your position or that make you feel like you are wasting your time? Sometimes doing small things makes us feel small in the impact we might have. It is almost as if we lose sight of the main objective when stuck doing small things. There are times when I feel that some things do not make a difference. It is my failure to understand or comprehend the magnitude of when these things have an incredible influence upon the future.

Missed opportunity is one of those merciless and gnawing events. It eats away at a person causing sleeplessness, loss of appetite (or the opposite), depression, anger—and/or a lot of other discomforts. There is a story about a man in the Bible who did a simple thing really well. He did it so well that it had a major impact upon his life. His name was Enoch, and in Genesis 5:21-23, you can read about him. He loved God and spent time with Him. In the end he did not die, but was taken by God to heaven.

Oswald Chambers once said, “A person’s worth is revealed in his attitude toward the ordinary things of life when he is not under the spotlight.” Enoch did a simple thing well; he walked with God. Because he was focused on the right thing at the right time, it meant that he did not have to die. I wonder what would happen if each of us took the small things more seriously. How would the lives of those around us be influenced or even changed? 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it” (TMSG).

Since second quarter begins Monday, our students will have the opportunity to try doing the small things differently. I hope that some will understand better the importance of small things. I hope you will consider the small things that you are being asked to do, and consider doing them well. You never know what will happen.

Thanks for reading.

“more people believe in Santa Claus than in the Great Pumpkin, but let’s face it; Santa Claus has had more publicity." Linus Van Pelt

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown was on television last evening. This animated TV special first aired October 27, 1966, and has been a classic ever since. It is a fun story about the Peanuts gang getting ready for Halloween. The story opens with Linus and Lucy going out into a pumpkin patch to find a pumpkin. Linus points out several pumpkins, but Lucy is not interested. Lucy then points to a large pumpkin and Linus then has the job of rolling it home. Once they arrive Lucy takes a big knife and slices into the pumpkin to gut it, at which point a mortified Linus says “Ohhh, you didn’t tell me you were going to kill it!” and starts wailing.

A couple of weeks ago I shared with our students what I call the “Pumpkin” chapel. I bring a pumpkin to school and carve it while the kids watch. I start the chapel by sharing about the origins of pumpkin carving explaining that it was out of necessity that people carved gourds so that they could use them as lanterns to see where they were going at night. Today it is different, people still have the need to see where they are going, but they have more efficient means of casting light into darkness. We then talk about why people carve pumpkins today and most of the answers center around the idea that it is a festive event to do around Halloween. My pumpkin on the other hand is used as an illustration of a person and the Christian life. My story begins with a pumpkin covered in mud who wants to meet God. The pumpkin tries to clean itself up by washing off the mud, but soon discovers a problem. He learns that God is not so concerned about the outside, but He looks at the heart. So now the pumpkin has to trust the hand of His maker to clean-up his heart. At this point I cut open the top of the pumpkin and begin scooping out its’ guts. I usually make the most of this by having students smell the inside of the pumpkin and see how slimy and gooey the insides are. Some of the gunk comes out easily, but then the hard part comes. “Sometimes to bring about change you have to be scraped” I will say. At this point I ask the kids to name the kinds of feelings and or thinking that may need to be “scraped” out of a person’s heart. They usually respond with answers like, lying, stealing, cheating, angry feelings and other hurts. After cleaning out the inside, I hold the pumpkin up and show the students how clean it is. I then tell them that God loves them so much He would never leave them empty, but puts His light and love inside of us. I put a candle in the pumpkin and put the top back on. After a short amount of time the candle goes out, and the students are all clamoring to tell me that I have forgotten to make a face. I usually cut a funny face into the pumpkin and then re-light the candle explaining to the students that when God places His light inside of us it is so that we will shine His love and truth to all who are around us. If we try and keep His light to ourselves it soon goes out. At this point we dim the lights and sing, “This little light of mine…”

Linus is convinced that the Great Pumpkin will bring toys to the child who waits in the most sincere pumpkin patch. The problem is that while his belief is sincere it is incorrect. This does not make him a bad person only misguided. Hopefully, people like Linus will see God’s light in us and put their faith in something that lasts forever.

Thanks for reading.

Ben Franklin - "One today is worth two tomorrows; what I am to be, I am now becoming.”

Many of you might be familiar with Judith Viorst’s book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It’s the story of a little boy whose day falls to pieces.
“I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there’s gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard...and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.” (Viorst, p.5).

Alexander’s day just gets worse as he goes to school, finds himself at the dentist, and has to go shopping with his mother. No one looks forward to a day filled with obstacles, trials, and setbacks, but I wonder how often we approach a day in the same way as Alexander. How often do we start the day with a flat tire even before we get into our car? How often do we set our course with a bad attitude and then act surprised when our day falls apart? Even as I write this I am wondering if I should change my line of questioning. Let me ask, how often do you have a great day? What would a great day look like to you? Would you say that it is the norm to have a great day, or the exception?

To me it all boils down to choice. I have to make a choice about my day before it begins. What will you choose? There is no doubt that our days will be filled with events beyond our control. So how are you going to allow those events shape you? Truly, the only area in our lives we can control is our choice in how we react or respond to what happens.

John Maxwell, says this about choices/decisions, “Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily.” I believe he is saying that the sooner you decide the important decisions and the longer you manage them, the more successful you can become. Persons who neglect making decisions and fail to manage them will often look back on their lives with sadness and regret.

I would encourage you to begin each day with a word of thanksgiving to God. Begin your day with Him and allow Him to change your outlook and attitude about what is to come (Phil. 4:4-9).

May God’s peace reign in your heart and mind. Thanks for reading.

“The minute a man ceases to grow, no matter what his years, that minute he begins to be old.” William James

This past Sunday, Fairview church celebrated 102 years of ministry. Amazingly, the Fairview building is also 102 years old. Obviously, the buildings’ age is apparent, not so with the church. It is the difference in building materials. The church is made of people, the building of stone, wood, and paint … lots and lots of paint.

I have been at Fairview since the fall of 1984. I came to Seattle to attend Seattle Pacific University. In 1984, the Fairview Church was known as the Woodland Park Church. In December of that year, the church purchased and began renovating the Fairview Elementary school building. The church started Fairview Christian School in the fall of 1985. In January 1993, I joined the staff of the church, and in 1996 became the school administrator. I have now lived in Seattle longer than I have ever lived anywhere else, and yet I refer to my hometown as east of the mountains. In two short years, the number of years I have lived as a married person will match the number of years I lived as a single person. Every year, I notice that things are changing about how my body works (or fails to work). I do not bend as I used to, nor do I bounce back as I used too.

Have you ever stopped and thought about the biblical phrase “full of days?” Many of the patriarchs died “full of days.” At a cursory reading one might think this just is another way of saying someone or something is old, but a closer more careful reading conveys a message that a person lived a full life—a life of meaning, and purpose—a life of influence.

Jesus died at 33. Yet he was full of days. Stephen, the first martyr, was likely only in his 20s when Paul and his crew stoned him to death. Yet he was full of days.

Being full of days is not about the length of your life. It is about its depth. It is not about numbers of years. It is about abundance. Its yardstick is not the amount of gray hair on your head. It is about the grace and maturity that resonates from a life mirrored after Christ.

As I age, I want full days. I am more and more committed to living the fullness of life that Jesus promised (John 10:10). I want to laugh with more heartiness and weep with greater compassion. I want to say “I love you” more times in a day than anything else, and “I’m sorry” as quick and as often as it is needed. I want to linger with my friends, forgive my enemies, and reconcile with those I estranged along the way. I want to love God with all I have and all I am. I want to love my neighbor as myself. Whether I die soon or late, I want to leave this world full of days.

Thanks for reading.

“Did you really mean do unto others as they do unto you, because if you did then I’m going to fix my brother.” excerpt from Children’s Letters to God

I was a bit convicted and challenged yesterday when reading one of my favorite books, My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. He writes, “The true test of a person’s spiritual life and character is not what he does in the extraordinary moments of life, but what he does during the ordinary times when there is nothing tremendous or exciting happening.” This was a great reminder to me that every moment has worth. Every moment is full of potential and influence…especially those moments when we are not in the spotlight, but behind the scenes, out of perceived sight, working and serving when (we think) no one is watching.

Life at times can come pretty hard and happen fast. This past week I have had to be extra careful about my response to life as it happens. A nice way of saying I have been a bit irritable. I cannot quite put my finger on it, but for some reason it has not taken much to ruffle my feathers. Some of you might wonder, “Hmmm, I’d like to see that,” or “I wonder what that looks like?” Thankfully, not many of you will ever see that side of me, and I am not so inclined to make it easy for the rest of you to find out.

We have all had days that we wished had gone differently. No one is immune to making a mistake with his/her words or actions from time to time. This does not make those times excusable, but it is what it means to be human. There was a man that scripture tells us very little about, but what it does say is truly amazing. His name was Enoch. We can read about him in the book of Genesis 5:19-24. All we know about him was that he was born, became a father, and after reaching the age of 365 and walking with God for many years, God took him. That is right, God took him, and he did not die. The Bible tells us “he was no more, because God took Him away.” Amazing! He must have truly been special. In Hebrews 11:5 we read that, it was Enoch’s faith that pleased God and so he did not have to die. Enoch was different because he walked with God. Enoch chose to place himself in an environment that influenced his behavior, his words, his character, his very being. Enoch in learning to keep in step with God was transformed by the very atmosphere of being in His presence, and so he was different. Oswald Chambers continues, “Spiritual truth is learned through the atmosphere that surrounds us, not through intellectual reasoning. It is God’s Spirit that changes the atmosphere of our way of looking at things, and then things begin to be possible which before were impossible. Getting into God’s stride means nothing less than oneness with Him.”

During these times of turmoil in our country’s economy, and the stress that this can have on families, and communities, we would do well to follow Enoch’s example of seeking to be present with God. I am encouraged that the solution to my grumpiness lies in me taking time to walk with God. If we can live in the atmosphere of Christ, the peace of Christ will surely be ours.

Thanks for reading.

“It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.” James Thurber

“Hey dad, can I ask you a question?” I hear this statement quite frequently, and sometimes am bothered by it. I am frustrated when a question is asked and I can tell that there was no thinking prior to the asking. Do you know what I am talking about? I like questions, but my hope and desire is to stimulate thinking both before and after a question is asked. I have this belief that the sooner I can get someone to not only ask questions, but think about them, the sooner they will be able to live in a real world. The road to wisdom is paved with lots and lots of choices, and the act of making a choice requires thinking. It is all part of my selfish desire to help kids grow to be responsible, respectful, and fun to be around most of the time. I say most of the time because I know that I am not always fun to be around, and how can I have an expectation of someone else that I do not have of myself?

So what do you think about questions? What is your viewpoint? This may seem an unusual question, but is there really anyone out there who does not have a question from time to time? Even the brightest person has questions. In fact, I think the more a person reads, the more a person learns, the more questions a person may have. Sometimes questions are simple and straightforward, other times they seem surprising and perhaps even frightening, and they may push us to avoidance rather than discovery. Once in a while I run across a person with no questions. This seems sad. Why don’t they have questions? What has caused them to choose to live without wonder? Someone not having questions makes me have even more questions.

If we want to know the truth we have to ask questions. In fact, to truly pursue the living God, we have to see the need for questions. So, how does your faith do with questions? Do you have room in your faith for questions? Why is this person sick? What is going on? Why did this happen? When will this change? When a person asks questions they are admitting that they do not have all of the answers, which then pushes a person to look outside of themselves for guidance. Rob Bell in his book “Velvet Elvis” states that “Questions, no matter how shocking or blasphemous or arrogant or ignorant or raw, are rooted in humility. A humility that understands that I am not God. And there is more to know.”

The Bible is filled with stories of real people who asked questions. Moses spends an inordinate amount of time (2 chapters) trying to convince God that He has picked the wrong guy, and with each question it appears that God reveals how convinced He is that He picked the right one. Job certainly asked a lot of questions. Nicodemus couldn’t sleep because of questions (see John 3). And what about Jesus on the cross asking, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Maybe God is looking for people who don’t just sit there and mindlessly accept whatever comes their way. Asking questions is a way of engaging the living God. It is a way of thinking and searching for answers. Asking questions is a way to freedom. Freedom from having to have it all figured out. If we do our job well, your children will have a mind full of questions.

Thanks for reading.

“Leadership is influence.” John C. Maxwell

We gathered and prayed at the Fairview flagpole this morning. In preparing for our time, I reviewed the story of the biblical character Samuel. One verse stood out and seemed to sum up his life, 1 Samuel 3:9b “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening.” Samuel was a leader of leaders—a chief advisor to the kings and military captains of Israel; a judge and prophet of the people. When he spoke, everyone listened. As a prophet of God, Samuel anointed kings; as the interpreter of the divine Word, he counseled and challenged kings. He served as a judge in Israel prior to Saul’s monarchy.

While Samuel was young, he lived in the Temple. One night God called Samuel’s name, but he thought it was Eli. After this happened several times, Eli realized the truth and told Samuel to go back to bed and if he heard the voice again to respond by saying . . . “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!” 1 Samuel 3:9b God did call and Samuel listened. This began a relationship with God that went on throughout Samuel’s life. His commitment and devotion to God is illustrated in 1 Samuel 3:19 where it says, “The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of His [God’s] words fall to the ground.”

Have you ever wondered what gave Samuel such credibility? When he spoke, people listened. John Maxwell in his book “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” describes this kind of persuasion as “The Law of E.F. Hutton.” Do you remember E. F. Hutton? E.F. Hutton found a brokerage firm in 1904. It became one of the most respected financial firms in the United States and for several decades was the second largest brokerage firm in the United States. The firm was best known for its commercials in the ‘70s and ‘80s based on the phrase, "When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen" (which usually involved a young professional remarking at a dinner party that his broker was E.F. Hutton, which caused the moderately loud party to stop all conversation to listen to him). Samuel had the kind of leadership that made heads turn, that drew people to listen. I believe the reason he had so much influence was that he looked to God for direction. Near the end of his life Samuel as an old man addressed Israel saying, “I have been your leader from my youth until this day. Here I stand.” The people agreed that Samuel had led them with integrity and honor all his years. It all started for Samuel when he made a connection with God at an early age.

It is tough being a Christian student today. Students are faced with so many choices and they are not always sure which direction to take. Following God in a world that misunderstands Christianity and tolerates its principles less and less all the time is difficult. What if, like Samuel our students made a connection with God, and never let any of God’s words “fall to the ground?” How do you think their lives would be different? How do you think the lives of those around them would be different? The nation of Israel was influenced by the life of Samuel and his choice to listen and follow God. Our time this morning at the flagpole was a great time for each of us to connect with God and with other believers. May we by our example inspire students to say what Samuel did so long ago…”Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Thanks for reading.

“You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.” Motto, Massachusetts Humane Society

On the island of Nantucket there is a museum dedicated to celebrating the unique maritime heritage of the island. Located next to important shipping lanes running along the East Coast when maritime travel was in its heyday, Nantucket Island saw hundreds of vessels passing by each day—all navigating without the advantages of modern technology. There have been over 700 shipwrecks in the area dubbing it as the “graveyard of the Atlantic.” Contained within the museum are artifacts and stories of those who sailed, and those who risked their lives to rescue those whose ships were sinking. I have never visited Nantucket, but I would like to someday. As I was reading about the museum one story stood out, and I want to summarize it for you here. It is the story of the Massachusetts Humane Society.

Formally established in 1786, the Massachusetts Humane Society was concerned about the needless deaths resulting from shipwrecks and drowning and wanted to find ways to save lives. From the outset, it focused on recognizing the selfless lifesaving rescues and preventing such tragedies. Volunteers would spend hours at a time in huts that overlooked the ocean watching for any ship that might be in peril. They stationed equipment at certain vantage points to be ready at a moments notice to go and attempt rescue. This heroic group of volunteers adopted the motto, “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back.” Soon, other groups like the United States Life Saving Association, and the United States Coast Guard, joined the efforts to save lives. For a while, the volunteers and the paid workers worked side-by-side risking life and limb to rescue, but in time that would change. Barriers would start to form between the groups. The volunteers started to make statements like, “We don’t have the right training, or equipment;” and, “Maybe we should let the professionals do this”; and later, “Why should we risk our lives volunteering when they are the ones getting paid?” This group once dedicated to selfless lifesaving rescues quit watching for ships in peril. They quit going out to help with rescues, and lost their purpose. A few members of the group still meet today, but not to save lives, to have fellowship. It is interesting to me how things change…

This year our school theme is focused upon Servanthood. When we talk about servanthood, we mean more than just doing work for someone else. After all, people who are not connected with Jesus can serve. People can do good deeds for others, but that is not what we mean by servanthood. People can also serve out of wrong motives—to gain self-worth, to call attention to themselves, to alleviate guilt, etc. Serving from wrong motives is not servanthood. True servanthood flows out of a deep friendship with Jesus empowered by the Holy Spirit as a result of an abiding in Christ (John 15:5), producing spiritual, eternal fruit in becoming more like Jesus. Yet sometimes barriers stop people from serving. My hope is that we will be able to begin to live 1 Peter 4:10-11 this school year, and that we will not lose our purpose.

Thanks for reading.

We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5(NCV)

When I last wrote, I began to tell about an exhilarating experience I had this past summer that involved water. Here is the rest of the story. Previously, I had left off with water streaming into the room with only my thumb trying to stop the flow. As I began to yell for help, I soon realized that no one was around to hear me. There are times when being alone is great, this was not one of those times. Water was beginning to fill the room. I had to do something. If only I could get the water shut off, but the shutoff valve was downstairs. I had no choice…I had to make a run for it. I let go of the pipe, and in a split second, water was hitting me squarely in the chest. Startled I jumped up and went for the door. As I ran out into the hall, I shot a glance back into the bathroom. The water jet was so strong it was spraying the wall six feet away like a pressure washer clearing a path. I leaped jumping down our steps nearly crashing through the wall at the bottom of the stair. My middle son met me at the doorway and asked what was going on. All I could say was, “Get the shop-vac!” I turned every valve I could find, but the water would not stop. Ryan immediately started using the shop-vac trying to minimize the mess, but now the water was running under the baseboard through the walls and coming out into the carpet in the basement. Finally, I found the valve that turned off all of the water, but there was still at least three inches of water on the bathroom floor, and who knows how much that had seeped through the walls down into the basement. What a mess that all started with a small insignificant drop of water.

Have you ever been caught off guard? Sideswiped? In a position where instead of controlling your thoughts and frustrations you were controlled by them? This was definitely one of those times for me. What do you do when times get the best of you? Max Lucado writes, “Today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions. Today’s jealousy is tomorrow’s temper tantrum. Today’s bigotry is tomorrow’s hate crime. Today’s anger is tomorrow’s abuse. Today’s lust is tomorrow’s adultery. Today’s greed is tomorrow’s embezzlement. Today’s guilt is tomorrow’s fear.” My plumbing problem started as a small drop of water that within minutes turned into a uncontrollable flood. You do not have to be a victim of your thoughts. You have a vote. You have a voice. You can exercise thought prevention. You can also exercise thought permission. Change the thoughts, and you change the person. If today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions, what happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God’s love? Will standing beneath the downpour of his grace change the way we feel about others? Absolutely! Philippians 4:8 helps me stay focused, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (RSV). Thinking conveys the idea of pondering—studying and focusing, allowing what is viewed to have an impact on us. Fill up on the good things, and take stock of the negative…make it become obedient to the authority of Christ, and those watching will learn to do the same.

Thanks for reading.

“The grass is greenest where it is watered...carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.” Robert Fulghum

How has your summer break? I hope you have been able to enjoy some vacation time. I took some time off and was determined to accomplish a few tasks that I had neglected around our house. Making a trip to the dump, cleaning up around the yard and house was great, and I was happy with the way my tasks were quickly being eliminated. Two days into my stay-cation having already accomplished a majority of the projects, I had in mind; I was suddenly given a new and unexpected project. Accidently, I found a few drops of water under one of the sinks in the main bathroom of our house. Not a lot of water mind you, but whenever you find water in a place it should not be, it is never a good sign. After a bit of investigation, I decided that I would try to tighten the fittings and see if this would solve the problem. The problem appeared to be solved at first, but later that same day I found more water. While attempting to check and re-tighten the fixtures and supply lines, my wrench slipped and whacked the hot water supply line. The 50-year-old line snapped like a twig and my little water problem was now a flood. Water was gushing out of the pipe at a tremendous velocity. I was a bit stunned at first, but quickly realized my predicament as water crashed into my chest and face. I instinctively put my thumb over the hole partially slowing its progress.

Surprise! Do you like to be surprised? I know… it depends on whether you are the “surpriser” or “surprisee.” I think it might be safe to say that we do not mind surprise when it is our doing, but to be surprised by something unexpected is usually not something the normal person enjoys or desires. Surprise often means adjustment (hopefully you were not so surprised that you need to change your clothing). Whenever something changes, it can often push us in the area of trust, and you might find yourself asking many questions like: Why is this happening? Why now? What were they thinking? Why me?

How do you handle change? Change is an essential element of life itself, yet we almost instinctively resist it. During this day and age, change is happening so quickly most people do not have the luxury of adapting gradually. The future belongs to those who anticipate change and have a plan to respond to it. We can never expect to control change, but we can control our response to it. The first thing to remember is that with every change someone experiences a sense of chaos. People experience anxiety with change even with the most thoughtful and careful communication about it. Even if the change is in the best interest of everyone involved. Therefore, a key to remember is to be open and flexible. Cultivate a habit of remaining open-minded and adaptable trying to see the benefits rather than becoming upset and frustrated. Remain calm, take a deep breath, relax, and assess the situation as objectively as possible. This can best be accomplished by asking open-ended questions. The critical issue in dealing with change is having control. Most of our stress and unhappiness comes as a result of feeling out of control. The only thing you have complete control over is your conscious mind. So take control of your thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5 and Romans 12:1-2). Turn your thoughts to focusing on the One who gives peace (John 14:27). Trust in His character for He cares more about you and your situation than you can even realize (Matthew 6.25-34). We are about to start a new school year. We will face many changes, and together, with the Lord’s help, we will face the changes and remain in unity.

Thanks for reading.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” Colossians 3:23(NIV)

My oldest son will be graduating from high school in less than two weeks. This past Sunday, our church honored graduates, and I found myself emotionally moved as I listened to my son share about his dreams. In a very short amount of time, his plan is to move to Japan and attend the International Christian University. He has a real knack for learning languages, and he plans to study and become a teacher. Recently, he secured his first real job (one where he works for someone other than me). He is a hard worker, and I know that his employer will not be disappointed in the quality of his work.

Do you remember your first job? After having a paper route, and working for a contractor, I took my first “real” job at the age of 15 working for Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor. Do you remember Farrell’s? On the outside, looking in it looked like a fun place to work. Yet once I got inside, I quickly wanted out. The fictional character Forrest Gump said, “Life is like a box of chocolates…” It is amazing how good something can look on the outside, but be so different on the inside. I worked for the ice cream parlor for just a little over a month doing my best to give my best effort, all the while looking for another position somewhere else. My dad is the one who taught me about work. He works hard, and I would say that he perceives his work as a way of truly blessing others.

The value of a strong work ethic goes without debate, but ways to instill that quality in young people continues to be a challenge at times. As we come to the close of another school year, I wonder if our students got it. Sometimes it can look (from the outside) that we are only focused on outcomes and external evidence (grades and awards), and while these are the fruit of working hard, it is not the only or best part of work. What I am hoping is that our students realize that everything they do, everything they say, is an opportunity to glorify Christ. We have been created to worship and glorify God. There is no greater reason for our existence. There are times I am tempted to separate my life into the categories of sacred and secular. Yet in reality, every situation in which a person finds him or herself is a means of obtaining a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ. I believe that the Holy Spirit is determined that we have the realization of Jesus in every area of our lives, and He will bring us back to the same point repeatedly until we learn. Self-realization leads to self-glorification. Whatever we may, be doing—even eating, drinking, working, or resting—we have to take the initiative of realizing and recognizing Jesus Christ in it. I am hoping that our students get beyond the thinking that there is work to be done and that we must do it, and move towards the attitude that we have the opportunity to glorify Christ in all things.

Thanks for reading.

“There are many things that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those things." Michael Nolan

The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. It contains more than two million stone blocks averaging 2.5 tons each. Every one of these limestone blocks was cut out by hand from quarries sometimes miles away and pulled up ramps of dirt to be stacked one upon the other to a height of 480 feet. One hundred thousand men worked constructing it, and for 3800 years, it was the tallest man-made structure in the world.

What an odd use of resources and work force, this building of pyramid tombs. Yet to the ancient Egyptians the work was holy. It expressed the way they understood the universe and so no one questioned the incredible cost of time, resources, and human life.

As amazing as the structure is itself, the treasure that was kept within was truly remarkable. Tomb furniture and household artifacts of gold and precious stones are just the beginning of the story. Jewelry, graven images of gods in the form of men, women, and animals, models of ships and houses testify not only to the wealth but also to the heart of the builder. The ancient history of the Egyptian people as well as all scientific knowledge of the day was engraved on slate pallets and placed within the tombs. All this and the sarcophagus itself, is simply the beginning of a vast treasure sealed inside the pyramids for the exclusive use of the Pharaoh in his journey through eternity. The monetary value of such a treasure is incalculable. Therefore, I am left asking, “all for what?” These things supplied not one thing of real value for any of the men or women to whom they were dedicated. What a startling awakening to them death must have been.

In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us, “Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust, and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is is the place you will most want to be and end up being.” (MSG) Where’s your treasure and where’s your heart? Even the most spiritually minded of us say, “But I must live; I must make a certain amount of money; I must be clothed; I must be fed.” The great concern of our lives is not the kingdom of God but how we are going to take care of ourselves. Jesus cuts to the heart, and reverses the order by telling us to get the right relationship with God first, maintaining it as the primary concern of our lives, and never to place our concern on taking care of the other things of life. So where is your heart? A very precious treasure of yours is watching.

Thanks for reading!

“Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices.” Alfred A. Montapert

I was reading a recent blog entry by Mark Buchanan that stirred my thought process. He was describing a law of the human condition called the Law of Unintended Consequences. This law, similar to Murphy’s Law (“What can go wrong, will”), is not a law of nature but an accepted condition of being a finite being. The law of Unintended Consequences states that an act will often produce unforeseen results that are harmful to, sometimes the exact opposite of, what we intended. Many parents have seen this law in effect when raising children. Have you ever witnessed that it is when you are in a rush that for some reason your child moves more slowly? It is as if the words, “Hurry up!” flip a switch in their little brain that says, “Slow down” the exact opposite of what was wanted.

In Genesis 25, one can read of how this law can have long-term effects. Abraham’s wife Sarah had died, and so he marries a woman by the name of Keturah. He has many sons with Keturah. However, in order to protect his son Isaac, and the promise made to him about his future, Abraham cuts his other sons out of his in heritance and sends them away (Genesis 25:6). This action accomplishes what he intends, but with the unintended consequence of creating many of the enemies, the future Israelites will have to face. For example, several generations later Gideon and his army of 300 have to battle against the Midianites (a people group established by one of Abraham’s banished sons). Abraham was able to protect Isaac in the short-term, but unwittingly subjected his descendants to harm on a much larger scale. In effect, so that one son would not be inconvenienced during his lifetime, many sons suffered grievously for many lifetimes.

So what is your Isaac? What is it that you are trying to protect? Could it be that by doing so you have actually put it at risk? So often, as parents, we want to spare our children from pain. This is not a bad thing. Except for when we shelter our children from making choices that they are perfectly capable of making. My friends at the Love and Logic institute have illustrated this idea with “The Science of Control.” It goes like this, when we share the control we get our share. When we hoard the control, we soon lose it all. A parent who understands what it means to share the control is more likely to have good results by giving choices (giving a child the opportunity to think – with the unstated message “ I believe you are smart and capable of making wise decisions”), rather than demands (doing all the thinking for the child – which sends the message “You are weak, fragile, and not very smart – let me help you.”). For example, the parent who offers their child the choice, “Are you going to wear your coat or carry it?” knows that when a child feels the cold they are smart enough to put on the coat they are carrying without being told what to do, and or how to feel about it. The child who chooses not to bring or wear a coat can benefit from the adult who uses thinking words like, “I’m so glad I brought my coat.” Some might mistakenly say that this is cruel or manipulative, but the reality is that the child who faces the temporary consequence of cold most likely will make a better choice in the future. Rather than trying to make the child feel bad, it would be better to model for them how we take good care of ourselves and thus stimulate their thinking. I hope you find this helpful. My best to you as you seek to raise up a responsible child. Thanks for reading.

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,” Psalm 42:5a

Since hearing the news of the most recent natural disasters, I have been thinking about how we talk with children about tragedy. The media bombards us with so many pictures and videos of devastation that I have felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of these tragedies. As a parent, I wonder how our children cope with these catastrophes? In this information age with all of the media coverage, it is likely that only the youngest of children are sheltered from seeing or hearing information following natural disasters. In my opinion, what is shown is often more frightening than informative. Parents can play a vital role in helping their kids cope. To help you help your kids, I have borrowed some ideas from Jim Burns (President of HomeWord) that I hope you find helpful.

1. Be willing to discuss natural disasters with your kids. Helping your kids cope with the natural disasters starts with being willing to talk about the tragedy with them. Children, particularly younger ones, may be frightened by tragedies, wondering if something similar could happen to them. Talk with them, in an age-appropriate way, about what has happened and help to answer their questions and calm their fears.

2. Tell them the truth. Honesty is the best policy. Yet, honesty does not mean that you need to share every gruesome detail of the devastation with your kids only causing them to become frightened rather than informed.

3. Shelter your kids from graphic video and pictures. In our "24/7 live" news coverage from around the world, be aware that the graphic, often disturbing video and pictures being shown. These images do not need to be part of conveying the "news" of what is happening - to your children. My advice is that when natural disasters strike, especially in the immediate aftermath; keep the television news programs off when your kids are around.

4. Reassure your kids - as best you can. Since we do not have control over natural disasters like tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, as parents, we should not promise a child that we will protect them from any harm that a catastrophe may bring. Our job here is to reassure them as best we can. If kids are worried about something bad occurring, we can reassure them, "Mom and dad will do everything we can to always make sure you are safe from harm."

5. Don't ignore the spiritual issues. If you have ever wondered about what your kids think about God or faith in Christ, you will probably find out in the wake of a disaster. Be prepared for questions about God and life (like "Why did God let so many people die?") that you may never had heard from your child before. Kids really do want to talk about theological issues. Sometimes it takes a crisis to bring those questions to the forefront. Be ready. Do not be surprised. Moreover, if you do not have all of the answers, that is okay. Work to help your kids (and maybe even yourself!) search for the answers.

6. Look for signs of "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" in your kids. It is not uncommon for kids to suffer in varying degrees from "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" (PTSD) after such large tragedies. Changes in your child's behavior such as regressing to more childlike behavior, acting out, withdrawal, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, fear of a specific disaster may all be signs that your child is suffering from PTSD. If these symptoms do not resolve themselves, seek the help of a professional Christian counselor.

7. Pray for those whose lives have been impacted by the disaster. If your family does not have a regular family prayer time, I would encourage you to start one. Focus on praying for all those whose lives have been impacted by the tragedy. Praying as a family for these people also reinforces with your kids your own belief in God's love and His power to care and heal those who have been hurt.

8. Give. As a family, find a way to give something - anything - to help people in need. Giving to those in need is a spiritual response. The call to Christ is the call to serve. Giving helps, your kids learn to cope with tragedy by serving and helping those in need. Giving gives them some tangible way to respond. Your giving does not have to be limited to money. Typically, following a natural disaster, all kinds of supplies and food are needed.

Thanks for reading!