New Hope Christian Fellowship

It’s been a long time since I wrote a personal blog.  My waning blogs started on a little known Friday in March. Pink Friday was the day the harsh reality of the economic crisis had come to the classroom. With 26,000 new and probationary teachers laid off the time left in the classroom was an uncertain one.

For a tenured teacher like me, one who has seniority in the district I work in, I knew I wouldn’t get a lay off notice.  My job was secure.  However, two new teachers I mentored were among the many whom were let go.  It made my job of supporting them in the classroom all the harder.  How could I tell them to keep hope alive when they didn’t know where their next paycheck after June would come from?

Those of us who were kept were not untouched.  Some of us were moved to new schools and placed in new positions. I knew I would be one of the teachers returning to the classroom, but the stress of not knowing where I would be or what grade level I would teach gave me many sleepless nights.

Schools were upturned. Beloved teachers either let go or moved to new sites and grade levels. This uncertainty did not end when the school year did. I anxiously waited by the phone to find out the fate of my friends.  Every day I wondered if they would be called back.

While I was packing and moving to a new classroom, I worried about those I knew who didn’t come back.  Would they be okay?  Would they make it back to the classroom?  Would this experience dampen their love of reaching out to and touching young lives?

My heart was burdened more than I could share.  I cried for my friends.  I was upset at so many talented professionals being let go because of the economy. I blamed the district I worked in for the chaos we now found ourselves in.  I grew anxious about the future.

I didn’t cling to God’s word as much as I needed to during those dark and uncertain months.  My prayers, and my faith, felt limited because I didn’t know how to pray for everyone.  This situation was bigger than I was, yet I wanted to somehow handle it all on my own.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

It’s hard to wait for the miracle in a situation when it is out of our control.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

I am glad to say that the district I work in rehired all their laid off teachers.  Even though my friends might be working in different schools, at least they are working and can count on a steady paycheck for this school year.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:27, 32-34.

I’ve been reminded that even though some days seem to be more trouble than others, God is still in control of them.

It was battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.

“What am I bid, good people”, he cried,
“Who starts the bidding for me?”
“One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?”
“Two dollars, who makes it three?”
“Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,”

But, No,
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said “What now am I bid for this old violin?”
As he held it aloft with its’ bow.

“One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?”
“Two thousand, Who makes it three?”
“Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone”, said he.

The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
“We just don’t understand.”
“What changed its’ worth?”
Swift came the reply.
“The Touch of the Masters Hand.”

And many a man with life out of tune
All battered with bourbon and gin
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.

But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters’ Hand.

by Myra Brooks Welch

“Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”  Isaiah 64:8

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am

I am Yours

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10, NIV

Words and Music by Casting Crowns copyright 2003

Facebook is fun. Meeting with friends, posting photos, writing notes, and leaving comments is what social networking is about. The endless quizzes who tell you which Muppet or storybook character you are is pretty interesting too. My favorite part is sending my friends pieces of flair.

For the non-Facebook reader, a piece of flair is a virtual button that has quirky sayings or pictures on them. I like sorting through the endless amount of Starbucks buttons and finding fun ones to send to my friends. I also get a kick out of ones which are sent to me. The buttons my friends give me are supposed to represent some piece of my personality. My favorite one is shown below.

Pieces of flair is about style. Flair is the manner in which people know us. People who meet us, or work with us, will come in contact with it. Flair can’t be hidden. It can’t be buried or pushed aside. The parts and pieces of our aptitude, abilities, and personality will pop out no matter what we do. What will people see when they meet us? Our flair should showcase God’s handiwork. We are His pieces of flair.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

“That’s Awesome, Mommy!” my six year old proclaimed one day last week. She was talking about some event that was beyond cool to her. Using awesome for her adjective surprised me because I didn’t think she picked up on people using awesome in their everyday language.

Stopping to think about the word awesome, and what it means to be awesome, I realize that the word is over used and has become a slang term comparable with words like cool, hip, or exciting. Even I’m guilty of throwing out an occasional “That’s Awesome” when I think the occasion calls for it.

Back in the day, the word awesome was used to describe something that we were in awe of: a moment, a person, an event of great wonder and inspiration. Many Christians connected awesome with God. Even Rich Mullins got us singing about how important God is with his Awesome God song. With phrases like “There is thunder in His footsteps and lightning in His fist” and “He spoke into the darkness and created the light” we were reminded how awe inspiring and wonderful God is.

But with awesome becoming a common word, does it inspire us to lift our eyes towards heaven in awe anymore? Awesome should describe our God, who puts a rainbow in the sky even when there is flooding on land and who gives us another day to live. Awesome should put into perspective how grand, wonderful, and amazing He is compared to how small we are. Lastly, awesome should bring tears to our eyes when we think of how much He loved us to send His son to die for our sins.

Now that’s awesome.

Psalm 66: 1-7 “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name. Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man’s behalf! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot—come, let us rejoice in him. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations—let not the rebellious rise up against him.”

A thousand times I’ve failed
Still your mercy remains
And should I stumble again
Still I’m caught in your grace

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame

Your will above all else, my purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
My heart and my soul, Lord I give you control
Consume me from the inside out
Let justice and praise become my embrace
To love You from the inside out

Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, Your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out Lord, my soul cries out

Isaiah 40:28-29 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

From The Inside Out lyrics copyright 2006 Hillsong United

I’m an over achieving control freak perfectionist. I know I’m not the only one out there. Here are some definitions from Dictionary.com to help you figure out if you’re one of the OACFP (over achieving control freak perfectionist).

o-ver-a-chieve, verb (-chieved, -chiev⋅ing): 1.) to perform, esp. academically, above the potential indicated by tests of one’s mental ability or aptitude. 2.) to perform better or achieve more than expected, esp. by others

control freak: a person having a strong need for control over people or situations

Per-fec-tion-ist, noun: 1.) a person who adheres to or believes in perfectionism. 2.) a person who demands perfection of himself, herself or others.

An overachieving control freak perfectionist is a person who likes to control each situation in order to obtain the highest results possible while proving he/she can do more than expected. The OACFP take on too many tasks, never ask for help, and live in a constant fear of failure.

Let’s break this down a little further for understanding.

Too many tasks: The hardest thing for an OACFP to do is say no to a project or task when it’s offered to them. Even if they have ten other projects already, they will accept more because they believe they are the only one who can finish it right.

I’m one of these people who collect projects because I believe I am the best person for the job. I’m also one who has a hard time delegating to others because, honestly, I just end up redoing it if it’s not perfect the first time.

Never ask for help: The second hardest thing for an OACFP to do is ask for, and accept, help with the things they take on. To do that would mean admitting that they can’t do everything on their own, which is admitting defeat.

I am a good one for this. I once refused help in making enchiladas for my entire school site staff party. They were a hit, but I was so wiped out from doing all the work that I didn’t get to enjoy them.

Fear failure: The third hardest thing for an OACFP is let go of something when they know it’s too much to handle. Even when things escalate beyond their control, they fight to keep working on it until the bitter end. Just the thought of failing on something is scary enough to keep pushing them on.

A co-worker once asked me, in a joking manner, “What’s the worst that could happen?” I answered, in a completely serious tone, “I could fail.” That says it all.

I’m so glad that God understands OACFP’s. He knows how hard it is for us to tell him how we struggle with the jobs we’ve taken on. He knows how hard it is for us to stop everyday and ask for help. He knows we’re afraid of failing each task. He knows it all.

“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.” Psalm 18:30-32.

This is the perfect verse for over achieving control freak perfectionists. It reminds us all to calm down and take it easy. God is in perfectly in control. That should be music to our ears and peace to our hearts. No matter if you’re and over achieving control freak perfectionist or not.

THE ROAD AHEAD
By Amy Jo Deyo

Ahead there lies a road which is the only path to follow. As you drive in the darkness of the night, only the headlights of the car make the path visible to see. The distance ahead can only be seen as far as the lights will direct you. The on coming cars resemble things in life which distract you from the path the Lord desires you to follow. Looking at each on coming cars headlights, you see that they are either bright or dim, meaning they can be controlled. The same goes for situations and circumstances you face; they can be handled!

At times the road in life is winding and we climb over mountains, but that light is still there to direct the way. Furthermore, unexpected trials and tribulations come in life, such as ice patches or deer crossings. These only help us to pay attention and keep our focus on where it should be.

It is at the end of the road where you see a glorious view of a city full of lights! The destination was completed with the guidance of an expert driver. The Lord keeps paths in life will lit if you follow the signs and headlights that he places along the way. The goal must always be to strive to keep on that straight and narrow way.

Let Jesus be the lamp unto your feet and the light unto your path.

This piece was written by my college roommate, Amy Jo Deyo. It speaks so much of who she was and how she viewed life. It’s been 9 years since she and her fiancee, Paul Keith, died in a tragic car accident but I still remember how she tried to share Jesus with those around her. Amy lived her life wanting to show others the way to Heaven. Even after she’s gone, her words still challenge us to follow His path and stay faithful no matter what the road ahead is like.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

Senior year in my Christian High School, I got nominated for the best Christian testimony award. It was a big deal. We had categories like Best Smile, Best Hair, Most Outgoing, Most Likely to Succeed, Most Athletic, Most Likely to Come Back and Be a Teacher, Friendliest, and Best Christian Testimony.

I wanted to win that nomination, because I knew that in a small Christian School, it meant something to have the best Christian Testimony. I was up against another really popular girl who happened to be a friend of mine. She and I had been on the same drama ministry team together.

Casting my vote that year, I did what any good Christian would do. I voted for her. In fact, I felt my humility would only prove that I was a good Christian and would win the title. Isn’t that what God did for all his truly good children?

I’m sure you can imagine my shock and disappointment when I not only lost the best Christian Testimony award, but had won Most Likely to Return and Be a Teacher Award. I didn’t want to be remembered for being a teacher! I wanted something more prestigious.

The disappointment was bitter. Winning another award that I didn’t want made it even harder to swallow. I wanted to back out of the photos but knew if I did, everyone would see how upset I was over one little thing. I couldn’t have that happen. After all, it was good to be a part of the Senior Who’s Who in one small way than not at all.

Looking back at that moment, I realize that being the best Christian ever doesn’t mean counting how many ministries you’ve joined, how early you get up to do your devotions, how much of your time you give to feed the poor.
Being the best Christian ever really means living a life after Him who called us. Our reward won’t be a glossy color photo in the Who’s Who of Christianity Yearbook, but instead will be the moment we hear our Heavenly Father saying to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Just think of who graduated before us? It’s quite a prestigious group we’re in and everyone is the Best Christian Ever.

Hebrews 11: 32-40: And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted,[f] were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

In the 1990’s, the name Sean was ranked 44 out of top 1,000 names. My classroom in the last nine years spoke to the popularity of that name. I had two Seans in the same classroom two years in a row. Also making the top 1,000 names in the 1990’s (and showing up in my classroom) are:
Matthew was ranked 3rd. I had two of them in the same class one year.
Aaron was ranked 31st. Yup, I had two of them one year also.
Alexander was ranked 23rd. The two I had one year went by Alex.
Brandon was ranked 11th. Both my husband and I have had a Brandon (or variation of the name) in our classrooms since we started teaching.

Usually when multiple names occur in a classroom, teachers will add on the first letter of their last name to distinguish between them. I had to do that last year with Kayla F., Kayla T., Michelle B., and Michelle L. Yes, all four girls were in my classroom at one time, and yes it was confusing at times, especially between the two Michelles. They looked alike.

Even though all these children have come and gone from my classroom, I still remember them vividly. I remember how unique and different both Aaron G. and Aaron C. were. I can tell you about them as students, about their families, and their friends. When one of my former students comes back to see their old elementary school teacher, they are always amazed that I haven’t forgotten who they are. I might take a minute to remember a bit about them before I ask them how they’re doing. But forgetting them? Nah! How could I forget someone who I prayed for and invested time into for an entire school year? It doesn’t happen.

Imagine for a moment how many people are on this entire planet. God knows each and every one of them individually by name. A mighty and powerful God knows who YOU are. He knows all about YOU. When YOU come to him in prayer, he doesn’t take a minute to remember who YOU are. He knows YOU inside out. He knows YOUR heart, YOUR thought, YOUR need, and YOUR joy. He doesn’t forget who YOU are. And He loves YOU.

That’s powerful stuff, isn’t it?

“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.”
Isaiah 49:16a (New King James Version)

Popular names & facts provided by the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/ and www.babynamewizard.com