Tonight, our fair featured a sideshow. Yes, I am certain many would have paid to see this debacle.
I had a wonderful dinner last night with two good friends. I arrived home to a jug of syrup sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor. I thought it was odd, but I was not surprised. I have raised two wonderful girls, but when it comes to them keeping things neat and orderly around the home, I have failed miserably. Having accepted that fact, I shrugged and made a note to self to put the syrup away in the cabinet once I emptied my arms and checked on the girls.
I stopped at Lily's room first. With big wide eyes, she said, "Mom. The scariest thing happened tonight. There was a huge spider in the kitchen," as she holds her hands forming a circle the size of a softball. "AND, it was one of those jumping spiders. Every time I got close, it would jump at me." She goes on to tell me that our precious little Shihtzu wanted to eat it. With no remorse at all she says, "And, I was going to let her eat it, but then it started jumping at her and she got scared and ran away." With a great sense of accomplishment, she squared her shoulders and said, "I got it though. I took the bottle of syrup from the pantry and squished it." I just sighed deeply.
I decided at that point to check on Anna who was suspiciously missing. She was not in any part of the house and had not answered when I called out to her on several occasions. I knew what was in store for me. She was hiding and waiting patiently to jump out and scare me. I insist that every time she startles me, I am certain that she takes at least two weeks off my life span. Yet, she continues to take great pleasure in giving me a fright. As I peeped around various corners, I prepared myself. I knew it was coming, so I would not be taken by surprise. Here is the thing about Anna. While she is one of the most impatient people that God has ever put on the face of this earth, when it comes to startling her mother, she has the patience of ten Jobs! She waited it out for about ten minutes until I had finally dropped my guard and accepted the fact that a fright was forthcoming. I walked into my bedroom and she jumped out from behind my door. I projected a bloodcurdling scream that was loud enough to alert all the neighbors as I had mild heart attack.
When I prepared the morning coffee, I noticed the syrup bottle on the kitchen floor. I picked it up and there was the tiny corpse of the ferocious, jumping spider. It was about half the size of a dime. As I chuckled at the mental image of Lily and Lulu fighting the beast, I felt a sense of satisfaction in my soul. I thought to myself that we have truly survived the storm and built a new life. There is very little that is normal and ordinary about this life, but I love every quirky minute of it.
Psalm 30:5 says that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. It was a very dark night for us, but thanks be to God and many amazing people in my life, our morning has come.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
All Hope Is NOT Lost!
Last night, one of my student's facebook status read, "I don't want to be here anymore." I had an idea what he was dealing with. It was probably a breakup. As adults, we look at such relationships as trivial and flighty. However, to the broken hearted teen, it is anything but trivial. Momentarily, he has lost all hope.
How does Webster define hope? Hope is a desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment. It is a wonderful thing to have hope for a given situation. The situation may be grave. Doctors say there is a 90% mortality rate. Yet, the deep seated hope within us says that there is still a chance of survival. The chance may be small, but hope clings to that chance and believes that it will happen.
What are we to do when we realize that the expectation will not become a reality. The alternate reality stares us in the face, taunting us, "Why did you even dare to hope?" At that moment, we are tempted to lose all hope. Look at all the wasted energy that went into hoping. Now what?... Now, my friend, you cling to the whisper of a thought that you will not always feel the despair that you are currently experiencing.
I drive thirty minutes out into the country to teach. The first year I taught, I would get to work very early. Every morning, I would pass by Alexis as she was standing at the end of her road waiting for the school bus. We didn't even know each other's name, but that was our first connection.
Since then, I have had the privilege to teach her. We had our good days that year, when we laughed and learned much. However, life also dealt us both some bad days. During those times, it just wasn't much fun. She and I have a special saying that we shared on such days: Tomorrow will be a better day!
It is a simple a statement of hope. In the moment, for whatever reason, you feel as though a black hole has opened up and swallowed you into the chaos of darkness and nothingness. You have no reason to believe that you will ever feel better again. But, you make a conscious choice to believe that you will not stay stuck in the quagmire. It usually starts out as a state of mind. There may not be one shred of evidence that life will get better. In actuality, it seems to only have the possibility to get worse.
A good friend gave me a wonderful illustration. She said, imagine that you are in a dark tunnel. You look down that seemingly endless darkness and see nothing. Then you look again. There it is! At the very end is one small ray of light squeezing its way through the keyhole that will eventually be your escape from the darkness. It is then that you can say, "Yes, tomorrow will be a better day."
Life can take many things away from you, but there is one thing that noone or nothing can ever steal from you: Hope. I believe Martin Luther King, Jr said it best, "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
Psalm 71:14 (New International Version, ©2010)
14 As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
I loved them all.
As I was working on a sewing project last week, I placed a small bowl on the table beside the machine. When I cut excess thread, I would drop the pieces into the bowl. A couple of hours into the project, there was a small mound of thread. I looked at it and smiled. It was Mrs. Mattie Lou that taught me that trick many years ago. I was a young mother and she was a member of our church. When it came to sewing, she was more than a seamstress. She was an artist.
I loved being a pastor's wife and truly felt as though God had placed me right where I was supposed to be. When my marriage ended, that role ended as well. Initially, I struggled greatly with that. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to have so many wonderful people as a part of my life. The wealth of knowledge that I have gained from so many of those wise parishoners has greatly shaped me into the person that I am today.
Before there was extreme couponing, it was Elizabeth who taught me how to shop the sale papers. She was the one who taught me that $0.79/lb was a really good price for chicken. I still think of her when I bake her squash casserole or chicken pot pie. Often, I quote her when I ask someone to pray for something, "If the Lord reminds you, would you please pray for..."
I guess God saw that I was lacking in self discipline, so he brought Jan into my life when we pastored in Montgomery. Every morning at 5:10, she was waiting by my driveway. We were off for a brisk two mile walk. This was no morning stroll, mind you! It was a hustle. She was a few years older and many years wiser than this young mother. When I complained about a church member that I thought was being incredibly different to deal with, she would just smile and chuckle a little and say, "Amy, just be glad you are not them." I have sure used that line many times in the years that followed.
In Slapout, He continued to bring more good friends into my life. Karen taught me that you can let go of bitterness, even when you have been greatly wronged. Alice taught me how to cook incredible fried rice and egg rolls. Ms. Jo showed me how to cling to your faith even after losing your only child and husband within a few short months. Whenever I am tempted to lose heart, I think of many of these dear friends and it gives me a little boost to carry on.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There were so many others that added so much spice to the flavor of my life. I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of all that I have gained. Above all, I am thankful for the love and compassion that been poured out to me through the years.
There is rarely a month that passes without Charles giving me a call. He was an older member of the Baptist congregation in Slapout, but we called him one of our own. When he calls, he always ends the conversation by saying, "You know God loves you and you know I do too." I do know that he loves me and that has given me great comfort during some very difficult moments.
With just as much strength and certainty as God brought the call to be a the wife of a minister to me, he released me. That was a wonderful part of my life, but I no longer miss being in that role. He has moved me to different areas of minister and I never look back with longing, only gratitude.
Mrs. Mattie Lou taught me just about everything I know about sewing. I would proudly take my completed projects to her. The first thing she would do was turn them inside out. She always said that they should look as good on the inside as they did on the outside. Even though she was holding a small smocked dress in her hands, she was teaching me about life. At times, each and every one of us are going to have our lives turned inside out for the world to see. I learned from Mrs. Mattie Lou, that I should live my life in such a way, that when those times comes, the world will see ragged and torn edges that have been beautiful finished by the hand of the Master Tailor.
I loved being a pastor's wife and truly felt as though God had placed me right where I was supposed to be. When my marriage ended, that role ended as well. Initially, I struggled greatly with that. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to have so many wonderful people as a part of my life. The wealth of knowledge that I have gained from so many of those wise parishoners has greatly shaped me into the person that I am today.
 |
| My dear Elizabeth |
I guess God saw that I was lacking in self discipline, so he brought Jan into my life when we pastored in Montgomery. Every morning at 5:10, she was waiting by my driveway. We were off for a brisk two mile walk. This was no morning stroll, mind you! It was a hustle. She was a few years older and many years wiser than this young mother. When I complained about a church member that I thought was being incredibly different to deal with, she would just smile and chuckle a little and say, "Amy, just be glad you are not them." I have sure used that line many times in the years that followed.
In Slapout, He continued to bring more good friends into my life. Karen taught me that you can let go of bitterness, even when you have been greatly wronged. Alice taught me how to cook incredible fried rice and egg rolls. Ms. Jo showed me how to cling to your faith even after losing your only child and husband within a few short months. Whenever I am tempted to lose heart, I think of many of these dear friends and it gives me a little boost to carry on.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There were so many others that added so much spice to the flavor of my life. I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of all that I have gained. Above all, I am thankful for the love and compassion that been poured out to me through the years.
There is rarely a month that passes without Charles giving me a call. He was an older member of the Baptist congregation in Slapout, but we called him one of our own. When he calls, he always ends the conversation by saying, "You know God loves you and you know I do too." I do know that he loves me and that has given me great comfort during some very difficult moments.
With just as much strength and certainty as God brought the call to be a the wife of a minister to me, he released me. That was a wonderful part of my life, but I no longer miss being in that role. He has moved me to different areas of minister and I never look back with longing, only gratitude.
Mrs. Mattie Lou taught me just about everything I know about sewing. I would proudly take my completed projects to her. The first thing she would do was turn them inside out. She always said that they should look as good on the inside as they did on the outside. Even though she was holding a small smocked dress in her hands, she was teaching me about life. At times, each and every one of us are going to have our lives turned inside out for the world to see. I learned from Mrs. Mattie Lou, that I should live my life in such a way, that when those times comes, the world will see ragged and torn edges that have been beautiful finished by the hand of the Master Tailor.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Dear God, will there be No-See-Ums in heaven?
I can hardly focus on writing this blog, because my legs have been eaten alive by No-See-Ums. My gracious neighbor came over to get my pool pump working and the Family Ceratopogonidae spotted dinner! I have these nice, meaty legs. When I was 13, my grandmother said, "You got fat legs just like ya PaPaw had. But, they'll be purty when yur older. You won't have those bad veins." Can I tell you that the last thing that a 13 year old needs to hear is that she has fat legs, much less that they look like her grandfather's. Now that I am older, I can appreciate my fat legs, but so can the obnoxious No-See-Ums. They see me coming and I swear they call their friends to join them at this "all you can eat" buffet.
I decided to read up on these creatures. They are tiny biting flies. You don't feel the bite initially, but within a matter of moments, they begin to itch. By the time you realize that you have become dinner, it is too late. They have already feasted and you are a scratching maniac.
They usually reside around water. They often live in shrubs or you may find them in a thick layer of dead leaves. Well, I didn't realize that I am such a gracious hostess to these pesky little insects. I have a pool, so I provide them with ample water. And, lately, I have been dumping the leaves from the filter by the pool pump rather than putting them in the trash. What a relaxing little habitat I have created for them!
The article goes on to tell how to avoid them. Don't scrub your feet around in leaves. You will stir them up. While they are very difficult to see individually, sometimes you can see them swarming. In this case, shut your mouth. You might swallow or breath some in. They won't hurt you, but they might make you cough. And, frankly, who wants to think of swallowing a few hundred No-See-Ums. Also, if you see a them swarming, walk away, as they tend to locate in one general area. More extensively, you can keep your grass cut and take the dead leaves to the trash! However, the best way to avoid the insect bites is to spray on insect repellent. Don't worry, the article says that you only have to use it fall, spring and summer. Just think of the aroma of the repellent as the latest Eau de Parfum on the market. And at $6.99 for a 20 ounce can, you get a really good deal!
There are other No-See-Ums in our lives. We all have them. They are people or situations that we get in the middle of that end up causing rashes of anger, hurt feelings, discontent, etc. We can apply the same methods that we do with the real insects. First of all, keep our mouth shut. So much can be avoided if we just learn when to be quiet. Next, there are times, that we need to just walk away. We see a situation that is leading to no good, so the best thing we can do is remove ourselves. Additionally, we can check out the habitat we are creating in our lives. Are we taking the debris out to the trash or do we keep it in our heart allowing it to decay and become an inviting home for the flies of bitterness? Finally, we must remember that as Christians, we have the greatest repellent available. In John 14, Jesus promised us a helper. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."
I want to leave with one final thought. I have to say tonight, "God, forgive me for the times that I have been the biting insect. The one who caused pain and irritation to another." We all have worn that shoe at one time or another. I pray that God would keep me ever mindful to the way that my actions affect others. May the Advocate who is with me, gently nudge me when I head in a direction that could cause pain. If I do not acknowledge, may He grip me so tightly that I would feel His imprints on my heart and be able to see the pain I could cause others through His eyes.
I decided to read up on these creatures. They are tiny biting flies. You don't feel the bite initially, but within a matter of moments, they begin to itch. By the time you realize that you have become dinner, it is too late. They have already feasted and you are a scratching maniac.
They usually reside around water. They often live in shrubs or you may find them in a thick layer of dead leaves. Well, I didn't realize that I am such a gracious hostess to these pesky little insects. I have a pool, so I provide them with ample water. And, lately, I have been dumping the leaves from the filter by the pool pump rather than putting them in the trash. What a relaxing little habitat I have created for them!
The article goes on to tell how to avoid them. Don't scrub your feet around in leaves. You will stir them up. While they are very difficult to see individually, sometimes you can see them swarming. In this case, shut your mouth. You might swallow or breath some in. They won't hurt you, but they might make you cough. And, frankly, who wants to think of swallowing a few hundred No-See-Ums. Also, if you see a them swarming, walk away, as they tend to locate in one general area. More extensively, you can keep your grass cut and take the dead leaves to the trash! However, the best way to avoid the insect bites is to spray on insect repellent. Don't worry, the article says that you only have to use it fall, spring and summer. Just think of the aroma of the repellent as the latest Eau de Parfum on the market. And at $6.99 for a 20 ounce can, you get a really good deal!
There are other No-See-Ums in our lives. We all have them. They are people or situations that we get in the middle of that end up causing rashes of anger, hurt feelings, discontent, etc. We can apply the same methods that we do with the real insects. First of all, keep our mouth shut. So much can be avoided if we just learn when to be quiet. Next, there are times, that we need to just walk away. We see a situation that is leading to no good, so the best thing we can do is remove ourselves. Additionally, we can check out the habitat we are creating in our lives. Are we taking the debris out to the trash or do we keep it in our heart allowing it to decay and become an inviting home for the flies of bitterness? Finally, we must remember that as Christians, we have the greatest repellent available. In John 14, Jesus promised us a helper. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."
I want to leave with one final thought. I have to say tonight, "God, forgive me for the times that I have been the biting insect. The one who caused pain and irritation to another." We all have worn that shoe at one time or another. I pray that God would keep me ever mindful to the way that my actions affect others. May the Advocate who is with me, gently nudge me when I head in a direction that could cause pain. If I do not acknowledge, may He grip me so tightly that I would feel His imprints on my heart and be able to see the pain I could cause others through His eyes.
Friday, May 6, 2011
His eye is on the sparrow.
Today was a great day. School was so much fun. My geometry classes worked on Tessallations. Projects are always a nice break from the normal classwork. One of my students went to the restroom and came back with a baby bird. It was out of the nest and some of the other students were bothering it. He brought inside to the safety of my classroom. After that little guy got over the shock, he hopped around the room and chirped all day. Two students took it home to nurse it for a couple of weeks until it could survive on its own. They named it "Angry." Think about it for a minute; "Angry" Bird. (If you have a smartphone, you will understand what a creative name that is!)
This afternoon, within a thirty minute timeframe, I went from feeling happy, peaceful and excited about my weekend to depressed. I don't mean down, I mean depressed. Sometimes there is no explanation for why we feel this way, but this was not one of those times. My afternoon just went downhill and left me sitting here, staring at the den wall, not even realizing that an hour had passed.
When we come to moments like this, we have choices to make. Unfortunately, the easy choices are not usually the ones that are in our best interest. So, as I sit here thinking about the rest of the afternoon and evening, I have decided some things.
Even though I desperately want to do these things, I am NOT going to.....
If birds can be depressed, I am sure that Angry was feeling a little down when he fell out of his safe nest this morning. He was so fortunate that a kind hearted teenage boy came along and ushered him to safety. He could have so easily been the target of a teenager with issues who was cruel to him. He is now safely in the home of two great kids who will do their best to take care of him and get him ready for the world.
In the same way, when I am frightened and saddened by the world I am in, I know there is One who is holding me safely in the palm of His hands. He is nuturing me and caring for me as I travel the difficult paths of this life. I trust that with all my heart. I will cling to His promises and let them give me the strength to do the things I NEED to do and not the things I want to do.
I bet you can guess what scripture I will reference today!
Matthew 10:29-31 (New Living Translation)
What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
This afternoon, within a thirty minute timeframe, I went from feeling happy, peaceful and excited about my weekend to depressed. I don't mean down, I mean depressed. Sometimes there is no explanation for why we feel this way, but this was not one of those times. My afternoon just went downhill and left me sitting here, staring at the den wall, not even realizing that an hour had passed.
When we come to moments like this, we have choices to make. Unfortunately, the easy choices are not usually the ones that are in our best interest. So, as I sit here thinking about the rest of the afternoon and evening, I have decided some things.
Even though I desperately want to do these things, I am NOT going to.....
- Climb into the bed and call it a day.
- Sit on the couch staring at the television.
- Allow my mind to be a harbor for the negative thoughts.
- Skip dinner and just forget about eating.
- Read some Psalms.
- Eat something healthy.
- Go for a walk with Lulu. (She has the ability to lighten any mood!)
- Start cleaning my house.
- Go to the late movies with Lily and her friends.
- I will go to bed around 11:30 and give myself the pleasure of sleeping in tomorrow.
In the same way, when I am frightened and saddened by the world I am in, I know there is One who is holding me safely in the palm of His hands. He is nuturing me and caring for me as I travel the difficult paths of this life. I trust that with all my heart. I will cling to His promises and let them give me the strength to do the things I NEED to do and not the things I want to do.
I bet you can guess what scripture I will reference today!
Matthew 10:29-31 (New Living Translation)
What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
I once was lost, but now I'm found!
It was Spring Break 2011 and for a few moments, I missed being married. I don't think about that often anymore, but on this particular day, I did. Anna, Savannah and I made a mad dash down to Orlando so that they could spend the day at Islands of Adventure. Everything was under control and going great. Tickets were purchased, a hotel reservation was made and meals for my two little vegetarians were packed.
The gates had opened and I prepared to drop them off at the park. I thought it would be easy enough. We were staying less than two miles from the park. There was a problem. Since I didn't want to pay $15 to park, I had to find drop off parking which was the same place as bus parking. The nice attendant kept saying, "Go straight and then go left." When I got in the lane to go straight, there were cones blocking the way. The attendant was still friendly, but losing patience. She kept saying, "Go straight and then go left. I was exasperated. I rolled down my window and said, "I am so sorry, but there are cones here." At that point she walked to the front of my car and led me in the right direction. She wanted me in the lane that curved sharply to the right. That was the lane that she was calling the straight lane. Granted, that lane was the flow that the painted lines followed, but I am a very literal person. When you tell me to go straight, I think it means to literally go straight. Finally, I went in the attendant's straight direction and exited this parking lot.
My next directions were, "Go to Kirkman, make a U-turn, take a left and then take another left." Let me just pause here and say that I am directionally challenged. God gave my portion of those gifts to my sister! At that moment, I was thinking I would never find my way to bus parking, much less, find my way into the park and pick up the tickets. If I was able to manage all this, I seriously doubted that I would be able to find my way back to where I parked! At that point, I looked at Anna and said, "Right now, I miss being married. Your dad could have navigated us through all this without a moment's hesitation."
I thought about a saying that I have quoted at least a couple of times on the blog. "Life goes on." I found this picture yesterday when I was looking for a new background for my phone. It reminded me of a road that I could so easily get lost on. But, even when I am lost, at least I am going somewhere. I have not hit a dead end. It may take me a little time to find my way, but I will get there.
I finally made it to drop off parking. The adventure did not end there. We had to wait in line for almost an hour to pick up the tickets I had pre-purchased to save time. I had to show proof of residency since I had opted for the Florida resident discount. I had this sinking fear that my car would be towed. I called customer service at the park and the wonderful security people assured me that they would not tow the car. Finally, almost two hours later, I was back at the hotel.
So, yes, for a few moments, I missed being married. And, for those moments, I was tempted to be angry about being thrust into this situation through no choice of my own. Thankfully, the moments passed. I drove, I turned and I conquered. Two crazy girls were safely delivered to the park and there were helpful people all along the way. I made a couple of unnecessary twists and turns on the adventure, but I made the destination. I realized something in the process. It was more than just a destination to a park, it was a destination a new place within myself.
The gates had opened and I prepared to drop them off at the park. I thought it would be easy enough. We were staying less than two miles from the park. There was a problem. Since I didn't want to pay $15 to park, I had to find drop off parking which was the same place as bus parking. The nice attendant kept saying, "Go straight and then go left." When I got in the lane to go straight, there were cones blocking the way. The attendant was still friendly, but losing patience. She kept saying, "Go straight and then go left. I was exasperated. I rolled down my window and said, "I am so sorry, but there are cones here." At that point she walked to the front of my car and led me in the right direction. She wanted me in the lane that curved sharply to the right. That was the lane that she was calling the straight lane. Granted, that lane was the flow that the painted lines followed, but I am a very literal person. When you tell me to go straight, I think it means to literally go straight. Finally, I went in the attendant's straight direction and exited this parking lot.
My next directions were, "Go to Kirkman, make a U-turn, take a left and then take another left." Let me just pause here and say that I am directionally challenged. God gave my portion of those gifts to my sister! At that moment, I was thinking I would never find my way to bus parking, much less, find my way into the park and pick up the tickets. If I was able to manage all this, I seriously doubted that I would be able to find my way back to where I parked! At that point, I looked at Anna and said, "Right now, I miss being married. Your dad could have navigated us through all this without a moment's hesitation."
I finally made it to drop off parking. The adventure did not end there. We had to wait in line for almost an hour to pick up the tickets I had pre-purchased to save time. I had to show proof of residency since I had opted for the Florida resident discount. I had this sinking fear that my car would be towed. I called customer service at the park and the wonderful security people assured me that they would not tow the car. Finally, almost two hours later, I was back at the hotel.
So, yes, for a few moments, I missed being married. And, for those moments, I was tempted to be angry about being thrust into this situation through no choice of my own. Thankfully, the moments passed. I drove, I turned and I conquered. Two crazy girls were safely delivered to the park and there were helpful people all along the way. I made a couple of unnecessary twists and turns on the adventure, but I made the destination. I realized something in the process. It was more than just a destination to a park, it was a destination a new place within myself.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
At What Cost?
What is it going to cost me? It is a question we ask ourselves on a daily basis.
I propose that maybe there is a different question that we should ask ourselves. What will my decision cost others?
I am convinced that when I make a decision to satisfy my own fleshly desires and that action causes needless pain to others, it will never bring me happiness. I may experience a false, worldly high for a moment in my life. However, I have no doubt that in the end, if that high came at the expense of others, I will descend to depths that far exceed the momentary high I experienced.
My good friend and fellow math teacher has this to say: There are few things I know with more surety than this: Make only your own happiness the center of your life, sacrifice all in order to attain it, and it will evade your every grasp.
I don't know a lot of things. I am learning and growing every day. One thing I know. You will not find happiness when you seek it at the cost of devastation to others. Let me go further and say that when the cost is emotional harm to children, I fear we are crossing a very dangerous line.
This blog is not written in reference to my own personal life. I am just sick and tired of watching people make decisions that bring nothing but devastation and destruction into the lives of others.
Galatians 6:7 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you’ll harvest.
And in the words of Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."
I propose that maybe there is a different question that we should ask ourselves. What will my decision cost others?
I am convinced that when I make a decision to satisfy my own fleshly desires and that action causes needless pain to others, it will never bring me happiness. I may experience a false, worldly high for a moment in my life. However, I have no doubt that in the end, if that high came at the expense of others, I will descend to depths that far exceed the momentary high I experienced.
My good friend and fellow math teacher has this to say: There are few things I know with more surety than this: Make only your own happiness the center of your life, sacrifice all in order to attain it, and it will evade your every grasp.
I don't know a lot of things. I am learning and growing every day. One thing I know. You will not find happiness when you seek it at the cost of devastation to others. Let me go further and say that when the cost is emotional harm to children, I fear we are crossing a very dangerous line.
This blog is not written in reference to my own personal life. I am just sick and tired of watching people make decisions that bring nothing but devastation and destruction into the lives of others.
Galatians 6:7 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you’ll harvest.
And in the words of Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."
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