Better Late Than Never

Well, so much for keeping up with my blog during the lazy days of summer, huh?  I'm not really sure what happened to July, seems like I just looked up one day and it was over!  Then, because school starts crazy early here, it was back to the grind before we knew what hit us.

And yet, while we were greatly enjoying our fun summer days, I have to say, this time of year I am always ready for the heat to move on, and cool refreshing fall weather to set in, and for us to get back into a routine.  So that's exactly what we've been doing.  I am teaching part time this year, so the kids and I are up, fed, dressed and out the door at 8 am.  I drop them off at pre-school and then I head upstairs to teach.  I am only teaching two classes (and they are all seniors), so it is really a fantastic schedule.  I am done at 10:45, wrap things up, get ready for the next day and then go back downstairs to pick up my sweet babies.

And believe me, although they aren't there long, they LOVE going to pre-school!  And I love that they get time with friends, have a routine that they can count on, and are learning SO much.  Including scripture.  First thing Wednesday morning, they go to chapel, where they sing songs and then a speaker teaches something about the Bible.  Then they go back to class and do a craft related to the lesson and discuss it more.  And then we discuss it at home!  They also have music class, Spanish class, visits to the library, and everyday get to go outside for recess.

So all in all, I'd say it's been a successful few weeks!  Now, I know we're a little past the "first day of school" photos, considering we have been back at school for, oh, three weeks now, but better late than never, right??

So here they are, all ready for the BIG day!!

Savvy Entrepreneur

So although I am not actually, currently, technically teaching, I still consider myself a teacher.  I don't know, I guess it's in my blood or something.  Maybe it goes back to the sixth grade when my teachers awarded me the "Peer tutor-most likely to be a teacher" superlative, or something.

But the fact remains-right now, I am not technically a teacher.  So, to give myself something to do/get back in the classroom/make some connections/earn a little extra money...etc. I have started substitute teaching.  Not exactly the same, but it's something.  Needless to say, it has been a joy... a privilege... well, an adventure, anyway.

Some days are fun, some days are rough, and some days are just down right hilarious.  Seriously, these kids* just crack me up! But today, I was at a complete loss for words. 

*High school juniors and seniors, to be exact

It was my last class of the day, and I was really ready to go home, so I was walking around the room trying to make sure everything was ready to go so I could get out of there.  The kids were finishing up their assignment, it was pretty calm, and I noticed three of the kids sitting together all had a Dr. Pepper.  Ok, not that weird, but they each had a can, like they got them from the same place.  Whatever, not a big deal.  I moved on, and continued to circulate throughout the room.    

Well, a few minutes later, I look over and one of the kids with a Dr. Pepper is conversing (mouthing, as opposed to yelling across the room, which I greatly appreciated) with a young lady on the other side of the class.  Next thing I know, he is walking over to her desk with two Dr. Peppers.  Seriously? So I follow him over and watch as the young lady hands him a $5 bill and patiently waits for her change.

Well, at this point he realizes I'm standing there and gives me a side glance, and an overtly guilty grin.  "What?" he asked, ever so innocently.  I stood there for a moment, then glanced down at the drinks, then back at him and said, "Really? You sell Dr. Pepper's out of your backpack?"  His response: "Oh, you know, I just happen to have some in my bag, um everyday, and you know, sometimes other people want one too."  Ok, I'm not gonna lie.  I cracked up, shook my head and walked away.   By the end of class, seriously half the kids (in a class of at least 26) had their hands on a Dr. Pepper, only 50 cents a piece.  And of course, I was offered one as well.  I was even told they were nice and cold.  Too bad I'd already had my Coke for the day.  I felt like I was missing out or something.  

Now, you may be asking, how in the world did this boy keep that many Dr. Pepper's in his backpack? And how in the WORLD did he keep them cold??  I have no idea.  I do not ask questions.  Trust me, ignorance is bliss.

What I do know, is that this kid is making a killing off those drinks.

Teachers of the Word

Being in the ministry can be hard. While it should be a wonderful and joyful experience (and often is!), we are dealing with people. People who are sinners just like you and me, who make mistakes from time to time, who sometimes feel that their way is the "best way." Of course when someone is called to serve God's people, it does not mean they never make mistakes, or always know best. But it does mean that they are called to a higher standard and level of accountability. God has called out certain men to teach and lead His flock, and therefore has much higher expectations for them, both in the church as well as in their home.

"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment." James 3:1

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." Hebrews 13:17

Being in such a position is a serious matter, and not one to take lightly. However, it is also important to recognize that if God has called a man to such a position, it is for good reason, and other members of the body should be willing to submit to his authority and leadership. It becomes very difficult to be effective in ministry if the very men God has called to serve and lead are not able to do their job. There are probably many reasons why congregations are sometime hesitant to follow (and sometimes very good reasons if the man in a position of leadership is not upholding God's standards, or living out the truth in scripture. But that is another matter entirely). One such reason is a lack of respect because of a man's age. There are a lot of young men in seminary, and serving in churches, who are strong, Godly men, grounded in sound theology from God's word, but because they are still young, members of a congregation are reluctant to listen to them, heed their warnings, or follow their advice, even when the words they speak are straight from scripture.

This is not biblical behavior. While it is certainly important to be discerning and prudent in who you trust to lead your church, congregations cannot simply overlook someone because of his age, or seeming lack of experience. Church members must listen to the words he speaks, and follow his actions, and measure them up against scripture. When he is found to be of sound doctrine, knowledgeable and trustworthy, men and women must be willing to respect his judgment and trust that his wisdom is from the Lord.

Timothy was facing this very dilemma in his congregation. While he was in his 30s, this was still very young by Greek standards. What some failed to recognize, however, was that Timothy had been trained and discipled by Paul since he was a teenager, so he had a great deal of knowledge and experience to offer. Therefore, Paul tells him to set the example of a Godly leader in his words and actions.

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." 1 Tim. 4:12

Rather than get discouraged, Paul instructs Timothy to continue to serve in the capacity in which God had placed him and live in such a way that shows his maturity, in his speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. Again, these are very high standards to live by, but it is what God expects from the men who are to be the teachers and leaders of His people. So, while leaders in the church must set a Godly example, members of the congregation must respect the men serving and not look down on them because of their age. If a man leading is truly a man of God, and in his place of leadership at God's leading, his wisdom, judgment and decision-making will come from God.