Do I have good manners, Lord?

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My Parents and Grandparents this last Christmas

Ever had one of those weeks that appears to have a “theme?”  I believe God speaks to us all the time.  Sometimes He does it by bopping us on the head, or whispering quietly in our ear, or sometimes He brings things into our lives again and again until (if we’re paying attention), we see a pattern.  I’ve had a week that seems to have me feeling like a broken record…then it hit me…there’s a theme here.  God is speaking.  How cool…

We’ve been discussing manners at our house.  It seems to me that many times, as parents, we keep manners in a box.  We limit them to saying “please,” or “thank you,” or not blowing our nose at the dinner table.  But having “good manners” should go deeper than that.  I find myself saying things that my parents and grandparents used to say to me.  The other day, as Mattie and I were leaving my work, I said to her, “Did you pick up the kid’s area?”  She answered that she had, and then I said, “Be sure to leave it better than you found it.”  I didn’t even think before saying it.  It was a concept that was drilled into me by my parents, but I learned it most from my grandparents.  When I was a kid my grandpa was a rural letter carrier.  Every year my grandpa and grandma took us to the state rural letter carriers convention with them.  I remember getting up in the morning and making my bed at the hotel (something I didn’t always do at home) because Grandpa would say, “We always leave a place better than we found it.”  When he taught me this, he was telling me that the housekeeper had worth and we needed to treat her with love and respect—even if we never met her, even if she never knew why we were doing it.  Powerful message, and even though I don’t make my bed at home every day, I always think of that when I stay at someone’s house or at a hotel.

But, there’s more to this theme than one comment.   Our daughter Mattie and I have been having deeper conversations than that.  We had the State Fair last week.  It’s a busy week for us because Mattie has many projects there—her biggest being her rabbits.  So, this year, we invited her cousin to spend the weekend with us.  Mattie and Emma are great friends and they had a good time—although they did get on each other’s nerves at points.  Mattie was challenging me on one of those points while we were riding in the car this last week.  She didn’t understand why I seemed to favor Emma’s ideas over hers.  It was an honest emotion, and I understood why she was frustrated.  I tried to explain to her that it wasn’t that I thought Emma had better ideas, it was because Emma was our guest, and that I was being hospitable.  That concept was difficult for a ten year old–who desires her mother’s approval and felt that my choosing her cousin’s ideas over hers was a sign that I didn’t approve of her– to grasp.  So I turned the tables on her.  It gave me a base to deepen the discussion to one of how she acts when she’s a guest.  Does she behave well knowing that people are trying to be hospitable to her?  Is she putting others before herself?  (She’s always been naturally gracious, so this isn’t a problem, but it was a great conversation.)

God, then deepened the theme that was becoming very transparent, when I read this article that was posted on facebook.  (http://www.prodigalmagazine.com/she-yelled-and-called-me-names/)  It tells the story of a lady who is getting a coffee at Starbucks and is treated very poorly by someone else while in the drive-thru.  But, instead of returning evil for evil, she chooses to try to buy the other lady’s coffee.  One quote that blew me away was this, “Instead of getting mad or yelling back at her, a sense of empathy invaded me. I looked at her again, and this time I saw someone different, someone who wrenched my heart. Her eyes were red and puffy. Her hair was pulled back in a natty ponytail. She held her phone in her palm, glancing down at it every few seconds. And she was driving that big ole’ gas hog of a Suburban, my own car of choice when I had three kids at home and a carpool.”  I don’t know that empathy would have been my first reaction to the lady in question.  If you have a chance to read the article, you’ll see that this woman didn’t deserve empathy at all.  But then I thought of how many times I’ve asked God to “open my eyes and help me to see people as You see them.”  I was convicted.

How many times do I not treat people with empathy?  Whether it be the Fed-Ex guy who is driving me crazy, the woman who pulled out in front of me in the grocery store parking lot, or the person who has sinned against me, how does God want me to react?

Matthew 7:12

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…”

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Matthew 5:39

“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

I Peter 3:9

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

I’ve shared with you that I’ve been battling bitterness with a group of people who have sinned against me.  I also shared that I didn’t handle it well and that I began to return evil for evil.  God’s still refining me…thank goodness!  But, He’s used the lessons I’ve been trying to teach my daughter about having “good manners” to open my heart up to something bigger.

God doesn’t want us to be wimps.  He doesn’t want us get walked on, but He wants us to love others—even when they don’t deserve it, especially when they don’t deserve it.  I think about our political climate right now.  I’m very conservative, and I think about all the things I post that support my views.  But, how many of those things attack instead of inform.  How many of those things aim to do evil to people who don’t agree with me.  Ugh. I’ve not been being very Christ-like.

People are hurting.  “Holier than thou” attitudes will not heal them.  If I really want to be like Christ, then I need to change my perspective.  I need to start to allow Him to open my eyes to what has been going on under the surface.  I need to start to have empathy for those who may choose to hurt me.  I need to choose to carry the cross of the pain they cause me and turn the other cheek—like Christ did when He died for me.  I’m not saying that I’m not going to try to change the world. However, God called me to be a light in the world for Him, not a shotgun.  I must not return evil for evil anymore.  After all, I’ve been raised to leave a place better than I found it. 🙂

Staying Alert in Christ,

Megan

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Daddy Daughter Time

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Righteous man

God’s been whispering truths to me this week.  No hitting me on the head this time; this time His quiet voice whispered.  You see, my husband and I have hit what feels like a brick wall.  We have hit the tween years.  Our daughter is almost 11 years old, and she’s very mature in some ways, and immature in others.  I think most kids are like this.  We’re in a rough patch right now because she’s trying to become more independent…and her parents aren’t ready for that.   So, we’re dealing with some attitude, drama, crying, slamming doors—those of you who have raised girls know exactly what I’m talking about.  My husband is particularly vexed by this change in events.  He’s always been Mattie’s buddy.  He’s not one of those “friend” parents, but she and he have had this amazingly wonderful bond that I’ve been blessed to witness.  However, his fishing, crawdad-catching little girl is turning into a young lady…and he’s struggling.  He still wants his fishing buddy.  He misses her in so many ways.  But, she is pushing him away.  And he is so frustrated and hurt.

When I started this blog a couple days ago, I thought I was supposed to write to you about what dads need to do to keep their relationship close to changing girls.  But God, like He does so many times with me, led me in a different direction.  One night my husband and I stayed up late talking about how important it is for him not to pull away from Mattie during these transition years—which is something I think all daddies of little girls face.  (He’s doing an awesome job staying in the battle by the way.)  I found myself explaining why he needed to fight so hard for her heart.  I explained that she will put his traits onto her Heavenly Father.  I implored that he not back away from her…because he represents God in so many ways in her life.  For instance, if he pulls away and and “gives up” when she is sassing, then she will, as she gets older, believe that her heavenly Father can give up on her too.  It was a hard conversation for both of us.  We were both shedding tears of frustration, hurt, and mostly love for our daughter.  I don’t think she has any idea how much we want to help her during this time.

As I worked through my feelings on this and prepared to write this blog, God whispered to me, “Put yourself in his shoes for a bit.”  You see, Jason and Mattie could always talk about anything.  No question was off-limits; she knew she could ask him anything.  They were better at talking than I ever was with her.  A teacher at heart, I was always instructing.  But he was able to listen, explore, and go on adventures with her.  His relationship with her was awe-inspiring.  But now, I am the one she talks to.  We go shopping, get our nails done, and have “girl talk” about how her body is changing, about boys, and about how women fit into the world we live in.  And Daddy, “Just doesn’t understand” anymore.  When I stepped into Jason’s shoes, my heart broke.  I felt like I’d lost something that I could never get back.  I began to weep…and God whispered, “That is how I feel about you…” Ouch.

I asked God, “How have I done that to you, Lord?”  He showed me how I’ve not been the best at going to Him in prayer in the last few months.  I used to sit and talk to Him about everything that was in my life.  But, the battle that I had at work caused me to start obligatorily praying, and not truly spending time with my heavenly “daddy.”  I realized that He felt the very way Jason did, multiplied exponentially, about me.  I’ve been putting Him in a box…I’ve been feeling much like Mattie does, that God, “just doesn’t understand…”
Amazingly, He does understand, and I know that.  He wants to have time with me.  He wants our long chats back.  He wants all of me again.  How I’ve grieved Him…just like my daughter is grieving my husband right now.
My sweet husband has been making “daddy daughter time” a major priority.  He’s taking her fishing, taking her for walks, and really trying to spend real quality time with her.  He’s been loving on her—even when she’s not very lovable.
God wants to do the same thing with me, actually with all of us.  He wants His “daddy daughter time” too.   But I have to meet Him half way.  I have to listen to the whispers in my ear, and I have to respond.  I have to answer when my Daddy calls…He doesn’t want to bop me on the head to get my attention…He wants me to want to spend time with Him.   He wants every part of my life.I think about my sweet daughter, who is having some really not-so-sweet moments right now, and I think of how we all are like her.  We’re mature in some ways, and really immature in others.  God wants us to grow—just like Jason and I want Mattie to grow.  God wants to see us become everything He gifted us to be!  I don’t know about you, but this week, and until He needs to remind me again, I’m going to schedule some real “daddy daughter time.”
Here are some pictures of Jason and Mattie on some of their adventures during the years.  I hope you enjoy them, and they remind you how important fatherhood is and how important you are to your Father.
Staying Alert in Christ,
Megan
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Jason and Mattie when she was two.
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Jason and Mattie age three
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Jason and Mattie age five
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Jason and Mattie age six
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Mattie, age ten, just two days ago having her “daddy daughter time.”

Lessons on Legalism Part 2: Making God Frown

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I have to admit; I’ve had trouble writing this blog.  I’ve put it together several times in my head and on paper, and it never seemed to work out right. I either sounded wishy-washy, or I sounded bitter.  It’s been hard because I am battling bitterness right now.  I totally believe God wanted me to write and publish my last blog.  But, it’s like He’s now frowning, saying, “Okay, you got it off your chest.  You were right.  You proved it.  You spoke it.  And, you’re done.”  So, this will be my last blog in this series.  I won’t be writing four; I’ll end it with two.  God is done with my writing on this subject, and He’s made that clear.  It’s my job to obey.  I don’t like it when I make God frown.

The other thing that He’s been speaking to me about is that I need to be honest.  I was part of the legalistic problem.  In order for me to truly be able to write this blog, I have to accept part of the blame.  I don’t want to do that.  I don’t think anyone likes taking blame…but this is particularly hard for me, because I bought into the lie.  I bought into legalism hook, line, and (definitely) sinker…So, for me to write this and really speak to you…I need to be honest.  The reason I understand and see the dangers of legalism are because I was one.

I truly believe that people don’t step into legalism on purpose.  I know I didn’t.  I stepped into it with a real desire to please God. I became close to a group of people who were following God with all their hearts, or at least that’s what I believed at the time, and I did grow closer to God at first.  Being legalistic feels like a call to righteousness.  But, what eventually happened is that I started to believe that I knew better than the Holy Spirit.  Instead of reading my bible and letting it speak to me, I started using it to find proofs for what I believed.  (Which is what I was doing in my last post, I might add…anyone besides me find it dry?  🙂  )   I started holding people to a standard that I couldn’t meet. I became critical, judgmental, and very un-Christlike.

I didn’t used to be this way.  I just liked to love on people.  I listened.  It was one of the things my students liked about me.  I would talk to them about how much God loved them.  I would show them God’s love by forgiving them, and by loving them no matter what they did.  However, the last year of my teaching, I didn’t do that at all.  To other people, I would defend my students and fight for them, but in the classroom I spent most of my time chewing them out for the very things I was trying to protect them from.  It was a vicious cycle.  They stopped believing that I loved them.  They started to rebel against me, and against God.  It was the hardest thing I’ve experienced teaching.  I watched them become the very thing I was fighting against.  And, because I was fighting against legalism everywhere but in my own classroom, I had no support system. I’d become the enemy.  The other teachers had become like Cain and wanted to destroy Abel.  I felt very alone.

It would be easy for me to say that the blame belonged to the other staff.  The truth is, much of it was.  My students had progressed through a very legalistic system—which is why they loved my classroom so much.   But, as a friend pointed out, I began to return evil for evil.   I was part of the problem because I’d stopped fighting the good fight.  I’d become the enemy.  I was just as bad as were.

But, there is hope.  In my case, God led me to step away so the school could heal.  The school has almost all new staff—staff that love God and desire to show God to the world (not just shelter their children from it).  The board also took my suggestions to heart and put almost everything I’d asked for into place.  It’s not the same school.  God used my brokenness and made something truly wonderful.  I can attest to this because after explaining to God how I never wanted my daughter to go back there, He told me that she should.  Talk about humbling. And she is LOVING this school year.  She comes home every day, excited and fueled. It’s amazing.  I pray every student is feeling this.  I especially pray for my former students whom I failed in so many ways last year.  God is good.  He has a plan for them, and even though they may not believe it, He’s been breaking away the legalistic shell (that I didn’t create but couldn’t seem to destroy) that stifled their growth and crushed their faith. And, he’s changing me back into a person who is just in love with Him…I know it, because others are seeing it in me.  I’m seeing it in myself, and I know God is smiling…

Staying Alert in Christ,

Megan

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Lessons on Legalism: Part I

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An Explanation

Those of you who know me, know that I have been working in Christian education for the last three years.  While I worked in that atmosphere, I learned many important lessons about Christ, His character, and who I am in Him.  I’m still working through many of my feelings about this season in my life, but I want to make it clear that this post is not meant to “bash” the school I worked at.  It is not meant to “bash” certain people who worked there, or Christian education as a whole.  These are lessons that I’m sorting through, and I pray writing this is helping me to process and apply these lessons.  I may not always feel the way I do today.  God has a way of refining me little by little and not all at once.  I’m sure as time passes, I’ll grow to see the big picture and what God was doing during this time.  I pray that the lessons I’m going to share with you in my next four blogs are helpful and that they bless you.  I am being very careful not to attack anyone, but because you need to understand where I have been the last three years in order to understand these lessons, I am going to list examples from my experience.  I will not be giving any names, and the examples I’m listing are pretty benign, meaning they are not representative of the worst situations that I experienced.   They are actually representative of the pettiest things that happened.  I’m doing this deliberately not only so that you can see simple examples, but also to protect those who were involved.  Some of these examples have a huge back-story that I’m not going to explain.  It is not the purpose of this blog to vent or to gain approval of my actions or feelings.  I hope this makes sense.  Additionally, I pray that God leads my hands as I write.  I pray that this post is a blessing and not a hindrance to any person’s faith.

A Definition

What is Legalism?  Wikipedia defines it as a “pejorative term referring to an over-emphasis on discipline of conduct, or legal ideas, usually implying an allegation of misguided rigor, pride, superficiality, the neglect of mercy, and ignorance of the grace of God or emphasizing the letter of law at the expense of the spirit. Legalism is alleged against any view that obedience to law, not faith in God’s grace, is the pre-eminent principle of redemption.”  To put it simply, it is a direct focus on the works of the sinner and not the grace of the King.  It is a simplistic faith that many are drawn to because it’s easy.  A + B = C.  Black and White.  Simple.

But, God does not call us to a simplistic faith.  He calls us to a complex one.  He knows we’re going to get our hands dirty.  If we’re truly following Him, life will be hard.  His life on earth wasn’t easy.  Jesus didn’t stay in the lines of organized religion.  He drew outside of them.   I love the song “My Jesus” by Todd Agnew.  It does an excellent job describing the Jesus I know and love.  The truth is that when we are drawn into legalism, we are either going to stop growing as a Christian, or we’re going to tick a bunch of people off—which is exactly what I did.

But, I want to be clear, I am in no way advocating disavowing the Law.  Romans 6: 1-2 says, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?”  If we are following Christ on this great adventure that is life, we cannot continue to live in sin.  He won’t let us.  Although He didn’t follow the “rules,” he never sinned.  That is the life He’s calling us into.  It is not okay to break the law because we don’t agree with it.  Rather, if our focus is on Christ, and not on the law, we will live in His grace.  We will grow in our faith.  And, we will not be drawn into sin.

A Couple Simple Examples

Here are three examples of my time living and working in a legalistic environment.

1.     Dancing is evil.  I taught 7th through 12th grade.  I didn’t have very many students, but the students I did have mentioned one of the things they’d miss most about going to public high school was a prom.  We didn’t have organized sports or academic activities either;  the school  was primarily focused on their education.  So, after visiting with some of the parents about it, I visited with the other teachers.  The response from them was adamant.  Dancing, and public dances are all evil.  They were shocked I would consider it.  Truth be told, I thought that if the parent organization wanted to put together a banquet for the students, I was all for it.  However, I didn’t have an issue with a dance.  If it’s well supervised and good music was played, then I thought it might even be a blessing.

2.     Modern Christian music is dangerous.  One of the things three of my female students wanted to do in a parade was play Jamie Grace music and twirl batons.  I was trying to find a way that we could play the music loud enough for the spectators to hear, when another teacher challenged me.  She said she felt that any music that “sounded” like secular music was dangerous and wouldn’t be a good representation of our school.  She wanted to know if my students could twirl to an old hymn so that the music would be “different” from what the worldy teens were used to.  I tried to explain that my students were trying to show that being a Christian isn’t uncool, but that we can have a lot of fun too.  But, the issue was pushed until my students decided it was too much of a hassle to do it at all.  They didn’t twirl in the parade.

3.     Showing grace is too much to ask.  One of my students, during a mentoring session with younger kids, mentioned that she was often frustrated with her father–a common tween to teen feeling.  I was confronted by a teacher about the exchange.  The teacher conceded that the student wasn’t making fun of her dad, or even being truly disrespectful, but that she didn’t think that it was good for her to be disparaging her relationship with her father in front of younger students.  She went on to insist that my student not be allowed to mentor any more because of the comment she made.  I told her I thought that was a little too strong of a response.  I assured her that I would talk to the student about being respectful to her elders, whether she’s getting along with them or not—which I did.  However, the teacher in question didn’t let it go.  I found myself discussing it with her several more times.  She wanted the young lady removed from the mentoring program and even verbally attacked the student’s Christian character when I didn’t bend to her will.

Here’s the crux–scripture can back each of these examples up.  Dancing, although it’s done in the Bible by many of God’s people, can be viewed as lewd behavior.  At times it really is a sin; I agree with that.  However, that is not to say that what these students were asking for was sinful.  Often legalistic people use the argument that we must, “avoid the appearance of sin,” as an excuse to ban anything they are uncomfortable with.  That is also the excuse to ban music—Christian or not.  Finally, it’s obvious what scriptural example was used in the last example:  “Honor your father and mother.”  However, what each of these examples is missing is Christ.  Jesus never said that it was a sin to dance.  In fact, King David, was known for his dancing and he was called “a man after my own heart,” by God.  Additionally, I truly doubt that Jesus would disparage Jamie Grace’s (an awesome new Christian musician) music because it sounds like songs that are on secular radio.  The words don’t sound anything like secular radio.  “Lord I love it when You hold me…” were the lyrics to the chorus.  Finally, God calls us to show grace and mercy to all people—even ones who make mistakes.

What it all Boils Down to

What legalism is at its core is a faith that is built on works and not grace.  People who become legalistic in their day-to-day walk have forgotten that they are depraved sinners who are nothing without Christ.  They have replaced a daily search for Christ with a pride that they know best, and a self-righteousness built from the laws they follow.  The truth is, it’s easier to live like that, than to live like Christ.  We are called to take up our cross (a instrument of execution) and follow Him.  That’s not easy. Not at all.  In Corinthians Paul describes people who are living this lifestyle.  He says, “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.  I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”  (I Corinthians 3:1-3)  We humans want to be in control.  We don’t like feeling weak.  We don’t like to admit we don’t know the answers and that the answers aren’t always easy.  Legalists believe they know the answers.  They live in a world where everything is black and white, and there are no shades of grey.  Following their rules gives them control.  So if we are living in legalism, we are not growing.  God wants to offer us steak, but we’re stuck drinking the milk of babies.

Personally, I prefer steak.

Over the next month I’ll be expounding on the dangers of legalism.  I hope these bless you, challenge you, and make you grow.  The time I spent in living in legalism has definitely done that to me.

Also, if you haven’t liked my facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/stayingalert) please do so.  I am starting a daily bible study tomorrow to further challenge me, and to, hopefully, bless you.

Staying Alert in Christ,

Megan

Go ahead God, bop me on the head again…

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The other day, God bopped me on the head.  After I’d completed my first official blog I went on a walk.  I was all comfy, wearing my “Flashdance” sweatshirt (even though I’ve never actually seen that movie!), and my sweat shorts. I’ll admit, I was pretty proud of myself.  I felt like I’d actually accomplished something.  And, I was already starting to brainstorm my next post.  On a whim, I pulled out my cellphone and took a “selfie.” I see people’s portraits of themselves all the time on facebook, and I hardly ever do one of myself–although I love to do them with my daughter.  I had fun.  I had some goofy expressions, as you’ll see below, but overall I didn’t look like a total cow, so I considered it a success.  As I walked, I continued brainstorming.  I took some other pictures (that I’ll probably put in another post), I visited with my dogs, and I prayed.  That’s when I realized it:  I was taking a picture of myself, to perhaps post on my blog… and this is a blog about whom exactly?  It’s not supposed to be about me.

Isn’t it funny how sin sneaks up on us.  One of the sins I battle the most is pride.  It’s partly because of the country I’ve been raised in.  Don’t get me wrong; I love the USA, but what are we all about?  Pride.  We take pride in our work, pride in our schools, pride in who we are.  We are proud.  Part of my battle has been in trying to “do things right,” and to “take pride in my work.”  These are not bad things–really.  But, they are dangerous if we get too caught up in them–like I have done many times in my life.  And, this realization got me to reliving the times in my life where God took me down a notch or two.  He’s had to do that, and as ashamed as I am to admit it, He always gave me fair warning before hand.  He always said, “Megan, this isn’t about you, it’s about Me.”  But, I didn’t listen.  I let my feelings, my desires, my sense of fair play guide my thoughts and actions.  I took my eyes off  Him, and focused on Me.  That is always a recipe for disaster.

So, since I took my “selfie,” I’ve been pondering what it would be like if–instead of focusing on my feelings, wants, desires, etc.– I focused only on God’s.  What would that do?  Would I still take pride in my work?  Yes, I’d be doing it unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).  My pride would be refocused.  I would be “proud” of God–not of myself.

I’ve seen pride tear friends apart.  I’ve seen it create rifts in churches.  I’ve seen it create destruction in marriages.  Misplaced pride will always lead to defeat.  What’s the old saying?  “Pride comes before the fall.”  That’s scripture you know.  It’s found in Proverbs 16:18.  God knows what He’s talking about.

What else does the bible say about pride?  Here are some more from King Solomon in Proverbs:

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“By insolence [Pride] comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10

“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”  Proverbs 29:23

So, pride doesn’t get us anywhere we want to go.  It’s mind-blowing if you really think about it.  What we are constantly fed by society is that we should be proud of ourselves.  We live in an entitled world.  That entitlement comes from pride.  We think we deserve (fill in the blank) because we’ve earned it.  One of my old pastors said something that has stuck with me my whole life.  He said, “The only thing we’re entitled to is to spend eternity in hell.  Everything else is a blessing from God.”

What would happen if we really started to live for God?  That’s what the apostle Paul was talking about when he wrote his letter to the Philippians 3:4-9:

“…If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.  But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith inChrist—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

By the earthly standards in Paul’s time, he had arrived.  He had done all that was required of him and more.  He was zealous about his religion, and took great pride in punishing those who followed Christ instead of the Pharisaical rule.  He was respected.  He was praised.  He had a lot to be proud of.  But, after God got his attention and he realized what it was that he was actually called to do, Paul threw it all away to follow Christ.   None of the worldly standards mattered to him anymore.  Wow.  Talk about a powerful faith.  Paul also gave credit to where it is truly due.  To Christ.  All is lost, but Christ is gain.  Powerful.

Consider what that would look like.  Matthew West wrote a song called, “My Own Little World.”  It’s a favorite of mine.  My favorite line is, “Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours.  Give me open hands and open doors.
Put Your light in my eyes and let me see.  That my own little world is not about me.”

Lord, give me the strength to live like that.  Remind me that my world is about You, and not me.  Help me to see that my pride is but rubbish compared to Your glory.   And feel free to bop me on the head when I forget.

Here is a goofy “selfie”  Enjoy!  image

I’ve created a facebook page where I’m posting my blog and enriching information.  Please go and like the page.  I hope it blesses you. https://www.facebook.com/stayingalert

Staying Alert in Christ,

Megan

Am I there yet, Lord?

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My daughter and me on our vacation.

My daughter and me on our vacation.

Good day!  I’ve been pondering where to start with my blog.  It’s been hard.  I’m pretty opinionated, and–like most women–I’ve always got a lot on my mind.  I didn’t want to go “too deep” on my first real post and run anyone away, but I’m not looking to write fluff either.  So, Here’s what I came up with.  I hope you are blessed by it! 

“Are we there yet???”

We just returned from a wonderful vacation.  It was one we really needed after a stressful year.  Our daughter, who is normally super sweet and pretty easy going, is in a rather impatient stage right now.  And, since our trip included 18 hours worth of driving, we heard the stereotypical childhood complaints from the back seat.  Overall, she wasn’t terrible about it, but we did have to remind her about every 10 miles to be patient, that there are good things around the corner–to enjoy the ride, and the blessings God has allowed us to experience.  You know, good parent “stuff.”  All of that “stuff” came back to bite me today, as I was complaining to God about my current situation.

You see, when I gave in and decided to be a teacher (“gave in” is the appropriate phrase here, it’s not that I didn’t want to be a teacher, but I’ll get to that in another post.)  I saw myself being much like my parents were and working in the same district for 30+ years.  I wanted to see my student’s children come through my classroom.  I wanted to invest in a community and leave a legacy behind me, like they did.  Unfortunately, that has not been God’s plan for me.  Up-to-date, I’ve worked in three public schools and one private school.  I have made lasting relationships with many of my students, but I haven’t stayed very long in one place–as per my dream.  I can honestly say that each time I made a change I did so knowing I was following God’s will.  I knew that He had a real plan and that it was my job to follow His lead.

I just started a new job this week.  It’s one that I want.  I know God’s in it, because he’s indicated as much when I’m in my quiet time. A bonus is that I get to work for an awesomely fun, godly lady.  It’s work, but it’s cake too.  But, it’s not enough to pay the bills.  So, I’m looking to add to it.  And, I’m not sure what God wants me to do to fill the gap.  I know that I’m burned out and need some rest from teaching.  My last job had me teaching 4 courses to 6 grade levels.  It was an impossible job, and although I did it to the best of my ability, I know the kids would have benefited from having more teachers.  I’m so glad that the school has now done what I kept pushing for and hired more teachers to fill my position.  But, I digress.  As I was working today, two things happened.  First, a young lady, who I’d had in class before, stopped into the shop for lunch and a visit.  We were visiting about her school years and I truly enjoyed the conversation.  It was a huge blessing.  Second, a sweet friend stopped in and visited too.  She didn’t know I was working there, so we spent some time catching up.  I filled her in on why I wanted a job where I didn’t have to make lesson plans and grade papers.  She totally understood, and empathized.

Here’s where I became like my daughter.  I started getting really down after both of these conversations.  They were both uplifting and a blessing, but I caught myself complaining to God.  “Why aren’t I there yet Lord?”  This is not the life I had planned for myself.  This is not supposed to be in the works.  I’m supposed to be tenured with a growing retirement and onto my second generation of students.  Although I love my new job, and it’s blessing me immensely, I started thinking, “what’s wrong with me?”  I want to feel like I’ve arrived.  I want to feel like I’m part of some grand plan.  I want, I want, I want…

Then it hit me.  What had I been saying to my sweet daughter, Mattie,  just a week ago?  God whispered in my ear, “we’re not there yet, but there’s good things around the corner.  Enjoy the blessings that I’m giving you.  Don’t be anxious for what’s to come, but live in the now.  I’m here.  I didn’t promise you an easy life, but I did promise that I’d bless you and I’d be with you…”  And He went on from there.

I flashed back to the mixed feelings I had when Mattie was grousing.  I knew what was coming and I wanted her to enjoy the plans we’d made for her.  I was disappointed with her impatience because I knew that the trip could be one of her best memories–not just the destination.  I started apologizing to God.  I knew that I’d made my heavenly father feel that same disappointment.  He knows what’s coming.  It’s a blessing.  But He wants me to stay in the now…and not worry about what’s around the bend.

Two well known verses came to mind immediately too–I love it when God reinforces what he lays on our hearts with His Word.  The first is Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”  God knows the destination.  He knows what’s coming, even though we don’t.  He knows that it’s a blessing.  He wants us to, “… throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3.

Okay Lord, I’ll be patient.

Staying Alert in Christ,

Megan

I’m finally writing…

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I’ve felt God tugging on my heart for quite a while telling me He wanted me to write.  I’ve even started writing a couple books.  But, I’ve never taken the time and been deliberate with my writing.  Now, because of a job change that allows me to have more time with Him, I finally am writing!  I am excited.  I’m very nervous too.  My first step was to create this blog.  I still have no idea what I’m doing, so please be patient with me!  However, I also know that I’m being obedient and that’s what’s important.  I’ve titled this blog “staying alert” because that is what will be my focus.  The world is crazy.  We are living in a modern day Babylon.  And, because of this “messy modern world,” we all loose focus on what is important.  We aren’t alert to what is going on around us.  We don’t see what the enemy is doing.  This page is to help me as much as it is to be a light for you.  By me being deliberate about writing, I can really keep myself alert to what God is doing, and to really see Him.  I hope this page blesses you as much as I know it will bless me by writing it!

Remember:  2 Peter 3:17-18

Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.