Tell Me. Show Me. Involve Me.

Everyone has different learning styles. Certain groups are going to have similar styles and may be grouped into one of a few various styles. I think we all possess the ability to learn something from every methodology; we just prefer one or two more.

Maybe you are a person who likes to sit and listen to people. You may soak it in. Or you may see something and retain the information better. I think a combination of one of those with "doing" will help you grasp the concept all the more. That brings us to this week's quote...

Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I will understand. ~ Unknown

It seems there are so many areas this quote is applicable. Directions, for instance, someone could tell me how to drive from one place to another and I may remember some of it (presuming there are several turns, etc.). I may be able to visualize it, to remember it more, if shown on a map. However, I will likely understand it much more after I have driven the route and know what to look for as I drive.

Careers are another example. You can go to college and be told many things, but that doesn't guarantee that you will know how to "do" a job. You can shadow someone for any length of time and see how they respond to various situations, but you are different and may respond differently. You can live and work in a career and be able to understand far more than you were ever told or shown, so to be able to do well at your job.

A third example is parenting. Were you one of those that had the "great ideas" before you had kids? "My kids aren't going to act like that" may have been your thoughts; partially because you thought you knew how to handle a child. I was one of those. To some extent that may be true, as I read or heard things on parenting. Following an example, TV or real life, I've learned some other ways of effective parenting. However, actually being in the middle of it, I have learned much more. As each child is different, there are applications to parenting one must apply at various times in various ways.

I like this quote when it comes to being involved in their Christian walk. There is only so much one can retain when told about the information pertaining to Christianity. I use a projection system to help people retain the information a bit more, and that only goes so far. Trying to spur people on to practicing the things they are informed about will allow them to retain much more or making the information that is being told and shown to them stick in an experiential way, also increases retention.

As you go through life, do not let yourself be limited by the auditory or the visual, rather go out and do things to grasp the deeper knowledge.

Now it's your turn...what is your example of gaining more knowledge of experiencing over hearing or seeing?

Climbing Ladders

School is about to begin. Sports practices have already begun in some places. Retail stores are busy with school shopping. Teachers have already started to begin planning and organizing their classrooms. the summer is winding down! When the school year winds down we think about graduation, that brings us to this week's quote...

All that stands between the graduate and the top of the ladder is the ladder. ~ Author Unknown

As you are entering in to another school year, graduation is one of the goals. Whether it is formal graduation or simply graduation to the next grade - inching closer to the formal graduation. This quote was a way of reminding those that have graduated - 3 months ago or 70 years ago - to keep going up the ladder, one rung at a time. May you make it to the top of where you want to go...then find another ladder that will take you even higher in some other area of life! Keep climbing ladders!

Prayer: For Such a Time as This - NDOP 2010

When is a good time for prayer? Always.  The question could be twisted up a bit to ask "When isn't a good time for prayer?"  Prayer is needed all the time.  That prayer could be of praise, thanksgiving, or petition.  One or more of those could be said at any given time.  It doesn't matter if it is about your life, job, health, or family.  Something good is happening.  Something to be thankful for is happening. Something needed is happening.

On Thursday, May 6th many people around the country will take part in the observance of the National Day of Prayer.  This years theme is "For Such a Time as This" and the scripture that is being used is from Nahum 1:7, "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him". 

Locally, the Thomas County Ministerial Association will hold their annual observance on the lawn of the Thomas County Courthouse, from 12:15-12:45.  We are trying to respect people's time and, at the same time, would like to have as many people as possible take part in this activity.

The National Day of Prayer Task Force has set up seven areas to be praying about seven days a week: 1) government, 2) military, 3) media, 4) business, 5) education, 6) church, and 7) family.  These areas pretty much sum up the areas most would think about that needs to be prayed over.

Our government is always in need of prayer.  Democrat or Republican, it doesn't matter who the person in office is, they need prayers.  Local or national, each section of the government has to make decisions that impact all of us, in one way or another.  Pray for those in office.

Our military is in danger somewhere at all times.  Right now we may focus on the Middle East, but something could happen right here in our own country.  You may have family or friends in the military that are serving short or long commitments.  As I am reminded of our country's freedom, I not only appreciate those who serve, but want to pray for them as well.

The media does a lot to make sure that the news is covered.  It is not the easiest to keep people informed.  The media does a lot to cover local and national news.  Plus, there are a lot of people that work behind the scenes to help make the news, in any form, get to you. 

Economy.  Such a buzzword these days.  The economy has taken a plunge and is trying to grasp at about anything to get back up.  One positive point is that agriculture hasn't been too affected by this downturn.  That is good news for us who live in an agricultural area.  However, businesses themselves can come in and leave if we aren't able to support them.  Let's try to support local when we can. This will help our own economy.

Kansas is not in great shape in its education arena. Some of the reason has to do with the business and economy part of the state.  Locally, it has been hit hard. Loss of state aid has caused a loss of jobs and a loss of transportation within our school system.  Trying to grasp at various areas of which to save, many districts have cut raises, as well.  This also has had an effect on the retired educators as well.  Our local schools and administrators are needing your prayers on a constant basis to be able to have a quality education for our youth.

Churches are struggling as well. The smaller the church, the more difficult is it.  Whether it is from an economic standpoint or a spiritual one, there is always an obstacle. Pray for your church, its leaders, and its mission.

Family has changed over the years.  Unfortunately, the busier people get, the more difficult it becomes on their marriages and family.  Hence, I believe, it takes even more work than it used to take to have a good marriage and a strong family.  Kids are busy so evening meals are seldom.  Parents are working odd hours, so their not home with their kids.  Even when the family is at home, are they doing much together in quality time or are media devices (TV, cell phone, computer) taking precedence?  Let's pray that a new trend will emerge where family time is a priority.

Be praying.  Are you in a "time of trouble"? Be praying.  Keep these areas in mind as you look to be taking praises and petitions to God over the next year because "such a time as this" that we need prayer!

Teacher's Aid - "Budget Cuts"

Why is it that one of the most needed occupations in the world are in such jeopardy?  My wife and I both have a heart for education.  She has an elementary education degree, and I was in the process of pursuing an art education degree when I routed myself toward an exercise science degree.  Every so often we discuss the question that I posed at the beginning.  Along those same lines, why is it that people in college and pro athletics can make an outrageous amount of money, but those who are trying to mold young minds make very little, in comparison?  From working in the athletic field, prior to preaching, I do know a little about the hows and whys of this question.  

In the state of Kansas our education monies are looking pretty bleak. This is causing many schools to really tighten up their budgets.  Some are finding ways to "cut the fat" and keep the meat.  However, if this trend continues, then what?  Will our schools look "anorexic" as we will be trimming so much meat that their health will deteriorate?  I hope not!

I realize that your future is concerning you.  I realize that you may have some sleepless nights. I realize I am not going to be able to prevent either of those two things.  

What I do want you to do is use each day as a new day and a new opportunity to make a difference in kids' lives.  Whether that is one or one thousand, you have the ability to make a positive difference.  I want you to allow the passions you had/have for education to propel you to greatness in the lessons you plan and present.  

If you are having some difficulty with your passion, maybe you can use some of these movies for inspiration (in no particular order)...Mona Lisa Smile, Ron Clark Story, Glory Road, Hoosiers, Facing the Giants, or Coach Carter.  I know I am probably forgetting some.  All of these involve education in one form or another. All of these give me inspiration to keep going if I am ever going through a slump.   

Is the financial state of your school's budget affecting you negatively, to the point that it is distracting?  I cheer you on as you pursue each day looking forward to helping inspire a young mind.  As I write this, I am getting ready to sub tomorrow and am looking forward to the students that will be in the classroom and how I will be able to have a one-day, one-hour opportunity to impress something positive onto them.  

If you are going to have a job next year, count your blessings.  If you are retiring, count your blessings.  If you are not going to have a job in education next year, still count your blessings.  Whether it is in the classroom, on the field, in the office, or anywhere else, you can make a positive difference in someone's life.  Go out and do exactly that!  Have a great rest of the year!

Teacher's Aid: Being the Involuntary Authority Figure

When you signed up to work at the school you had a things you were planning to do. You were hired to be a teacher, a coach, a secretary, a counselor, a psychologist, a janitor, or an administrator. What is missing? Being a kids authority figure or role model.


One of my favorite shows that I started watching last spring was "World's Strictest Parents". You don't know me, but I enjoy giving attention to the kids that most would stay away from. As a substitute teacher, I've had my moments when I had to draw my line. Whether it is taking a cell phone away or letting kids go early for lunch, they've had to learn where I stand.


If you haven't seen the show, it is about a boy and a girl, somewhere between the ages of 15-18 who go to a "strict" parent's house for a week. Usually one of them smokes, maybe even does drugs or drinks. The females tend to dress immodestly. Most of the time, though they have their struggles of understanding who's in charge, they do figure out that life with rules and boundaries are something they, ironically, enjoy.


Often you find out that they didn't have a good parental figure in their life, so to have someone give them boundaries is something they actually want. Sometimes the person who shows interest and gives them boundaries will become the "involuntary authority figure" in their life. You may already have experienced this and if you have, you know it probably wasn't what you "originally signed up for".


However, I applaud you to be in that position. Sure it is different than being a "buddy" or "BFF" to someone. That is not what authority is all about. When they see you as an authority figure you have a priceless position in their life. They respect you, look up to you, and listen to you! The bottom-line is that though you didn't sign up for it, you have an invaluable position in their life to help them become a respectable person. Use it to THEIR advantage!

Monday Mentionings: Continuing Education - Hebrews 10:35-39

We concluded our series on Fresh Faith yesterday with the sermon titled, "Continuing Education". If you heard the sermon, did God show up in your life in an unexpected way? Let me know if He did. Just as professionals need to have their education "continued" to keep up with the latest advancements, we too must be continually educated to keep our faith fresh. Here are some applications from the lesson you can choose to use...

1. You probably will always remember the day you "believed". It was probably a day filled with emotion, for you. Did any of that emotion die out? If so, why? The challenge is not to initially believe, but to continue to believe. Just as a runner must lean forward to keep the momentum up, I challenge you to lean forward to Him. Lean forward to allow your momentum to carry you through temptations, hesitations, etc. Maybe you need to lean forward toward a ministry opportunity or an evangelistic opportunity. Whatever it is, keep going forward, don't shrink back! This is what the Hebrew writer challenged in Hebrews 10:35-39.
2. Were you thrown off or surprised to hear that the commands of God do not have an ability to empower us to obey? We may obey by submission or guilt, but just having the commands at our disposal does not cause one to obey. Promises from God inspire you to do what He asks. Look for or recall some of your favorite promises from God, may they inspire you to serve Him more and more! Examples dealing with Promises - the Rainbow/Flood, Never leave or forsake, God is faithful and will forgive us our sins, etc.
3. It is difficult to know what something is when you cannot see it. Whether that "something" is an object or a situation, you just have a difficult time knowing anything about it. Though you don't know what the next few minutes, hours, and/or days will be like, look forward with anticipation regarding how God will use you to impact someone's life. What part of the path to Christ will you be in the people's lives that you meet? Be sure to be stepping stone and not a stumbling stone, to make that path to Christ much easier!
4. Did your week not start off that well? If it didn't you are already at a point where life seems troublesome. May you be encouraged to know that "this is the day that Lord has made" and that heaven is on the other side of whatever life throws at you. We all should thank Him for the day and "rejoice in it" (i.e. being blessed with another day)! (Quotes from Psalm 118:24).

May each experience you have with someone be an opportunity for "continued education" to trust in Him, strengthen your faith, and share Jesus!

May you have a great week - look out for how God will use you to influence someone!

Looking for Him ~