Passion

I remember thinking many times in my classrooms, "They just aren't excited about learning. They have no passion to understand! If I could just engage them and set them on fire about learning! They don't seem teachable." I'm sure my lessons were somewhat adequate and  interested  some of them, but there were always those that I didn't seem to reach. I found it hard to create curiosity; to create a passion for learning. I'm pretty sure they had a passion for something...could have been video games but it surely wasn't school.

What about our lives? Do we feel passion for the right things? What does a passion for Christ do for us? Have you ever felt it? We could have an ever-increasing hunger to know Him more thereby showing His righteousness as we live our daily lives. We could recognize how He works through our suffering for our growth and our good. We could know all this or we could act like many of our students and feed our passions for something other than the the most important relationship we could  have. As believers, we can model a passion for Christ even in our classrooms and pray that it is contagious; that someone who watches us could want what we have. We could try feeding our students' passions as we grow in ours. Christ is our hope, He is in us, and so we can be hope for someone else.

Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored this season.
Barb

Changing a Stone

Have you ever felt ineffective? Like you can't make a difference no matter what you do or how you say it or how many times you try? Sometimes it feels like what I'm trying to do is comparable to changing a stone.

I love stones. They are in bowls, baskets, piles, plants, and buckets all over my house. I love the colors and patterns; the shapes. And I would never try or want to change any of them. But the other day I was having my quiet time with the Lord in my living room. In front of me on the coffee table sits a bowl of stones from Lake Superior. I picked up 3 of them to hold in my hand while I was praying. They were cold to the touch but I held them for enough time to transfer my body heat to them. I put them down when I was done then remembered someone I had forgotten to pray for so I picked them up again but of course, I couldn't remember which 3 I had originally chosen. As I grabbed them I noticed one of them was cold. I thought, "Wow, these 2 have been changed. They're different. I can even change a stone!"

I immediately thought how we're changed by God. He probably sees us as stones sometimes. His touch is what will change us. But just as the stones in my bowl will grow cold again without my touch, we need God's hand on us continually to keep us in His will, surrendered, and obedient. Staying connected to Him allows us to be the conduit between Him and our students, or family, or this broken world. We really can change stones. Teachers are living proof. With God's help, we do it every day.

Hand Written

Have you ever had your handwriting analyzed? I haven't but I am aware that there are people that have studied this science and can tell a lot about you by the way you write. While looking through holiday recipes the other day, I ran across a card in my mother's handwriting. It hit me hard because of her recent passing. There will be no more recipes passed down in her handwriting. I have what I have.

Then it hit me. I am familiar with how she wrote her letters. I could identify her words if you scrambled them up with someone else's. Don't you wonder how that happens? There are 26 letters but everyone writes them down in their own peculiar way. I was thinking about how Scripture was written. These are the most important words we'll ever read and they, too, can be recognized and identified as belonging to a specific Author. What we do with these Words is up to us. I know I love to read letters hand written by a friend or family member. I read and reread them and they warm my heart. God wrote, hand wrote, letters, lessons, and stories for us and they are bound together for us to read and reread. These words should guide us and prompt us to share what's in them and follow the messages.

As we give thanks in this season, I'm thankful the Lord has chosen to write to me; to send me a letter personally and to love me through His Words. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
Barb

Not Meant to Be Like This

I found this quote by Timothy Keller. It says: "Our Christian hope is that we're going to live with Christ in a new earth, where there is not only no more death, but where life is what it was always meant to be." It was an "a-ha" moment for me when I read it. Our lives are not what they were supposed to be.  As teachers, we aren't supposed to have children from broken homes. Homes weren't intended to be broken. We aren't supposed to have children with multiple disorders and diagnoses where learning becomes an insurmountable challenge. Disorders weren't supposed to happen. Poverty, abuses, addictions...none of these household words were supposed to happen. They weren't part of God's original plan.

But we live with them. They are part of our lives and our classrooms are the showrooms of the society we're in; broken, poor, neglected, challenged, hungry, unloved, and the list goes on. These words only begin to describe what you might face at work. Your work is a mission field. It's the real world; a microcosm of a world created by a perfect God but occupied by sin. Don't let that sin get in your way or come between you and the children in your care. They are the product of a sinful world and you may be the only light they see all day. It's your job to embrace the reality of "what really wasn't supposed to be." Not supposed to be, but really is. We certainly can't overlook or dismiss all the challenges in our classrooms but I believe it is our responsibility to love unconditionally whoever comes to us. That's how Jesus lived and I think He wants us to do the same.

Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored,
Barb

Jesus at the Door

I have shared this story with several schools during a devotion time but it bears repeating. It may help one of you one day. A couple years ago I was teaching a particularly difficult class and I had to remind myself often during the day to quiet my words and hold my frustration and anger. One thing that helped me during really stressful days was to visualize a parent at the door of my classroom. I knew that if Mom was watching, I would choose my words carefully and probably be more effective in my disciplining.

While talking to one of my more challenging students, it appeared that one of us needed to get under control and it wasn't going to be me! I'm not proud of the level of my voice or what I might have said but my young student had pushed my last button. Sometime during, "I know I have repeated these directions a hundred times," and "You owe me some recess time!" I turned to see his Mom standing in the doorway; watching.  I quietly walked over to her and began to defend my actions. I explained her son had disrupted the class all morning, had not followed directions, and yes, I had lost my temper. I was caught and there was no reason to deny what was happening. To my surprise, she walked toward me, reached out her arms, gave me a big hug, and said, "You go, Mrs. Quist. You do what you gotta do." The relief was overwhelming. I felt as if I had been redeemed and set free!

I pass this story on, not because I'm proud of my teaching techniques, but because picturing a parent at the door might be worth trying. I soon realized I couldn't always picture a Mom in the door that belonged to whomever I was talking to. So I began picturing Jesus at the door. If Jesus was watching me, how would I react? What words would I choose? Then I thought, if Jesus was at the door He probably wouldn't stay there. He would join me, right at my side. He would calm me, guide me, even give me words to use. What a wonderful thought! So put a parent at the door if you want to, but for real support and the strength you need, put Jesus there. What a help He would be!

Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored,
Barb

Transformation

I read a devotion this morning written by one of my favorite writers, Sarah Young. She helped my understanding of what happens when we allow the Lord to transform our darkness into light. Given a choice, I would choose light as opposed to darkness. Most people probably would. But we live in a broken, dark world. Without the light that Jesus brings to us every day, the "dark" is all we would be able to see. We are asked to live in the world but not be of the world. A trick? Sometimes, but really, if we let Jesus be our Light, keep Him and his hope in us, allow Him to guide our steps and surrender to his will, it is his Light that will let us see, obey, trust, and live in the darkness of our world. He has promised us that. We are not promised a perfect world. But we are promised a Light to help us in our world. What else do we need? Allow yourself to be transformed. Allow Light on your path.

Check out Psalm 18:28  "You, O Lord, keep  my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."

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

Take solace in these Words. They are God-breathed and written for you. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
Barb

Seasons Change

It's hard not to think about the season changing right now; the colors are so vibrant, the temperature changes by the day, the sun is out then it's rainy, reports come in of snow, then the next day it's beautiful again. The raking  has started, people are pulling in their porch furniture, rolling up their hoses and preparing to hunker down for the cold and winter.

Come spring, we'll see more changes. The leaves will come back, the outdoor furniture will return, the lawn mowers will replace the snow blowers, and  you'll probably see your neighbors again! The changes we see serve as time markers for us; visible evidence of time passing. Many of the things I just mentioned are predictable and fairly painless. They're expected and even anticipated with a feeling of welcome. But what will we be doing in this next season? Will anything change with us? Will we grow into something else or move through something, or experience some painful change? The changes that we might encounter may not be so welcomed or anticipated with joy and are not really predictable at all.

We are at the mercy of our Creator. He knows the future, the minute by minute passing of every day. Everything that will happen to us or has happened to us has been ordained by Him. No harm will come that He doesn't already know about and He's prepared to give us what we need to deal with that season.

So as  you witness the changes in our visible world, watch for changes in your personal season. You might even be intentional about initiating a change that you've been wanting to make. In our busy jobs where we are constantly doing for others and meeting everyone else's expectations, consider thinking about making a spiritual change or a "next move" or an "upgrade." What do you think the Lord wishes you would change? Ask Him for help or guidance in making a seasonal change that will be for your good and  His glory.

Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
Barb

Be Still and Know that I Am God

As believers we live much of our lives in "trust" mode. This isn't a bad place to be but sometimes it doesn't feel like solid ground. I have been spending a lot of time in this mode since the passing of my mother last month. I share this with you because part of the legacy that she left me, makes for a great devotion.

 Her favorite verse in the Bible was that very familiar Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." After her passing I wondered what that meant to her and then started wondering what it really meant to me. I did a little research in preparation for what I would share at her memorial service and found the second half of that verse. It says, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." My notes explained the meaning further for me. They said, "Reverently honor him and his power and his majesty. Take time each day to be still and exalt God." I knew then and there that was what my mom wanted me to remember.

Further study took me too MacArthur's commentary and it said, "These twin commands to not panic and to recognize his sovereignty are probably directed to both his nation for comfort and all other nations for warning." This part grabbed me and made me pause. Telling the nations that did not accept God that they should be still and know that He is really God and a God that they should exalt, comes out as a warning! But what a comfort those same words are to us, His children. He is our Father and uses those words to tell us that. I marvel at how those same words are both warning and comfort. 

I would encourage anyone to spend some time meditating on those very words. Being still isn't always an easy thing to do these days, but God deserves our highest praise and being still can reveal His welcome comfort.
Be blessed and highly favored.
Barb

Keep Him Near

I trust you are feeling a little more comfortable with your fall schedule and you and your students are
growing in a new and wonderful relationship. That being said I know there are still some of you that are
changing locations and classrooms. This can be a painful experience. I pray that if you are one of those who are moving, that you will find the blessings that will come in your new assignment.

Changing schools, grade levels, or even classrooms creates an angst in us that is sometimes hard to reckon with. What do we do with those feelings? How do we keep our focus where it should be and off the very thing that demands all our energy? How about giving yourself a cue, something to redirect your attention; something that will remind you who you really are and what's important. My grandson was washing his hands in school one day and as he was drying them, he noticed that the soap he had used (I'm glad he even used soap!) reminded him of me. He told his mom that night that his hands smelled like Grandma so he found himself smelling his hands all day so he could feel close to me. It does create sort of a weird picture but I found it endearing.

Your challenge might be to find something to look at, hold, or yes, even smell, that will create in you a peace that will allow you to be the teacher you were created to be, changing that angst you were feeling into a calm confidence. We don't have to be a re-assigned teacher to look for that cue. We could all benefit from a constant reminder of someone who loves us and grants us His peace.
Blessings,
Barb

A Bittersweet Good-Bye

The school year started and I felt rather removed from all of you and your first days. I was consumed with family matters as my elderly mother spent a week in the hospital and 4 days in a nursing home before going to be with Jesus last night. It was the sweetest of good-byes but still hard to do.

Isn't it amazing what happens when we really submit our wills to the Lord and watch Him work? Much of what happened with my mom these last 10-11 days, was totally out of my control and while it seemed the doctors and nurses were the caretakers, it was evident that even these strangers were being led by the Lord's hand. I was given peace at every turn and discernment with decisions. We never felt frustrated or fearful but trusted that everything was happening just how the Lord ordained it.

The lesson for all of us in this process might be to ask for wisdom when we need it, listen for the voice that delivers it, and accept the peace and comfort that follows. Because follow it will! God promises us that. I pray that your first days with your new students have been exciting and fun. You are the Jesus they need to see so ask for that guidance and strength as you need it. It's there in abundance.
Blessings.
Barb

Follow the (Your) Leader

I was reading in a devotional this morning and there was a reference made to bloopers and church signs or bulletins. It said, "I am their leader! Which way did they go?" At first I laughed then I recalled my classrooms throughout the years parading them down halls, sidewalks, through museums, etc. and hoping everyone followed me. What kept them in line? Sometimes it's enough "responsible" students that always do the right thing and strategically placed, I could hope they had some positive influence. At Art Prize, it was an actual rope that everyone held that kept us moving in a large, slow amoeba like fashion.

I wonder what the Lord is thinking when He sees us not following Him. I think I'm better off with some pretty concrete "ropes" to hang onto to keep me where He wants me to be. My ropes come through Scripture, other people, and prayer. Unlike most of our students who think they have a better way or just like the freedom to go their own way, I choose the rope. I'm safe and loved there. Hopefully your new students will feel safe and loved with you as well. Continued blessings on those who already started their year and fresh blessings on September starters. Follow your Leader!

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in  me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."       John 15:5

From the Good Book

Maybe some of you grew up hearing the phrase "the Good Book" when  someone was referring to the Bible. It never meant to me then, what it does now; like many things in life. Today I just want to send out a couple of my favorite verses from the Good Book. Read, reflect, and here's a good one, ruminate.(Rumination is something a cow does to its food; chewing it over and over. No more details necessary.) Let these words be your refuge today.

"My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; He is all I ever need."   Psalm 73:26

"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."          Psalm 37:23-24

This second verse creates a visual in  my mind. I see the Lord holding my hand as I plod or skip or am dragged through the day and no matter my gate, the Lord can keep me steady. That's a good thing as I am really no good to Him on my face!

Pick a part or phrase of either of these verses and use them as your mantra today. Let the Lord into the details of your life. He delights in them. Even if you don't.!

Sheep or Shepherd?

Let me preface my thoughts with this: When I say "teachers" I use the word to include anyone who interacts with children and is even remotely responsible for their education. No one in a school should be exempt. Having said that, let's think about our role in that educational process. In familiar Bible stories I grew up with, shepherds pop up many times and I thought how fun that might be; to walk along poking lambs and ewes, sitting quietly and watching them graze. On the other hand, the sheep, as it was pointed out to me later, are not the brightest of animals. They need a lot of guidance and prodding and are really quite defenseless.

Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Like the shepherd in ancient times, lying down in the doorway of the fold to keep his flock safe, Jesus is also that door. It is through Him we must walk if we are to be kept safe and as humans, we too, are defenseless against evil, if we are without a shepherd. So what does that say to us as "teachers?" We sometimes are the sheep because our role finds us following someone else's guidance, rules, or prodding. Yet we have the awesome task of being the shepherd to our students. Our families expect that we will keep our students safe, guide them, provide for them and seek them out when they wander. (Wandering can happen in many ways.)

As this week unfolds and many of us are returning to school to prepare our hearts, minds, and rooms for the beginning of another year, think of Jesus, your Shepherd, every time you walk through the doorway of your room, or your office, or even the front door. Whisper Jesus' name as you enter, asking Him to shepherd you and help you be the shepherd you need to be to your "sheep". Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
Ask for His strength and guidance. It's there for you in abundance.

September Already?

No, it's only August. But we all know what August means. It's a mere prefix to September. And September brings with it different things to different people. To educators and anyone affiliated with a school, it means gearing up for another class or the responsibilities of running an office, and kids, and parents...and the list goes on. Our "free time" or that so-called 3 month vacation we all get as teachers, is about to come to a halt. (Don't you wish it really was 3 months long?)

The good news is the Lord didn't take a vacation nor does He need to gear up for your new semester. He's ready to lift you, guide you, and when needed (and needed He will be) He will sustain you. His power is perfect, his love unconditional, and his mercies are endless. Use his strength as you gear up and turn your thoughts towards September. Allow his truths to guide your thoughts and keep your focus on Him. Your burden will be too heavy no matter how excited and motivated you are. Give it to the Lord. He knows your tomorrow and He's ready for you. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.

I hope these words and words to follow will help you keep your direction clear and your burdens light. 1Chronicles 16:11 says, "Look to the Lord and his strength. Seek his face always." Tuck these words away and visit them September 4th. It can't hurt!