The End of an Era

Mount Vernon experienced an end of an era yesterday, and hardly anyone even knew. I need to go back seven years to describe my perspective....

We moved to Mount Vernon literally on the first day of school; Tanner's first day of Kindergarten. Steve and I accompanied him to his classroom. Steve had to direct me away from the building. Tanner looked terrified! I felt terrible. We were in a new town, we knew very few people - and no one at East Elementary. The teacher seemed nice enough, but I wondered what kind of counseling Tanner would require as an adult after this traumatic experience. We made it through the first day, a half day for Kindergarten, and I did what every mother would do who is plagued with guilt. I took Tanner to Walmart to buy a new toy.

Fast forward to November. As first, I did not know anyone well enough to keep Tyler in order for me to volunteer in the classroom, so dear Mrs. John allowed me to bring Tyler into the classroom with me. Mrs. John is the perfect Kindergarten teacher!!! She loves her kids each year like they are her own kids. She calms parents, like me, who might be more challenging than the kids. On the last day of school before Christmas Break, Mrs. John told me to be sure and come for the All-School Carol Sing. Believe me, I learned to follow instructions in Kindergarten, so I obeyed Mrs. John. What a blessing!!

East Elementary is a 100 year old building. The building smells like my own elementary school - Jefferson-Lincoln (some things never change). I sat in the dimly lit gym as all the children from K-5 quietly filed in to take their seats on the floor. With few words, the singing began, and I felt my heart leap with joy and peace. The music was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! I was amazed as they sang about Frosty and Rudolph right along with Mary, the angels, and Jesus. I leaned toward the person next to me, and said, "I didn't think public schools were allowed do this!" She smiled, shrugged her shoulders, and replied, "Welcome to Mount Vernon!" I look up and stared out the high, paned gym windows just in time to see huge, perfect snowflakes fall from the sky! I felt like I was in a Lifetime original movie!

From that day to yesterday, I have made it a priority, and a Christmas tradition, to attend the All-School Carol Sing at East Elementary. Each year, as the kids sing of Christ's birth, I pray for the protection of their bodies, minds, and souls. Yesterday, however, the music was quite different. The kids voices were still beautiful. Their excitement for Christmas was still contagious and extremely heart-warming, but Christ was uninvited.

For the last 2 years, the Mount Vernon City School District has been battling a lawsuit introduced by a Christian school teacher who is fighting for his "rights." As a result, Mount Vernon educators are fearful of the backlash. I think yesterday's change was a preventative adjustment to avoid "bad press." Thanks, Mr. Christian Schoolteacher! As you fight for your "rights," you are also ushering in a new era from kindergarten through high school in the Mount Vernon City Schools. The facts in your case are so confusing that I doubt anyone knows what really has occurred in your classroom, and between you and the administration. One thing I know, and predicted when this whole ordeal came to light, is that East Elementary's All School Carol Sing has been forever changed.

I am sad.

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God"
I Corinthians 3:19 (NIV)

Have We Gone Mad?

I am beginning to find a bit of humor in the clash of wording used in December. "Merry Christmas" is taboo in some circles, but "Happy Holidays" is acceptable. Some stores have holiday trees and holiday cards. Schools hold winter programs, concerts, and dances; and schools close for winter break. Whatever.... These activities in December will always be related to Christmas - nobody is fooled! Just like the folks who hold "Harvest Parties" in October, nobody questions the season that is celebrated! Christmas is Christmas - its meaning moves far beyond semantics. I say: Let's celebrate and celebrate BIG!!! Don't you think Christ is bigger than this clash???

I know it represents a broad cultural clash in the United States of American. But really, what makes a bigger impact on people (the foundation of our culture, and the only entity of eternal value), the use of words or actions? For example, when The Touhy's connected with the Michael Oher, what made the biggest difference - their words or their actions? By the way, The Blind Side may go down as one of my favorite movies of all time. I know truth and fiction are mixed in these types of movies, but....

Another example takes me back to my own K-12 public education. Students know who really cares and who does not. Teachers do not have to carry Bibles or proselytize to be Christ-followers in public schools. Their everyday actions in relationship with students, parents, and colleagues silently speak volumes - either honoring or dishonoring the name of Christ. Saint Francis of Assissi said is best, "Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words."

When it comes to Christmas, let's focus on our actions. And, let's celebrate big by praying, and giving, and enjoying people. When Linus recites the Biblical Christmas, when Christmas carols are freely played, and when people joyfully carry out their Christmas traditions, let us pray, and give, and actively enjoy in the name of Christ. There truly is no other merrier time of year!

And, when popular culture ushers in stupidity this season, let us consider how Jesus would respond.

Oh, I just can't resist:

Words, Words, Words....

Sometimes I have words and ideas in my brain that I am driven to get on paper, or the computer screen. As a result, blogging has become an outlet for me. There are some weeks, however, when my brain is so jumbled with details that I can hardly make it through the 7 days without crashing like a hard drive. This week represents the later....


At the same time, this week I have heard some incredible words from other venues! In my quest for Truth, I listened to a broadcast from Focus on the Family entitled "Strengthening Your Teen's Worldview." The message addresses the core of my search in terms of hope for the future - particularly my sons' futures.... I grew up with some really smart friends - actually gifted in the formal sense of the word. During those years, I observed that intellectually gifted teens often struggle with issues of faith. Fast forward 20+ years, and I now have a gifted child to teach and model my faith. Wow - it is a daunting mission! Additionally, I am currently immersed in an academic environment where I observe Truth questioned and dismissed. My faith is strengthened by these challenges, and I am deeply thankful for a personal relationship with Christ.


It is apropos these days to look down upon people with strong convictions. Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family frequently feels this kind of heat - from the full spectrum of people. Let me be quick to say that I do not embrace everything I hear on FOTF broadcasts, but more often than not, I agree. The aforementioned broadcast hits me in the center of my faith journey at this point, and speaks words that I have not clearly articulated. So, if my thoughts have resonated with yours during 2009, then take a listen.


Another broadcast touching the core of my search in recent days is Dr. Chuck Swindoll's current series entitled "Living Right in a Wrong World." Today's message, in particular, struck a chord with me on this journey. The title is "The Disturbing Realities of Our Times." These links will change with the date you search, so if you have trouble finding the exact message, use the website's library. Have I mentioned how useful mp3 players are these days?


Friends, may your journey be enriched as you pursue the knowledge of Christ - especially during Advent!

Another Poem - my poetry is depressing.

Belonging, Connection, Affirmation
is what I long for, but
Loneliness, Misunderstanding, Rejection
is really the plight of a foreigner.
My homeland is in heaven.

See Philippians 3:20a

Insecurity & A Goal for 2010???

December 1st is a mere six hours away! Parts of 2009 have sped by, and parts have been S-L-O-W (though with 2 kids, time generally flies). I can not believe that I am on track to complete my "Goal for 2009" - memorizing 24 pieces of scripture with my siestas on The LPM Blog. I am not completely up-to-date, but I know it would only take a few days of concentrated effort. Should I continue working on this goal into 2010??? Still thinking about it.... I want to, but I am not certain, yet.

Beth Moore has introduced a new group activity on her blog. Her newest book, "So Long Insecurity: You've Been a Bad Friend to Us," hits the market in early February. Because of the enormous impact of insecurity upon women, this writing project really struck a different kind of chord with Beth. The Ministry is sponsoring a book club of sorts through her blog - you can read about it here.

I read about the book blog right before Thanksgiving, and I was really, really missing my family last week.... So, I believe the Lord led me to invite family members to join me in reading Beth's newest book beginning in February. The group read will conclude around April 24th - the weekend of Beth's next simulcast covering the book's topic. My Aunt Kathi and I have an agreement - she will read the book, IF I agree to come to the Seattle area for the simulcast and a family girls' weekend. It is a done deal, friends! And, I could not be more excited. This is an example of how technology is used for the glory of God!

Chances are great that I will blog about my personal experiences (not those of my family members) with the book as I read it.... If you want to be on the same page, plan on obtaining the book in February. I sense something quite significant will come from sharing in this experience with other women.

Oh December, I thought you'd never come....
Now that you're here,
I am sooo looking forward to February and April!
Thank you, Lord, for the joy of anticipation!

Oops - I can't help it!

I said I was done with the "Twilight" blogging, but then I read this on Lysa TerKeurst's blog. I also have a read of few of these reviews of Touched by a Vampire on Amazon's website. The response to my review is interesting... because I like to hear opposing views. I chose not to respond because I really do not know who I am speaking with in such a forum.

And, I just signed on for another blog tour in January. It involves Shaunti Feldhahn's newest book entitled The Male Factor. Can't wait to start reading it - Shaunti Feldhahn is so thought provoking!

Controversy, Understanding, Wisdom - Who Knows?

There are so many controversial topics that touch my heart and mind these days. Today I prayed: Lord Jesus, speak to your people - myself included - in this present time about righteousness and discernment.

In Luke 12:54-57, Jesus said to a crowd of people:

"When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, 'It's going to rain,' and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, 'It is going to be hot,' and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?"

It is so true.... We embrace weather predictions based on meteorology. When I am planning an outdoor activity, I pay close attention to the weather for days ahead of time, and I generally know what is going on with the weather from day to day. I often need to know the weather in order to dress appropriately, to pack my bags, to plan for a game, or to take the dog out before a downpour.

Yet, how many people pay close attention to our current cultural state for the purpose of understanding its impact upon our daily lives? Throughout history, there have been prophets making predictions - some biblical and some not. Who judges the accuracy of prophetic predictions for you? No one can say such knowledge and understanding isn't necessary for day-to-day living. We engage the culture everyday in making decisions! To take a neutral stance towards popular culture's affect on us is actually choosing a distinct position. Such a decision is to be ignorant, helpless, or overwhelmed - which is not Biblical.

Today I prayed: Lord, help me to glorify you in righteousness; help me to represent you well - drawing your children into deeper relationship with you. Colossians 3:16-17 says:

"Let the words of Christ, in all of their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Without you, Lord, I am legalistic. Give me discernment, make me righteous, and allow me to shine for you!

"Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun" (Psalm 37:3-7).

For me, these ideas point to a distinct difference between human wisdom and Godly wisdom. Human wisdom is enticing; it is logical; it is dead wrong. Human wisdom is approved of in this culture; in fact, it is worshiped. Human wisdom leads people to give up thinking for themselves, although it makes them feel as if they are thinking deeply - far more deeply than the "average" human. When people embrace and worship the wisdom of humans, the world as God intended changes before their eyes. It appears good for this present time. Human wisdom begets human wisdom.... Godly wisdom fades in importance when human wisdom is prioritized. Godly wisdom become the wisdom to popularly question....

"Stop fooling yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards, you will have to become a fool so that you can become wise by God's standards. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God" (I Corinthians 3:18-19a).

In closing, Paul's words in Philippians are powerful:

"Pattern your lives after mine and notice who else lives up to my example.... There are many who walk along the Christian road who are really enemies of the cross of Christ. Their future is eternal loss, for their god is their appetite: they are proud of what they should be ashamed of; and all they think about is this life here on earth. But our homeland in is heaven" (Philippians 3:17-20a, TLB).