Lamentations is an old book, with fitting advice for today’s society. In chapter 3 verse 17 it states “My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is, so I say ‘my endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord.’”
This echoes the pain and hopelessness that many people are feeling across our nation today. We have to continue reading to find the encouragement to go on. In verse 21 the author continues “But then I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion’; says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Tomorrow is a new morning. Renew your hearts and hope with the steadfast love of the Lord and his never ceasing mercies.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Message from Connie Williams, Library Media Technology K-12
I love the fact that I have a God who cares so deeply for me and desires to guide me through life like no other can.
Being the youngest of 8, I have had a lot of ‘guides’ growing up! Most of the time they had my best interest at heart or at least those of our family’s, but other times, not so much…at least when it went against what I wanted ;). But, I also grew up in a family that loved God above all else and lived with that perspective, so I knew whom to run to for my ultimate guide. As I grew into adult hood, and choices were of deeper consequences, I knew to run to God first and then listen to others, but always filter it through His Word. I’ve grown to feel sorry for those who don’t have the peace of knowing God and therefore forfeit the ultimate Guide through lives ups and downs.
We’ll be enjoying a new member to our family soon, as our oldest son marries a darling girl he met in college! It has been encouraging to Greg and me, as they ask advice but then state they will be praying about it and see what God wants them to do! How awesome is that to know they both have the ultimate Guide through life!
Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
The cool thing is, He will show me His way, He will teach me his path and He will guide me in truth because He is my God and my hope! How awesome is that!!
What an inspiration to read His word, meditate, and worship Him, and as a result, get to know our faithful, trustworthy Guide!
Being the youngest of 8, I have had a lot of ‘guides’ growing up! Most of the time they had my best interest at heart or at least those of our family’s, but other times, not so much…at least when it went against what I wanted ;). But, I also grew up in a family that loved God above all else and lived with that perspective, so I knew whom to run to for my ultimate guide. As I grew into adult hood, and choices were of deeper consequences, I knew to run to God first and then listen to others, but always filter it through His Word. I’ve grown to feel sorry for those who don’t have the peace of knowing God and therefore forfeit the ultimate Guide through lives ups and downs.
We’ll be enjoying a new member to our family soon, as our oldest son marries a darling girl he met in college! It has been encouraging to Greg and me, as they ask advice but then state they will be praying about it and see what God wants them to do! How awesome is that to know they both have the ultimate Guide through life!
Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
The cool thing is, He will show me His way, He will teach me his path and He will guide me in truth because He is my God and my hope! How awesome is that!!
What an inspiration to read His word, meditate, and worship Him, and as a result, get to know our faithful, trustworthy Guide!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Message from Amber Walker, Counselor
I read this devotional and it really hit home for me. Enjoy!
My Daily Bread:
Autumn is hunting season here in Michigan. For a few weeks every year, licensed hunters are allowed to go out into the woods and hunt for various species of wildlife. Some hunters build elaborate tree stands high above the ground where they sit quietly for hours waiting for a deer to wander within rifle range.
When I think of hunters who are so patient when it comes to waiting for deer, I think of how impatient we can be when we have to wait for God. We often equate “wait” with “waste.” If we’re waiting for something (or someone), we think we are doing nothing, which, in an accomplishment-crazed culture, seems like a waste of time.
But waiting serves many purposes. In particular, it proves our faith. Those whose faith is weak are often the first to give up waiting, while those with the strongest faith are willing to wait indefinitely.
When we read the Christmas story in Luke 2, we learn of two people who proved their faith by their willingness to wait. Simeon and Anna waited long, but their time wasn’t wasted; it put them in a place where they could witness the coming of Messiah (vv.22-38).
Not receiving an immediate answer to prayer is no reason to give up faith.
Not ours to know the reason why
Unanswered is our prayer,
But ours to wait for God’s own time
To lift the cross we bear. —Anon.
Waiting for God is never a waste of time.
My Daily Bread:
Autumn is hunting season here in Michigan. For a few weeks every year, licensed hunters are allowed to go out into the woods and hunt for various species of wildlife. Some hunters build elaborate tree stands high above the ground where they sit quietly for hours waiting for a deer to wander within rifle range.
When I think of hunters who are so patient when it comes to waiting for deer, I think of how impatient we can be when we have to wait for God. We often equate “wait” with “waste.” If we’re waiting for something (or someone), we think we are doing nothing, which, in an accomplishment-crazed culture, seems like a waste of time.
But waiting serves many purposes. In particular, it proves our faith. Those whose faith is weak are often the first to give up waiting, while those with the strongest faith are willing to wait indefinitely.
When we read the Christmas story in Luke 2, we learn of two people who proved their faith by their willingness to wait. Simeon and Anna waited long, but their time wasn’t wasted; it put them in a place where they could witness the coming of Messiah (vv.22-38).
Not receiving an immediate answer to prayer is no reason to give up faith.
Not ours to know the reason why
Unanswered is our prayer,
But ours to wait for God’s own time
To lift the cross we bear. —Anon.
Waiting for God is never a waste of time.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Message from Carol Vandernaalt, Registrar
“[For] it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good
purpose.” Philippians 2:13 (NIV 1984)
I took a sip of coffee and grimaced as I peered into the cup. Everything looked like it should, but the coffee wasn’t sweet. Yet I remembered tearing open the little yellow packets and sprinkling the sweet crystals over the surface of the caramel colored liquid. Then I realized that—while I had added the sugar—I had never stirred it into the coffee. Without that stirring action, the sugar couldn’t work all the way through.
I do this with my faith as well. I add all the necessary ingredients. I’ve got my Bible, my devotion subscription, my godly friends, my church, my special quiet time journal, my praise and worship songs, my verses memorized. If you looked at me, you’d say it’s all there.
But I’d rather avoid the stirring up part, truth be told. I’d tell you that I know it’s good for me. I’d tell you that it’s not good to stay in one place. I’d tell you that you should submit to God and let Him stir you up and that I’d be glad to pray for you during that process. But me? No. Just leave me alone. Let me sit. I’d rather look okay and be comfortable than be stirred up and reach my full potential.
Have you ever had those feelings?
Maybe today you’re feeling stirred up. Your finances or your job or your marriage or your children or your friendships or your dreams feel like a cyclone is swirling through them, leaving you unsettled and unstable. You might be wondering why God is letting this happen, why He’s forgotten you. Not thinking that it just might be His hand doing the stirring. He’s using those swirling forces to reach all the parts of you that He wants to get to. As today’s verse reminds us, He works in you to accomplish His purpose for you. As you are stirred up in life, thank God that He loves you enough to not let you get stuck, to not leave you bitter. The elements are there—and that’s important—but it’s in the stirring that we become all that He has in mind.
-Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotion
purpose.” Philippians 2:13 (NIV 1984)
I took a sip of coffee and grimaced as I peered into the cup. Everything looked like it should, but the coffee wasn’t sweet. Yet I remembered tearing open the little yellow packets and sprinkling the sweet crystals over the surface of the caramel colored liquid. Then I realized that—while I had added the sugar—I had never stirred it into the coffee. Without that stirring action, the sugar couldn’t work all the way through.
I do this with my faith as well. I add all the necessary ingredients. I’ve got my Bible, my devotion subscription, my godly friends, my church, my special quiet time journal, my praise and worship songs, my verses memorized. If you looked at me, you’d say it’s all there.
But I’d rather avoid the stirring up part, truth be told. I’d tell you that I know it’s good for me. I’d tell you that it’s not good to stay in one place. I’d tell you that you should submit to God and let Him stir you up and that I’d be glad to pray for you during that process. But me? No. Just leave me alone. Let me sit. I’d rather look okay and be comfortable than be stirred up and reach my full potential.
Have you ever had those feelings?
Maybe today you’re feeling stirred up. Your finances or your job or your marriage or your children or your friendships or your dreams feel like a cyclone is swirling through them, leaving you unsettled and unstable. You might be wondering why God is letting this happen, why He’s forgotten you. Not thinking that it just might be His hand doing the stirring. He’s using those swirling forces to reach all the parts of you that He wants to get to. As today’s verse reminds us, He works in you to accomplish His purpose for you. As you are stirred up in life, thank God that He loves you enough to not let you get stuck, to not leave you bitter. The elements are there—and that’s important—but it’s in the stirring that we become all that He has in mind.
-Proverbs 31 Ministries Devotion
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Message from Tara Poovey, Assistant Athletic Director
Face to Face
Taken from Os Hillman
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” 2 John 12
It is easy to fire off a letter to someone in this age of electronic communication because of its expediency. In business we call this being efficient. However, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting is the appropriate means of communication. We know that verbal skills are a very small portion of communication. Body language, voice tone, and our expressions make up the majority of our overall communication. This cannot be seen through a letter or electronic medium.
John knew that being face to face with those he ministered to was important. And for John, it meant some major trouble to get from one place to another. It wasn’t as simple as getting into a car or hopping onto an airplane. John’s desire and determination to visit and talk face to face reinforces the importance of one-on-one personal communication.
I once had to confront a businessman about some problems we were having in a business deal. He lived in another town. The negotiations had stalled to some degree. I could have attempted to solve the problem over the phone. But I realized the serious nature of the issues required a face-to-face meeting. I drove two hours to his office and met with him face to face. It meant all the difference. It demonstrated to my friend I was serious enough about solving the problem to take a day to come see him. It also showed I valued him and he was worth the effort. This resulted in him giving greater emphasis to the issue.
Next time a situation arises that requires more focused communication, consider whether the situation requires a personal visit. You may find this will be the key to resolving issues that otherwise might end in a stalemate.
Taken from Os Hillman
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” 2 John 12
It is easy to fire off a letter to someone in this age of electronic communication because of its expediency. In business we call this being efficient. However, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting is the appropriate means of communication. We know that verbal skills are a very small portion of communication. Body language, voice tone, and our expressions make up the majority of our overall communication. This cannot be seen through a letter or electronic medium.
John knew that being face to face with those he ministered to was important. And for John, it meant some major trouble to get from one place to another. It wasn’t as simple as getting into a car or hopping onto an airplane. John’s desire and determination to visit and talk face to face reinforces the importance of one-on-one personal communication.
I once had to confront a businessman about some problems we were having in a business deal. He lived in another town. The negotiations had stalled to some degree. I could have attempted to solve the problem over the phone. But I realized the serious nature of the issues required a face-to-face meeting. I drove two hours to his office and met with him face to face. It meant all the difference. It demonstrated to my friend I was serious enough about solving the problem to take a day to come see him. It also showed I valued him and he was worth the effort. This resulted in him giving greater emphasis to the issue.
Next time a situation arises that requires more focused communication, consider whether the situation requires a personal visit. You may find this will be the key to resolving issues that otherwise might end in a stalemate.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Message from Barb Tomb, Admin. Assistant to Superintendent
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! Psalm 89:15
I know that with all my heart that when I sing praises to God, something is happening in heaven, because my spirit gets relief, my emotions change from negative to positive, my mind feels inspired to think more wisely, my heart is guarded from the pain I might otherwise experience, my physical body relaxes and I’m drawn into God’s presence knowing His loving arms are wrapped around me in His safe and secure protection.
Make a habit of praising God throughout your day and just see if it doesn’t soothe your spirit’s dryness with the oil of joy. Don’t make it a one-time morning or bedtime deal. And don’t wait until you get an answer to your prayers or a blessing from God before you praise Him. God is good all the time, and we need to praise Him all the time – whether or not we feel like it.
When our kids were all growing up, Dave used to tell them over and over, “You can’t always control how you feel, but you can control how you act.” To this day, our family repeats this statement time and time again as we seek to praise God all the time.
- excerpts taken from Joy for the Journey
I know that with all my heart that when I sing praises to God, something is happening in heaven, because my spirit gets relief, my emotions change from negative to positive, my mind feels inspired to think more wisely, my heart is guarded from the pain I might otherwise experience, my physical body relaxes and I’m drawn into God’s presence knowing His loving arms are wrapped around me in His safe and secure protection.
Make a habit of praising God throughout your day and just see if it doesn’t soothe your spirit’s dryness with the oil of joy. Don’t make it a one-time morning or bedtime deal. And don’t wait until you get an answer to your prayers or a blessing from God before you praise Him. God is good all the time, and we need to praise Him all the time – whether or not we feel like it.
When our kids were all growing up, Dave used to tell them over and over, “You can’t always control how you feel, but you can control how you act.” To this day, our family repeats this statement time and time again as we seek to praise God all the time.
- excerpts taken from Joy for the Journey
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Message from Carol Stines, International Department
> From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!
>
> A woman was asked by a coworker,
>
> 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
>
> The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.'
>
> God picks you from the patch, brings you in,
>
> and washes all the dirt off of you.
>
> Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
>
> He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.
>
> Then He carves you a new smiling face and
>
> puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
>
> A woman was asked by a coworker,
>
> 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
>
> The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.'
>
> God picks you from the patch, brings you in,
>
> and washes all the dirt off of you.
>
> Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
>
> He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.
>
> Then He carves you a new smiling face and
>
> puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Message from Dan Stauffer, Jr/Sr High Math Teacher
"When I think of God's goodness to me and my family, I reflect back to a difficult experience that began on July 4, 2000. At the time I was living with my wife and two children in a remote part of Africa, just beginning a translation of the Bible for the Songhai people. On that particular Tuesday afternoon my wife lost her ability to respond and communicate clearly; she had contracted malaria. Being thousands of miles from a modern hospital this was quite frightening. What could I do? God had the right people in place, and I was able to arrange an evacuation flight to the capital city (2 days away by car, but only a 3-hour flight). Of course, I "knew" for sure that we would return to our home within a couple of weeks and pick up our ministry where we had left off. However, the doctors in the capital were very concerned. This was not an ordinary case of malaria. It was, in fact, cerebral malaria. Bad news: most people who contract such a severe case of cerebral malaria do not survive. It was evident that the medical help in the capital was not good enough, so we were encouraged to evacuate to Paris. The corporate jet rented to us for this special evacuation belonged to the president of a neighboring country. It carried the whole family to France. A few days later as my wife lay in the hospital dying from parasites in her blood, I received the news that the cost of our evacuation flight had exceeded the insurance by thirty thousand dollars. What could I do? I was losing my wife, and I was tens of thousands of dollars in debt. Again God had the right people in place. The doctors did their work with fantastic skill, and my wife made a full recovery--incredible! Many people who heard about our evacuation debt wanted to contribute and make sure that it would not be a burden to us. Within two to three months we owed nothing--incredible!
God answered our prayers in the way we had hoped. However, today I still have to ask myself: what if I had lost my wife? What if I had worked for years to pay off the debt I had incurred? My life over the past eleven years would have been a lot different. It seems I would have been so devastated. I need to remind myself that even if God had not used the doctors to heal my wife and blessed me with contributions from faithful supporters to meet my financial need He always leads me through what is ultimately best for my life. In spite of my lack of understanding, God always does what is right--He never makes mistakes. That's the assurance I want to face the experiences I have in my life...experiences that seem to turn out right and those that I think should have had a different conclusion."
God answered our prayers in the way we had hoped. However, today I still have to ask myself: what if I had lost my wife? What if I had worked for years to pay off the debt I had incurred? My life over the past eleven years would have been a lot different. It seems I would have been so devastated. I need to remind myself that even if God had not used the doctors to heal my wife and blessed me with contributions from faithful supporters to meet my financial need He always leads me through what is ultimately best for my life. In spite of my lack of understanding, God always does what is right--He never makes mistakes. That's the assurance I want to face the experiences I have in my life...experiences that seem to turn out right and those that I think should have had a different conclusion."
Monday, October 31, 2011
Message from Mark Ruiz, Fifth Grade Teacher
Knowing your Students
"He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace." Proverbs 11:12
Why does a person despise his neighbor? He lacks wisdom and understanding of his neighbor. Lack of knowledge about another often leads to unwise and unjust criticism.
A wise teacher knows his/her students. They don’t just know their names, but also knows them. The teacher knows their home life, knows their strengths and weaknesses, the teacher also knows their likes and dislikes, and he/she knows their capabilities and those areas in which they struggle. This knowledge causes the teacher to refrain from criticism or unrealistic expectations.
The unwise teacher may know these facts, but doesn’t take them into account when dealing with the student. Though the teacher may only despise the ways of the student, the student may think the teacher despises him.
Do you know the background of your students--- their home situations ( are the parents unsaved, is she/he being raised by grandparents, are the parents divorced)? Do you know their hot buttons that which will encourage them to give 100%? Do you relate to their interests ( sports, cars, art, music, etc.) and encourage them, and do you use these as illustrations in teaching? Do you seek to understand why they are always late, why they don’t do their homework, or why their mind wanders in class? Perhaps a family fight the night before kept them up until midnight.
It's easy to despise problem students, but the wise teacher will take the time to get to know and understand why they behave as they do.
"He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace." Proverbs 11:12
Why does a person despise his neighbor? He lacks wisdom and understanding of his neighbor. Lack of knowledge about another often leads to unwise and unjust criticism.
A wise teacher knows his/her students. They don’t just know their names, but also knows them. The teacher knows their home life, knows their strengths and weaknesses, the teacher also knows their likes and dislikes, and he/she knows their capabilities and those areas in which they struggle. This knowledge causes the teacher to refrain from criticism or unrealistic expectations.
The unwise teacher may know these facts, but doesn’t take them into account when dealing with the student. Though the teacher may only despise the ways of the student, the student may think the teacher despises him.
Do you know the background of your students--- their home situations ( are the parents unsaved, is she/he being raised by grandparents, are the parents divorced)? Do you know their hot buttons that which will encourage them to give 100%? Do you relate to their interests ( sports, cars, art, music, etc.) and encourage them, and do you use these as illustrations in teaching? Do you seek to understand why they are always late, why they don’t do their homework, or why their mind wanders in class? Perhaps a family fight the night before kept them up until midnight.
It's easy to despise problem students, but the wise teacher will take the time to get to know and understand why they behave as they do.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Message from Jamie Ross, Kindergarten Teacher
“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”
Psalm 17:8 NAS
I had something different in mind, but my mother emailed a treasure to me that I want ever so much to share with you:
‘Excuse me, Are you Jesus?’
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table, which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE!!!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The sixteen-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, “Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?” She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.”
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, “Mister…” He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, “Are you Jesus?”
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul; “Are you Jesus?” Do people mistake you for Jesus? That’s our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It’s actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Author-Doug Lawrence
Psalm 17:8 NAS
I had something different in mind, but my mother emailed a treasure to me that I want ever so much to share with you:
‘Excuse me, Are you Jesus?’
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table, which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE!!!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The sixteen-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, “Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?” She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, “I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.”
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, “Mister…” He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, “Are you Jesus?”
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul; “Are you Jesus?” Do people mistake you for Jesus? That’s our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It’s actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
Author-Doug Lawrence
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Message from Michele Reyman, Cafeteria Manager
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Trees have specific season for dormancy – a time when the tree appears to be inactive and not growing. This season of rest comes immediately prior to a season of rapid and accelerated growth. During dormancy, the cells and tissues within the tree are being repaired and built up. This activity is invisible to the eye.
Dormancy is one of the most important periods in the life cycle of the tree. It is how a tree becomes fit for the later demands of adding new wood to its structure and bearing its fruit.
The benefits of dormancy apply to people as well. There is a mistaken notion that to be effective we must always be active. But people also have seasons in their lives when God is preparing them for what lies ahead.
Not knowing the future ourselves, we often have to come to a deep trust in God during times when nothing seems to be happening in our lives. Inactivity must not be equated with non-productivity – God has to work in our hearts to prepare us for our destiny.
We need to humble ourselves before Him and realize we didn’t create ourselves. We can’t know fully what it is we will need in our future. Dormant times call for us to wait on the Lord and trust Him to do his work in our hearts. We can rest assured He is preparing us for something great, in His timing and according to His purpose.
As a Christian, I have seasons as well. There are many times I feel like a tree in dormancy. I put my faith in the Lord to work in me and strengthen me to become strong and fruitful, as the tree.
(Selection taken from “Tea Time with God”)
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Trees have specific season for dormancy – a time when the tree appears to be inactive and not growing. This season of rest comes immediately prior to a season of rapid and accelerated growth. During dormancy, the cells and tissues within the tree are being repaired and built up. This activity is invisible to the eye.
Dormancy is one of the most important periods in the life cycle of the tree. It is how a tree becomes fit for the later demands of adding new wood to its structure and bearing its fruit.
The benefits of dormancy apply to people as well. There is a mistaken notion that to be effective we must always be active. But people also have seasons in their lives when God is preparing them for what lies ahead.
Not knowing the future ourselves, we often have to come to a deep trust in God during times when nothing seems to be happening in our lives. Inactivity must not be equated with non-productivity – God has to work in our hearts to prepare us for our destiny.
We need to humble ourselves before Him and realize we didn’t create ourselves. We can’t know fully what it is we will need in our future. Dormant times call for us to wait on the Lord and trust Him to do his work in our hearts. We can rest assured He is preparing us for something great, in His timing and according to His purpose.
As a Christian, I have seasons as well. There are many times I feel like a tree in dormancy. I put my faith in the Lord to work in me and strengthen me to become strong and fruitful, as the tree.
(Selection taken from “Tea Time with God”)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Message from Janet Preston, Bookkeeper
My daughter has been struggling for the last two years with anxiety and a mood disorder. She sometimes wonders why God allowed this to happen to her, but she never questions his faithfulness to her. She has been my inspiration and God is using her to teach me new things. She wrote this poem and I wanted to share it with all of you.
How Can You Love Me?
By Abby Preston
How can a girl like me,
Be loved so deep and dearly?
My daughter do not think such,
For you know that I love you very much.
But I mess up in every way,
I mess up differently every day.
I know of all the sins you have done,
But you'll always be my little one.
I do not deserve your love,
Or your care from high above.
My son died for you,
To show you that my love is true.
Please forgive me of my sins,
That are piled up in bins and bins.
My girl since day one you have been,
Loved by me and forgiven.
How Can You Love Me?
By Abby Preston
How can a girl like me,
Be loved so deep and dearly?
My daughter do not think such,
For you know that I love you very much.
But I mess up in every way,
I mess up differently every day.
I know of all the sins you have done,
But you'll always be my little one.
I do not deserve your love,
Or your care from high above.
My son died for you,
To show you that my love is true.
Please forgive me of my sins,
That are piled up in bins and bins.
My girl since day one you have been,
Loved by me and forgiven.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Message from Kristin Ornoski, Development
As I planned for my devotion I came across one of my favorite devotion books “When I’m on My Knees” and found something that I needed to be reminded of. I hope that it gives you comfort and peace as well! Have a Blessed and Fantastic Day!!
Through Life’s Changes
Thank You, Father, for always being with me, not only now but for eternity. You were here before the earth and galaxies were formed. I marvel at how You have no beginning or end.
Life changes through the years, but You do not. You remain the same yesterday, today, and through all the tomorrows to come. Even though You never change, You perceive every season of my life. Thank You, Lord, for taking time to know everything about me and for caring for my insignificant (yet important to me) needs.
Everything that is good and perfect comes from You, O Lord and Creator. How great are Your fullness and wonder. You shine on my life day and night with no shadow of turning away. Thank You for keeping the promises You gave in Your Word. You never forsake, You never fail. You are truth, You are life.
When I go through life’s changes, I sometimes find myself getting way off base. But you snatch me from destructive situations. Thank You for being here. At times I can’t see why things happen the way they do. But You know, and You are still here. Thank You for being patient with me. Thank You for how Your compassion and love never fail.
I’m growing in my walk with You. Because of all You teach me, I’m learning to give my joys, my worries, my disappointments, my goals, and dreams. They are all in Your sure hands. Lord, You are first now in everything I do and plan.
What a comfort to know You will live forever and ever, and that I can always be with You. You have promised to always be my God, and keep me Your child. Through eternity, I cling to You, the Rock of my salvation. I shall never fear, for You are with me. You are first, last, always, my God and my dearest Friend.
By Anita Corrine Donhue
Through Life’s Changes
Thank You, Father, for always being with me, not only now but for eternity. You were here before the earth and galaxies were formed. I marvel at how You have no beginning or end.
Life changes through the years, but You do not. You remain the same yesterday, today, and through all the tomorrows to come. Even though You never change, You perceive every season of my life. Thank You, Lord, for taking time to know everything about me and for caring for my insignificant (yet important to me) needs.
Everything that is good and perfect comes from You, O Lord and Creator. How great are Your fullness and wonder. You shine on my life day and night with no shadow of turning away. Thank You for keeping the promises You gave in Your Word. You never forsake, You never fail. You are truth, You are life.
When I go through life’s changes, I sometimes find myself getting way off base. But you snatch me from destructive situations. Thank You for being here. At times I can’t see why things happen the way they do. But You know, and You are still here. Thank You for being patient with me. Thank You for how Your compassion and love never fail.
I’m growing in my walk with You. Because of all You teach me, I’m learning to give my joys, my worries, my disappointments, my goals, and dreams. They are all in Your sure hands. Lord, You are first now in everything I do and plan.
What a comfort to know You will live forever and ever, and that I can always be with You. You have promised to always be my God, and keep me Your child. Through eternity, I cling to You, the Rock of my salvation. I shall never fear, for You are with me. You are first, last, always, my God and my dearest Friend.
By Anita Corrine Donhue
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Message from Andi O'Dell, Junior High Teacher
Keep going; don’t quit…
This is a portion of the book, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, by Chuck Swindoll.
Paderewski, the famous composer-pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. Present in the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety nine-year-old son. Weary of waiting, he squirmed constantly in his seat. His mother was hoping the concert would encourage her son to practice the piano more.
As she turned to talk with friends, her son could not stay seated any longer. He slipped away from her side, strangely drawn to the ebony concert grand on the huge, brightly lit stage. Without much notice from the sophisticated audience, the boy sat down at the stool, staring wide-eyed at the black and white keys. He placed his small, trembling fingers in the right location and began to play “chopsticks.” The roar of the crowd was hushed as hundreds of frowning faces turned in his direction. Irritated, they began to shout:
“Get that boy away from there!”
“Who’d bring a kid that young in here?”
“Somebody stop him!”
Backstage, the master overheard the sounds out front and quickly put together in his mind what was happening. Hurriedly, he grabbed his coat and rushed toward the stage. Without one word of announcement he stooped over behind the boy, reached around both sides, and began to improvise a countermelody to harmonize with and enhance “chopsticks.” As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy’s ear:
Keep going. Don’t quit, son. Keep on playing…don’t stop…don’t quit.
And so it is with us. We work on our “projects” which seem about as significant as “chopsticks” in a concert hall. And about the time we are ready to give it up. Along comes the Master, who leans over and whispers:
Now keep going; don’t quit. Keep on…don’t stop; don’t quit, as He improvises on our behalf, providing just the right touch at just the right moment.
Therefore…be steadfast, immovable…your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
May we all feel God’s “right touch” at just the right moment!
This is a portion of the book, Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, by Chuck Swindoll.
Paderewski, the famous composer-pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. Present in the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety nine-year-old son. Weary of waiting, he squirmed constantly in his seat. His mother was hoping the concert would encourage her son to practice the piano more.
As she turned to talk with friends, her son could not stay seated any longer. He slipped away from her side, strangely drawn to the ebony concert grand on the huge, brightly lit stage. Without much notice from the sophisticated audience, the boy sat down at the stool, staring wide-eyed at the black and white keys. He placed his small, trembling fingers in the right location and began to play “chopsticks.” The roar of the crowd was hushed as hundreds of frowning faces turned in his direction. Irritated, they began to shout:
“Get that boy away from there!”
“Who’d bring a kid that young in here?”
“Somebody stop him!”
Backstage, the master overheard the sounds out front and quickly put together in his mind what was happening. Hurriedly, he grabbed his coat and rushed toward the stage. Without one word of announcement he stooped over behind the boy, reached around both sides, and began to improvise a countermelody to harmonize with and enhance “chopsticks.” As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy’s ear:
Keep going. Don’t quit, son. Keep on playing…don’t stop…don’t quit.
And so it is with us. We work on our “projects” which seem about as significant as “chopsticks” in a concert hall. And about the time we are ready to give it up. Along comes the Master, who leans over and whispers:
Now keep going; don’t quit. Keep on…don’t stop; don’t quit, as He improvises on our behalf, providing just the right touch at just the right moment.
Therefore…be steadfast, immovable…your toil is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).
May we all feel God’s “right touch” at just the right moment!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Message from Judy Nunez, Admin. Assistant Elementary Campus
Investing in the Future…
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:20
We have been entrusted with resources---time, ability, opportunity---and we decide how to use them. Our challenge is to see those resources as an opportunity to invest long-term. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” is how Jesus put it in Matthew 6:20. Those protected treasures cannot be destroyed not taken away, Jesus assures us.
Think of your resources: talent, time, knowledge. These are temporal and limited. But if you invest them with an eye toward eternity, these temporary things can have enduring impact. What is your focus? Now or forever? Invest in the future. It will not only have an eternal impact, but it will also change the way you view life each day.
The richest people on earth are those who invest their lives in heaven.
----Taken from Our Daily Bread
Thank you for investing your lives in the students at Phoenix Christian …you will be richly rewarded.
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Matthew 6:20
We have been entrusted with resources---time, ability, opportunity---and we decide how to use them. Our challenge is to see those resources as an opportunity to invest long-term. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” is how Jesus put it in Matthew 6:20. Those protected treasures cannot be destroyed not taken away, Jesus assures us.
Think of your resources: talent, time, knowledge. These are temporal and limited. But if you invest them with an eye toward eternity, these temporary things can have enduring impact. What is your focus? Now or forever? Invest in the future. It will not only have an eternal impact, but it will also change the way you view life each day.
The richest people on earth are those who invest their lives in heaven.
----Taken from Our Daily Bread
Thank you for investing your lives in the students at Phoenix Christian …you will be richly rewarded.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Message from Karla Mungillo, Third Grade Teacher
James 1:19
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Before saying something that you may regret remember this: T-H-I-N-K
T ---- Are the words I'm about to speak TRUE
H---- Are the words HELPFUL
I---- Are the words INSPIRING/ENCOURAGING
N---Are my words NECESSARY
K---Are my words KIND
Sometimes opening your mouth can ruin everything (Prov. 13:3) So before saying anything make sure they will help the other person. The only way to get closer to others is by loving them with tender hearts (1 Peter 3:8) and we can do this by getting closer to God. Sometimes words are just not necessary! Maybe all someone needs is a hug (and a starbucks) which would say more to that person than your words ever could.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Before saying something that you may regret remember this: T-H-I-N-K
T ---- Are the words I'm about to speak TRUE
H---- Are the words HELPFUL
I---- Are the words INSPIRING/ENCOURAGING
N---Are my words NECESSARY
K---Are my words KIND
Sometimes opening your mouth can ruin everything (Prov. 13:3) So before saying anything make sure they will help the other person. The only way to get closer to others is by loving them with tender hearts (1 Peter 3:8) and we can do this by getting closer to God. Sometimes words are just not necessary! Maybe all someone needs is a hug (and a starbucks) which would say more to that person than your words ever could.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Message from Margarita Llanes, Spanish Teacher
On Happiness
Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm
and our intelligence aglow. Work without joy
shall be as nothing. Resolve to keep happy,
and your joy and you shall form an invincible
host against difficulties.
The reason why God permitted me to lose both
sight and hearing seems clear now-that through
me He might cleave a rock, unbroken before and let
quickening streams flow through other lives deso-
late as my own once was. I am content.
Helen Keller, 1967.
Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm
and our intelligence aglow. Work without joy
shall be as nothing. Resolve to keep happy,
and your joy and you shall form an invincible
host against difficulties.
The reason why God permitted me to lose both
sight and hearing seems clear now-that through
me He might cleave a rock, unbroken before and let
quickening streams flow through other lives deso-
late as my own once was. I am content.
Helen Keller, 1967.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Message from Lois Leader, High School Teacher
I am going to use my blog space to make a shameless pitch (some pun intended) for a hymnal that is well worth owning. Actually, the term “Psalter” would be better. The title is “The Book of Psalms for Singing” and it is published by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. The Psalms are set to familiar hymn tunes and are easy to memorize through music. This is not really surprising, since their purpose was originally to be sung.
Here is a sample of Psalm 46 set to the tune of “A Mighty Fortress is our God”:
God is our refuge and our strength,
A present help in our distress.
We will not therefore be afraid
Tho’ all the earth should be removed.
Tho’ mountains great be hurled
Into the ocean’s depths,
Tho’ seas may roar and foam,
And billows shake the shore,
Tho’ mountains tremble at their power.
As a side note, this particular Psalm is a blast to sign! Anyway, I highly recommend this Psalter as a devotional tool. It is, of course, available on Amazon.
Here is a sample of Psalm 46 set to the tune of “A Mighty Fortress is our God”:
God is our refuge and our strength,
A present help in our distress.
We will not therefore be afraid
Tho’ all the earth should be removed.
Tho’ mountains great be hurled
Into the ocean’s depths,
Tho’ seas may roar and foam,
And billows shake the shore,
Tho’ mountains tremble at their power.
As a side note, this particular Psalm is a blast to sign! Anyway, I highly recommend this Psalter as a devotional tool. It is, of course, available on Amazon.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Message from Monique Lara, Preschool Teacher
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
~ Proverbs 3:5, 6
I believe that when we live life and we live for the Lord. Truly how does anyone go by their own understandings if they always end up right back to the Lord for help? We have to put our full trust in The Lord, without him our path ways would be dark and lost. I know each and every day, whether good or bad he is there to lift my spirit and give me comfort inside. We should never forget to thank Him for all his blessings he sends our way. The Lord is Good! He has always guided and will always guide us into His pathway to find the Strength, Trust, Happiness, and Love we all seek.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
~ Romans 8:28
~ Proverbs 3:5, 6
I believe that when we live life and we live for the Lord. Truly how does anyone go by their own understandings if they always end up right back to the Lord for help? We have to put our full trust in The Lord, without him our path ways would be dark and lost. I know each and every day, whether good or bad he is there to lift my spirit and give me comfort inside. We should never forget to thank Him for all his blessings he sends our way. The Lord is Good! He has always guided and will always guide us into His pathway to find the Strength, Trust, Happiness, and Love we all seek.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
~ Romans 8:28
Monday, October 3, 2011
Message from Jim Koan, Superintendent
“Sometimes what we need to cure our fat egos is a strong dose of God:
• Long before a certain visionary ‘discovered’ the earth was round, God sat enthroned above the circle of the earth.
• Long before men were so ‘enlightened,’ God formed the light and the darkness.
• Long before the first billion dollars was invested in exploring space, God’s own hands stretched out the heavens.
• Long before there was a ‘beginning,’ God had already planned the end.
Like Peter on the mount of transfiguration, we’re so caught up in the tabernacles we want to build that we sometimes miss a fresh revelation of God’s glory right before our eyes.” Beth Moore in Breaking Free
This paragraph caught my eye and, in reality, my heart. I was moved by the words of Isaiah 46:9.
“I am God, and there is no other.
I am God, and there is none like me”
Here’s what is so moving to me: this warning from God to get a proper perspective on His character and position brings both clarity of God’s awesome power and comfort through the knowledge of that same great power.
In the times when I get “too big for my britches” and try to do things my way – I need this reminder that this world and this universe is all about the One and Only Jehovah God. Life is all about Him. He is, deservedly so, the Center of the Universe.
But when life and circumstances and the rest flow over us – there is no god greater than our God. We have need of nothing greater than His power and His love.
• Long before a certain visionary ‘discovered’ the earth was round, God sat enthroned above the circle of the earth.
• Long before men were so ‘enlightened,’ God formed the light and the darkness.
• Long before the first billion dollars was invested in exploring space, God’s own hands stretched out the heavens.
• Long before there was a ‘beginning,’ God had already planned the end.
Like Peter on the mount of transfiguration, we’re so caught up in the tabernacles we want to build that we sometimes miss a fresh revelation of God’s glory right before our eyes.” Beth Moore in Breaking Free
This paragraph caught my eye and, in reality, my heart. I was moved by the words of Isaiah 46:9.
“I am God, and there is no other.
I am God, and there is none like me”
Here’s what is so moving to me: this warning from God to get a proper perspective on His character and position brings both clarity of God’s awesome power and comfort through the knowledge of that same great power.
In the times when I get “too big for my britches” and try to do things my way – I need this reminder that this world and this universe is all about the One and Only Jehovah God. Life is all about Him. He is, deservedly so, the Center of the Universe.
But when life and circumstances and the rest flow over us – there is no god greater than our God. We have need of nothing greater than His power and His love.
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