GRRRRRRR...

Danger Ahead Warning:

Prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour...

Will attack anything that looks at it, breathes too loudly or refuses to give it its way.

Has no patience in getting what it wants.

Does not want to follow rules

Will eat you alive even if you are just a bystander

And I am not just talking about Satan. I am talking about your fellow peer who is angry and out to devour who ever crosses his/her path. It may not just be a peer, it could be a close friend who will bite off your head when she has a bad day. Or maybe it is you when you feel something is unjust. Whoever it is, you fear greatly when his/her lion side roars.

How do you deal with the lion? Are you a tamer, prey or do you roar back? Maybe you are the one feeding the anger? Maybe you get all the other lions going?

First of all, you and I should never be the one feeding the anger. And I am not just talking about doing something to make them mad. You and I cannot encourage their anger over a situation. It is wrong to justify the reason to seek revenge. When the complaining starts, never encourage a negative behavior especially one that intends to cause harm to others. Also, do not sit there and feed your own anger.

Instead of feeding the anger, we should become the tamer. Holding on to anger, fighting, quarrels do not help us. Just look at the list of scriptures below.

Proverbs 26:17
Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Ephesians 4:26
"In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

Ephesians 4:31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control

Proverbs 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,

Are you seeing any positives to anger? Will it do any good to come to school and let the whole world know you are mad and someone is going to pay? Does anyone win when you or your friend start biting off every one's head?

In life you will have reasons to be upset. But, destroying those around because you got detention for no homework...really are you helping anyone including yourself? Is giving looks that could kill because someone complimented someone else more than you going to help?

Maybe it is just time for teens and some adults to take a chill pill and be a little more forgiving. And if you think your anger and ugliness is justified, just think how God responds to you when you ignore Him, use His name in vain, worship others instead of Him. He loves you and forgives you.

Choose forgiveness instead of resentment. Choose serving instead of selfishness. Choose love instead of hate. Choose breathing instead of stewing.

This is my life, I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror and memorize: 1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

*as I brush out my tangles, ask God to forgive me letting my anger destroy others.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see how I feed my anger so I may change my thoughts.
*as I brush my teeth, ask God to help me speak words of a tamer.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Alone

Keep me as the apple of your eye,

hide me in the shadow of your wings...

Psalm 17:8

Discouraged? Defeated? Tired of trying to avoid trouble? Feel alone? Weary of enemies? Well, I have some good news.

You are the apple of God's eye.

You can find protection and rest in God's arms.

You are at a time in your life where you are constantly surrounded by people (in person or online) yet you probably feel more alone than ever. The loneliness comes from having no one with same morals and convictions, no one understanding you, tired of trying to fit in or maybe you are actually alone at home and/or school. But my friend, you are not alone.

In those dark and lonely times, choose to be like David and call out to God. Before David was king, he hid in caves to save his own life. The man knew loneliness and fear. But in that darkest time, he called out to God.

You my friend can do the same thing. When the weight of the world is on your shoulders, when the darkness overwhelms you, when no one answers your cries, call out to God. He will hear you. If you do not know what to say, use one of David's Psalms like Psalm 17 to cry out.

The world will be mean. Sometimes the world may be actually trying to devour you. But do not worry, God will hide you in the shadow of his wings because you are the apple of His eye. Just choose to cry out to God.

This is my life, I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror and memorize: 1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

*as I brush out my tangles, ask God to forgive me for depending on the world.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see Him in my darkest times.
*as I brush my teeth, cry out to God and share all your worries, fears and loneliness.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Spring fever: Spreading Quickly

Health News Bulletin:
Spring fever is still on the rise and spreading quickly. It seems to be very contagious. Symptoms include stupidity on choices that lead to harming self or others. Treatment should be started immediately and include not hanging out with others showing signs of stupidity and by keeping your focus on God not coolness.

Alright, maybe there is no actual illness called Spring fever, but a lot of fellow peers seem to have the symptoms. For some reason teens think they become immune to consequences this time of year. Just because school is almost out, your generation thinks they can do whatever. And the whatever seems to include slacking in school, disrespect, shop lifting, smoking, drinking, sex and for some reason pot or prescription drugs.

You want to hear the other breaking news? The consequences of the actions are the same in the spring as anytime of the year. The end of the school year does not mean, you can choose to do whatever you want with no consequence. But the only word I can think to say is "DUH."

My words of wisdom to you this morning, do not hang out with other idiots. Remove yourself from situations or places where spring fever is out of control. Remember the only way to survive this dangerous spring fever is by keeping your focus on God and His purpose for you. And just in case you are unclear on your purpose, it does not include frying your brain, lungs or any other organ with any chemical or drug. It also does not include spending time in jail or failing in school.

Look, the next few weeks are going to be a little insane. Temptation and stupidity will be all around. Your flesh is going to long for fun. But fun does not have to be stupid.

Choose carefully these next few weeks. Be aware and alert. Be prepared. Use wisdom from God.


This is my life, I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror and memorize: 1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

*as I brush out my tangles, ask God to forgive me for unwise choices and for following spring fever.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see the situations I need to remove myself from before I am in them.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me speak to my friends so they do not make stupid choices.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Pump Up with God

I am sharing no deep thoughts this week. You have enough pressure with TAKS.

If you attend private school or live in another state, be thankful you do not have to take the TAKS test. And say a prayer for all your friends here in Texas public schools.

All I have to say is still choose God first thing in the morning. Start your day with him by talking to him and worshiping him. I would highly recommend some awesome worship music each morning. Pump yourself for the test with God. And I do not just mean asking for you to past the test.

Here are a couple of songs to start your day with today. Some of you may remember singing these with me back in the good old warehouse days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRYabSfiTtU : From God Above
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQmu2S7c2W4&feature=related : Take It All

This is my life, I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror and memorize: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

*as I brush out my tangles, ask God to forgive me for....
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see and remember what I have learned.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me write out each answer.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

Test Stress!!!

For all of you in the state of Texas, it is TAKS week!!! The most dreaded week in the school year. Teachers have pressure on them for you to do well and you have pressure on you to do well. You would think your entire future depended on the test. It can be a little overwhelming.

First of all, breathe!!! While you do have to pass it and it is important you do well, please do not make yourself sick over it. Worrying over the the test will not help you. So just stop, breath and relax.


Do Not Worry
"25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If 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, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. " Matthew 6:25-34

My sweet, young friend, life is not always easy. TAKS in Texas is part of your academic life. At this point time, you either know it or you don't. So do not worry about it. Trust me some of your teachers are stressing enough for all of us. And all that worry and stress is not healthy anyway. So take Jesus' advice and do not worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself.

1. Do not worry.
2. Pray.
3. Get plenty of sleep the night before.
4. Eat a breakfast with protein.
5. Smile and have a little confidence.

This is my life, I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror and memorize: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

*as I brush out my tangles, ask God to forgive me for worrying about the little things.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see and remember what I have learned.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me write out each answer.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God

It is well

Today, my heart mourns as we lay to rest a precious teacher, mother, grandmother and friend, Mrs. Patsy. Yet I rejoice because she has gone home to be with the Lord.

This week and the following five weeks, I will run her computer lab. It is very difficult to sit in her room, but at the same time witness all the lives she has touched. Mrs. Patsy worked 27 years at this school. What a blessing she has been too so many faculty and students!

While we mourn, she is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. And the song, "It is Well With My Soul," seems to be appropriate when you face a loss like this one.

You may not be familiar with this song. Some of the words may be hard to understand. But this song was written after great tragedy and loss.

What makes this song hit home is the story behind it. The article below is from http://christianmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/hymn_it_is_well_with_my_soul


Text Author and Hymn-Writer Horatio G. Spafford
Spafford was born on October 20, 1828 in North Troy, New York. He was a successful lawyer in Chicago who maintained a keen interest in Christian activities, deeply spiritual and devoted to the scriptures.

Chicago Fire and a Son's Loss
Sometime in 1871, a fire in Chicago heavily devastated the city, and months before that , Spafford had invested hugely in real estate by the shore of Lake Michigan. The disaster greatly wiped out his holdings. Before the fire, Spafford also experienced the loss of his son.

Calm Before Spafford's Worst Life Storm
Two years after the fire, Horatio Spafford planned a trip to Europe for him and his family. He wanted a rest for his wife and four daughters, and also to assist Moody and Sankey in one of their evangelistic campaigns in Great Britain. He was not meant to travel with his family. The day in November they were due to depart, Spafford had a last minute business transaction and had to stay behind in Chicago. Nevertheless, he still sent his wife and four daughters to travel as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre, expecting to follow in a few days. On November 22, the ship laden with his wife and daughters was struck by the Lockhearn, an English vessel, and sank in few minutes.

__________________________________________

After that tragedy is when he wrote the song. Read the words carefully.


When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)


Did you understand it? This man had lost everything. he was even suppose to be on the boat but his life was spared. But somehow as he went out to the ocean at the spot where his family had died, he found God.

I do not know what tragedy is in your life. You, like me, may be mourning the loss of someone close to you. Maybe you are in a battle for your own life. Maybe you feel you lost everything. Maybe all hope is gone. May you, like Horatio, feel God's presence and comfort in your life today.

Listen to the words and picture a man out at sea mourning the loss of his family. Listen to it again and claim those truths for your own life.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOKQu4-ZVlk

Why Choose Not To Be Lazy

End of the school year is here. The last six weeks of school is all you have left. Motivation seems to be lacking. You are ready for testing and school to be over. Maybe you are so ready for it to be over, you are starting to slack off. Does it matter if you finish strong? Do you care? Does anyone care?

I cannot speak for others around you, but I do know one thing.

23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

Mmmm??? Does that include school work?

My theory is: people will be stupid and annoy us. You may desire not to do well in a class because you just do not like the teacher. Or maybe you are so tired of all the other kids behavior in class you just do not care. In the end you just give up.

If we have an "I don't care" attitude about school work, we are reflecting that attitude towards the work, teachers and education. Which in turn is reflecting a poor image of Christ.

So still confused or not convinced?

Other humans may cause you to give up or seriously lack motivation. Others may motivate you, but you feel what you do is not good enough so you give up. But when whatever we do is for the Lord, we can find motivation.

How does God motivate you? He created you. Remember, God loves you so much He sent His Son to die for you. Not only does Christ give earthly rewards, but as we live our lives for Him we are storing up treasures in Heaven. Sweet! And the rewards of the Lord are not just a happy face or gold sticker.

When you stand out because you always work your hardest and do your best (may not be perfect, but do your best), others notice. Fellow classmates and teachers notice there is something different about you. You are bringing glory to God and may even have the opportunity to share what motivates you.

So, when your teacher annoys you or makes you mad, make a mental note to remind yourself that you are working for the Lord.

This is my life, I choose:

Write this verse on my mirror: Pick one of the verses from Monday. The Proverbs might be best.
*as I brush out my tangles, ask God to forgive me for not always doing my best and being lazy.
*as I put on my contacts (eye makeup), ask God to help me see the times I am being lazy.
*as I brush my teeth, to ask God to help me share about him when others notice the difference.
*as I put on my clothes, to put on the armor of God.