Lately, I've been going through difficult times, dealing with the bullies of the world, a very difficult class of students who have many behavior issues, and most recently getting tired of the poor customer service in our society.
And just when I think I'm beaten, I hear a small still voice tell me that this is all intended.
Okay...so kick me while I'm down, I think.
But then God reminds me that I, indeed, ASKED for these challenges.
This point is cleverly made clear in the movie "Evan Almighty"... when Morgan Freeman, portraying God, talks to Evan's wife. He states, and I'm paraphrasing here, that when we ask for patience, does God give us patience, or does He give us opportunities to become patient?
He's right.
Last year (not too long ago actually!) I asked God to strengthen my faith, momentarily forgetting that I wasn't going to wake up one day to find a bottle of Faithitol tablets sitting on my nightstand!
God is giving me opportunities to strengthen my faith. I didn't ask for this challenging class of students, but I've asked, in the past, to be a better teacher. That would NOT happen in a class where my students behaved 100% of the time and were academically successful each and every moment. In fact, that would most certainly be a boring school year. (Although I readily admit that I hope my last year of teaching is "boring" by those standards! ;) )
I asked that God would make me more forgiving of others, to realize that I am not perfect and that I have just as many flaws (if not more!) than those who I believe wrong me. So, God didn't hit me over the head with His "Forgive-a-matic" wand... no, He is allowing others to wrong me so that I will have chances to be forgiving.
I asked God for His wisdom (I've tried the earthly wisdom for over 40 years... trust me, it doesn't work) and now He's speaking to me and letting me know that this is all part of His plans - what a wonderful gift!
So, I guess I'm trying to say to those who may be reading this... when you feel that life is hard on you... (and we all feel that way at times), let's remember that God IS in control and that He DOES listen... we may not like His methods... but He really doesn't care if we like His methods or not... because His goal for us to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ... His goal isn't that we always get what we want and that we're happy in the MATERIAL items.
I am not sure about all of you, but I struggle with that on a daily basis.
Anyway, whenever I get littles jewels of wisdom like this, I actually entertain the possibility that I may be growing! :)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Adult bullies...
I need to vent and where else can I do it, but on a blog, eh? :)
So, a few days ago I came across a woman who, for the most part, didn't look like she had any anger or sadness in her. In fact, she looked downright happy. :)
But as I spoke with her, it didn't take me long to learn that she was rather bitter. In fact, it struck me that she wasn't content unless those around her were intimidated or upset by her words.
At first, I was hurt by what she said to me and I lashed out. And, while I would like to use the excuse I was hurt, that's sadly not a really good excuse. I have no excuse. I could tell I hit a nerve because she fumed even more and really let me have it (verbally, not physically).
I apologized, but she would have nothing to do with that. I was her target and she was going to come full force against me. I apologized again... to no avail. In fact, by now others were around and started pitching in. The more I tried to explain myself, the more they wanted to find chinks in my argument.
So, I figured the best thing I could do is simply walk away...and so I did. I realized that while I tried to smooth things over, I was, in fact, just making matters worse... and that there's no use in trying to reason with the unreasonable.
When I got to my classroom, I looked at all the desks. Then I had the revelation. Just as I have bullies in my classroom, there are bullies in the adult world. And why wouldn't there be? It's not like people hit puberty, or reach the age of 18 and then all of a sudden, they become less of a bully.
I've watched this person attack others who state their opinion. When I approach her --- well, let's just say I no longer approach her... :)
But I am left wondering... are these adults bullies from childhood? Or, could something have happened in their lives to MAKE them feel bitter and angry? And if the latter, is there anything that we can do for them? Or would they even accept our help, believing that WE are in the wrong for even SUGGESTING we want to be friendly to each other?
I'm no saint. I have done (and continue to do) my share of wrongdoings. The Bible teaches I should ask forgiveness. So, I do. The Bible also teaches I'll be persecuted for my beliefs. So, I am. I can only ask for forgiveness... I can't force the person to forgive me.
I still see this woman and her friends and I just pass on by... I won't even make eye contact.
I am happier for it... although I do wish she would accept my olive branch. I do hope that she'll be happy in her life as well.
So, a few days ago I came across a woman who, for the most part, didn't look like she had any anger or sadness in her. In fact, she looked downright happy. :)
But as I spoke with her, it didn't take me long to learn that she was rather bitter. In fact, it struck me that she wasn't content unless those around her were intimidated or upset by her words.
At first, I was hurt by what she said to me and I lashed out. And, while I would like to use the excuse I was hurt, that's sadly not a really good excuse. I have no excuse. I could tell I hit a nerve because she fumed even more and really let me have it (verbally, not physically).
I apologized, but she would have nothing to do with that. I was her target and she was going to come full force against me. I apologized again... to no avail. In fact, by now others were around and started pitching in. The more I tried to explain myself, the more they wanted to find chinks in my argument.
So, I figured the best thing I could do is simply walk away...and so I did. I realized that while I tried to smooth things over, I was, in fact, just making matters worse... and that there's no use in trying to reason with the unreasonable.
When I got to my classroom, I looked at all the desks. Then I had the revelation. Just as I have bullies in my classroom, there are bullies in the adult world. And why wouldn't there be? It's not like people hit puberty, or reach the age of 18 and then all of a sudden, they become less of a bully.
I've watched this person attack others who state their opinion. When I approach her --- well, let's just say I no longer approach her... :)
But I am left wondering... are these adults bullies from childhood? Or, could something have happened in their lives to MAKE them feel bitter and angry? And if the latter, is there anything that we can do for them? Or would they even accept our help, believing that WE are in the wrong for even SUGGESTING we want to be friendly to each other?
I'm no saint. I have done (and continue to do) my share of wrongdoings. The Bible teaches I should ask forgiveness. So, I do. The Bible also teaches I'll be persecuted for my beliefs. So, I am. I can only ask for forgiveness... I can't force the person to forgive me.
I still see this woman and her friends and I just pass on by... I won't even make eye contact.
I am happier for it... although I do wish she would accept my olive branch. I do hope that she'll be happy in her life as well.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Biblical Verses
Back in March, 2008, I decided to focus on memorizing one new Biblical verse each week.
I thought I'd list them here in case anybody else reading this would feel inspired to memorize them... or simply read them! :)
This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
March 23, 2008
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30
March 30, 2008
May the LORD do what is good in His sight.
2 Samuel 10:12
April 6, 2008
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14
April 13, 2008
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
April 20, 2008
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
April 27, 2008
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
May 4, 2008
I sought the LORD and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4
May 11, 2008
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
Job 13:15
May 18, 2008
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
John 16:22
May 25, 2008
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.
Hebrews 8:12
June 1, 2008
A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
June 8, 2008
And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you, or forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8
June 15, 2008
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
June 29, 2008
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4
July 6, 2008
And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24
July 13, 2008
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10
July 20, 2008
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.
Psalm 49:15
July 27, 2008
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15
August 3, 2008
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
August 10, 2008
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Romans 6:23
August 17, 2008
If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasure.
Job 36:11
August 24, 2008
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
August 31, 2008
"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins."
Isaiah 43:25
September 7, 2008
I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgements and do them.
Ezekiel 36:27
September 14, 2008
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret - it only causes harm.
Psalm 37:8
September 21, 2008
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
September 28, 2008
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me besides the still waters.
Psalm 23:2
October 5, 2008
He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake.
Psalm 23:3
October 12, 2008
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
October 19, 2008
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Psalm 23:5
October 26, 2008
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23:6
November 2, 2008
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
1 John 3:3
November 9, 2008
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:13
November 16, 2008
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11
November 23, 2008
Now may the LORD of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The LORD be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
November 30, 2008
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.
John 5:24
December 7, 2008
Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.
Psalm 17:5
December 14, 2008
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12
December 21, 2008
He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7
December 28, 2008
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.
2 Corinthians 4:8
January 4, 2009
My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1: 2-3
January 11, 2009
He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.
Proverbs 14:29
January 18, 2009
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15
January 25, 2009
Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
February 1, 2009
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
February 8, 2009
Blessed are those who keep justice and he who does righteousness at all times!
Psalm 106:3
February 15, 2009
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
1 Peter 2:15
February 22, 2009
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to things we have heard lest we drift away.
Hebrews 2:1
March 1, 2009
And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
2 Timothy 4:18
March 8, 2009
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
March 15, 2009
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Hebrews 13:16
Year Two
March 22, 2009
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
Romans 8:24
March 29, 2009
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength.
Isaiah 40:29
I thought I'd list them here in case anybody else reading this would feel inspired to memorize them... or simply read them! :)
Year One
March 16, 2008This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
March 23, 2008
He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30
March 30, 2008
May the LORD do what is good in His sight.
2 Samuel 10:12
April 6, 2008
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14
April 13, 2008
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
April 20, 2008
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
April 27, 2008
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
May 4, 2008
I sought the LORD and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4
May 11, 2008
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
Job 13:15
May 18, 2008
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.
John 16:22
May 25, 2008
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.
Hebrews 8:12
June 1, 2008
A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
June 8, 2008
And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you, or forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8
June 15, 2008
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
June 29, 2008
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4
July 6, 2008
And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24
July 13, 2008
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
Psalm 9:10
July 20, 2008
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me.
Psalm 49:15
July 27, 2008
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15
August 3, 2008
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
August 10, 2008
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Romans 6:23
August 17, 2008
If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasure.
Job 36:11
August 24, 2008
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
August 31, 2008
"I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins."
Isaiah 43:25
September 7, 2008
I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgements and do them.
Ezekiel 36:27
September 14, 2008
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret - it only causes harm.
Psalm 37:8
September 21, 2008
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
September 28, 2008
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me besides the still waters.
Psalm 23:2
October 5, 2008
He restores my soul; He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name's sake.
Psalm 23:3
October 12, 2008
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
October 19, 2008
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Psalm 23:5
October 26, 2008
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23:6
November 2, 2008
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
1 John 3:3
November 9, 2008
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
2 Timothy 2:13
November 16, 2008
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11
November 23, 2008
Now may the LORD of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The LORD be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
November 30, 2008
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.
John 5:24
December 7, 2008
Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.
Psalm 17:5
December 14, 2008
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:12
December 21, 2008
He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:7
December 28, 2008
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair.
2 Corinthians 4:8
January 4, 2009
My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1: 2-3
January 11, 2009
He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly.
Proverbs 14:29
January 18, 2009
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:15
January 25, 2009
Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
February 1, 2009
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
February 8, 2009
Blessed are those who keep justice and he who does righteousness at all times!
Psalm 106:3
February 15, 2009
For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
1 Peter 2:15
February 22, 2009
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to things we have heard lest we drift away.
Hebrews 2:1
March 1, 2009
And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
2 Timothy 4:18
March 8, 2009
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
March 15, 2009
But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Hebrews 13:16
Year Two
March 22, 2009
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?
Romans 8:24
March 29, 2009
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might, He increases strength.
Isaiah 40:29
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