Political Activist vs Politically Correct

My tendancy is to keep my FACE out of this but, below is a piece of my mind :)

I totally shy away from political conversations & situations.  Most of the time, they appear to me to be full of heated emotions, hidden agendas, bullying, bending facts to support a cause, etc.  I don't like office politics either -- especially the the types where someone who's willing to do things the bosses way all the time is rewarded regardless of their productivity or work ethic.  In addition, I'm not fond of making a huge effort to be politically correct.  I don't want to be inconsiderate, disrespectful or judgemental with those I encounter. However, I believe that I need to be honest in my communication & actions - reflecting what I believe my commitment to Christ is.  I don't want to cover my convictions just for the purposes of fitting in.  Well, I've recently been called a political activist for my active participation in our community's debate on the future of our school corporation.  I've been very active in "my little world" at letting people know how I feel about the issue.  Here's a letter I sent to our local paper's editor yesterday.  I doubt it will be printed so, I'm posting it here for the 3 people who read my blogs :)


MY LETTER TO THE EDITOR WHICH WILL PROBABLY NOT GET PRINTED :)
I've resided in Anderson for the past 20 years. Neither my husband nor I were Anderson natives. We chose to live here and educate our children through the public school system. When our oldest was able to enter public school, we made the joint decision for me to step away from a full-time professional job in order to be more involved with our children's education. Since that time in 1995, I've volunteered at all of their schools - elementary, middle & high school. We've continued to make a huge effort to attend as many events & activities as we possibly could attend for each of the children. By nature, I shy away from the "politics" of issues whenever possible. I focus my time & efforts on what I believe is most important & best for all concerned. Those choices aren't always what my friends believe is best. But, if I am convicted that something is the right choice, I work toward it!




I've attended no less than 30 ACS board meetings as an observing patron. I've spoken only a few times on issues and have been there other times in support of those who were representing what I felt was important for our community. In the recent saga of Option A versus Option B, I took time to do some research & carefully consider both formats for our community. I've come to the conclusion that, when given the choices at this time, Option B is the best for our community!


At the open meeting of the ACS Board on Dec 8th, one patron spoke & showed what seemed to me as genuine sadness that "so many in our community do not want to draw together & have a sense of unity for our community" (this is NOT a direct quote but, I believe it accurately portrays what was said). I've heard this statement too many times and always from supporters of Option A. To me, this insinuates that Option B does not reflect nor can bring about community unity. Our sense of community unity is shown by choosing what is BEST for the community - for today & for the future. When comparing the two options, I truly believe that Option B is the better of the two... and the BEST that we can do when given our current choices from the ACS School Board members. I believe that Option B is the BEST for students & families: on the south side of town, on the east side of town, on the north side of town, on the west side of town and in the MIDDLE of town! It is not just the best option for a select group of taxpayers situated in a certain area of our community. Option B affords more opportunities for our students, families & our community.


I see Option B as bringing UNITY to our COMMUNITY by doing what's best for EVERYONE concerned. I do not like the suggestion that unity comes with only one of the two options being considered! Unity in the community is very important to me. After next year I won't have any more school-aged children. However, I will NOT stop volunteering in the schools & working on my own time toward what I feel is best for this community & its people. I want the success of each child in this community. I want the success & growth of this community.


Thank you for allowing me to share my views,

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!

I DO NOT SEE THE ACS DECISION ON THE FUTURE OF OUR SCHOOLS AS BEING AN ANDERSON VS. HIGHLAND THING (or vice versa). I believe that a sense of unity in this community about our educational choices is crucial to the future of our community. I think we've struggled a lot with a "unity" mindset in past years. The welfare and success of the students (the future of our world) should be of utmost importance!



I believe that two 7-12 campuses would be the best for our students (now & for their futures). Personally, I don't see our having two school campuses as a division of the community. I believe two 7-12 campuses would afford more opportunities (current & future) to our existing students & our community.

I also see other advantages to having two 7-12 campuses... like 2 major scholarships for our town (e.g. Rotary, Eli Lilly, individual college scholarships, etc.) The number of students able to participate in extracurricular activities (sports, the arts, community outreach, scholastic clubs, etc.) would be doubled with the two campuses. In addition, middle school students who excel in certain areas would have more opportunities available if they were physically on a 7-12 campus. The chances to excel in scholastics and in extracurricular areas would be doubled.


As a parent of two ACS students, I remember the days when we one was in middle school and the other was in high school. Supporting our children's extracurricular events would have been so much more manageable had they been on one campus. As it was, we were fortunate to be predominantly on one side of town. The thought of attempting to support those activities when one was on one side of town & the other was on the other side of town is horrendous. Another thing that comes to my mind is the safety of the high school students who will be commuting to/from high school -- many of them will be covering twice the distance between home & school. YIKES - more teen drivers on the local roads to add to morning traffic!


Please take some time to figure out what you believe is best for our students & our community. MAKE TIME TO WRITE LETTERS (addresses at the very bottom) to communicate your views to the board members of Anderson Community Schools. Their decision will affect EVERYONE in our community. You may have students who will attend or are now attending school. Others have grandchildren or others to consider. Many are merely interested in making this community the best it can be. The ACS Board will make their decision in the coming weeks, announcing their final decision at the December Board Meeting. We will all be affected by this important decision.


Take a look at the ACS website (http://www.acsc.net), specifically in the ACSC Challenge 2010 report given to the board last spring. The recommendation of that committee, based on the numerous town-hall meetings, was to keep two high schools. They even suggested looking at the 7-12 plan. Below is information from the website:


ACSC Challenge 2010 -Public Outreach/Consensus Building Workshops
Advisory Panel Final Recommendations to the Board of School Trustees - March 3, 2009
4.3.1Recommendation:Address the Primary Consolidation Concerns of the Community:

• Keep two (2) High Schools/Consider 7-12 Jr./Sr. High School Configuration
• Retain Neighborhood Schools
• Retain Vocational and Alternative Education Programs Separate from the High School Buildings
• Deal with the Wigwam
• Student Achievement should Drive Grade Configuration
• Retain Capacity for Growth
• Minimize Reduction in Force

Below are excerpts from a recent letter for your information and consideration:

Tuesday, November 10, at the regular monthly meeting of the ACS Board Members, several teachers and parents addressed the board members about their upcoming decision on the future of our schools. Everyone that spoke was in favor of option B (Two 7-12 campuses). No one spoke in favor of option A (7-9 on 1 campus; 10-12 on the other campus).


Some benefits that could be accomplished by having two 7-12 campuses are:

1. More course offerings for 7th & 8th graders. Potential for higher academic classes for high achieving middle school students (biology, geometry, foreign language, etc.).
2. Better curriculum alignment/mapping between middle school and high school faculty and a better "bridge" between middle school and high school.
3. Leading students of the upper grades could serve as role models for the younger students.
4. Students would have less transition (i.e. same building for 6 years - rather than in one building for 3 years and then off to another building for 3 years).

In the past, both Madison Heights & Highland facilities were used as 7-12 buildings. Procedures could easily be implemented to effective separate the middle school students from the high school students, thereby reducing the concerns some parents have about having 7th graders in the same building with seniors, etc.


Some concerns with only one high school campus include:

1. Loss of opportunities for students - especially in terms of athletics, performing arts, student council/leadership, team captains, scholarships, etc. Basically, the opportunities for our communities' students would get cut in half in many areas.
2. Transportation/Travel issues – many students would spend a considerably longer amount of time on the buses to/from school; the travel across town would be difficult/less-convenient for parents who have children in both schools at the same time; many of the high school students who drive themselves to/from school daily would have longer commutes.
3. Many parents have indicated that will move and/or look elsewhere if the middle school is located on one side of town & the high school is located on the other. Loss of more students would definitely make the financial hole for ACS deeper.
4. There are concerns over where the freshman would fit into curricular offerings and participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that have been extended to 9th graders.

With Option A the majority of the “proposed savings of a million dollars” comes in the loss of teachers, as both Options A & B would use the same number of buildings. The ACS Challenge 2010 Committee last year held numerous town-hall meetings and reported that the community did not support Option A.


PARENTS HAVE TO GET INVOLVED in this process by sending letters to the school board. Have you written/sent your letter yet? The time to act is NOW. They will come to the December board meeting with their decision already made. Speaking at the December meeting will be too little too late. If you feel this is important, then you MUST express your thoughts/feelings to the board members.


FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH OTHERS.



SEND YOUR LETTERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO THE FOLLOWING ACS BOARD MEMBERS:

Philip (P.T.) Morgan, President
816 Northwood Drive
Anderson, IN 46011
(765) 649-8083
ptmorgan@acsc.net


Timothy A. Long, Vice-President
2721 Mounds Rd, A8
Anderson, IN 46016
(765) 622-9006
timlong@acsc.net


William (Bill) Riffe, Secretary
4743 Lakewood Hills Drive
Anderson, IN 46017
(765) 354-9548
briffe@acsc.net


Tobi K. Jones, Assistant Secretary
1311 East 28th Street
Anderson, IN 46016
(765) 639-5014
tkjones@acsc.net


Teddy Bohnenkamp, Member
2327 Cedar Bend Drive
Anderson, IN 46011
(765) 643-6065
tbohnenkamp@acsc.net


Keith Millikan, Member
4802 Lakewood Hills Court
Anderson, IN 46017
(765) 354-4910


Irma Hampton Stewart, Member
507 West 9th Street
Anderson, IN 46016
(765) 644-0204

Shape Your Future

Some days are so much harder than others. And, each of us faces challenges. 

I personally believe that Satan throws more ruble in the paths of those who are committed to & seeking after the paths of righteousness. 

It's easy to look at this moment's problems & easily forget about past blessings. As each day holds hardships at the hand of the devil, each day holds countless blessings from the Lord. We just need to open our eyes, look for them & SEE them! 

photo by T. Getz

Here's a thought for today: 
Look for great moments today; lock them in your heart; recall them in future times of hardship. Shape your future with the best of your past! 

As told to Jeduthun, the choir director, by Asaph in Psalm 77:11&12, "I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about them."

Shape your future with the best of your past -- through Him!

(posted 11/09)

Open Mouth... Insert Foot

Photo by T. Getz... Thoughts below by me :)

I've been thinking about two concepts from scripture today (due largely to 2-3 things that happened). The two concepts are "having God watch over my mouth" before the words even come out and "speaking the truth in love". When I find myself approaching a situation wondering if/what to say or not say, I almost always whisper Psalm 141:3, "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." I found that scripture several years ago & have relied upon it so many times. My mind goes to the phrase, speaking the truth in love, which is found nestled in Ephesians 4:11-15, "It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Do I always succeed in combining the two? NO.  But, by getting in the habit of whispering the Psalm 141:3 prayer, it's become much better than it used to be. And, by measuring my actions in light of building UP Christ's body (the church), I find help in my decision making.

May we be open to God's direction moment by moment of each day, so that the body of Christ may be built up - not damaged - through our words, actions & thoughts.

(written 31 Oct 2009)

Child of Weakness

My byline is "Talking to myself; Letting you listen"  Well, this blog is definitely me talking to myself with a prayer attached that God will use it, as He chooses.

This morning a friend posted their Facebook status as:

I hear the Savior say, "Thy strength indeed is small. Child of weakness, watch and pray. Find in Me thine all in all."

The line is from the song "Jesus Paid it All" lyrics written in 1865 by Elvina Hall. 

I immediately thought, that's me -- a child of weakness! Those words caught my attention. My biggest struggle is what I consider to be a "fallen condition" that came into the world as a result of the fall of mankind... you know, when Adam & Eve put their faith in Satan by eating of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. I believe God created ALL good things. And, I believe that bad things in our world such as starvation, oppression, pain & suffering, depression, and more are NOT OF GOD. I believe that they came into the world when man walked away from the perfect relationship God desired when He created life. I also believe that God will bring good out of the bad in life, if we allow Him.

I struggle more with depression these days than temptation to do those things that we all consider to be sinful. And yet, it often prevents me from feeling as though I am living an abundant life. I have a wonderful relationship with God. I have a great fellowship with my local church family. I have a wonderful Christian accountability partner with whom I meet weekly. I spend time reading God's Word - the Bible. 

Although hampered by my depression, through it I have been able to related to people that I might not have otherwise. I have more quiet time with God since often I can't get myself out & about. I'm not really sad... more overwhelmed by simple day-to-day life. I have to "cry to God" on some days just to get the energy to do anything.

And so for my thoughts on the phrases in that song which caught my attention... 

Thy strength, indeed, is small - Yep, that's how I feel most days -- not much strength. I feel really strong in some areas & very weak in others. I'm constantly reminding myself of Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ (with the help of Christ) who gives me the strength I need." So, I guess I don't need to worry so much about my own strength and rely upon the strength that God gives.

Child of weakness - no shame in that for me. If each of us is honest, we all admit to areas of weakness. Only when we set our expectations too high and apart from God's plan, do we have to feel strong at all times. Our strength comes from God & is made perfect in our weakness, as said in II Corinthians 12:9-10.

Watch & pray - I can do that. Watching is only looking actively for something. And, praying is merely an open dialogue with God -- a conversation. I can look around me in my world & see God at work. I can acknowledge His presence in a beautiful sunrise. I can hear Him in the rain in the night or in the sound of the surf. I can see Him in the faces of children singing on the platform for their parents on a Sunday morning. I can audibly say something to Him during the day and also lift the thoughts of my heart to Him silently. Hebrews 4:16 says... "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." A great prayer found in Psalm 25:4-5 is, "Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you."

Find in Me, thine all in all - with the help of Christ, I can & will do that. Matthew 6:31-33 reminds me that He is all I need. He's my provider & He wants the best for me. His plans for me are for hope, peace & a future, as told in Jeremiah 29:11. He enables me to accomplish more than I could even imagine was possible, as promised in Ephesians 3:20. I see that often as He helps me meet goals even on my toughest days. I Timothy 6:17 reminds me, “... their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” And I truly believe in the promise of Philippians 4:19, “My God shall supply ALL your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

So today, I encourage myself (and anyone else who reads this) to trust in God for anything that comes up in life. The Psalmist in Psalm 42:15 cries out “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.” I will put my hope in my God and be encouraged by Romans 15:13:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

God Bless all of us - for each of us is a CHILD OF WEAKNESS :)
 
To check out any scripture references or look up certain words you remember from scriptures, on your laptop or PC a great site is http://www.blueletterbible.org and on your mobile device a great one is http://www.bible.com 

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today... 

Let THAT Person Figure It Out!!

Over & over in my life, it's been confirmed to me that I cannot "grow in the Lord" without some disciplined time on my own in the Word & with the Lord. I can't rely solely upon listening to great sermons or reading good books written by awesome Christians. I must beware of getting my spiritual convictions from "other people". "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8. We need to get to know GOD personally in order to understand His guidance in our lives. We have to listen to Him on our own - not just in church on Sundays or through radio/television/online messages. Nestled within the next scripture passage is on of my favorite phrases, "work out your own salvation with fear & trembling" (aka work out your own understanding of God with deep reverence for God). As the scripture promises, God will work in us & show us what to do. Philippians 2:12-13 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for [His] good pleasure."

So, set apart some time each day just to read his Word, the Bible, and listen to how HE wants to apply that in your life. Forsake not the fellowship with His body (the church) but, forsake not your personal one on ONE time with God each day.

(written 26 Oct 2009)

7 Days... 7 Years...

Photo taken and post written 20 October 2009

I'm overwhelmed with a sense of God's presence today. The past 7 days have held much for me. I was able to get away with my husband for 3 days without kids and away from the house that needs a serious cleaning. 

Seven years ago today, October 20, 2002, I was at the side of my father for his heavenly homecoming. I'm thanking God for my dad's wholeness today & knowing that I will be with BOTH of my FATHERS for eternity. 

Today, I drove through Mounds State Park for the first time since my foot was broken in early August of this year. Last night I enjoyed a homemade meal with our entire family of four - which fills me with joy! God is so good to us. He's continually finding ways to bless us. Sometimes we don't notice all that is put in our paths by our loving Father. 

As James 1:17 says, "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike man, He never changes or casts shifting shadows. " Every good & perfect things come from our Heavenly Father! WOW! So today, from God's Word, "May the Lord continually bless you with heaven’s blessings as well as with human joys." Psalm 128:5 (TLB paraphrase).

Bonus video: God is Here 

Lyrics by Lara Martin:
In your presence, there is fullness of life
And healing flowing, for body soul and mind
God of miracles, God of the impossible is here
God is here

CHORUS:
God is here - Let the broken hearted rejoice (lift up your head)
God is here - Let the sick say I am well (all sufficient One)
God is here - Let the weak say I am strong (let the weak say I am strong!)
God is here - His wonders to perform In your presence, there is perfect peace

In the stillness, I behold your deity God of wonders,
God of power is here
God is here 
O His wonders, yes His wonders
His wonders to perform (Repeat)

I Don't Want To Pick & Choose. Do You?

I'm a "PK"... a preacher's kid. My father pastored a small country church in Hickory, NC for the biggest part of my childhood. I remember him stressing that although our numbers were small our little church could make a difference in our community and in our world. He encouraged regular attendance & faithful support. 

I remember a specific time when we were heading out of town (probably for Anderson Campmeeting) that he challenged our people to "not forsake the fellowship" in his absence. A few wonderful saints had let him know that church just wasn't the same without him there. 

It makes me wonder why we choose to attend our church homes from Sunday to Sunday. Is it to be entertained? Is it to hear only one type of music or one type of speaker? Is it to go in anticipation of what God has in store - through his speaker of the day, through the music of that day, through those beside us??? 

Hebrews 10:24-25a says, "Think of ways to encourage each other to outbursts of love & good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together..."  

So Christians, let's not rob ourselves of a blessing or someone else of a blessing by picking & choosing when we will be an active part of the church family. In truth, it's GOD'S church family -- not just ours.

I want to be willing to do whatever is best for God's plan... even if it's not necessarily what I'd prefer.

Related to what we are going through at this season in our church (2013)...
https://www.churchpost.com/view_mail.php?id=cp5149c299421 

He Walks Before & Behind

photo by T. Getz

I've been going through some especially rough days lately.  If I focused on the problems & challenges we are facing, I could consume all my energy battling the "what if's."  At some point in our lives - if we truly walk with the Lord - we need to focus on His enduring love for us.  And, we need to see the daily hugs & smiles placed in our lives by a loving Father. We HOPE for great things ahead in spite of trials today! I love that regardless of what we're facing, we can still have JOY and HOPE in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13 

So, do NOT be discouraged or defeated by the circumstances that seem to be sticking right beside you. God envelopes you with His love, care, blessings, and more as promised when David speaks of God:

"You both precede and follow me.

You place your hand of blessing on my head."

 Psalm 139:5

Shared with the Ann Voskamp 1000 Gifts Community on 10/08/12

What EVER You Do...

photo courtesy T. Getz

(originally posted 10-02-09; re-published 07-23-15)
During a recent small group meeting, we were talking about how God gives us what we ask for in His name. We talked about how we each have to get down to what we consider the "bottom line" and ask ourselves what we want most though, before asking God for something.

The tough reply to that question (and my reply I've given to God in this "crazy, scary season" of life) is to desire to bring glory and honor to God -- whatever happens! 

I love this excerpt from the book, Practicing His Presence, by Charlie Riggs: