`Learning Support' teaching is one of the `lower ranking' jobs in the Education Department. (Well, this is how it is in Queensland). Unless a child is actually identified with a `Special Need', eg ASD, we receive no financial support or teacher aide hours. Please don't get me wrong, I understand the needs these children have. But, up until a few years ago - unless you were Aboriginal or had a Physical or Intellectual disability - there was not a lot we could do for you.
Fortunately, things are changing - we have no more time, or money; but with the Introduction of the National Testing last year, and the discovery that more children than they thought cannot read or write, programs are being put into place. A lot of pressure is being put on Principals - and we as Learning Support Teachers are expected to `change the world' overnight.
One of the struggles many of my Learning Support colleagues have had is convincing the hierachy that Learning Difficulties/Disabilities cannot be suddenly `fixed'. Some are environmental, and changes can be made to help these children. But children with Dyslexia or Audio Processing Disorders (one day I will set up my `Educational page' and you will know what I am talking about) take a little more time - and they often great have success - (have I got some stories for you), but it doesn't happen overnight.
So, I guess this is why the last 2 days have been really `stressful' for me. On the one hand I have Principals wanting to `do things right', on the other hand there are teaching staff who just don't want you `interfering' with `their' students. When you are a strong, assertive person, you can usually survive - and many of my colleagues do well. But some of us, just take everything personally and end up complete `wrecks' by the end of th day. Unfortunately, I am one of the latter.
I can tell you for sure, that I would have not lasted in my job over the last 9 years if it hasn't been for the Lord. One of the songs I sing when I go on my walk every morning is: "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME". It is a Steven Curtis Chapman song, from the 80's. I am not sure if I can write the whole song out without Steve's permission, but this is the chorus:
"His strength is perfect, when our strength is gone.
It carries us when we can't carry on.
Raised in His power, the weak become strong.
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect."
I first heard this song on a CD called `WOMAN OF GOD", released by Straightway Music in 1995. My little sister had just died from cancer, and I was beginning a new stage in my life, called UNIVERSITY!! So, I needed all the strengthening I could muster, and I knew this would only come from the Lord.
The next song on the CD, is called `Somebody Prayed for Me', released in 1995 by Terry Meeuwsen by `Ariose Music'; and recently I have discovered justn how important it is to have `prayer partners' in your life. Without PRAYER and without GOD'S STRENGTH, I know I could never make it through some of my days.
"Somebody prayed for me, somebody prayed for me.
Someone took my heart to Heaven, on bended knee.
Somebody wouldn't stop believing, till God had met my need.
Now I'm stronger today, `cause somebody prayed for me."
Friday, January 23, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
What Stops Revival?
I have nearly finished my third book in Bill Bright & Jack Cavanagh's `The Great Awakenings' series. Unfortunately the Library doesn't have Book 4, so I guess my series of posts on `Revival' will come to end.
In each of the books there is always a main character, usually a dedicated Christian, who has not yet received a `revival experience' because of something in their life that is holding them back. In `Fire', the young minister had a lot of guilt and grief about things that had happened in his past. In `Storm' - a young Yale student had a lot of anger and hatred towards people who had hurt him. And in this final book `Proof' - a young Christian lawyer, who busies his life doing good for others, discovers there is a little bit of pride in what he does. He actually `enjoys' being seen as a `do gooder'.
Can you relate to any of these? I know I can, especially the guilt and grief; but I realized recently that pride too has a hold of me in some ways. I don't do the work I do for `praise', but I have to admit I do enjoy being thanked now and then. Some might say there is nothing wrong with this - but PRIDE can be a real stumbling block in a Christian's life.
In my favourite book - `The Bible' - this is what God says about it:
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
But the exciting thing is the promises of forgiveness the Lord gives us too.
"Those who walk in pride He is able to humble." Daniel 4:37b
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm. Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23&24
This verse is one of the themes of my life. Literally and spiritually, I know I stumble, but because my greatest desire is to serve the Lord, I know He will not let me fall out of his hands.
In each of the stories, we see a `happy ending', as each young man discovers, not only a love in his life (a woman), but also the love of God manifested in forgiveness through the Holy Spirit. They are freed from their grief and guilt, their anger and hatred, and their pride - as `revival' fills their hearts.
I look forward to this revival too, as I start this new year free from past hurts, griefs and pride. As I go forth to serve the Lord. If you want to do the same, pray this prayer with me.
"Lord, you know these hidden sins that fill my heart - sins of pride,
jealousy and the holding on of past hurts and griefs. Free me with
your love and fill me with your Spirit.
Help me start this year anew in You." AMEN.
P.S: I still need a little bit more challenging, so if any of my readers has a copy of `The Great Awakenings Series Book 4 - `FURY', I would love to read it.
In each of the books there is always a main character, usually a dedicated Christian, who has not yet received a `revival experience' because of something in their life that is holding them back. In `Fire', the young minister had a lot of guilt and grief about things that had happened in his past. In `Storm' - a young Yale student had a lot of anger and hatred towards people who had hurt him. And in this final book `Proof' - a young Christian lawyer, who busies his life doing good for others, discovers there is a little bit of pride in what he does. He actually `enjoys' being seen as a `do gooder'.
Can you relate to any of these? I know I can, especially the guilt and grief; but I realized recently that pride too has a hold of me in some ways. I don't do the work I do for `praise', but I have to admit I do enjoy being thanked now and then. Some might say there is nothing wrong with this - but PRIDE can be a real stumbling block in a Christian's life.
In my favourite book - `The Bible' - this is what God says about it:
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
But the exciting thing is the promises of forgiveness the Lord gives us too.
"Those who walk in pride He is able to humble." Daniel 4:37b
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm. Though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23&24
This verse is one of the themes of my life. Literally and spiritually, I know I stumble, but because my greatest desire is to serve the Lord, I know He will not let me fall out of his hands.
In each of the stories, we see a `happy ending', as each young man discovers, not only a love in his life (a woman), but also the love of God manifested in forgiveness through the Holy Spirit. They are freed from their grief and guilt, their anger and hatred, and their pride - as `revival' fills their hearts.
I look forward to this revival too, as I start this new year free from past hurts, griefs and pride. As I go forth to serve the Lord. If you want to do the same, pray this prayer with me.
"Lord, you know these hidden sins that fill my heart - sins of pride,
jealousy and the holding on of past hurts and griefs. Free me with
your love and fill me with your Spirit.
Help me start this year anew in You." AMEN.
P.S: I still need a little bit more challenging, so if any of my readers has a copy of `The Great Awakenings Series Book 4 - `FURY', I would love to read it.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Spiritual Revival - from Man or God?
This probably sounds like a silly question; but it in the days of the great Revivals, the question was debated - particularly in the Universities. Until they actually witnessed them for themselves, they said it was because of the preachers and publicists that revival actually spread. They said that even Isacc Watts, the popular hymn writer of the time said it was just the good communication skills of the preachers. I doubt if this was true!!
"So what" , you say - that was over 100 years ago. "So what", I say - could this still be something we believe today. Are people's lives changed in our Churches and cities, just because we have good preachers, or is God truly working? I would hope we believe it to be the latter.
Back in my years at University, I was blessed to have God use me in bringing both young and older students to the Lord. In my years of Children's ministry the Lord has used me to bring children to the Lord. But I know, in my own power or skill, I could not do this. I am shy, and I don't know the words to say. God will use us every day to spread revival - but only if we trust in Him and not ourselves.
According to the diaries of those who witnessed the revivals - they were dramatic and lives were indeed changed. But "it pales compared to the miraculous conversions that take place every day when Christians take their faith, their personal witness and the power of the Holy Spirit seriously." (Jack Cavanagh, 2006).
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
I know a man, his name is horner,
He used to live on Grumble corner.
Grumble Corner in Crosspatch town,
And his face was never without a frown.
He grumbled at this, he grumbled at that
He grumbled at his dog, he grumbled at his cat.
He grumbled in the morning, he grumbled at night.
And to grumble and growl was his chief delight.
He grumbled so much at his wife, that she
Began to grumble as well as he.
And all the children, wherever they went,
Reflected their parents discontent.
If the sky was dark and betoken rain
Mr Horner was sure to complain.
And if there was never a cloud about,
He grumbled because of the threatened drought.
One day as I loitered along the street
My old acquintance I chanced to meet.
His old face was without a look of care,
And the ugly frown that he used to wear.
"I may be mistaken", perhaps, I said,
As after saluting I turned my head,
"But is it - and isn't it - that Mr Horner
That used to live on grumble corner".
I met him the next day and I met him again
In melting hot weather and pouring rain.
When stocks were up and stocks were down,
But a smile had somehow replaced the frown."
Dorothy Gaunson.
"So what" , you say - that was over 100 years ago. "So what", I say - could this still be something we believe today. Are people's lives changed in our Churches and cities, just because we have good preachers, or is God truly working? I would hope we believe it to be the latter.
Back in my years at University, I was blessed to have God use me in bringing both young and older students to the Lord. In my years of Children's ministry the Lord has used me to bring children to the Lord. But I know, in my own power or skill, I could not do this. I am shy, and I don't know the words to say. God will use us every day to spread revival - but only if we trust in Him and not ourselves.
According to the diaries of those who witnessed the revivals - they were dramatic and lives were indeed changed. But "it pales compared to the miraculous conversions that take place every day when Christians take their faith, their personal witness and the power of the Holy Spirit seriously." (Jack Cavanagh, 2006).
WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
I know a man, his name is horner,
He used to live on Grumble corner.
Grumble Corner in Crosspatch town,
And his face was never without a frown.
He grumbled at this, he grumbled at that
He grumbled at his dog, he grumbled at his cat.
He grumbled in the morning, he grumbled at night.
And to grumble and growl was his chief delight.
He grumbled so much at his wife, that she
Began to grumble as well as he.
And all the children, wherever they went,
Reflected their parents discontent.
If the sky was dark and betoken rain
Mr Horner was sure to complain.
And if there was never a cloud about,
He grumbled because of the threatened drought.
One day as I loitered along the street
My old acquintance I chanced to meet.
His old face was without a look of care,
And the ugly frown that he used to wear.
"I may be mistaken", perhaps, I said,
As after saluting I turned my head,
"But is it - and isn't it - that Mr Horner
That used to live on grumble corner".
I met him the next day and I met him again
In melting hot weather and pouring rain.
When stocks were up and stocks were down,
But a smile had somehow replaced the frown."
Dorothy Gaunson.
Monday, January 5, 2009
What is Revival?
"Revival is one person acting Christlike with another person....While some revivals have been known for their great preaching, true revival is sparked by the simple acts. One person at a time.....In the long run, it's not what happens out here in the field is it? Whether there's one preacher or twenty. What matter is what happens to them when they go home. That's when we'll know if something significant has taken place. If lives are changed. That's the proof of salvation. Not what a person says or doesn't say, or how loud he says it. If he's not more like God afterward than he was before, he wasn't in it, he just wasn't in it". Bill Bright & Jack Cavanagh; 2006, "Storm", Howard Publishing.
I always thought I knew a lot about revival. I was brought up in the Assemblies of God, baptized in the Churches of Christ and received my first gift of the spirit in the Catholic Church.
Most people do their study first then go out on the `Ministry field' - I did things a little differently. I must be the only person who was never accepted into Bible College. In 1979, I had great plans for my future - but they all went down the drain, when I had what they then called, my first `breakdown'. I finished my Year 12 exams, failed and then `nobody wanted me'.
So I joined Covenant Players - a Christian Theatre Company that travelled Australia (an the world, but I never got that far), presenting the gospel through drama. It was a great time - I was ministering to people from Perth to Cairns, staying in homes, church halls and sometimes the back of a van. I wasn't really any good as an actress, but I was great at sharing the joy of the Lord. They tell me, I never stopped smiling. I travelled for 3 years, and the greatest `revival' I had in my life was discovering that God doesn't only visit the Churches of Christ.
One day we visited a monestary, and my friend who was a Catholic, was most disturbed because I had shared communion with them. I hadn't known any differantly. That evening we went to the evening Mass and I promised my friend I would be `good'. But communion for me is was of the most importants parts of my worship - especially since I had discovered that there are brothers and sisters in every denomination. I felt empty - so I got down on my knees and I asked God to fill me. If I couldn't take communion, I needed some other way to worship - it was then I started praying in tongues, and it was a beautiful experience.
It has never become something I have done in the open - except once when I sung in tongues at my brother-in-laws pentecostal Church. I had just lost my little sister and I was grieving; and music is part of my healing process. Of course they didn't know that - and I don't think we've ever been asked to join them at Church again. Seriously - this gift is something the Lord has given me to enhance my prayer life and my worship at times.
But even then - I don't see this as a revival experience. At the time it was exciting, and I shared it with a few people; but there was still something missing in my Christian life.
To cut a long story short. After 3 years with Covenant Players, I got married, had a family and settled down to a quiet life of faith; serving the Lord in the little ways I could. In 1996, with some encouragement from my husband I entered University - I was going to become a teacher. It wasn't easy - the devil really worked hard to stop me - but I made. In 2000, when everyone else was celebrating the Millenium, I was celebrating my GRADUATION.
So where to now. Well being a lovely sheltered Christian girl, I was sure the Lord would me to some lovely Christian school. No way!! You see, true revival is sparked by simple acts - in my case, out in the `BIG WIDE WORLD'. My first job was in a High School - a behaviour management class of Year 9 & 10 boys. I learnt a new saying: "Boys (and girls) should be put to sleep in Year 9 and woken up in Year 11." Each one of these boys had no goal - except to go on the dole or grow drugs. But 3 years later I watched some (not all, I have to admit) graduate Year 12, and a number now have good managerial jobs - on farms, in sporting facilities and McDonalds - but jobs just the same.
This year I watched some of my Learning Support students graduating Year 7, and I was excited as I thought about what they could accomplish, with a little bit of help `from a friend'. I felt FILLED, I felt TIRED, but I knew that this was what REVIVAL was all about.
God now has a new group of students he wants me to reach, another group of children to touch - both at school and Kids Club - and I can't wait for the new REVIVAL!!
"I love to sit on the mountain top, cause I love to feel my spirit sour.
But I've got to come down from the mountain top,
To the people in the valley below.
So they can know, that they can go,
To the Mountain of the Lord."
Brown BANNISTER (1977), AG Productions.
I always thought I knew a lot about revival. I was brought up in the Assemblies of God, baptized in the Churches of Christ and received my first gift of the spirit in the Catholic Church.
Most people do their study first then go out on the `Ministry field' - I did things a little differently. I must be the only person who was never accepted into Bible College. In 1979, I had great plans for my future - but they all went down the drain, when I had what they then called, my first `breakdown'. I finished my Year 12 exams, failed and then `nobody wanted me'.
So I joined Covenant Players - a Christian Theatre Company that travelled Australia (an the world, but I never got that far), presenting the gospel through drama. It was a great time - I was ministering to people from Perth to Cairns, staying in homes, church halls and sometimes the back of a van. I wasn't really any good as an actress, but I was great at sharing the joy of the Lord. They tell me, I never stopped smiling. I travelled for 3 years, and the greatest `revival' I had in my life was discovering that God doesn't only visit the Churches of Christ.
One day we visited a monestary, and my friend who was a Catholic, was most disturbed because I had shared communion with them. I hadn't known any differantly. That evening we went to the evening Mass and I promised my friend I would be `good'. But communion for me is was of the most importants parts of my worship - especially since I had discovered that there are brothers and sisters in every denomination. I felt empty - so I got down on my knees and I asked God to fill me. If I couldn't take communion, I needed some other way to worship - it was then I started praying in tongues, and it was a beautiful experience.
It has never become something I have done in the open - except once when I sung in tongues at my brother-in-laws pentecostal Church. I had just lost my little sister and I was grieving; and music is part of my healing process. Of course they didn't know that - and I don't think we've ever been asked to join them at Church again. Seriously - this gift is something the Lord has given me to enhance my prayer life and my worship at times.
But even then - I don't see this as a revival experience. At the time it was exciting, and I shared it with a few people; but there was still something missing in my Christian life.
To cut a long story short. After 3 years with Covenant Players, I got married, had a family and settled down to a quiet life of faith; serving the Lord in the little ways I could. In 1996, with some encouragement from my husband I entered University - I was going to become a teacher. It wasn't easy - the devil really worked hard to stop me - but I made. In 2000, when everyone else was celebrating the Millenium, I was celebrating my GRADUATION.
So where to now. Well being a lovely sheltered Christian girl, I was sure the Lord would me to some lovely Christian school. No way!! You see, true revival is sparked by simple acts - in my case, out in the `BIG WIDE WORLD'. My first job was in a High School - a behaviour management class of Year 9 & 10 boys. I learnt a new saying: "Boys (and girls) should be put to sleep in Year 9 and woken up in Year 11." Each one of these boys had no goal - except to go on the dole or grow drugs. But 3 years later I watched some (not all, I have to admit) graduate Year 12, and a number now have good managerial jobs - on farms, in sporting facilities and McDonalds - but jobs just the same.
This year I watched some of my Learning Support students graduating Year 7, and I was excited as I thought about what they could accomplish, with a little bit of help `from a friend'. I felt FILLED, I felt TIRED, but I knew that this was what REVIVAL was all about.
God now has a new group of students he wants me to reach, another group of children to touch - both at school and Kids Club - and I can't wait for the new REVIVAL!!
"I love to sit on the mountain top, cause I love to feel my spirit sour.
But I've got to come down from the mountain top,
To the people in the valley below.
So they can know, that they can go,
To the Mountain of the Lord."
Brown BANNISTER (1977), AG Productions.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
REVIVAL!!!
Bundaberg Library has one of the best collections of Christian Fiction that I have ever come across - and our family have visited a lot of libraries. Over the School Holidays I have the chance to get stuck into some of them - and have even tried some new authors over the years, after making a vow never to read anything other than Janette Oke. Sorry Jan - but I am `branching out'!!
My first set of books were by VONETTE BRIGHT AND NANCY MOSER - "The Sister Circle Series'. This is a wonderful series about a group of woman and how they learnt to not only love one another, but were able to share their faith.
Vonette's desire in life is: "To see women of faith connecting, serving and supporting each other with a genuine love, so that those who do not know Christ will be drawn to them and will want to meet Him." The book not only portrays this and gives some wonderful encouragement for those of us who seek to do the same; but each chapter covers some `real life faith issues', that I'm sure many of us women face. eg. Impatience with God when things don't go our way. "When God closes a door, he opens a window". Self image - how can we replace these feelings with the knowledge that God loves us? Discontent, doubt, depression, despair - the `D words'. Can we still reach others for Christ when we are not feeling on top of everything?
I could go on, but I recommend that if you want something nice and `light' to read, but can really help with some of those `heavy' questions on your heart, READ THESE BOOKS!!
Before I read a book, I like to read about the authors, and I discovered something interesting: Vonette Bright, not only was the co-founder of Crusaders for Christ, but she was married to the author of the other great books I have read these holidays: Dr William Bright. (I only just discovered this, as I sat down to write this blog).
Along with Jack Cavanagh, Bill (who passed away in 2003), as indeed left a great legacy in this "Great Awakenings" series. These books are a little heavier and I would recommend them to all ministers to read. And, as God tells us all we are ministers in one way or another, I guess it's a great read for anyone.
Seriously, set in the time of the 1700-1800 Revivals in America, it just gets you so excited, and I have to confess, tearful (which is not something I get very often when reading), when you read about the wonderful things God did through his Churches in America, and I believe can still do in our country - Australia - today!!
In one chapter, the young minister read a sermon that his mentor had written, after he'd died. He had realized that he could not bring revival to the Church, because he was worrying too much about what people were thinking of him, rather than doing the Lord's work. It was his prayer that God would send a `troubler' - someone who would help the Church see their need for revival. "I will continue to pray for revival, confident that when it comes, it will be evident to all that God, and God alone, sent it".
I have been someone who has spent their whole life worrying about what others think of me - for different reasons - afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. It is because of this I believe I have not ministered to others as I could. It is my desire like Vonette and William to help bring revival in our land, through my work, my writing and my ministry. My prayer is that you will join me!!
My first set of books were by VONETTE BRIGHT AND NANCY MOSER - "The Sister Circle Series'. This is a wonderful series about a group of woman and how they learnt to not only love one another, but were able to share their faith.
Vonette's desire in life is: "To see women of faith connecting, serving and supporting each other with a genuine love, so that those who do not know Christ will be drawn to them and will want to meet Him." The book not only portrays this and gives some wonderful encouragement for those of us who seek to do the same; but each chapter covers some `real life faith issues', that I'm sure many of us women face. eg. Impatience with God when things don't go our way. "When God closes a door, he opens a window". Self image - how can we replace these feelings with the knowledge that God loves us? Discontent, doubt, depression, despair - the `D words'. Can we still reach others for Christ when we are not feeling on top of everything?
I could go on, but I recommend that if you want something nice and `light' to read, but can really help with some of those `heavy' questions on your heart, READ THESE BOOKS!!
Before I read a book, I like to read about the authors, and I discovered something interesting: Vonette Bright, not only was the co-founder of Crusaders for Christ, but she was married to the author of the other great books I have read these holidays: Dr William Bright. (I only just discovered this, as I sat down to write this blog).
Along with Jack Cavanagh, Bill (who passed away in 2003), as indeed left a great legacy in this "Great Awakenings" series. These books are a little heavier and I would recommend them to all ministers to read. And, as God tells us all we are ministers in one way or another, I guess it's a great read for anyone.
Seriously, set in the time of the 1700-1800 Revivals in America, it just gets you so excited, and I have to confess, tearful (which is not something I get very often when reading), when you read about the wonderful things God did through his Churches in America, and I believe can still do in our country - Australia - today!!
In one chapter, the young minister read a sermon that his mentor had written, after he'd died. He had realized that he could not bring revival to the Church, because he was worrying too much about what people were thinking of him, rather than doing the Lord's work. It was his prayer that God would send a `troubler' - someone who would help the Church see their need for revival. "I will continue to pray for revival, confident that when it comes, it will be evident to all that God, and God alone, sent it".
I have been someone who has spent their whole life worrying about what others think of me - for different reasons - afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. It is because of this I believe I have not ministered to others as I could. It is my desire like Vonette and William to help bring revival in our land, through my work, my writing and my ministry. My prayer is that you will join me!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
