Saturday, August 13, 2022

A Set Apart School Year -Pt.2

My mom is a very adventurous cook. She loves finding and creating new spices, sauces, and flavor combinations.  I gladly accept the position of taste tester awaiting a new taste bud sensation. Sometimes she shoves a spoon in my mouth or a jar in my hand and says, "Taste this." Sometimes, however, she gives me something and says, "Taste this and tell me what's missing". The bible says, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!"  I definitely got a good taste yesterday as He dropped that word about it being a set apart school year (read that blog here).  But I also got the feeling that the message wasn't fully complete...
tell me what's missing... tugged at me as I typed.

Experiencing a set apart school year is an awesome thing, one that I personally experienced last year after several years of teaching trauma that nearly pushed me mentally, spiritually, and physically out of the ministry of teaching.  Yes, what we do is a ministry as we co-labor with Christ to advance His Kingdom into the field of education (see 1Corinthians 3:9).  Broken hearts, broken homes, and our broken educational system needs men and women who operate in the power and authority Jesus gave to us.  But how does one get to that kind of school year in the midst of the current state of education? What's missing? 

For one to experience a set apart year, there must first exists something in which God want you to be or experience a marked difference from. Do you remember how God told Pharaoh that the Children of Israel wouldn't have to deal with the upcoming plague and from that point on, He would set their land apart from Egypt? (Exodus 8: 22)  As Pharaoh looked over the plague situation, I can only image him saying, "Plague, shmague.  If they can deal with it, so can I. This is just a series of unfortunate events, it's not the work of their God. They have to endure the stench, thirst, deafening sound of croaking, personal space invasion, and the irritating itching from the lice just like everybody else!"  

As the Apostle Paul explains to Timothy, "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" and "You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2: 1, 3 NKJV)  Another translation, The Voice, says it this way, "be empowered by the grace that is in Jesus, the Anointed One" and "As a good soldier of Jesus the Anointed, be ready to suffer with me."    The truth of having to suffer sometimes gets left out of messages because in all reality, who wants to hear that? But in this truth, God does sometimes call us to suffer (He's allowed to because He is the Potter and we are the clay) to showcase His glory to those who are otherwise blind to it. 

Educators all over this country are crying out.  While we should cry out to those who are supposed to help us i.e. school boards, unions, and local and state governments, our loudest and most direct cries
should be to only One who can deliver and shift the situation for the better.  
Because if God promises you that He's got you, then He's got you. Periodt! 
However, this past year for me started out verifying just why I wanted to leave the profession. I had been crying out for years! It seemed to be just as with The Children of Israel, things kept getting worse although the truth of being set apart and delivered was woven in and throughout His word to me. 

I learned that God's purpose in setting us apart can be likened to an adventurous journey. He maps it with beautiful winding pathways of His grace and mercy. While at other times, straight roads lay before us in which  progression is conditional on our obedience to His word. 


As the school year began to move beyond those first three months, things began to shift. I was moved from a tiny classroom with no windows to a larger one with eight windows! Disruptions in instruction due to student behavior decreased dramatically.  Then He answered my hearts desire...He restored my joy in teaching!  Thank You Lord!  
You see, the situations that cause frustration were still there.  The stresses of teaching were still there, but it didn't touch me like it was touching others because He was my shield, my protecting wall, my covering.  He had drawn a line in the sand!

So as you begin this school year, believe God for a set apart year so that He may get the glory.  Pray to Him that your attitude, your responses, your love, and even your blessings may cause others to marvel at the God you serve and thus seek to serve Him as well.  Endure what He ordains for you and wait for the line to be drawn! Pray that He would also set apart your students, your families, your school, and the surrounding community. Pray that He would set apart your city, your state, and our nation.

Here are some scriptures to meditate on if you're desiring to be set apart.
Set apart peace?  Read Philippians 4: 6-7
Set apart patience?  Read James 1: 2-4
Set apart placement? Read Psalm 16: 5-8
Set part promotion?  Read 1 Peter 5: 6-7

Have a blessed year!!!! 


The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni


Photo credits: 

https://www.stocksy.com/2268425/woman-tasting-sauce-with-spoon

https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/periodt/

https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/2-timothy-2-7

Friday, August 12, 2022

A Set Apart School Year Pt.1

Many of you know the events surrounding the ten plagues of Egypt as God prepared to deliver His people from bondage.  The early part of the book of Exodus lays out this turbulent and uncertain time for the Children of Israel as they await their deliverance with hesitancy in Moses as their deliverer, an increased workload from Pharaoh, and to make matter worse bloody water, frogs everywhere, and lice!  

In the field of education, things haven't looked too different in the past few years as we grappled with the pandemic and its many after effects. There was much hesitancy with following the new virtual trends, policies, and shifts in curriculum. The workload and demands on educators and administrators have increased and Covid has infiltrated every aspect of our daily lives. 

Did you notice is that I only mentioned three of the ten plagues?  In the book of Exodus chapter eight verses 22-23 God speaks to Moses and says,  "And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the land. I will make a difference between My people and your people.  Tomorrow this sign shall be".  Verse twenty-four verifies it with, "And the Lord did so."  After the third plague, God drew a line in the sand and made a distinct show of protection over His chosen people. From then on, until the tenth plague, whatever occurred would have not have the ability to touch them.  

So it is my prayer this school year that Jesus draws a double line for you so that YOUR school, YOUR faculty and staff, YOUR students, YOUR parents, YOUR neighborhoods, YOUR bus drivers, YOUR programs, YOUR families, YOUR health, and YOUR finances will experience a set apart school year overflowing with the heavenly outpouring of love, peace, joy, transformation, protection, favor, wisdom, patience, success, creativity, healing, and unity!  No matter what else is going on negatively in education, make this declaration your own and stand on His promises concerning you. 

Declare that YOUR school and everything attached to it will experience God's favor this year.  Have a blessed school year! 

The Lord is with you and you are loved,


Toni

Part 2 blog post

Photo credit: https://iamtraffic.org/engineering/crossing-double-yellow-line/

Sunday, November 15, 2020

A Prayer for our Superintendents

 Dear Heavenly Father,

You are our omnipotent ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.  Your love is perfect, Your wisdom is perfect because You are perfect in all Your ways. Thank You for Holy Spirit for being our Counselor,  Comforter,and the One who leads and guides us in all truth. Your word said that "prayers, petitions, intercession and thanksgiving should be made for all people- for kings and those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness".  So I lift up to You the superintendents of region two here in Virginia: 

Dr. John Gordon III - Suffolk
Dr. Elie Bracy - Portsmouth
Dr. Jared Cotton - Chesapeake
Dr. Aaron Spence - Virginia Beach
Dr. Sharon Byrdsong - Norfolk
Dr. Tamara Sterling - Franklin
Dr. Jeffry Smith - Hampton
Dr. James Thorton - Isle of Wight County
Dr. George Parker - Newport News
Mr. Arty Tillet - Poquoson
Dr. Gwendolyn Shannon  - Southampton County
Dr. Olwen Herron - Williamsburg/James City County
Dr. Victor Shandor - York County
Mr. Charles Lawrence - Northampton County
Mr. Chris Holland - Accomack County

As I lift them up by name, Jesus have mercy on them because the weight of their job has greatly increased and they need Your help.  First Lord, may they learn to or continue to seek You first in all things understandng that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  In all of their getting, may they get understanding because wisdom, that heavenly wisdom from above, is the principal thing. May they ask You for wisdom and believe that You will give it to them. Open the eyes of their understanding and their ears that they may see each situation through Your eyes and clearly hear Your voice through every decision proceess. Silence the lips of the enemy, the naysayers, and those who critize without full knowledge of the truth.  Bless them with the fruit of Your Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Now Lord, please protect their health in these times.  Ease their burdens so they can rest, physically and mentally.  I rebuke stress induced heart attacks, strokes, anxiety, and depression from not only them, but those who work directly with them.  May the healing blood of Jesus protect and keep every system of their body and bless them with the strength they need for each day.  Shift their workload so that taking a sabbath rest every week does not seem unrealist to them.  Shift their workload so that they can spend quality time with their family without feeling like they have to choose between getting work done and being a good father, mother, wife, or husband.  Strengthen their families Jesus and send  peace, understanding, and joy from above to their households. 

Finally, Jesus, I ask that You would cover and surround the cities and county where they work. May your angels stand guard around every school and every household of each employee and student. Bless their cities and counties with love in the homes, patience and compassion between teachers, parents, and students, and fervent unified prayer from the people of God. "May they seek the peace and prosperity of their city or county and pray to You for it, because if it prospers, they will propser."  Surround each superintendent with those who will stand in prayer for them and with them. Surround them with people who will hold them to high standards of virtue and integrity.  Surround them with Godly mentors and friends.  More importantly, surround them with Your presence. 

In Jesus' name,

Amen


image retreived from: https://blessedsacramentonline.org/ministries/prayer-ministryprayer-request/

Friday, April 17, 2020

A Five Piece Nugget from the Lord


It amazes me now how a Friday at home use to mean an extended weekend due to a special occasion of some sort for myself or the family.  A Friday at school was always our work hard, play hard day (Yay Fun Friday).  But now, Friday has lost its oomph and pull as the most popular day of the workweek since many of us don’t have a normal work week anymore.

COVID-19 pandemic has turned the field of education on a topsy-turvy spin like no other.  Shut down districts have been thrust into distant-learning teaching and learning practices.  This shift has had a varied effect on educators and schools as it pertains to, meeting student's physical and social needs and of course the availability of technological learning opportunities in rural, urban and suburban communities.

To be honest, some teachers are working harder than before as they strain to make sure their students are still progressing. My husband, who teaches on both the high school and college-level puts in a full day holding Zoom meetings, sending emails, making calls, grading papers, and creating and uploading assignments.   On the flip side, some teachers, myself included,  can only do so much as they are limited by a lack of internet access for all of their students.  

To be even more transparent, some educators needed this time away.  For them, it truly has been a rough year and they wished every day were the last day.  One thing we all had in common prior to this, however, was that our workloads only increased and the sacrifices of time and money to make a difference was the expected norm.  

But that the time we sacrificed often came at a price, especially if you had a family at home. It is difficult to give your all to your family, your job, and yourself.  Our days would start early and end late as we sped out the house, put on the six million hats we're required to wear at work, then head off to practice, church, civic group, a second job, or to help our kids with homework, prepare dinner, finish up school work, and then get ready to start it all over again for the next day.  Burning the candle at both ends never has a happy ending.  Somebody or something always pays the price.

When I look back over the twenty-three years I've been in the classroom, I can see those years where my marriage suffered, my parenting suffered, I suffered, and my teaching suffered because I had too much on my plate or just didn't have my priorities in check. Therefore, right now, I am so thankful for this time I have at home.

I did not always feel this way. Due to some heath issues earlier this school year, I was “sheltered in place" and unemployed.  It was no one's fault. It was unexpected and I had no idea what the future held for me. I had boo coo time on my hands and the house pretty much to myself until my family returned at the end of the day.  I couldn't really go anywhere because my health would not allow it.  I didn’t like the uncertainty and helplessness I felt.  

 Now, with this pandemic, the only thing that's different is that my family and I are together.  It's yet another unexpected shut down for me that is no one’s fault.  I still can't really do much of anything (because everything is closed), and I again have a share fair of spare time on our hands.  I feel like I'm in some sort of perpetual Spring Break Groundhog's Day kinda life.  Oh, I’m not complaining.  I’m just keenly aware that sometimes I need more time and a do-over to get things right.  Sometimes these do-overs are just for me, and sometimes God takes me through things twice so that I can confidently walk with others pointing out the potholes and paths for them NOT to take.


Last night, after seeing a “fend for yourself” look in my eyes, my middle kid asked if she could pop the rest of some nuggets in the oven for dinner.  I gave her a quick yes not because it meant less work for me, but because I couldn’t wait to pop one of those delicious morsels into my mouth.  PSA…If you like Chick-Fil-a nuggets (and I do), then you will looove the Southern Style Chicken Bites from Sam’s Club. I came across them for the first time about a week or two ago. You can now have that Chick-Fil-A satisfaction on a Sunday from the comforts of your own home although, you may have to improve your kitchen customer service and your assortment of sauces to get the full effect.

Today, God gave me some nuggets of wisdom to share with you since I ate up the chicken kind.   You see, God’s in the business of giving things to us that we know nothing about.   He knows that our end result will be fullness in Him and expects us to share our experiences with others.  The time He gave me, you now have.  The lessons I learned and are still evolving in, you now have the opportunity to grow in them too.

Now I don’t want you to think I’m making lite of the effects of this pandemic on anyone.  It is stressful to not know how bills are going to be paid or how groceries are going to be bought. I understand.  It's a kick to your pride when you have to tell your kids no to things you've always said yes to. Been there. Calls have to be made to cancel subscriptions and future plans are scratched as you now eyeball things to see if you could get one more use from what was easily wasted before. Did that.  I understand educators who may feel like the field is changing too fast for them to keep up and they feel outdated and just plain tired and unsure about going back to work when this is all over.   I know.  But I held His hand and came out...better.

It's all because God gave me these nuggets:

Questioning
Reflecting
Crying 
Repenting
Repeating     

I also do not want to assume that this pandemic is stressing you out.  As I said before, some educators welcome this time. They are having the time of their life. My health issue led me out of what I know was going to be the most challenging school year of my life.  My first time at home sitting at home was not all full of despair. Even with all of its uncertainties, it was a blessing.  I am a better person for it. My family is better for it.  

And yet even in those days of peace, God still wanted me to partake of these nuggets:
Questioning
Reflecting
Crying
Repenting
and Repeating

As a Christian, our first and foremost devotion is to God and let's face it, sometimes we put everything else in front of Him because...well, He's not going anywhere.  He'll be there and He'll forgive us.  While that may be true, living our lives without our Sovereign God at the helm has its consequences!  Everything about us will be less than what He desired and designed.  So no matter how you feel about being home right now, God has a plan for you to be a better person, a better spouse, a better parent, a better teacher, a better member of your congregation, a better whatever He needs you to be when this is all over. 

Don’t forget to click on the hyperlinks.  That’s where I hid the dipping sauce.


Nugget #1:  Question
In prayerask Him questions.  
Does my life please You?  Does my marriage please you?  Does my parenting please you? Why did my school year go the way it did?  Does my attitude please You?   Do my thoughts please You?  Am I attending church for the right reason?  What's going to happen next?  Why is all this happening?  What's Your part in all of this?  What's my part in all of this? 
Then be prepared to receive answers as you slowly digest another nugget.

Nugget #2: Reflection
In meditation, read the bible and listen for His voice.  You have the time, now make it a point to read His word every day.  Need a starting point? Choose a good bible app, I use YouVersion.  Start one of their daily plans. They have tons of them (with reminders!) that can guide you through the Word of God for any area of life.  There are also many websites that provide bible studies with videos and study guides.  Check out Biblestudytools.com and utilize Right Now Media’s  free COVID-19 sign up period.  As you read, listen for God's voice. He is always speaking to us in one way or another even when we feel like He’s silent. 

Nugget #3 Cry
I put this in here because it is necessary.  We are human and we feel emotions.  I cried a lot during my time of reflection and meditation.  I cried a lot afterward.  I cried angry tears and scared tears.  I cried apologetic tears and thankful tears.  When truths began to be unearthed, whether they are good or bad, your emotions may just spill over into your eyes. Tears are refreshing and help to remove layers so that God can get to work.

Nugget #4: Repent
 Jesus spoke with His disciples prior to His crucifixion about the coming of His Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is available to teach us, comfort us and counsel us. [John 14: 16-18, 25-27 and 16:5-15] and God’s word, when it is read with the purpose of understanding His ways, will do just what it promises as it instructs, convict, corrects and trains us. Self-reflection through God’s word should always lead us to an acknowledgment that our ways, actions, thoughts, and words are not up to God’s standards. The Holy Spirit will point this out to us. 
True repentance not only acknowledges your faults, but apologizes for them and does an “about-face” turn. The Holy Spirit helps us to make that turn because we can't truly change without God's divine assistance. True repentance also realizes that forgiveness is necessary, only comes from a loving and holy God and is complete.  Jesus removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. His forgiveness is final. Hallelujah!

Nugget #5 Repeat
Well, you prayed, learned something about yourself, cried about it, repented and probably cried some more.  It just starts over, like a never-ending bowl of pasta.  Oh wow, what if Chick-Fil-A had never-ending nugget bowls?!   I digress…
Our walk with God is a never-ending progression towards becoming more like Jesus.  There is always room for improvement and God is always working on us, in us and through us.
As you take your nugget bowl up for another five-piece refill, ask another question. Reflect on your life through His word as you look for the answer. Be honest with yourself as God pulls back areas of your life that expose a need to improve or a reason to rejoice and cry out to Him. Repent of doing things your way and repeat the process all over again.

The Apostle Paul said it best in Philippians 3:12 AMP , “ Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own.

When this season is over, there will arise a group of people who are refined and ready. It will be because they took advantage of this time to actively press towards God. They will look different.  They will sound different.  They will live different.  Will you be one of them?


The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni


Image nuggets of wisdom source: http://www.savedhealed.com/nuggets.htm