New Year – New Worries?

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Lynn

You will have noticed that I have been silent the last few weeks (at least from a writing viewpoint).  I am once again teaching full-time butslide_20 this time it’s a very different assignment than in years past.  I am teaching a group of very bright, very enthusiastic Grade Six students and this time I have an arch-nemesis to deal with that I haven’t had to battle for eons…MATH!

My high school Math teachers would have a real chuckle about this, as would most of my high school friends, that by some strange fate, Mathematics and I have been paired together to learn from one another yet again.  Yes, it’s true I sent one of my Math teachers “over the edge” as he tried to teach me the finer nuances of trigonometry and algebra…(sorry Mr. Ruxton).  Yes, it is also true that I have tried to avoid the subject area almost all my adult life, either in teaching it, or doing it.  I can balance my cheque book…and Mr. Ruxton is probably surprised by that!  Knowing my mathematical weakness, God gave me a husband who is a genius with numbers and I help him with spelling and grammar.  We’ve made a good team for close to thirty-eight years.  However, I cannot bring him into my Grade Six classroom everyday, so I must face my nemesis on my own.  It’s a steep learning curve to be sure.

Thankfully, I work with a great team colleagues, who don’t point and laugh at me, like some of my classmates did when I went to high school, but are eager to help me if I should find the battle too hard for me to handle on my own.  I am also blessed with some pretty savvy math minds in my Grade Six classroom who are learning in spite of me!

Still, this challenge is a new “worry” for me, as the enemy points out my limitations and heaps condemnation on me, pointing out my inadequacies along the way.  It’s easy to say, “do not be anxious…” (Philippians 4:6-7) but the reality is: I AM ANXIOUS!

I just put away all our Christmas decorations.  It was a season spent with all my children gathered under one roof with their families and significant others.  After a rather tumultuous year, filled with challenges and personal ups and downs for each of my children, this past Christmas was filled with healing and miracles.  Laughter filled our home.  It was the BEST Christmas ever…in my opinion at least.  So, it was not unusual as I packed away the tree ornaments and nativity scene that I started to become emotional.  We don’t know where we will be spending Christmas next year.  Change is on the horizon, and after over twenty years of Christmases spent in this home, we may be in a new home, perhaps a new province next Christmas.  It’s the unknowns in our future that have me uneasy.

It’s easy to say, “do not be anxious…” (Philippians 4:6-7) but the reality is: I AM ANXIOUS!

It’s hard not to fret about the economic downturn we have seen here in Alberta, falling oil prices that effect our livelihood here in this province and in Canada in general.  Political unrest, terrorist threats, humanitarian disasters, global tyrants who threaten our peace,…the list compounds until I feel so overwhelmed that complaining about my lack of mathematical ability is infinitesimally trivial!

It’s easy to say, “do not be anxious…” (Philippians 4:6-7) but the reality is: I AM ANXIOUS!

I’m sure there are others who feel as I do, entering the first few weeks of 2016, more trepidatious than excited.  Apparently the beginning of a New Year according to statistics brings on more stress and depression than at any other time of the year.  Some call it the “January Blues“.  The festive Christmas season turns to a big psychological downer when bills come due, work resumes and things go back to normal reality.

It’s easy to say, “do not be anxious…” (Philippians 4:6-7) but the reality is: people ARE ANXIOUS!

I was reminded today that casting my cares once more upon the strong shoulders of my Saviour is a choice.  It’s not easy to let go of my anxiety.  At times I wear it like a security blanket.  I become more comfortable in my stress than letting go of it.  Weird but true.

I want to let go of my anxiety.  It’s a daily struggle.  I truly want that “peace that transcends understanding”.  There is no easy method for letting go of anxiety, but there’s a proven, tried-and-true equation to follow: I am presenting my petitions to God through prayer yet again.  Ceaseless, daily prayer going before the Father for wisdom and guidance.  I know He is able.  I know He is “my help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).  I may not be a math genius, but that at least is a good formula to work on every single day.

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A Social Network Christmas Story

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Lynn

As an educator and teacher, and a writer of young adult fiction, I discovered quickly if I wanted to relate and converse with my students09a3ee54ea02bccdd1161454107fbb8c and my readers on a regular basis I would have to join social media sites.  Facebook is the social networking site of choice for nearly all the people I know, although many youth are now turning more towards Instagram and SnapChat, probably because all their parents are now using Facebook :).  Initially when I started using Facebook I was hooked on the time-wasting applications and games, but mostly I interacted with friends and family regularly checking their statuses etc.  Through the years, Facebook has helped me promote my writing as well as continue to interact with people around the world who do not feel comfortable talking face-face about spiritual things but have no qualms about Facebooking me if they have questions.  I have discovered that Facebook is a rather unique tool that can be used to disciple and minister and even evangelize with.

With over a billion users, Facebook is the largest social networking site world-wide.  Most of the users are youth – young adult age, although Baby Boomers and Seniors are well represented who use Facebook as well.

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t add a disclaimer here.  As with any kind of online activity, parents MUST be diligent in ensuring children’s safety on Facebook.  There is questionable material, apps, advertising etc., that is not appropriate for  teens (let alone adults).  Privacy settings must be updated regularly.  Parents, talk with your teens about using Facebook and monitor their activity there.  Remember, “the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, waiting to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)  Facebook has its share of “lions”.  Be on your guard!

That said, Facebook, if utilized correctly by Christians, has the potential to reach millions and millions of people with the Gospel.  I have noticed, especially around Christmas, that status updates, postings and the like flood Facebook with the message of hope and peace that is only found in the person of Jesus Christ.

This video was sent to me recently on Facebook and I found it to be so creative and original I felt I had to share it with my readers.  Please feel free to pass along the link to my blog to all of your Facebook friends and let’s flood Facebook this Christmas and throughout the year with the life-giving message of “Peace on earth, good will to men!”

Merry Christmas!

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25 Encouraging Scripture Verses for Christmas

Posted on December 19, 2015 by Lynn

Christmas-GarlandToday I remember my father-in-law, Charles Sr. who passed away a few years ago on this date.  When we visited the funeral home to discuss final arrangements for Dad, it was hard not to notice all the Christmas trees and decorations in the front foyer.  It struck me hard that Dad would not be with us for Christmas that year and in the years that followed.  My heart was heavy with grief.

On my tree at home are “Memorial” ornaments with the names of those in our family who are celebrating Christmas with Jesus.  Although we miss them dearly at this time every year, I would never wish them back with us.  The banquet table in heaven is far larger and more lavish than I could ever set and my loved ones are basking in The Light.  What a great Celebration!!  Still, we are left here on earth missing our loved ones and grieving our loss.

For some people, Christmas is a hard time, filled with financial burdens and unmet expectations.  Still others despise the commercialization of the season and just can’t wait for it to be over.  Scripture provides us with Hope in a hopeless and struggling world.  Take time to read and ponder and be encouraged that God sent His only Son because He so LOVED the world and wanted us to know that Christmas is year-round to those who believe.

John 1:14  “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Psalm 107:1  “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

James 1:17  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Luke 1:15-18  “(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”

Isaiah 7:14  “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”

Luke 2:12  “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Matthew 1:18-25  “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”   All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.  But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

Isaiah 9:6  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Luke 2:10 -14  “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

John 3:16-17  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Matthew 2:10  “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”

Zechariah 9:9  “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!  Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!  See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

Acts 5:31  “God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.”

Philippians 2:5-7  “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

Philippians 2:8-10  “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”

Titus 3:4-7  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

1 Timothy 1:15-16  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

John 8:42  “Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.”

John 14:1 -3  ““Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.   My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?   And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Romans 15:13  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

John 14:27  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 16:33  “ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Psalm 72:11  “May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.”

Luke 1:68-69  ““Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.  He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.”

2 Corinthians 9:15  “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

And a little extra for those who are missing a loved one in heaven this Christmas.  A poem that has been credited to Wanda Bencke.

My first Christmas in heaven

 

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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