We are beginning a new year and each one of us has given some thoughts and prayers to specific areas of our hearts and lives we want to surrender completely to Jesus in 2012.
We are a community of believers who strive to serve our Lord daily, through our ministry here at PCUS. We sometimes may take for granted that we are giving completely, or giving the best we have to give. Perhaps, Joyce Meyers might offer some new insight on “giving freely to others.”
“Give Something Away” by Joyce Meyer from Start Your Day Right Devotions
Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness shall go before Him and shall make His footsteps a way in which to walk.
PSALM 85:12-13
“God is the ultimate Giver. He expects nothing less than for us to follow His example. I challenge you to give away something every day of your life. You may think you won't have anything left if you do that, but if you give as the Lord leads you to do, soon you will receive so much that you will have to figure out where to put it all.
God gives you bread to eat and seed to sow (2 Corinthians 9: 10). Some things that God sends your way are given as seed for you to sow into the lives of others. Ask God to show you what He wants you to give away.”
I can’t begin to imagine the blessings we would receive as a community if each of us gave something to others daily, freely and lovingly.
Sarah Hornsby from Love Is, “Love is Bestowing”
How great is the love the Father has lavished (bestowed KJV) on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1
Love is lavish in giving, bestowing on often unworthy objects the best it has. Love counts the cost but is generous and joyous in giving. Love does not create dependency but enables the beloved to trust increasingly in God’s provision.
Lord of love, You have given me so much. Show me how to share.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Message from Brandon Harris, Development & Head Football Coach
Ever felt like you were facing a situation and the stakes were extremely high? Felt like there was no way out of the situation; maybe it was a friendship, financial, something involving a family member or friend? Back taxes? Legal issues? A home you need to sell or buy? God can get you out of any situation no matter how bleak and turn your challenges (enemy) into victory for his glory!
Acts 12: 1-11
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. 5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
Acts 12: 1-11
1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 4 So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. 5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”
Friday, December 16, 2011
Message from Alicia Galindo, Human Resource Manager
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
– Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
Sometimes we can get bogged down when we look at our surroundings and the situations we are in. Know that our Lord wants to fill us with joy (The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength) and though nothing may be easy on this earth, our hope is in eternal salvation. Now that is joy unspeakable….Have a blessed day!
(Taken from "The Word of the Day" by Tom Nannarone)
– Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
Sometimes we can get bogged down when we look at our surroundings and the situations we are in. Know that our Lord wants to fill us with joy (The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength) and though nothing may be easy on this earth, our hope is in eternal salvation. Now that is joy unspeakable….Have a blessed day!
(Taken from "The Word of the Day" by Tom Nannarone)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Message from Joe Frost, Director of Technology
Matthew 14:20-33
They all ate...and they took up twelve baskets full of...leftovers. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Immediately, He (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side while He dismissed the crowds.
After He had dismissed them, He went alone to pray...and the boat was a long way from land being beaten by the waves.
In the fourth watch of the night, nearly morning, He came to them walking on the sea...and they were terrified. But Jesus immediately said to them do not be afraid, it is I.
Peter replied, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." And Jesus simply said, "Come."
Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind he was afraid and as he began to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me."
And Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him saying "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
*************************************
Jesus just fed well over five thousand people with a small basket of fish & a side order of bread.
And if His crew didn't get it passing out the food, they had to when the 12 of them picked up 12 baskets of leftovers - yup, there's something different about Jesus...
So, after dinner Jesus sends the 12 ahead of Him to the other side of the sea so He can say good night to the crowd and go off for a few minutes of alone time, to pray.
Nobody asks how Jesus will get there, no doubt they expect a boat, so when they see Him, barely, in the dark, walking on the wind tossed, white capped sea they think He's a ghost and just like at any good horror movie they all begin to scream.
Sure, they just witnessed Jesus perform the miracle with fish & chips, but this is hours later, it's still pretty dark outside, it feels like a storm is coming, they can barely keep their eyes open and suddenly this guy comes along side the boat walking on water, yeah it's okay to scream.
After they settle down a bit, Peter thinks it's pretty cool to walk on water and Jesus grants his request by letting him walk on water too, but remember it's still cold, dark, wet, and windy.
Peter steps out of the boat and doesn't sink, but that doesn't mean he's not getting drenched by the wind and waves and probably the second time he gets slapped in the face & eyes by the stinging spray he starts thinking maybe he should get back in the boat - and then he realizes the water has begun climbing over his feet and up his legs...he's sinking, and he starts to scream again.
But, remember, he's a fisherman. He can swim, but instead he screams to Jesus, "Lord, save me." And though there's much to be said in Peter's choice to ask Jesus for help rather than stripping and swimming, it's Jesus' response that stands out, "Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him" and lifted Peter out of the water and they got into the boat.
Jesus reached out and GRABBED Peter and kept him on top of the water until they got into the boat.
Jesus didn't have to grab Peter, but He did.
Jesus didn't have to spend hours saying good night to the crowd after dinner either... but He did. He cares. He's relational.
And, like Peter (and the other 11), even though Jesus may perform miracles in front of us or for us we too may still doubt, slip, sink, get frustrated... And then we hear that song, read that verse, feel that peace, and realize He cares enough to reach out and take hold of us, lift us up, and set us back in the boat, with HIM.
He cares. Trust Him.
They all ate...and they took up twelve baskets full of...leftovers. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Immediately, He (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side while He dismissed the crowds.
After He had dismissed them, He went alone to pray...and the boat was a long way from land being beaten by the waves.
In the fourth watch of the night, nearly morning, He came to them walking on the sea...and they were terrified. But Jesus immediately said to them do not be afraid, it is I.
Peter replied, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." And Jesus simply said, "Come."
Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind he was afraid and as he began to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me."
And Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him saying "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
*************************************
Jesus just fed well over five thousand people with a small basket of fish & a side order of bread.
And if His crew didn't get it passing out the food, they had to when the 12 of them picked up 12 baskets of leftovers - yup, there's something different about Jesus...
So, after dinner Jesus sends the 12 ahead of Him to the other side of the sea so He can say good night to the crowd and go off for a few minutes of alone time, to pray.
Nobody asks how Jesus will get there, no doubt they expect a boat, so when they see Him, barely, in the dark, walking on the wind tossed, white capped sea they think He's a ghost and just like at any good horror movie they all begin to scream.
Sure, they just witnessed Jesus perform the miracle with fish & chips, but this is hours later, it's still pretty dark outside, it feels like a storm is coming, they can barely keep their eyes open and suddenly this guy comes along side the boat walking on water, yeah it's okay to scream.
After they settle down a bit, Peter thinks it's pretty cool to walk on water and Jesus grants his request by letting him walk on water too, but remember it's still cold, dark, wet, and windy.
Peter steps out of the boat and doesn't sink, but that doesn't mean he's not getting drenched by the wind and waves and probably the second time he gets slapped in the face & eyes by the stinging spray he starts thinking maybe he should get back in the boat - and then he realizes the water has begun climbing over his feet and up his legs...he's sinking, and he starts to scream again.
But, remember, he's a fisherman. He can swim, but instead he screams to Jesus, "Lord, save me." And though there's much to be said in Peter's choice to ask Jesus for help rather than stripping and swimming, it's Jesus' response that stands out, "Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him" and lifted Peter out of the water and they got into the boat.
Jesus reached out and GRABBED Peter and kept him on top of the water until they got into the boat.
Jesus didn't have to grab Peter, but He did.
Jesus didn't have to spend hours saying good night to the crowd after dinner either... but He did. He cares. He's relational.
And, like Peter (and the other 11), even though Jesus may perform miracles in front of us or for us we too may still doubt, slip, sink, get frustrated... And then we hear that song, read that verse, feel that peace, and realize He cares enough to reach out and take hold of us, lift us up, and set us back in the boat, with HIM.
He cares. Trust Him.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Message from Laura Furedy, Preschool Director
Gold, Fur and Common Sense
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.
God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son.
The next year God blessed us with another son.
The following year, He blessed us with yet another son.
The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.
My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."
I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs.
I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.
I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks.
I tried to be understanding...
when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.
When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.
In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children. While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...
I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God.
I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too. Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and m y son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."
My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine.
My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.
I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back upand held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation.
"I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."
"My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.
Unknown
My husband and I had been happily married (most of the time) for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with His word as my guide.
God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son.
The next year God blessed us with another son.
The following year, He blessed us with yet another son.
The year after that we were blessed with a daughter.
My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."
I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs.
I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint Him.
I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks.
I tried to be understanding...
when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs.
When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess.
In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children. While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...
I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God.
I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too. Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and m y son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife."
My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine.
My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes."
A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing.
I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back upand held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur."
The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation.
"I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."
"My children are my pride and my joy and my greatest blessing," I said as I dug through my purse for an aspirin.
Unknown
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Message from Irma Flores, Elementary Teacher
Acts 8:8 And there was great JOY in that city.
Bah! Humbug! I caught myself being a “Scrooge” as I thought of all I had to do for Christmas and how time goes quickly and so on. As I prayed and studied my Scripture for that day, the Lord redirected my thoughts and helped me change my attitude.
In Acts where the early church is growing, I noticed many “greats”.
“great power” (the apostles had)
Great grace (on all that heard)
Great wonders (Stephen did)
Great lamentation (over Stephen’s death)
Great persecution
And Great JOY!
Because of the persecution, the people were scattered abroad and went everywhere preaching the Gospel. Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ to them and they believed. There was great JOY in that city.
Praise God that we have great JOY here as we present the Gospel in our classes and especially now at Christmas. Phoenix Christian is bringing great JOY to our city of Phoenix. Merry Christmas.
Bah! Humbug! I caught myself being a “Scrooge” as I thought of all I had to do for Christmas and how time goes quickly and so on. As I prayed and studied my Scripture for that day, the Lord redirected my thoughts and helped me change my attitude.
In Acts where the early church is growing, I noticed many “greats”.
“great power” (the apostles had)
Great grace (on all that heard)
Great wonders (Stephen did)
Great lamentation (over Stephen’s death)
Great persecution
And Great JOY!
Because of the persecution, the people were scattered abroad and went everywhere preaching the Gospel. Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ to them and they believed. There was great JOY in that city.
Praise God that we have great JOY here as we present the Gospel in our classes and especially now at Christmas. Phoenix Christian is bringing great JOY to our city of Phoenix. Merry Christmas.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Message from Angie Dickerson, Admin. Assistant to Principal
It was an unwelcomed interruption to the day of many tasks. A student who was mourning the loss of a loved one showed up at my office door. “Lord,” I thought, “I don’t have time to deal with this right now. I have A, B, C and D to finish. I don’t know what to say, what to do.” But here the student was at my door, crying and very distraught.
I asked the Lord to give me the wisdom to comfort this hurting child. I prayed aloud for comfort for this child and offered a few words of wisdom. Mostly I just stood there and handed out Kleenex as needed. A few hugs and back pats later, and the student was ready to go back to class.
As the day progressed and I finished my tasks, it struck me that in God’s economy my “interruption” was probably the most important part of the day for Him. I was here, I was available, and He gave me the words to say. But even more than that – He gave me the opportunity to minister to this child. Me! – the cranky lady trying to get her “things” done! Me! – the one who didn’t want to be bothered!
I felt humbled. I knew it was a prompting to start seeing things from a more eternal perspective. The little moments – maybe even the things we disregard in our rush through each day – are the blessings God gives us.
We don’t have to go very far to do the Lord’s work. He has us all right here at PC and offers us opportunities each day to minister to the students, the parents and our co-workers. What a total blessing for all of us.
Thank you, Lord, for using us to comfort, guide, support, encourage and walk alongside those you put in our path each day! Amen
I asked the Lord to give me the wisdom to comfort this hurting child. I prayed aloud for comfort for this child and offered a few words of wisdom. Mostly I just stood there and handed out Kleenex as needed. A few hugs and back pats later, and the student was ready to go back to class.
As the day progressed and I finished my tasks, it struck me that in God’s economy my “interruption” was probably the most important part of the day for Him. I was here, I was available, and He gave me the words to say. But even more than that – He gave me the opportunity to minister to this child. Me! – the cranky lady trying to get her “things” done! Me! – the one who didn’t want to be bothered!
I felt humbled. I knew it was a prompting to start seeing things from a more eternal perspective. The little moments – maybe even the things we disregard in our rush through each day – are the blessings God gives us.
We don’t have to go very far to do the Lord’s work. He has us all right here at PC and offers us opportunities each day to minister to the students, the parents and our co-workers. What a total blessing for all of us.
Thank you, Lord, for using us to comfort, guide, support, encourage and walk alongside those you put in our path each day! Amen
Friday, December 9, 2011
Message from Keith deLaet, High School Teacher
Keep it simple. That’s my vow this Christmas. Of course it has started out a little bit rough with a trip to the Emergency Room and a Kidney Stone procedure with a complication. Upon further reflection, now feeling better, I believe that the experience has just added to the resolve that birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is meant to be observed in simplicity. The fact that He entered the world in the manner in which He did, simply, and the fact that Mary and Joseph were people of simple means really drives this home, at least for me. So this year, I’m dusting off my simple list which is provided below, in hopes that in a quiet moment, or a simple gesture, or an inexpensive way, we all can have a magnificent moment in the presence of Jesus!
Merry Christmas!
Keith de Laet
12 HOLIDAY FAMILY & DEVOTIONAL IDEAS (using the 12 Days of Christmas)
1. Open an advent calendar
2. Spread out your holiday gift giving
3. View holiday specials together and have a group discussion.
4. Donate to the Thrift Shop.
5. Pick an Angel Tree gift
6. Bake and wrap gifts for others, talk about why these people are important.
7. Make an event out of decorating for the holidays
8. Visit free light displays, the electrical parade, etc.
9. Emphasize family meals
10. Attend at least one Christmas church service
11. Have a family wrapping party
12. Establish a holiday tradition – May I suggest watching or reading Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol?
Merry Christmas!
Keith de Laet
12 HOLIDAY FAMILY & DEVOTIONAL IDEAS (using the 12 Days of Christmas)
1. Open an advent calendar
2. Spread out your holiday gift giving
3. View holiday specials together and have a group discussion.
4. Donate to the Thrift Shop.
5. Pick an Angel Tree gift
6. Bake and wrap gifts for others, talk about why these people are important.
7. Make an event out of decorating for the holidays
8. Visit free light displays, the electrical parade, etc.
9. Emphasize family meals
10. Attend at least one Christmas church service
11. Have a family wrapping party
12. Establish a holiday tradition – May I suggest watching or reading Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol?
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Message from Margaret Crotts, First Grade Teacher
“ I will thank you Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled WITH JOY because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.”
Psalm 9 : 1-2
Teaching should be a joyful experience, but every teacher knows that some days are so busy and so hurried that JOY seems a distant promise. It is not. Every day, we can claim the spiritual abundance and JOY that God promises for our lives….and we should.
C.H. Spurgeon said: “Rejoicing is clearly a spiritual command. To ignore it is disobedience”. We are called by our Creator to live abundantly, prayerfully, and joyfully. To do otherwise is to squander His gifts.
Today let JOY be evident in every aspect of your life, including life inside the classroom. Today, JOYFULLY let your words and deeds be a testimony to Christ’s love and to His grace.
JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD HAS COME!!
Psalm 9 : 1-2
Teaching should be a joyful experience, but every teacher knows that some days are so busy and so hurried that JOY seems a distant promise. It is not. Every day, we can claim the spiritual abundance and JOY that God promises for our lives….and we should.
C.H. Spurgeon said: “Rejoicing is clearly a spiritual command. To ignore it is disobedience”. We are called by our Creator to live abundantly, prayerfully, and joyfully. To do otherwise is to squander His gifts.
Today let JOY be evident in every aspect of your life, including life inside the classroom. Today, JOYFULLY let your words and deeds be a testimony to Christ’s love and to His grace.
JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD HAS COME!!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Message from Bruce Consier, Athletic Director
Hindsight
"Life has to be lived forwards but it can only be understood backwards."
- Søren Kierkegaard
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" Job 12:12 (NIV)
Hindsight
If we could walk backwards through life, so many times of doubt and questioning would be erased from our path. But sadly, we would have missed those desperate moments of trusting in the Lord, and clinging to him for guidance.
"Life has to be lived forwards but it can only be understood backwards."
- Søren Kierkegaard
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, And he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
"Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" Job 12:12 (NIV)
Hindsight
If we could walk backwards through life, so many times of doubt and questioning would be erased from our path. But sadly, we would have missed those desperate moments of trusting in the Lord, and clinging to him for guidance.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Message from Jim Callahan, High School Teacher
Then Pilate said to him,” So you are a king?” Jesus answered him, “You say that I am king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world – to witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice. Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” John 18:37-38 ESV
There are times when it is easy to think that truth relativism is a 20th century invention. This is not the case. Pilates’ question “What is truth?” shows this. Normally, when people ask the question that Pilate asked, they do so because they believe that truth is ultimately person relative --- your truth is your truth and my truth is my truth, or that no person is able to know for sure what the really truth is. If this view of truth is the is the truth (please notice the consistency problem here), then anyone who claims to witness to the truth is either simply expressing their own opinion which has no more or less value than anyone else’s, or is completely mistaken in thinking that they know something that cannot possibly be known. I have had students at PC that are truth relativists and an alarming number at that. I suspect that some of you also have had students of this kind. Our ministry to these students must focus on the reality that Jesus is the truth. We must all provide a sound apologetic for the claims of Jesus Christ that he is the truth, that he has come to witness to the truth and that everyone “who is of the truth” listens to Him.
There are times when it is easy to think that truth relativism is a 20th century invention. This is not the case. Pilates’ question “What is truth?” shows this. Normally, when people ask the question that Pilate asked, they do so because they believe that truth is ultimately person relative --- your truth is your truth and my truth is my truth, or that no person is able to know for sure what the really truth is. If this view of truth is the is the truth (please notice the consistency problem here), then anyone who claims to witness to the truth is either simply expressing their own opinion which has no more or less value than anyone else’s, or is completely mistaken in thinking that they know something that cannot possibly be known. I have had students at PC that are truth relativists and an alarming number at that. I suspect that some of you also have had students of this kind. Our ministry to these students must focus on the reality that Jesus is the truth. We must all provide a sound apologetic for the claims of Jesus Christ that he is the truth, that he has come to witness to the truth and that everyone “who is of the truth” listens to Him.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Message from Yvonne Calderon, Junior High Teacher
I heard this song a few years ago. This song became my favorite song to play at Christmas. I think the band Go FIsh says it best.
Turn up your speakers and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkIj94yepfU&feature=related
Turn up your speakers and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkIj94yepfU&feature=related
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Message from Karen Boyce, Business Manager
If not already, schedules are about to be very hectic with holiday festivities. As I pull out the ornaments and tinsel, I also pull out one of my favorite Bible verses, “Be still and know that I am God.”~ Psalms 46:10. You can emphasize each word of this verse and it has a different impact on your heart.
BE still and know that I am God.
Be STILL and know that I am God.
Be still and KNOW that I am God
Be still and know that “I” am God.
Be still and know that I am GOD!
Psalms 46:10 has been my partner through a lot of circumstances. There are times that I need to do nothing more than to just exist as His child. Oftentimes, I need to interrupt my daily agenda and simply exist in His presence. When my own means exhaust me, I need His divine wisdom. For Him to remind us that HE is God, I need to remember that HE is the Almighty. And, always, I just need to stop long enough to remember His awesome power. To just say the name “God” brings His authority and humility to me.
Some people assign stillness with a negative connotation - as weak or disheartened. However, being still does not restrict my mobility. Rather, being still is a command that requires me to take courage in divine dependence rather than my own self. I can be still because of what I know about God. His command for me to be still forces realization that I am finite and then humble myself to His infiniteness. He provides me a controlled composure in my chaos.
So during this season, I pray for spiritual serenity - the kind that God gives despite our circumstances. Spiritual calm does not come from peace, but a steady deep reflection of how God intervenes in the midst of circumstances. In Romans 15:4, I find hope. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
As a little girl, I remember going to church and my mother telling me “Sit Still!” My teachers told me the same thing in the classroom. I did not like those words. I did not have time for stillness. Now, sometimes I think God tells me to “Sit Still!” That command I have learned to obey. I pray for opportunities to be still and learn more about the infinite God that I love and who loves me
unconditionally.
May each of you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season and find some time to be still.
BE still and know that I am God.
Be STILL and know that I am God.
Be still and KNOW that I am God
Be still and know that “I” am God.
Be still and know that I am GOD!
Psalms 46:10 has been my partner through a lot of circumstances. There are times that I need to do nothing more than to just exist as His child. Oftentimes, I need to interrupt my daily agenda and simply exist in His presence. When my own means exhaust me, I need His divine wisdom. For Him to remind us that HE is God, I need to remember that HE is the Almighty. And, always, I just need to stop long enough to remember His awesome power. To just say the name “God” brings His authority and humility to me.
Some people assign stillness with a negative connotation - as weak or disheartened. However, being still does not restrict my mobility. Rather, being still is a command that requires me to take courage in divine dependence rather than my own self. I can be still because of what I know about God. His command for me to be still forces realization that I am finite and then humble myself to His infiniteness. He provides me a controlled composure in my chaos.
So during this season, I pray for spiritual serenity - the kind that God gives despite our circumstances. Spiritual calm does not come from peace, but a steady deep reflection of how God intervenes in the midst of circumstances. In Romans 15:4, I find hope. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
As a little girl, I remember going to church and my mother telling me “Sit Still!” My teachers told me the same thing in the classroom. I did not like those words. I did not have time for stillness. Now, sometimes I think God tells me to “Sit Still!” That command I have learned to obey. I pray for opportunities to be still and learn more about the infinite God that I love and who loves me
unconditionally.
May each of you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas season and find some time to be still.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Message from Lisa Blake, Counselor
Our little miracle growing inside me is certainly continuing to surprise us! I definitely do not use the word "miracle" flippantly. Most of you know, but perhaps many may not know that Jeff and I have struggled to conceive. I know, it's surprising! We're on our 5th pregnancy but REALLY! It took over a year with Brooklynne, we tried at least 9 months for the next baby that we lost, we tried over a year and 1/2 for T.J. and 2+ years for Annie. So you must understand our utter SHOCK when we discovered that I was pregnant this summer (a little over 2 months since Annie's birth). Once the shock wore off (it took a little while), I remembered that Jeff and I had just talked about still wanting one more and hoping/praying for God's will in our family. So with our little miracle baby growing inside me, we began our new journey feeling both overwhelmed and utterly amazed at HIS plan for our family.
With each and every day that passes, I question if I have enough love to give a husband and four little ones. Especially after a day of changing half of dozen diapers, running upstairs 20+ times 7months pregnant with a 16 lb baby on my hips and a four year old that just cannot seem to figure out the whole "getting dressed" thing. Hoping to have the house picked-up, dinner hot and ready, and a joyous spirit when Jeff and Brooklynne arrive, I scurry around finding myself growing more and more reluctant about this miracle baby growing inside me. Do I have enough love to give?
So I search my heart and I search Christ's heart. I think He's revealed something to me that most of you have probably already discovered. I do NOT have enough love to give! There is absolutely no way I can pour myself out over and over and over - there's just not enough to go around. BUT His love is abundant, overflowing, MORE than enough.
I know, the 23rd Psalms is so over done but I've really spent some time recently meditating on this chapter. So here's the Message version which I love for it's visual depiction.
God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
"My cup brims with blessing" or my cup overflows...I LOVE THIS! As I rest in HIS presence and experience HIS abundant love, my cup cannot help but overflow into the lives of Jeff, Brooklynne, T.J., Annie, and our little miracle baby.
As our journey continues to take some twists and turns, Jeff and I thank you for covering us with prayers. Our words cannot express our deep gratitude and love for this community.
With each and every day that passes, I question if I have enough love to give a husband and four little ones. Especially after a day of changing half of dozen diapers, running upstairs 20+ times 7months pregnant with a 16 lb baby on my hips and a four year old that just cannot seem to figure out the whole "getting dressed" thing. Hoping to have the house picked-up, dinner hot and ready, and a joyous spirit when Jeff and Brooklynne arrive, I scurry around finding myself growing more and more reluctant about this miracle baby growing inside me. Do I have enough love to give?
So I search my heart and I search Christ's heart. I think He's revealed something to me that most of you have probably already discovered. I do NOT have enough love to give! There is absolutely no way I can pour myself out over and over and over - there's just not enough to go around. BUT His love is abundant, overflowing, MORE than enough.
I know, the 23rd Psalms is so over done but I've really spent some time recently meditating on this chapter. So here's the Message version which I love for it's visual depiction.
God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
"My cup brims with blessing" or my cup overflows...I LOVE THIS! As I rest in HIS presence and experience HIS abundant love, my cup cannot help but overflow into the lives of Jeff, Brooklynne, T.J., Annie, and our little miracle baby.
As our journey continues to take some twists and turns, Jeff and I thank you for covering us with prayers. Our words cannot express our deep gratitude and love for this community.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Message from Jeff Blake, High School Teacher
Psalm 100 (the Message, a paraphrase of scripture)
A Thanksgiving Psalm
1-2 On your feet now—applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
3 Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
Lisa and I enjoyed a time of celebration of God’s provision over Thanksgiving! And in that I have taken some time alone with God to recognize that giving thanks is a discipline—and one I am not good at (in the meditation of my own heart).
Over the years, our extended family has been exceedingly gracious to my immediate family with money, gifts of service, and devotion. Yet, in my own heart I experience shame (which is not from God). Privately I struggle with the need to do it all on my own. Privately I struggle with the perception that other’s assistance to me is a sign of my weakness.
And in this place, I objectively know that all good things flow from God and my dependence upon my Creator is total. God is the Provider. In my experience family is a tool the Provider uses. And so here I am in this place of paradox and learning. God simply will provide how He sees fit—the conduit is not up to me. The Provider is in charge.
And in this reflection, another tool by which our Provider uses is our school community.
Did you know . . .?
Our elementary students have provided a TON of plastic bags and egg cartons to a food ministry in Mexico and border communities.
Our elementary students provided nearly 30 shoe box gifts to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
Our junior and senior high students will again spread out in our community to provide just short of 1,000 hours of community service on Friday, December 2.
Some of our junior and senior high students are raising money to support Invisible Children’s endeavor to end the abuse of children soldiers in the civil wars which grip Uganda. Some of our senior high students have contacted members of Congress to pledge their concern for this injustice.
On Thursday, December 8—62 needy students from MC Cash Elementary school will be bused to our campus for an evening of crafts, dinner, Santa, hayrides, and God’s love from our JH and SH students.
Our junior and senior high students have collected nearly 300 pairs of shoes in support of Mr. Harmon’s ministry to children living in poverty.
My point is that my Thanksgiving was not laden with laughter—but interpersonal embarrassment as I am coming to grip with my own needs. Psalm 100 is a powerful reminder of celebration! We are the body of Christ. Guided by the Spirit we have an opportunity to serve and give our lives away to each other and most of all—God!
Father, this day I choose to make my self more at home in your chosen means of Provision! Thank you! That is my “password” this day. Thank you that you provide in your own way! May each gift of provision be an opportunity for myself and others to be ever more at home with You.
A Thanksgiving Psalm
1-2 On your feet now—applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
3 Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
4 Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
Lisa and I enjoyed a time of celebration of God’s provision over Thanksgiving! And in that I have taken some time alone with God to recognize that giving thanks is a discipline—and one I am not good at (in the meditation of my own heart).
Over the years, our extended family has been exceedingly gracious to my immediate family with money, gifts of service, and devotion. Yet, in my own heart I experience shame (which is not from God). Privately I struggle with the need to do it all on my own. Privately I struggle with the perception that other’s assistance to me is a sign of my weakness.
And in this place, I objectively know that all good things flow from God and my dependence upon my Creator is total. God is the Provider. In my experience family is a tool the Provider uses. And so here I am in this place of paradox and learning. God simply will provide how He sees fit—the conduit is not up to me. The Provider is in charge.
And in this reflection, another tool by which our Provider uses is our school community.
Did you know . . .?
Our elementary students have provided a TON of plastic bags and egg cartons to a food ministry in Mexico and border communities.
Our elementary students provided nearly 30 shoe box gifts to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
Our junior and senior high students will again spread out in our community to provide just short of 1,000 hours of community service on Friday, December 2.
Some of our junior and senior high students are raising money to support Invisible Children’s endeavor to end the abuse of children soldiers in the civil wars which grip Uganda. Some of our senior high students have contacted members of Congress to pledge their concern for this injustice.
On Thursday, December 8—62 needy students from MC Cash Elementary school will be bused to our campus for an evening of crafts, dinner, Santa, hayrides, and God’s love from our JH and SH students.
Our junior and senior high students have collected nearly 300 pairs of shoes in support of Mr. Harmon’s ministry to children living in poverty.
My point is that my Thanksgiving was not laden with laughter—but interpersonal embarrassment as I am coming to grip with my own needs. Psalm 100 is a powerful reminder of celebration! We are the body of Christ. Guided by the Spirit we have an opportunity to serve and give our lives away to each other and most of all—God!
Father, this day I choose to make my self more at home in your chosen means of Provision! Thank you! That is my “password” this day. Thank you that you provide in your own way! May each gift of provision be an opportunity for myself and others to be ever more at home with You.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Message from Sonya Berges, JH/SH Teacher
“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,”
Ephesians 3:20
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8: 38 & 39
I have a brother who has been diagnosed as SMI – severely mentally ill. The past two months have been a roller coaster in my world watching him deteriorate one more time and unraveling the consequences of adult abuse toward our mom. While the situation has at times felt overwhelming and surreal, I have never before felt God’s presence and peace as profoundly as I have over these weeks.
So many situations have presented themselves where I didn’t know how or what to pray for yet God opened doors, closed them and worked ahead, behind and around us. His protection and provision have been nothing short of a miracle. My past doubts about whether God was real, if he loved me or listened to me have been silenced. As I’ve read, journaled and prayed through this time, I see God’s fingerprints all over this. It has been a difficult but beautiful testimony to a very real God who loves us so much.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving, I pray that you too will see God show up in amazing ways in your personal circumstances. Hopefully they aren’t as dramatic as mine. God Bless!
Ephesians 3:20
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8: 38 & 39
I have a brother who has been diagnosed as SMI – severely mentally ill. The past two months have been a roller coaster in my world watching him deteriorate one more time and unraveling the consequences of adult abuse toward our mom. While the situation has at times felt overwhelming and surreal, I have never before felt God’s presence and peace as profoundly as I have over these weeks.
So many situations have presented themselves where I didn’t know how or what to pray for yet God opened doors, closed them and worked ahead, behind and around us. His protection and provision have been nothing short of a miracle. My past doubts about whether God was real, if he loved me or listened to me have been silenced. As I’ve read, journaled and prayed through this time, I see God’s fingerprints all over this. It has been a difficult but beautiful testimony to a very real God who loves us so much.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving, I pray that you too will see God show up in amazing ways in your personal circumstances. Hopefully they aren’t as dramatic as mine. God Bless!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Message from Roger Bemis, Band Teacher
"Come on everyone! Let's gather round the turkey and sing Jingle Bells. Does everyone have their sleigh bells ready?"
Jingle Bells, originally titled "One Horse Open Sleigh"
Author James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893) wrote the song in 1857. This song was meant for a Thanksgiving program at a church in Savannah, Georgia where Pierpont was organist. The song was so well accepted that it was again sung on Christmas day and since then became one of the most popular Christmas carols.
What do you have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving?
I share the following to simply provide a different perspective on this Thanksgiving.
We, as Americans have a lot to be thankful for. When I was deployed to Iraq as a video broadcaster, the units I was doing stories on visited schools to give out basic school supplies, like coloring books, crayons, pencils, noteboooks, backpacks, perhaps a little food, sometimes desks, maybe some clothes and of course, soccer balls. I saw and shot footage of school children sitting in a room, two or three to a small benchlike seat, eagerly waiting to learn from a teacher who only had a chalkboard to teach from.
The rooms didn't have heat. For "air-conditioning", they might of had a ceiling fan, but I'm not sure the ones I saw worked. They probably opened a window, but sometimes that wasn't necessary; the windows were already broken. The walls were bare and the paint was chipped. Their dilapidated state had nothing to do with the war. These schools were the norm; especially in rural areas.
When voices in America cry out asking for 'more money for education', they should think about what they already have, for they are already richly blessed. There is nothing wrong with wanting the best for our kids. Broken windows and leaky roofs need to be fixed, but there needs to be balance between need and want. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12
I know that those of us here at PCUS are very thankful for what we have. Of course, we all struggle with balancing need and want. That's normal, but God will provide exactly what we need. "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
If nothing else, we should be thankful that we have the freedom to ask, and the freedom to pray for what we believe is the best for our children.
So I guess, at the end of the day, you have the freedom to decide whether or not to be thankful that you're not singing Jingle Bells as the Thanksgiving meal is set on the table. ;-)...And if you do break into song as you set the table on Thursday, I'll never tell anyone it was Jingle Bells.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2
Interesting Fact: On December 16, 1965, astronauts aboard Gemini 6, Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford, played a prank on Mission Control. They said they saw some kind of UFO stating that the pilot was "wearing a red suit." They then played "Jingle Bells" on a harmonica backed by sleigh bells. They are considered the first musical instruments to be played in space!
Jingle Bells, originally titled "One Horse Open Sleigh"
Author James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893) wrote the song in 1857. This song was meant for a Thanksgiving program at a church in Savannah, Georgia where Pierpont was organist. The song was so well accepted that it was again sung on Christmas day and since then became one of the most popular Christmas carols.
What do you have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving?
I share the following to simply provide a different perspective on this Thanksgiving.
We, as Americans have a lot to be thankful for. When I was deployed to Iraq as a video broadcaster, the units I was doing stories on visited schools to give out basic school supplies, like coloring books, crayons, pencils, noteboooks, backpacks, perhaps a little food, sometimes desks, maybe some clothes and of course, soccer balls. I saw and shot footage of school children sitting in a room, two or three to a small benchlike seat, eagerly waiting to learn from a teacher who only had a chalkboard to teach from.
The rooms didn't have heat. For "air-conditioning", they might of had a ceiling fan, but I'm not sure the ones I saw worked. They probably opened a window, but sometimes that wasn't necessary; the windows were already broken. The walls were bare and the paint was chipped. Their dilapidated state had nothing to do with the war. These schools were the norm; especially in rural areas.
When voices in America cry out asking for 'more money for education', they should think about what they already have, for they are already richly blessed. There is nothing wrong with wanting the best for our kids. Broken windows and leaky roofs need to be fixed, but there needs to be balance between need and want. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12
I know that those of us here at PCUS are very thankful for what we have. Of course, we all struggle with balancing need and want. That's normal, but God will provide exactly what we need. "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8
If nothing else, we should be thankful that we have the freedom to ask, and the freedom to pray for what we believe is the best for our children.
So I guess, at the end of the day, you have the freedom to decide whether or not to be thankful that you're not singing Jingle Bells as the Thanksgiving meal is set on the table. ;-)...And if you do break into song as you set the table on Thursday, I'll never tell anyone it was Jingle Bells.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalm 95:2
Interesting Fact: On December 16, 1965, astronauts aboard Gemini 6, Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford, played a prank on Mission Control. They said they saw some kind of UFO stating that the pilot was "wearing a red suit." They then played "Jingle Bells" on a harmonica backed by sleigh bells. They are considered the first musical instruments to be played in space!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Message from Roxanne Anderson, Bookkeeper
I'd like to encourage all of you with this quote from Dan Julian. He's one of our substitute teachers and he spoke in chapel this last week. Dan and his wife, Anna, pastor a small in church in Mayer, AZ. The Lord has also called them to be missionaries in Spain (www.juliansabroad.com). Dan was writing on Facebook about his experience speaking in chapel when he gave our students this great compliment.
"The kids at PCHS are remarkable and encouraging--the church has a lot to look forward to." - Dan Julian
These words are very encouraging to me. As one who doesn't have a lot of interaction with our students, it's so easy to get bogged down in the task of the job without seeing much evidence of how our service is paying off in the lives of our students. This gives me hope. It is indeed evidence of what I hope for each day.
"The kids at PCHS are remarkable and encouraging--the church has a lot to look forward to." - Dan Julian
These words are very encouraging to me. As one who doesn't have a lot of interaction with our students, it's so easy to get bogged down in the task of the job without seeing much evidence of how our service is paying off in the lives of our students. This gives me hope. It is indeed evidence of what I hope for each day.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Message from Phil Adams, Principal
This is a blog post from my daughter, Karen, last week. Sometimes our children amaze us. By way of background, she miscarried three times in the last year, with the second one, Lily, dying at 20 weeks. -- Phil
Rough Week
Okay, this is not an easy week. It is a pretty rough week actually. I knew it wouldn't be an easy week, so I had expectations of being emotional and having rough days. I was completely right, and to be honest I just can't wait for it to be over.
When I found out I was pregnant with Lily, one of my first thoughts was "When am I due?". I whipped out my phone to find out. They have websites for this, you just Google "Due Date Calculator," type in the requested information, and boom! Your due date. When the page popped up that said, "Congratulations! Your baby is due on November 10th!" My jaw dropped. What?! How cool! My baby was due on my birthday? What are the odds? How fun!
But I also was hit with the reality that this pregnancy wasn't guaranteed to end happily. If something were to go wrong, my birthday would definitely be tainted, not only this next one, but all the ones after that. "Let's just hope that doesn't happen," I thought.
And for the first half of my pregnancy, nothing did happen. I was finally in a place of believing that my birthday might not be the most fun I've ever had (either giving birth or recovering from it), but it was sure to be extra special.
Alas, things did not work out how I had hoped. The fear that my birthday would forever be tainted with crushed hopes has been realized, and this week leading up to my birthday has been difficult. Every day I think of how this is just not how I wanted to spend these days. I wanted to be great with child, wondering if she'd be born on my actual birthday or the arguably cooler date of 11-11-11. I am in a constant state of bad mood, forcing myself to smile but inwardly feeling very gypped. When people ask me what I want for my birthday, I swallow the urge to say, "A baby". When people ask me what I want to do for my birthday, I think, "Honestly? I want to crawl into bed and cry all day." But I don't, and I think it is wise that my sister and friends have filled that day to the brim with activity so that I won't have a single moment to be alone with my thoughts.
I have known other grieving mamas who have talked about having certain dates that are particularly difficult to get through. Always the anniversary of the death. Always the birth day. Always the due date (if lost in pregnancy). Sometimes, just another Monday, when the gaping hole your child left for some reason seems particularly noticeable.
I miss Lily every day. I think of her birth day often. I think of that Horrible Day when we found out she had died. I think so often of what could have been, and what life would be like had she lived. But this week, this coming hard day, these days are worse than normal because it is a stark reminder of what isn't happening. I'm not packing my bag. I'm not having my last day at work. I'm not preparing the nursery. I'm not second guessing our name choice. I'm not washing Jake and Eisley's Big Brother and Big Sister T-Shirts. I'm not excited and nervous and happy and scared and thrilled. It's just another week in November. And it isn't any fun.
This is so not where I thought I would be this week. Though Josh and I are happy and excited about our decision to adopt, we are still grieving. We will be for years to come, forever probably. But this week, this week we are grieving hard. I am grieving hard. I am feeling sad and bitter and angry and sad again. My husband is enduring living with an extra-sensitive wife, my kids are putting up with mommy's irritability. Even my blog entry "Adoption Education..." had a bit of a touchy edge to it this week (of which I hope I didn't offend...I made a few adjustments because Josh pointed out my tone was a little more confrontational than I probably wanted to be). I have been short with family, stuck my foot in my mouth more than once with friends, and have not been the most fun person to be around. I'm in a general bad mood and am thankful for friends and family that are understanding and loving and patient.
I am especially thankful that I have a God who is putting up with my bad mood. I have spent many a car ride venting to Him this week. I have questioned and cried and inwardly given Him the cold shoulder. Why Lord, would you have my due date be my birthday? What's that about? It's not enough to take my daughter but you also have to ruin my birthday too? And while we're on the subject, did she have to be born on Father's Day? I mean seriously, why don't you just strike our house with lightning on Christmas and frost this cupcake?
I vent, I cry, I vent, I clench my teeth and say nothing. I apologize. I get mad again. But I know He can handle it. He knew this would be a hard week. He has not forgotten. And He comforts. I am fully confident that without my personal relationship with Jesus, I would be so far off the deep end that no amount of prescription drugs could retrieve me. Where do people go with this kind of grief when they don't have God to turn to? What do you do with that much anger and confusion and sadness? Because let me tell you, being a Christian does not give you an immunity idol to use in life. You still experience all kinds of difficult and awful and horrible things. Having a relationship with Jesus does not make your life perfect. It only gives you hope when it isn't. And it isn't.
I have a treasure chest that my mom gave me after a very, very difficult time in my life (arguably even more so than losing Lily). It is filled to the brim with scraps of paper with verses written on them. They were written by many people that love me, and they all have themes of hope, comfort, and triumph in tragedy. I had that chest opened every day after she gave it to me. Many days after my first miscarriage. Most days after Lily died. Every day this week.
My favorite verse, if forced to pick, is Psalm 34:18. "The Lord is close to the broken hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Awesome promises. Promises I have seen Him keep. I think it is important to point out here that the verse does not say, "The Lord prevents all broken hearts and never allows His children to have crushed spirits." He acknowledges that bad things happen. He knows we will have struggles and trials and broken hearts and crushed spirits. He does not pretend your life will be void of pain and difficulty. He flat out says "In this life you will have trials"! That's a given! But He does not leave us hanging. He does not let us go through this alone. He promises to be close to us during those times.
Before I lost Lily, one of my greatest fears (and I had actually thought about this, because I am a woman and that's what we do) was having to give birth to a baby I knew was dead. I had heard of it happening, knew women who had done it, and I thought to myself, "Impossible. I could not physically do that. I would have to be knocked out, put under, medicated into oblivion. There is just no way I could do it." When one of your greatest fears is realized, it is a surreal thing. Suddenly it wasn't just a sad story I had heard. I was living it. I was being forced to deal with it. And God met me where I was at. He gave me the strength I could never have imagined existed. I was broken hearted. I was crushed. And He was close. And He saved me. Just like He promised.
I am not having a good week. I am hurting, I am sad, I am angry, I am confused, and God is so close to me that I can feel Him. That's the trade off. I truly believe that people who experience pain on the deepest of levels also have experienced the Lord on the deepest of levels. We have seen a side of Him that not everyone gets to see. We have experienced miraculous comfort and peace that not everyone gets to experience. Would I trade all of that for a life with Lily? Probably. But that's the mommy in me talking.
I am still sincerely grateful for the deepened relationship I have with God because of my broken heart. I take comfort in His promises, especially in the one that gives me an eternity with my babies. Until then, I endure. I breath in and I breath out, I hope, and I look forward to the day when there is no such thing as rough weeks
Rough Week
Okay, this is not an easy week. It is a pretty rough week actually. I knew it wouldn't be an easy week, so I had expectations of being emotional and having rough days. I was completely right, and to be honest I just can't wait for it to be over.
When I found out I was pregnant with Lily, one of my first thoughts was "When am I due?". I whipped out my phone to find out. They have websites for this, you just Google "Due Date Calculator," type in the requested information, and boom! Your due date. When the page popped up that said, "Congratulations! Your baby is due on November 10th!" My jaw dropped. What?! How cool! My baby was due on my birthday? What are the odds? How fun!
But I also was hit with the reality that this pregnancy wasn't guaranteed to end happily. If something were to go wrong, my birthday would definitely be tainted, not only this next one, but all the ones after that. "Let's just hope that doesn't happen," I thought.
And for the first half of my pregnancy, nothing did happen. I was finally in a place of believing that my birthday might not be the most fun I've ever had (either giving birth or recovering from it), but it was sure to be extra special.
Alas, things did not work out how I had hoped. The fear that my birthday would forever be tainted with crushed hopes has been realized, and this week leading up to my birthday has been difficult. Every day I think of how this is just not how I wanted to spend these days. I wanted to be great with child, wondering if she'd be born on my actual birthday or the arguably cooler date of 11-11-11. I am in a constant state of bad mood, forcing myself to smile but inwardly feeling very gypped. When people ask me what I want for my birthday, I swallow the urge to say, "A baby". When people ask me what I want to do for my birthday, I think, "Honestly? I want to crawl into bed and cry all day." But I don't, and I think it is wise that my sister and friends have filled that day to the brim with activity so that I won't have a single moment to be alone with my thoughts.
I have known other grieving mamas who have talked about having certain dates that are particularly difficult to get through. Always the anniversary of the death. Always the birth day. Always the due date (if lost in pregnancy). Sometimes, just another Monday, when the gaping hole your child left for some reason seems particularly noticeable.
I miss Lily every day. I think of her birth day often. I think of that Horrible Day when we found out she had died. I think so often of what could have been, and what life would be like had she lived. But this week, this coming hard day, these days are worse than normal because it is a stark reminder of what isn't happening. I'm not packing my bag. I'm not having my last day at work. I'm not preparing the nursery. I'm not second guessing our name choice. I'm not washing Jake and Eisley's Big Brother and Big Sister T-Shirts. I'm not excited and nervous and happy and scared and thrilled. It's just another week in November. And it isn't any fun.
This is so not where I thought I would be this week. Though Josh and I are happy and excited about our decision to adopt, we are still grieving. We will be for years to come, forever probably. But this week, this week we are grieving hard. I am grieving hard. I am feeling sad and bitter and angry and sad again. My husband is enduring living with an extra-sensitive wife, my kids are putting up with mommy's irritability. Even my blog entry "Adoption Education..." had a bit of a touchy edge to it this week (of which I hope I didn't offend...I made a few adjustments because Josh pointed out my tone was a little more confrontational than I probably wanted to be). I have been short with family, stuck my foot in my mouth more than once with friends, and have not been the most fun person to be around. I'm in a general bad mood and am thankful for friends and family that are understanding and loving and patient.
I am especially thankful that I have a God who is putting up with my bad mood. I have spent many a car ride venting to Him this week. I have questioned and cried and inwardly given Him the cold shoulder. Why Lord, would you have my due date be my birthday? What's that about? It's not enough to take my daughter but you also have to ruin my birthday too? And while we're on the subject, did she have to be born on Father's Day? I mean seriously, why don't you just strike our house with lightning on Christmas and frost this cupcake?
I vent, I cry, I vent, I clench my teeth and say nothing. I apologize. I get mad again. But I know He can handle it. He knew this would be a hard week. He has not forgotten. And He comforts. I am fully confident that without my personal relationship with Jesus, I would be so far off the deep end that no amount of prescription drugs could retrieve me. Where do people go with this kind of grief when they don't have God to turn to? What do you do with that much anger and confusion and sadness? Because let me tell you, being a Christian does not give you an immunity idol to use in life. You still experience all kinds of difficult and awful and horrible things. Having a relationship with Jesus does not make your life perfect. It only gives you hope when it isn't. And it isn't.
I have a treasure chest that my mom gave me after a very, very difficult time in my life (arguably even more so than losing Lily). It is filled to the brim with scraps of paper with verses written on them. They were written by many people that love me, and they all have themes of hope, comfort, and triumph in tragedy. I had that chest opened every day after she gave it to me. Many days after my first miscarriage. Most days after Lily died. Every day this week.
My favorite verse, if forced to pick, is Psalm 34:18. "The Lord is close to the broken hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Awesome promises. Promises I have seen Him keep. I think it is important to point out here that the verse does not say, "The Lord prevents all broken hearts and never allows His children to have crushed spirits." He acknowledges that bad things happen. He knows we will have struggles and trials and broken hearts and crushed spirits. He does not pretend your life will be void of pain and difficulty. He flat out says "In this life you will have trials"! That's a given! But He does not leave us hanging. He does not let us go through this alone. He promises to be close to us during those times.
Before I lost Lily, one of my greatest fears (and I had actually thought about this, because I am a woman and that's what we do) was having to give birth to a baby I knew was dead. I had heard of it happening, knew women who had done it, and I thought to myself, "Impossible. I could not physically do that. I would have to be knocked out, put under, medicated into oblivion. There is just no way I could do it." When one of your greatest fears is realized, it is a surreal thing. Suddenly it wasn't just a sad story I had heard. I was living it. I was being forced to deal with it. And God met me where I was at. He gave me the strength I could never have imagined existed. I was broken hearted. I was crushed. And He was close. And He saved me. Just like He promised.
I am not having a good week. I am hurting, I am sad, I am angry, I am confused, and God is so close to me that I can feel Him. That's the trade off. I truly believe that people who experience pain on the deepest of levels also have experienced the Lord on the deepest of levels. We have seen a side of Him that not everyone gets to see. We have experienced miraculous comfort and peace that not everyone gets to experience. Would I trade all of that for a life with Lily? Probably. But that's the mommy in me talking.
I am still sincerely grateful for the deepened relationship I have with God because of my broken heart. I take comfort in His promises, especially in the one that gives me an eternity with my babies. Until then, I endure. I breath in and I breath out, I hope, and I look forward to the day when there is no such thing as rough weeks
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Message from Jim Wolfe, High School Teacher
Christ is the Light of the World
"I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Here is an excerpt of a devotional by Nigel Lee that I read last week that comes from a scientific point of view. I hope you will enjoy it.
Einstein among others showed that light consists of "particles" called photons that have energy (but no mass). However, light has many wave-like properties such as refraction (seen, for example, when light bends through a prism). Of course, light enables us to see, and the wavelength at which light radiates determines what color we see. And light (sunlight) enables plants to undergo photosynthesis, which is essential to life (plant, animal, and human) on Earth. From a physical standpoint, then, light is absolute, mysterious, sight-enabling, life-giving, and -- without a doubt -- wondrous!
From a spiritual standpoint, the Light of the World -- Christ -- is equally wondrous. Christ is the Light who forms the absolute standard that discerns the thoughts and intentions of the hearts of men. Christ is the Light who is mysterious (1 Tim. 3:16), dual in nature, both human and divine. Christ is the Light who illuminates the spiritual darkness of this world, forcing those who do not know Him to flee back into the shadows and yet enabling those who DO know Him to see and to understand the things of God. And Christ is the Light who gives us eternal life, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In the world we live in today, with so many uncertainties and so much evil, Christ is the only answer to the questions of life. Let us turn to Christ, the Light of the World.
"I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Here is an excerpt of a devotional by Nigel Lee that I read last week that comes from a scientific point of view. I hope you will enjoy it.
Einstein among others showed that light consists of "particles" called photons that have energy (but no mass). However, light has many wave-like properties such as refraction (seen, for example, when light bends through a prism). Of course, light enables us to see, and the wavelength at which light radiates determines what color we see. And light (sunlight) enables plants to undergo photosynthesis, which is essential to life (plant, animal, and human) on Earth. From a physical standpoint, then, light is absolute, mysterious, sight-enabling, life-giving, and -- without a doubt -- wondrous!
From a spiritual standpoint, the Light of the World -- Christ -- is equally wondrous. Christ is the Light who forms the absolute standard that discerns the thoughts and intentions of the hearts of men. Christ is the Light who is mysterious (1 Tim. 3:16), dual in nature, both human and divine. Christ is the Light who illuminates the spiritual darkness of this world, forcing those who do not know Him to flee back into the shadows and yet enabling those who DO know Him to see and to understand the things of God. And Christ is the Light who gives us eternal life, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In the world we live in today, with so many uncertainties and so much evil, Christ is the only answer to the questions of life. Let us turn to Christ, the Light of the World.
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