Perseverance

He who perseveres will receive the crown of life...

My father made this bookmark for me years ago.  I keep it in my Bible to daily remind me of the importance of perseverance. 

One of my favorite Bible verses is James 1:4.
But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfectly and fully developed, lacking nothing.  

You cannot  enjoy life fully if you rush through it.  You cannot develop fully if you race through tasks without learning from them.  You cannot become your true self, the person God is shaping you into, if you do not endure the circumstances he has set in your life to mold you into a well rounded person.   Our heavenly father loves us just the way we are, but he loves us too much to allow us to waste our potential.  With perseverance and God's strength, slowly he is transforming our lives daily. 

Thankful

Exodus 34:6-7a
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.  

I'm feeling incredibly thankful today.  I have a roof over my head.  I have my husband, who is my best friend and soul mate, here with me.  We have the basic necessities of life.   We  have love from our friends and family.  And we are growing in grace and knowledge through all the experiences God leads us through. 

"What I like about experience is that it is such an honest thing.  You may take any number of wrong turnings; but keep your eyes open and you will not be allowed to go very far before the warning signs appear.  You may have deceived yourself, but experience is not trying to deceive you.  The universe rings true whenever you fairly test it."  -C. S. Lewis

At times when I feel impatient with my growth, I remind myself that Jesus spent thirty years in preparation for his short years of ministry on earth.  Joseph spent many years in slavery, and in prison as he grew in experience and wisdom to serve God as a leader in Egypt.  I've been discouraged at times, thinking of all the classes and courses I have taken and must still take to prepare for teaching full time in California.  I am sometimes discouraged when I see all the tasks and financial responsibilities we must address before Adam and I are ready to financially afford children of our own.  I worry or feel disappointed in myself because I am not ready to reach all my dreams now.   But, if Jesus in his humanity went patiently through things that equipped him to do what God called him to do, I know I must also be patient as God develops my character and skills through hard work.   

I'm thankful that pouring myself into my studies and my teaching work is enabling me to better serve God's children.  I'm grateful that Adam's career is progressing too- he is becoming well respected for his talents and professionalism.  Adam is now in high demand for student and independent films. 

We don't have much: no full time jobs, no fancy home or car.  However, we have each other.  Life is about serving God through serving others.  Having things is not that important.  I pray that we can use the blessings God gives us to make the lives of those around us better.  I pray that God continues to help us enjoy what we do have.  I thank God that we can admire the things we see around us without feeling the need to acquire more possessions. 

We don't need much.  All we need is God.  Adam & I want to live gratefully, noticing all the small blessings God pours into our lives every day. 

I thank God for his deliverance.  I praise God for the wisdom he gives his children when they ask for understanding.   I am grateful for health, a part time job to help pay for life's necessities, and I praise God for the strength He gives me to face the challenges I meet every day. 

Psalm 33:18-22
But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.  We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us Oh Lord, even as we put our hope in you. 

God's Power

Adam and I have recently been amazed at God's work in our lives.  Our eyes have been opened to specific situations where his perfect timing and unseen guidance in our lives has protected us.  We thank God for all the little ways he has made our way smooth and set us on the right path. 

God's greatness and power is displayed in so many aspects of our lives.  God has delivered us from many difficult and dangerous situations.  He has always shown us his way and helped us in our times of need. 

After attending church with Mike and Kim today, Adam and I recounted the many ways God has used his perfect timing to set us on our life paths.  As we drove home together, Adam and I felt incredibly blessed to look through this window that is rarely so clear, and to see God's fingerprints in every part of our lives. 

We are continually supported by friends and family.  We are prayed for by our brothers and sisters in Christ.  God speaks to us daily in his word. 

Adam and I praise God for his guidance.  We trust that as we pursue his will for our lives, and as we grow closer to Him through prayer and Bible study, we will continue to see his blessings in our lives. 

Worry

“Don’t worry.” 

People have been admonishing me to stop worrying all my life.  If worrying was an Olympic sport, I could have earned a ten.  Unfortunately, my friends’ and families’ well meant reprimands did not help ease my worried mind in the least. 

Worry is like vomit.  When you have the stomach flu, even if your friends and family warn you not to vomit, most likely you cannot keep yourself from throwing up.  Vomiting is something you can fight, but you cannot win until your stomach flu has run its course. 

Healing must come before worrying can stop.  This does not mean that life must be good or trouble free before you can stop worrying.  However, it does mean that worry is a symptom, not the main problem. 

How do I keep from stressing out?  Rick Warren of Saddleback Church recently gave me a new perspective and helpful advice to overcoming worry:

Worrying is stewing without doing.  Whenever possible, take action when you feel worried.

Don’t panic, pray!  Turn your worried thoughts into prayer.  If we prayed as much as we worried, we would have much less to worry about. 

Watch less television.  Going on a media fast can dramatically reduce your stress level.  Not only will your mind be calmer without the drama of television thrillers, but you will also have more time to read God’s word and pray.  “If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” – Corrie ten Boom

 

Learn to be more content.  Enjoy what you have now, without waiting for something else to be happy:

• Stop comparing yourself, your life, or your things
• Stop thinking that having more will make life better
• Learn to admire without having to acquire

Thank God in all things.  (not for all things, but in all things: have an attitude of gratitude and look for the good in every day and in every situation.)  “When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus”  -Corrie ten Boom

Think about good things.  Consider how God has blessed and rescued you in the past.  Dwell on your previous successes.  Think about future opportunities, and realize that the difficulties you face are all part of God’s perfect plan for your life.  “There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans.”  -Corrie ten Boom  

Philippians 4:8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Talk to God about everything.  Having a lifestyle of prayer will heal your soul and help you to feel God’s love.  “There is no pit so deep, that God's love is not deeper still.”  -Corrie ten Boom

Matthew 6:28b-30 

See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?

I like to think of all the flowers that are never seen by human eyes, but God still cares for them. 

Impossible

“It is kinda fun to do the impossible.” –Walt Disney 

I try never to shy away from doing the 'impossible.'  Ever since college, people have been warning me that the goals I am trying to accomplish are too much for me, or that my tasks are impossible to achieve with all the many obligations that are in my life.  BUT, I remind myself, with God all things are possible.

When I am told  I am aiming for something that is impossible, I take caution, slow down, and check the direction I am sailing towards.  I need to be sure the effort will be worth it.  I ponder my options, I seek other solutions...but, if doing the impossible is the only way to reach my dreams, I shoulder the burden gladly. 

The hardest part about doing the impossible is that it takes an incredible amount work.  On second thought, there is something more difficult than accomplishing the task itself.  Even harder then the  hours of labor is applying self control and persistence to keep at the work. 

Frederick Douglass once said, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress."  If we boldly face the challenges of each day, remembering that God is our strength, we learn to rely more on him.  It is during the times of my life when I am attempting to do the impossible that I feel my need for God most. 

If an impossible dream is realized, God's fingerprints in your life are self evident.  I must never forget to give God the glory for what he has accomplished through me.  When you reach your impossible dream, the two most important things you must do is give credit where it is due, and to enjoy your hard earned success.

Teaching

"A good teacher is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater."  -Gail Godwin

I have my one-fourth preparation to complete and email my principal this weekend.  Sigh...writing your own quality curriculum is hard work.  However, aligning objectives to national standards,  setting up modifications for special education students & English language learners while planning lessons develops my talents as an educator.  Someday I would like to write curriculum professionally.  

God has promised to help me as I follow him, and I trust he will give me the drive and perseverance to complete all I must this weekend.  I feel weak- all I want to do is relax and recover from a demanding school week, but I know that my students need me to be ready for them.  God will give me the strength to keep on working, the courage to tackle intimidating tasks, and the wisdom to keep myself from procrastinating.  I choose to live courageously and optimistically. 

Life is about how you face the circumstances, not about what circumstances you find. 

Psalm 27:3
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear.  Though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. 

"The God who spoke still speaks.  He comes into our world.  He comes into your world.  He comes to do what you can't."  -Max Lucado

Wisdom

Proverbs 1:5
 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—

At Bible study the other night, we were reading the first chapter of Proverbs and discussing wisdom.  I've been thinking about what wisdom means to me...

1)  Knowing that good intentions are not enough.
Terrible things have happened with the best intentions, for example, the Crusaders murdering and pillaging throughout the middle ages.  In my own life, I'm seen Christians fail epically and cause great harm taking foolish actions for the 'cause of Christ.'   You must look before you leap into a direction you feel 'called' to pursue.  You must remain very close to Christ so you can wisely determine if it is truly his choice before you commit to taking a questionable action. 

2) Seeking out the best solution, not just any solution to a problem.  A mark of wisdom is the ability to consider a problem from many angles, to explore the impact of possible solutions, and to choose an ideally beneficial resolution.

James 1:4-5
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

3)  Realizing that training, not trying harder, is the key to unlocking spiritual maturity.  Any fool can tell themselves they will overcome a sin, or defeat temptation next time by simply trying harder.  A wise Christian realizes that after a failure, they must train to overcome obstacles in their Christian growth.  Nothing can replace daily times of prayer and Bible study.  Just as you can't run a serious marathon without training, you can't expect to develop spiritual maturity without taking the time to train yourself regularly in God's scriptures and to develop a lifestyle of prayer. 

4)  Understanding the importance of self control is crucial.  If you don't have self discipline, you will not be able to follow Christ.  Self control is a tool that can be used to accomplish any goals or dreams you have for your life.  You must be willing and able to give your all and do your best to reach the heights of your ambitions. 

5)  Prioritizing wisely is the only way you can accomplish all your goals.
You will never have time to pursue every alluring opportunity.  You must make the time to accomplish what is most important to you.  You must decline some tempting commitments in order to develop perseverance and to spend your time wisely to make your dreams come true. 

6) Developing quality is much more important than quantity.  One piece of Godiva chocolate is better than ten candy bars of the discount brand.  Need I say more? 

7)  Becoming a better version of who you are is true personal growth.  Be true to yourself, but following God's heart instead of your own selfish desires.  Study the scriptures to find your identity in Christ.  Release your innermost fears, and let God bless you richly as he shows you how much he loves you.  Learn to see yourself through heaven's eyes.
 "We are what we believe we are." -C.S. Lewis
Proverbs 3:5-6
 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding; 
 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight

8)  Choosing to cultivate your relationships with wise people.  "You become like the people you interact with." -Donald Miller

James 3:13 
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.