As we near the end of another school year, it's always good to reflect on the past year and God's faithfulness to me and my students. In many ways, it's been a year like no other. I've been challenged both personally and as a teacher. I hope that I've challenged my students to seek the Lord and to live a life pleasing to Him.
As I write this, I'm listening to this song....what an encouragement:
A mighty fortress is our God
A sacred refuge is Your name
Your kingdom is unshakable
With You forever we will reign
We will keep our eyes on You
So we can set our hearts on You
Lord, we will set our hearts on You
Now some random thoughts....
- I've seen God work in great ways this year. He has done some awesome things in the lives of many of my students. He has met needs, encouraged, and provided more than I could have asked or imagined. He has continued to change me as well. This has been a big year for me personally, where both Megan and Kelsey will be married, Daniel will be a high school senior, and Matt will start high school soon and be driving. And don't forget about Felicia's book launch. Wow!!! That's a lot of change in a short amount of time. But God is still faithful in all things.
- I think this year has exposed more of my own areas for improvement as a teacher than ever before. In some ways, I need to improve in how I teach. But that's normal if I'm going to be the educator God has called me to be. As an organized person, I often get caught up in the details too much. I need to use the platform God has given me to teach the content in a way that comes alive to my students. This will be a major part of my praying and planning this summer.
- I need to continue to pray that God will help me to see the true ministry of what I do at school. I know that students struggle during the middle school years more than any other. This is the time when they form their identity and often struggle the most with discovering who they are, what they believe, and where they place their value. I need to be ready to speak God's Word in those moments. I need to be available to be used by God to point these students to Christ. The research proves it - these students will develop their core beliefs about God and life right now. My prayer is that God will give me eyes to see how to invest in my students for the kingdom in greater ways going forward.
- I know I've made so many mistakes this year. I gave a harsh word when a more gentle one would do. I missed many times when a student said or did something that was a cry for encouragement. I missed several opportunities to pray with my students at the moment they expressed a need. I allowed the stress and worry in my own life to affect my attitude towards my students at times. I used sarcasm too much at times. And many more. God has a way to remind me of this and use it to make me more sensitive to the opportunities He brings. I hope to continue to grow in this.
- Our 8th grade Bible teacher, Kelvin Johns, is fighting pancreatic cancer. As I pray for him and his family, I'm also reminded of the same fight my mom fought with this disease. I pray that God will show the same grace to Kelvin as He did my mom. I also remember the words that Kelvin shared with me personally right after his diagnosis. His words were spot on, and I'm certain God gave them to him to share with me. I pray I can live up to them.
- Any success I've had this school year is ONLY by God's grace. He did it all, and He chose to use me in it. I pray my spirit is growing daily in surrender to His plans and to be used for His glory. I am so thankful that God continues to use me in spite of my weaknesses and failures. I want Him to keep breaking me of my dependence in myself, only to build me back up in Him.
- I pray my students see me as a work in progress in Christ. One of the great things about teaching is that my students get to see me struggle over an entire school year. They might see a few days when I am more faithful to God, but they also see a lot of days where I struggle. That's the work of the Spirit in the life of a believer. When you get to spend so much time around someone, you see it all. I pray they remember the journey, not a specific day.
- One more word to my students. I challenge you to be different. Be different in spiritual things, willing to follow Christ and His Word, no matter what. Be different than other students, willing to take ownership of your education, not waiting to be served, but embracing the opportunity you've been given to learn and apply what you've learned. Be different in leaving behind a sense of entitlement, remembering that God gives us all good gifts to enjoy, but with Him on the throne of your life. Be different in living everyday as an act of worship to the God who loves you and has given you life forevermore with Him.
As this is my 10th year teaching at NRCA, I've often thought back to my first few years. Man, I'm so glad I'm not the teacher I was then! God continues to prepare me for each year. He knows exactly what to do and how to get me ready. I'm confident He will do that again this summer. My prayer is that I will continue to humble myself to Him and His work in me.
I praise God for all He has done. He is great and greatly to be praised! Amen!
Mr. B.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Ministry Begins in the Home
This blog post is written to my family: Felicia, Megan, Kelsey, Daniel & Matt.........
As I sat in the worship service today, the music took my breath away as we sang frequently about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us. The message was awesome, as usual, speaking about the biblical principles of dating. It reminded me of the many conversation Felicia and I have had with our children on this subject (and still have!). Then, at the end of the service, we observed the Lord's Supper. I did what I always do just before that begins - I pray for God to search my heart and reveal sin in me, so that I can confess it to Him before taking the Lord's table. As I prayed, I believe God revealed something that I've needed to see for about 2 years.
I always felt blessed to be called to Christian ministry. The call started with bi-vocational church ministry, where I was able to serve in various roles in several awesome churches. It continued 9 years ago when I was blessed to become part of the faculty at NRCA. God has always provided and worked through these ministries in ways I could not imagine. Over and over again, He always did a great work in me, our family, and the ministry work. In addition, even when I was serving in both ministries at the same time, He made it work in our family, providing grace for all situations each day and giving us more grace even when we didn't deserve it. He protected us that way, and at the same time, covered up those times when my time was divided between the work of ministry and my family.
But a little over 2 years ago, the church ministry stopped, at least for now. I think our entire family breathed a little for the first time in many years, thinking we were gaining a time of rest and renewal from the grind of ministry life. We did get much of that and so much more from day one at The Summit Church. I will always be thankful to God for bringing us to Summit. There is not enough space here to list all the great things God has done for us and in us here. I am so thankful for being a part of this church.
When we left the last church ministry role, I was given a great opportunity to return to the primary ministry role He has called me to - my family. All of the time and energy I had poured into the church role could now be used to build up and minister to my family. Boy, we really needed it, too. While we enjoyed the ministry work and made many friends, it was very difficult at times. And it has left some scars on us that God is continuing to heal. Now was the time for me to be the pastor of my most important ministry - Felicia, Megan, Kelsey, Daniel, and Matt.
But what I believe God revealed to me this morning is this. I have done some of what God called me to do that day a little over 2 years ago, but I have not completely been obedient to what He desired for me to do. It's been too easy to channel that extra time and energy to other things, mostly school responsibilities and other personal things that I wanted to do. I've not been non-existent in family ministry, but I've not been all God has called me and made me to be.
I think that being the pastor of my home will always be the hardest ministry that God has given me. Maybe it's too easy to focus more at school or in other places and things. We are often drawn towards things that take us away from doing hard things. I know God has also called me to do other things that I have been negligent in - reading more, taking care of myself, looking for ways to serve others, etc. God reminded me today that He saved me so I can serve Him by serving others. And being faithful to what He has called me to do. I also realize this means I'll have to say "no" to a lot of good things and opportunities to ensure I can do the most important things.
So, Felicia, Megan, Kelsey, Daniel, and Matt - I'm sorry for not being all that God has called me to be over the last few years. I've been there and have been a part of some of His work in your lives, but He wanted me to do more. My renewed commitment is to continue to improve and make the role of being the pastor of my home the highest priority. Thank you for being patient with me, even in those times when I disappointed you.
Felicia, I want to continue to become the husband you need me to be. To love you as Christ loved the church, and to help you become the woman of faith He wants you to be. I love you.
Megan & Kelsey, I know you're not in our home any more, but I desire to still invest in what God is doing in your lives as well. I hope you will continue to pray for me and allow me to be a valuable part of your lives. I pray for you both every day. I love you both.
Daniel & Matt, I'm blessed that you are still at home. But the time is running short, and I desire to make the time the best it can be as God leads us. You are growing into men of faith, and I want to help you to grow into something great for the glory of God. I love you both.
Pray for me. I need God's strength to help me obey His call on me. I want Him to make me the best pastor of my home.
Pastor Randy
As I sat in the worship service today, the music took my breath away as we sang frequently about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us. The message was awesome, as usual, speaking about the biblical principles of dating. It reminded me of the many conversation Felicia and I have had with our children on this subject (and still have!). Then, at the end of the service, we observed the Lord's Supper. I did what I always do just before that begins - I pray for God to search my heart and reveal sin in me, so that I can confess it to Him before taking the Lord's table. As I prayed, I believe God revealed something that I've needed to see for about 2 years.
I always felt blessed to be called to Christian ministry. The call started with bi-vocational church ministry, where I was able to serve in various roles in several awesome churches. It continued 9 years ago when I was blessed to become part of the faculty at NRCA. God has always provided and worked through these ministries in ways I could not imagine. Over and over again, He always did a great work in me, our family, and the ministry work. In addition, even when I was serving in both ministries at the same time, He made it work in our family, providing grace for all situations each day and giving us more grace even when we didn't deserve it. He protected us that way, and at the same time, covered up those times when my time was divided between the work of ministry and my family.
But a little over 2 years ago, the church ministry stopped, at least for now. I think our entire family breathed a little for the first time in many years, thinking we were gaining a time of rest and renewal from the grind of ministry life. We did get much of that and so much more from day one at The Summit Church. I will always be thankful to God for bringing us to Summit. There is not enough space here to list all the great things God has done for us and in us here. I am so thankful for being a part of this church.
When we left the last church ministry role, I was given a great opportunity to return to the primary ministry role He has called me to - my family. All of the time and energy I had poured into the church role could now be used to build up and minister to my family. Boy, we really needed it, too. While we enjoyed the ministry work and made many friends, it was very difficult at times. And it has left some scars on us that God is continuing to heal. Now was the time for me to be the pastor of my most important ministry - Felicia, Megan, Kelsey, Daniel, and Matt.
But what I believe God revealed to me this morning is this. I have done some of what God called me to do that day a little over 2 years ago, but I have not completely been obedient to what He desired for me to do. It's been too easy to channel that extra time and energy to other things, mostly school responsibilities and other personal things that I wanted to do. I've not been non-existent in family ministry, but I've not been all God has called me and made me to be.
I think that being the pastor of my home will always be the hardest ministry that God has given me. Maybe it's too easy to focus more at school or in other places and things. We are often drawn towards things that take us away from doing hard things. I know God has also called me to do other things that I have been negligent in - reading more, taking care of myself, looking for ways to serve others, etc. God reminded me today that He saved me so I can serve Him by serving others. And being faithful to what He has called me to do. I also realize this means I'll have to say "no" to a lot of good things and opportunities to ensure I can do the most important things.
So, Felicia, Megan, Kelsey, Daniel, and Matt - I'm sorry for not being all that God has called me to be over the last few years. I've been there and have been a part of some of His work in your lives, but He wanted me to do more. My renewed commitment is to continue to improve and make the role of being the pastor of my home the highest priority. Thank you for being patient with me, even in those times when I disappointed you.
Felicia, I want to continue to become the husband you need me to be. To love you as Christ loved the church, and to help you become the woman of faith He wants you to be. I love you.
Megan & Kelsey, I know you're not in our home any more, but I desire to still invest in what God is doing in your lives as well. I hope you will continue to pray for me and allow me to be a valuable part of your lives. I pray for you both every day. I love you both.
Daniel & Matt, I'm blessed that you are still at home. But the time is running short, and I desire to make the time the best it can be as God leads us. You are growing into men of faith, and I want to help you to grow into something great for the glory of God. I love you both.
Pray for me. I need God's strength to help me obey His call on me. I want Him to make me the best pastor of my home.
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Forever
Great song......incredible lyrics. Especially as we've just celebrated Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Sharing them with you.....for His glory.
Forever
The moon and stars they wept
The morning sun was dead
The Savior of the world was broken
His body on the cross
His blood poured out for us
The weight of every curse upon Him
One final breath He gave
As heaven looked away
The Son of God was laid in darkness
A battle in the grave
The war on death was waged
The power of hell forever broken
The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated
Chorus
Now forever He is glorified
Forever He is lifted high
And forever He is risen
He is alive and He is alive
We sing hallelujah we sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah the Lamb has overcome
We sing hallelujah we sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
And now death where is your sting
Our resurrected King has overcome
He's overcome
Brian Johnson | Christa Black Gifford | Gabriel Wilson |
Jenn Johnson | Joel Taylor | Kari Jobe
© 2013 KAJE Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Bethel Music Publishing
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Best Supporting Actors Tell the Easter Story
I decided this year to focus the classroom devotions during passion week on something a little different. I had already been thinking and praying about this, but the idea was completely confirmed after hearing the message at The Summit Church this past weekend. My students attend a Christian school, so they are pretty familiar with the main Easter story - Jesus Christ giving His life for us all, being arrested, put on trial, crucified, buried, and rising again on the third day.
But what about some of the lesser known characters in the Easter story? I chose a few of these characters to talk about, using the Luke 23 passage. It gave me an opportunity to look at some examples of symbolism that I believe helps put the message of Easter in perspective. I have been careful not to try to add anything to the text - just simply giving the students something to think about.
Simon the Cyrenian (Lk. 23:26)
Simon is the guy who is coming in from the country for Passover. He arrives and is watching the events unfold in Jerusalem. Jesus has been arrested and put on trial, leading to the decision to have Him crucified. He is beaten and bloody, mocked and spit upon, and forced to carry His own cross to Golgotha. He buckles under the weight of the cross, and a guard tells Simon to pick up the cross and carry it for Jesus. The text says "and on him (Simon) they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus." Probably not the day Simon had in mind.
Think about these ideas based on Simon's experience:
- He was just coming into Jerusalem for Passover - not to get involved in these events.
- I'm not sure if he even knew who Jesus was - but by the time this was over, he sure would.
- What if I had been in Simon's place? Man, that still blows my mind to think about. What if it were me that had to carry Jesus' cross?
- Isn't this what God calls me to do....daily? Take up my cross and follow Him.
- Simon picks up the cross which had to have Jesus' blood on it, thus making Simon unclean. How does Simon reconcile that with his knowledge of Jewish law and the coming Passover?
- I wonder if Simon thought about this - he's carrying the cross that Jesus would be crucified on, and Jesus is being crucified because of Simon's sin (and yours and mine, too). Jesus came to die the death we deserved and give us the life we didn't deserve.
- I wonder what Simon did next?
Joseph of Arimathea (Lk. 23:50-53)
Joseph is a council member (Sanhedrin) who was a just man. Scripture says he didn't agree with the decision to crucify Jesus. It seems to indicate that Joseph was a believer. But he was also in a position of power and influence. He goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus' body to bury Him. This was probably a risky move for Joseph - trying to honor Jesus as the Christ while maintaining his positional authority on the council.
Joseph takes the body of Jesus down from the cross, wraps Him in a linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb carved out of the rock. The line shroud and tomb seem to be indications of Joseph's wealth and means. It also may indicate that perhaps Joseph had purchased these items for himself, but chose to use them for Jesus.
Think about these ideas based on Joseph's experience:
- Joseph gave his best offering for Jesus - the linen shroud and tomb. These items were fit for those in high positions, maybe even a king.
- Joseph was willing to step out in faith regardless of the consequences.
- Joseph's willingness to go to Pilate to get Jesus' body ensured that nothing else would be done with the body - either leaving the body on the cross or seeing it discarded some other way.
- God used Joseph's actions with the linen shroud and tomb as part of His plan for the resurrection.
- Think about this idea - Joseph gave up the linen shroud and tomb he purchased for his death and gave them to the One who gave His life for Joseph. Jesus died the death Joseph (and we) deserve so that we would not have to. He did this to give Joseph (and us) the life we don't deserve and can't earn.
The Disciples (Lk. 24:13-53)
This event occurs after the resurrection. It starts with Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. These guys don't know what to think about all that's happened. Jesus talks with them and shares from the Scriptures, starting from the OT and the prophets, and shares the Gospel with them. Later on, Jesus also appears to His disciples, proving to them that He had in fact risen from the dead. He also affirms that it was necessary for things to happen this way, so that repentance and forgiveness of sins could be real.
The disciples were a stubborn bunch, weren't they? But the Scriptures also say that their eyes and understanding were not yet opened to all this truth. But as Jesus opened their eyes and understanding, it led to a great worship experience that would help to move these disciples to be faithful witnesses of Him.
Think about these ideas based on the disciples' experience:
- I love how the Bible says the two men's hearts burned within them when Jesus talked to them. Man, that's what I want. I want God's Word and His Spirit to speak to me, and for my heart to burn when He speaks.
- Jesus made many appearances to His disciples before ascending to heaven. In doing so, He confirmed before many witnesses that He is alive.
- I pray that when Jesus speaks to me I am listening. But more than that, I desire to know He is speaking to me, affirming His Word and His direction for every area of my life.
- I pray that I will not tempt God by asking to see proof of His direction for me. I believe He lives. It's time to get busy in obedience. When He speaks, I move.
- May the end of this text be my life - when Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually praising God.
As we approach Good Friday and Resurrection Day on Sunday, these characters give me even more opportunities to reflect on God's goodness to me. Jesus Christ came to give us eternal life, by giving His life for ours. He died on the cross to pay the debt of my sin. He was raised from the dead, and He lives today. Because He lives, I have life now beyond anything I can imagine, and I have life eternally with Him.
Not bad for a group of best supporting actors in this awesome story. That's a lot to digest. Which is why I'm glad I have a life time to read God's Word and meditate on it. For His glory.
Mr. B.
But what about some of the lesser known characters in the Easter story? I chose a few of these characters to talk about, using the Luke 23 passage. It gave me an opportunity to look at some examples of symbolism that I believe helps put the message of Easter in perspective. I have been careful not to try to add anything to the text - just simply giving the students something to think about.
Simon the Cyrenian (Lk. 23:26)
Simon is the guy who is coming in from the country for Passover. He arrives and is watching the events unfold in Jerusalem. Jesus has been arrested and put on trial, leading to the decision to have Him crucified. He is beaten and bloody, mocked and spit upon, and forced to carry His own cross to Golgotha. He buckles under the weight of the cross, and a guard tells Simon to pick up the cross and carry it for Jesus. The text says "and on him (Simon) they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus." Probably not the day Simon had in mind.
Think about these ideas based on Simon's experience:
- He was just coming into Jerusalem for Passover - not to get involved in these events.
- I'm not sure if he even knew who Jesus was - but by the time this was over, he sure would.
- What if I had been in Simon's place? Man, that still blows my mind to think about. What if it were me that had to carry Jesus' cross?
- Isn't this what God calls me to do....daily? Take up my cross and follow Him.
- Simon picks up the cross which had to have Jesus' blood on it, thus making Simon unclean. How does Simon reconcile that with his knowledge of Jewish law and the coming Passover?
- I wonder if Simon thought about this - he's carrying the cross that Jesus would be crucified on, and Jesus is being crucified because of Simon's sin (and yours and mine, too). Jesus came to die the death we deserved and give us the life we didn't deserve.
- I wonder what Simon did next?
Joseph of Arimathea (Lk. 23:50-53)
Joseph is a council member (Sanhedrin) who was a just man. Scripture says he didn't agree with the decision to crucify Jesus. It seems to indicate that Joseph was a believer. But he was also in a position of power and influence. He goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus' body to bury Him. This was probably a risky move for Joseph - trying to honor Jesus as the Christ while maintaining his positional authority on the council.
Joseph takes the body of Jesus down from the cross, wraps Him in a linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb carved out of the rock. The line shroud and tomb seem to be indications of Joseph's wealth and means. It also may indicate that perhaps Joseph had purchased these items for himself, but chose to use them for Jesus.
Think about these ideas based on Joseph's experience:
- Joseph gave his best offering for Jesus - the linen shroud and tomb. These items were fit for those in high positions, maybe even a king.
- Joseph was willing to step out in faith regardless of the consequences.
- Joseph's willingness to go to Pilate to get Jesus' body ensured that nothing else would be done with the body - either leaving the body on the cross or seeing it discarded some other way.
- God used Joseph's actions with the linen shroud and tomb as part of His plan for the resurrection.
- Think about this idea - Joseph gave up the linen shroud and tomb he purchased for his death and gave them to the One who gave His life for Joseph. Jesus died the death Joseph (and we) deserve so that we would not have to. He did this to give Joseph (and us) the life we don't deserve and can't earn.
The Disciples (Lk. 24:13-53)
This event occurs after the resurrection. It starts with Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. These guys don't know what to think about all that's happened. Jesus talks with them and shares from the Scriptures, starting from the OT and the prophets, and shares the Gospel with them. Later on, Jesus also appears to His disciples, proving to them that He had in fact risen from the dead. He also affirms that it was necessary for things to happen this way, so that repentance and forgiveness of sins could be real.
The disciples were a stubborn bunch, weren't they? But the Scriptures also say that their eyes and understanding were not yet opened to all this truth. But as Jesus opened their eyes and understanding, it led to a great worship experience that would help to move these disciples to be faithful witnesses of Him.
Think about these ideas based on the disciples' experience:
- I love how the Bible says the two men's hearts burned within them when Jesus talked to them. Man, that's what I want. I want God's Word and His Spirit to speak to me, and for my heart to burn when He speaks.
- Jesus made many appearances to His disciples before ascending to heaven. In doing so, He confirmed before many witnesses that He is alive.
- I pray that when Jesus speaks to me I am listening. But more than that, I desire to know He is speaking to me, affirming His Word and His direction for every area of my life.
- I pray that I will not tempt God by asking to see proof of His direction for me. I believe He lives. It's time to get busy in obedience. When He speaks, I move.
- May the end of this text be my life - when Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy and were continually praising God.
As we approach Good Friday and Resurrection Day on Sunday, these characters give me even more opportunities to reflect on God's goodness to me. Jesus Christ came to give us eternal life, by giving His life for ours. He died on the cross to pay the debt of my sin. He was raised from the dead, and He lives today. Because He lives, I have life now beyond anything I can imagine, and I have life eternally with Him.
Not bad for a group of best supporting actors in this awesome story. That's a lot to digest. Which is why I'm glad I have a life time to read God's Word and meditate on it. For His glory.
Mr. B.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Snow Thoughts
Just some thoughts & ideas on this snow day.......
I wonder why people in the south are wound so tight about bread and milk just before the snow falls. Why not make sure you've got bacon? Or snack foods? Strange....
I wonder why students are never totally happy when they get a snow day off from school. They either are mad that the school didn't make the call earlier....or that the school made the call too early in the morning and not the night before...or that they have to make up the day later on. Guess it has to do with the idea that life is all about them. Well, it's not.
I wonder why is snow white? I'm sure there's a good scientific reason. Well, here you go: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/12/09/ask-science-teacher-why-is-snow-white-and-where-does-its-color-go-when-snow/
I wonder how much people laugh at us in the south when we shut everything down after the first snow flake falls, when other areas of the country get so much more snow and yet can still function well.
I wonder what is the best way to make snow cream? I haven't had any since last year. Add enough chocolate syrup and everything tastes a little better.
I wonder why people in the south can't take a driving class to learn how to drive in snow? That would help us all be smarter on the roads when we do drive in bad weather. Maybe make it a part of driver's ed or a requirement to get your driver's license.
I wonder why I'm not sleeping right now......
Mr. B.
I wonder why people in the south are wound so tight about bread and milk just before the snow falls. Why not make sure you've got bacon? Or snack foods? Strange....
I wonder why students are never totally happy when they get a snow day off from school. They either are mad that the school didn't make the call earlier....or that the school made the call too early in the morning and not the night before...or that they have to make up the day later on. Guess it has to do with the idea that life is all about them. Well, it's not.
I wonder why is snow white? I'm sure there's a good scientific reason. Well, here you go: http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/12/09/ask-science-teacher-why-is-snow-white-and-where-does-its-color-go-when-snow/
I wonder how much people laugh at us in the south when we shut everything down after the first snow flake falls, when other areas of the country get so much more snow and yet can still function well.
I wonder what is the best way to make snow cream? I haven't had any since last year. Add enough chocolate syrup and everything tastes a little better.
I wonder why people in the south can't take a driving class to learn how to drive in snow? That would help us all be smarter on the roads when we do drive in bad weather. Maybe make it a part of driver's ed or a requirement to get your driver's license.
I wonder why I'm not sleeping right now......
Mr. B.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
2015 Roadmap
Each year I create a set of goals for the new year. I call
this a roadmap, not resolutions. I don't like resolutions, mainly because
I can never keep them. I prefer a roadmap, much like I used when I was a
worship pastor in the local church.
A roadmap is something that I create under the leadership of the
Spirit and the Word. It's a set of goals and objectives based on how I
believe God is leading me. Since He leads me in this, that means the
goals are not completely different from year to year. Usually they just
get refined and get more and more specific. This roadmap is something
that God can change and refine in me throughout the year, as He leads.
That's what makes this different than your typical resolutions. If
I don't keep a resolution, I just shrug my shoulders and say maybe next year.
If I don't hit a goal in the roadmap, I get convicted by the Spirit and
must make the changes necessary to get back on track.
I will confess that while I reorganized my roadmap a lot this
year, the content didn't really change very much. Along with that process
came enormous conviction that I didn't do so well with my goals in 2014.
I got caught up in the busyness of life last year and only realized what
had happened the few times I went back to the roadmap during the year. My
commitment is to do regular checkpoints in 2015. But I'm trusting God to
do this work in me. I've shown that I can't do it on my own.
My roadmap has a lot of detail in it, which I believe is required
in order to ensure success. Details and measurements are critical.
I won't share all those details in this blog post. But I will share
the high level goals I have from the Lord for 2015.
I encourage you to consider doing the same as we start the new
year. Spend time in prayer along with the Scriptures. Seek God on
the things He desires. Then strap in for a great 2015 as He leads.
2015 Roadmap
1. Love God through daily spiritual growth to be a
reflection of Christ & a faithful witness of Him.
2. Shepherd my family as my primary ministry priority.
3. Fulfill God's call of ministry on me as a husband,
father, minister, teacher, leader, & servant.
4. Love others by investing in relationships that display
the Gospel to them.
In addition, I really like a recent post by Alvin Reid (alvinreid.com) that speaks to some great goals for the
new year. Here are a few of his thoughts, which I will also look to adopt
in 2015 and in the future:
1. Focus daily on your calling.
2. Value margin.
3. Learn to say "NO".
4. Learn to delegate.
5. Value spiritual disciplines & Sabbaths, including
personal retreats.
6. Exercise and eat well.
7. Focus on individuals more than crowds.
I'm praying you'll be successful in 2015 by focusing on God's
roadmap for you.
Mr. B.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Being a Math Teacher: Retail's Greatest Nightmare
Yes, you know I'm a math teacher. Specifically I teach Algebra I. I tell my students often that most everything boils down to equations. Christmas shopping is no different.
I'm also the world's greatest procrastinator when it comes to Christmas shopping. My kids think I do this because I enjoy it. Actually, it's hard for me to get serious about shopping until after the semester is done at school. I assure you - I don't like shopping, and I certainly don't like shopping when all the other procrastinators are in the stores.
I've been especially frustrated lately because of a trend I see in stores more than ever before. Unfortunately this has started taking place more at one particular store, which is the place I do most of my clothes shopping at throughout the year. These stores are promoting sales where you can buy 1 item at regular price and get 2 or 3 of a comparably priced item for free. I'm sure many people hear this and think it's a great deal. However this isn't really the case. Let me show you why.
Let's say I go to my favorite clothing store, only needing one pair of pants. I don't need 2, 3 or 4 pairs, only one. But their sale is buy one, get 2 free. This actually happened to me back in August when I was shopping for school clothes. Now usually this store offers a discount on pants, maybe 20% or so, during the year. But with the current offer, you have to pay regular price for one pair of pants. This could easily run about $60.
So, if I buy 1, get 2 free, I end up paying about $20 per pair. If I needed 3 pair, this is a pretty good deal. But I don't need 3 pair. So the store is making me spend $60 to get more pants than I need. And they know I'm not about to just buy one pair for $60 and leave the 2 free pairs behind.
If you think about this spiritually, I believe this sale is a temptation to me in terms of stewardship. God has called me to be a good manager of His resources in all things. Back in August, when the sale at the clothing store was buy 2, get 3 free, I did buy the pants that time, even though I didn't need 5 pairs of pants. I just realized that I still have 2 pairs of pants from that purchase that are still in the original bag. I'll be taking these back to the store next week to hopefully exchange them for something else I need more right now. I want to manage my resources as an act of worship to God. That means I need to be a wise shopper and think and pray well over these matters.
Ok, I guess I can climb off my soapbox for now. But I guess, as a math teacher and a believer who wants to give God control of everything in my life, I am retail's greatest nightmare. Although they will probably make enough money this Christmas that they aren't really worried much about me.
Mr. B.
I'm also the world's greatest procrastinator when it comes to Christmas shopping. My kids think I do this because I enjoy it. Actually, it's hard for me to get serious about shopping until after the semester is done at school. I assure you - I don't like shopping, and I certainly don't like shopping when all the other procrastinators are in the stores.
I've been especially frustrated lately because of a trend I see in stores more than ever before. Unfortunately this has started taking place more at one particular store, which is the place I do most of my clothes shopping at throughout the year. These stores are promoting sales where you can buy 1 item at regular price and get 2 or 3 of a comparably priced item for free. I'm sure many people hear this and think it's a great deal. However this isn't really the case. Let me show you why.
Let's say I go to my favorite clothing store, only needing one pair of pants. I don't need 2, 3 or 4 pairs, only one. But their sale is buy one, get 2 free. This actually happened to me back in August when I was shopping for school clothes. Now usually this store offers a discount on pants, maybe 20% or so, during the year. But with the current offer, you have to pay regular price for one pair of pants. This could easily run about $60.
So, if I buy 1, get 2 free, I end up paying about $20 per pair. If I needed 3 pair, this is a pretty good deal. But I don't need 3 pair. So the store is making me spend $60 to get more pants than I need. And they know I'm not about to just buy one pair for $60 and leave the 2 free pairs behind.
If you think about this spiritually, I believe this sale is a temptation to me in terms of stewardship. God has called me to be a good manager of His resources in all things. Back in August, when the sale at the clothing store was buy 2, get 3 free, I did buy the pants that time, even though I didn't need 5 pairs of pants. I just realized that I still have 2 pairs of pants from that purchase that are still in the original bag. I'll be taking these back to the store next week to hopefully exchange them for something else I need more right now. I want to manage my resources as an act of worship to God. That means I need to be a wise shopper and think and pray well over these matters.
Ok, I guess I can climb off my soapbox for now. But I guess, as a math teacher and a believer who wants to give God control of everything in my life, I am retail's greatest nightmare. Although they will probably make enough money this Christmas that they aren't really worried much about me.
Mr. B.
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