A Set Apart School Year -Pt.2

My mom is a very adventurous cook. She loves finding and creating new spices, sauces, and flavor combinations.  I gladly accept the position of taste tester awaiting a new taste bud sensation. Sometimes she shoves a spoon in my mouth or a jar in my hand and says, "Taste this." Sometimes, however, she gives me something and says, "Taste this and tell me what's missing". The bible says, "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good!"  I definitely got a good taste yesterday as He dropped that word about it being a set apart school year (read that blog here).  But I also got the feeling that the message wasn't fully complete...

tell me what's missing... tugged at me as I typed.

Experiencing a set apart school year is an awesome thing, one that I personally experienced last year after several years of teaching trauma that nearly pushed me mentally, spiritually, and physically out of the ministry of teaching.  Yes, what we do is a ministry as we co-labor with Christ to advance His Kingdom into the field of education (see 1Corinthians 3:9).  Broken hearts, broken homes, and our broken educational system needs men and women who operate in the power and authority Jesus gave to us.  But how does one get to that kind of school year in the midst of the current state of education? What's missing? 

For one to experience a set apart year, there must first exists something in which God want you to be or experience a marked difference from. Do you remember how God told Pharaoh that the Children of Israel wouldn't have to deal with the upcoming plague and from that point on, He would set their land apart from Egypt? (Exodus 8: 22)  As Pharaoh looked over the plague situation, I can only image him saying, "Plague, shmague.  If they can deal with it, so can I. This is just a series of unfortunate events, it's not the work of their God. They have to endure the stench, thirst, deafening sound of croaking, personal space invasion, and the irritating itching from the lice just like everybody else!"  

As the Apostle Paul explains to Timothy, "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" and "You must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2: 1, 3 NKJV)  Another translation, The Voice, says it this way, "be empowered by the grace that is in Jesus, the Anointed One" and "As a good soldier of Jesus the Anointed, be ready to suffer with me."    The truth of having to suffer sometimes gets left out of messages because in all reality, who wants to hear that? But in this truth, God does sometimes call us to suffer (He's allowed to because He is the Potter and we are the clay) to showcase His glory to those who are otherwise blind to it. 

Educators all over this country are crying out.  While we should cry out to those who are supposed to help us i.e. school boards, unions, and local and state governments, our loudest and most direct cries
should be to only One who can deliver and shift the situation for the better.  Because if God promises you that He's got you, then He's got you. Periodt! 

However, this past year for me started out verifying just why I wanted to leave the profession. I had been crying out for years! It seemed to be just as with The Children of Israel, things kept getting worse although the truth of being set apart and delivered was woven in and throughout His word to me. 

I learned that God's purpose in setting us apart can be likened to an adventurous journey. He maps it with beautiful winding pathways of His grace and mercy. While at other times, straight roads lay before us in which  progression is conditional on our obedience to His word. 

As the school year began to move beyond those first three months, things began to shift. I was moved from a tiny classroom with no windows to a larger one with eight windows! Disruptions in instruction due to student behavior decreased dramatically.  Then He answered my hearts desire...He restored my joy in teaching!  Thank You Lord!  You see, the situations that cause frustration were still there.  The stresses of teaching were still there, but it didn't touch me like it was touching others because He was my shield, my protecting wall, my covering.  He had drawn a line in the sand!

So as you begin this school year, believe God for a set apart year so that He may get the glory.  Pray to Him that your attitude, your responses, your love, and even your blessings may cause others to marvel at the God you serve and thus seek to serve Him as well.  Endure what He ordains for you and wait for the line to be drawn! Pray that He would also set apart your students, your families, your school, and the surrounding community. Pray that He would set apart your city, your state, and our nation.

Here are some scriptures to meditate on if you're desiring to be set apart.

Set apart peace?  Read Philippians 4: 6-7

Set apart patience?  Read James 1: 2-4

Set apart placement? Read Psalm 16: 5-8

Set part promotion?  Read 1 Peter 5: 6-7

Have a blessed year!!!! 

The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni

Photo credits: 

https://www.stocksy.com/2268425/woman-tasting-sauce-with-spoon

https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/periodt/

https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/2-timothy-2-7

A Walking Book of the Bible

Have you ever had a time when you didn't know what to focus your prayer time on?  Truth be told, if the walls of my prayer room could talk, they would tell you I've been known to look around, swing my feet (I'm a short person), push up my bottom lip and tryyyyy to feel spiritual while my mind produces little more than what one could wipe off of a brand new whiteboard.

Well, today I was having one of those mornings, so I asked the Holy Spirit to do what the bible says He can do, and guide me in what I should be praying about.  With my bible, journal and pen ready, I sat in my rocking chair and just began to praise the Lord.  

Kaleb- aka "Baby Buns" Graves

SOURCE: ARKELL & DANA'S BABY BUN/FACEBOOK

True to His promise, He led me to open up my journal to the very first page and read.  There, following the morning pleasantries and salutations to Jesus,  was a list of people to pray for, with the first person being "Baby Kaleb".  Maybe you don't know who Baby Kaleb is.  If you don't, you probably aren't on Facebook, don't have a YouTube account, don't watch Rachel Ray or the six o'clock news! This little chubby bundle of joy was born in October 2015 at just twenty four weeks and since then has grown by leaps and bounds before the world's eyes while enduring a series of critical surgeries due to his premature birth.

Although I reread the prayer for Baby Kaleb from my March 28th entry , the Holy Spirit also led me to pray for his mother.  During this prayer, He began to weigh on my heart the burden that she has had to endure and opened my eyes to the determination and strength that she possesses through Him and how I can truly learn from her.

Dana and Kaleb Graves

SOURCE: ARKELL & DANA'S BABY BUN/FACEBOOK

God is so awesome in that He has blessed me to know Kaleb's mother personally before she became a Youtube sensation with her pregnancy announcement. We live in the same neighborhood and attend the same church.  Her oldest son is a delight to talk with (if you like comic books and paleontology- and I do) and her husband is one of the coolest guys you'd ever meet.  So, it is my extreme pleasure to introduce you to today's lesson, Mrs. Dana Griffin-Graves! 

 I wanted you to meet this awesome woman of God because sometimes the stories and lessons of the bible don't seem applicable to us because, well... because they're old. We can think that the saints of yesteryear had it much easier since they were physically closer to Jesus and didn't have nearly as much"stuff" to deal with as we do.  But if that's going to be our mindset, we should look around all the more and make note of when Jesus is truly manifesting Himself right in front of us in someone else's life!


The bible says in Revelation 12: 11, that "They overcame him (It is speaking of satan,the enemy, and no, I will not apply the rule of capitalization to his name because he is not worthy.) by the Blood of the Lamb and by their testimony and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die."  As educators who are Believers, our lives are on public display even more than a regular person.  What we say, how we say it, how we deal with situations and attacks from the enemy; these are the things make us living testimonies and are also the things that are being watched, dissected and critiqued by our students, coworkers and every member of the general public that graces the halls of our schools.  My pastor always tell us we may be "the only bible some people will ever read" and to live "like we're the sixty-seventh book!"

Well, Dana is very much a walking sixty-seventh book as she overcomes daily obstacles by her testimony of Jesus and the power of His blood; some of which I'd like to share with you. It is my desire that as you learn the pieces of her story, you will apply the strength of her testimony to your thoughts and actions while preparing for this upcoming school year just as you would if this were one of Jesus' parables.  While I don't have a mountain to sit on, a boat to teach out of or a vineyard to walk through, just keep scrolling down because He IS real and so is His presence in His people!

Dana held on to a promise from God for seventeen years! At the age of forty one with multiple miscarriages under her belt, one adoption and the thoughts that "It's too late now", she found out last fall that she was already five months pregnant! In those seventeen years, she and her husband were still fruitful and multiplied their love by tirelessly pouring themselves into the lives of others with countless service projects and volunteer events. The testimony of how they waited, is one that shows  fruitful patience.

Lesson 1:  God will fulfill His promises for you so prepare to receive it. 

Persist in prayer this year for the things that seem impossible to attain yet you believe are God's will for you; an additional degree or endorsement, financial stability, better health, different position, better relationships etc. Know that God operates in His own timing, but stand on His faithfulness and wait faithfully and productively.  Whatever you're waiting on, prepare for it by seeking God's wisdom on how to best receive His blessing.  

SOURCE: divinewalls.com

If you have the time, scroll through Dana's Facebook page created by her sister to capture not only Kaleb's birth and NICU journey, but support. There has been no hesitation on her or her husband's part to ask family, friends, our church, and the general public for their prayers.  Their response to many of the people who send their well wishes and prayers is that each one gives them both just a little more strength,  a little more faith, and a little more encouragement exactly when they need it.

Lesson 2:  Lay your pride and fear aside and ask  others for prayer.

This school year, do not be afraid or hesitant to ask a coworker or family member that you trust to join you in prayer or pray for you.  It doesn't mean that you can't get a prayer through on your own, but that you desire more of His presence manifesting in your situation. Request that your church place you and your school on their weekly prayer list and pray that God surround you with people who will truly bombard heaven on your behalf. Liberty and the fullness of joy come from His presence and His presence is guaranteed where His Believers are gathered together seeking Him.

SOURCE: cambraza.blogspot.com

Dana is surrounded by her loving husband, parents, siblings, hospital support staff, coworkers and church family. Her role of wife and mother has never been put on hold.  She continues to work, stand with her husband, support their oldest son, volunteer in the community and travel about thirty miles each way to the hospital on a daily basis to see her baby!  How does she do it? More than likely she follows the first part of Lesson 2 and then asks for help.

Lesson 3: You can't do it all on your own.

 I know for a fact that I need help with everything that I do because without God, I am nothing and pretty much clueless.  It is not a sign of weakness if you ask for help.  Realize that if your load seems too heavy for you to bear alone, God could be teaching you about how to truly depend on Him and grow from the spiritual connections made with those He places in your paths.  Pray this year for God to send you spiritual and physical support for every assignment He has for you. 

I have always admired Dana even before she began  this journey.  She is very

SOURCE: tonyevans.org

down to earth in expressing her love of God and people and continues to do so even now as she exalts God during times when she is afraid, perplexed, tired or hurt.  Because Dana is candidly sharing her journey with the world, people are able to witness firsthand how the psalmists, prophets and apostles of the bible could praise God in, through and on the other side of their trials and tribulations.   People around the world and those closest to her are realizing just how tangible God truly can be in our greatest times of need.

Lesson 4: Give God all of the glory.
The true distance of an educator's influence is very difficult to measure. However, Jesus empowers us to influence people eternally as we live out His Great Commission. His Spirit leads and guides us everyday to live holy and praise Him in all things.  When a student is difficult, give God the same amount of praise for Him building your patience as you would for Him providing you with an unexpected check or three snow days! Your constant reference to God teaching you, providing for you, favoring you, empowering you, encouraging you and even disciplining you lets people see real time faith in action, the bible come to life and a intimate relationship with Jesus as life's ultimate goal.

So as we take a lesson from Mrs. Dana Griffin-Graves and the "book" from her life on how to live and love for Christ, may we stand firm on  the same three thoughts that should cement itself in the heart and mind of any reader concluding their journey through any of His original sixty six books:

God is real and good.

With Him, nothing is impossible.

He will never leave or forsake His own.

  

Walk proudly, boldly and wisely in the ways of God this school year.  No matter what, trust God and  project and reflect Jesus in everything you do!

The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni

Guest Blogger: Mrs. Tonya Fields-Hines

God is a Healer

December 19, 2014… 7:30am.

I'd just completed my shower.  As I dried myself off, I felt a strange knot in my right breast. I asked my husband if he could feel it. His confirmation sent a nervous feeling over my body.

I spent my Christmas holiday with the chance of cancer hanging over me. The day after Christmas, my mother overheard me making my appointment for the mammogram.  I had to break down and tell her what was going on. My secret was out.

On December 31, 2014, I had my mammogram done.  It came back abnormal, and they also were concerned with my left breast. I immediately began praying. I returned on January 6, 2015, and was told it was cancer in my right breast and I needed a biopsy for my left breast to be sure.

My lumpectomy was done on January 7, 2015. I was found to have Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my right breast. The lump in my left breast was benign. After getting over being told, "You have cancer", I began to lean totally on God and resist temptation to worry. My family truly rallied around me. 

Since I am on a member of the Leadership Team at work, my circle is very small.  I chose only to share my health crisis with them.  However, once the staff found out, they were all very supportive.  It was rewarding to know just how much they cared.  

I worked consistently from January through May through five different surgeries and procedures, one of which was a lymph node procedure that was done in February.  It was then that I learned  the cancer had not spread!  Praise be to God! That was confirmation that I was going to be alright.

.Because of my age (42), I had to endure four months of chemotherapy and five weeks of radiation.  I thought I’d be able to push through it until the end of the school year, but sadly I could not.  Chemotherapy was a beast and I resolved that it’d be best for me to stay home.  Thankfully, my treatments were completed on November the 13th. 

 I am truly a blessed girl.  My faith and trust in God got me through.  Although, I've been back at work full time for three months now, I do try to take it easy. I listen to my body and God. So if I need to rest, I rest because I want to be here a loooong time. My hair has returned (with a curly soft texture….smile) and I'm going to continue to the fight and know that I'm still here for a reason.  OH BLESS GOD!

Yes, this experience has brought me closer to the Lord and my family. It even strengthened my 20 year marriage. I'm cancer free and ready for whatever God has in store for me. If it's to minister through song, His word, or my testimony, I just want to tell of the second chance that I was given. 

Through it all, I have learned to trust in Jesus. I have learned to trust in God.

Tonya Fields-Hines is an educator of seventeen years who has taught as a classroom teacher and specialist.  She is currently the math specialist for Park View Elementary in Portsmouth, Va.  Tonya is married and has twin daughters who are high school freshman.  She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. 

Did you enjoy Tonya's testimony?  Are you struggling with health issues of your own or know someone who is?  Please take the time to read, meditate and believe in these healing scriptures and share with someone else.  

Isaiah 53: 4-5

Isaiah 41: 10

James 5:14

Matthew 11: 28

Philippians 4: 19

Proverbs 4: 20-22

Exodus 15: 26

Exodus 23:25

Psalm 103: 2-4

The Lord is with you and you are loved,

Toni

Please enjoy this week's song which is a testament to Tonya's testimony of healing.    Like and share this on Facebook with an educator who needs to be reminded of the healing power of Jesus.

Go With the Flow and Ride the Wind

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to visit the Virginia Beach Oceanfront area with my family.  Since we didn't get a chance to spend any extended time at the beach this summer, I told myself that to make up for that, I would have to spend at least one morning on the beach greeting the Lord and His sunrise. 

Unfortunately, our first morning was cool, misty, overcast and the ocean was extremely rough. So instead of going down on the beach, I hung out on our balcony.  While  drinking my coffee, I saw a seagull hovering around our ninth story balcony. 

Truth be told, when they are not trying to take your Cheetos or chase you across a parking lot to get your ice cream cone ( childhood flashback...shudder), seagulls are actually inspirational to watch.  So I sipped and watched, sipped and watched, and noticed the most wonderful things.  

On that windy, wet day, the gulls did not fight the wind, but rode it with grace and agility.  If their goal was to go forward against the wind, they just hovered until the current was conducive for their progression. They would rise higher or descend with a few flaps of their wings.  Their hovering seemed effortless although the wind blew tirelessly in their faces.  

Then, as I tilted my coffee cup back to finish it off, something zoomed off to the right!  A seagull shot past me and went on his merry way.  "Wow", I thought, that gull is going faster in that direction.  

Our lives are just like that. When we make God our rear guard (Isaiah 58:8 “Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your healing (restoration, new life) will quickly spring forth; Your righteousness will go before you [leading you to peace and prosperity], The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. success is eminent.  It is for us to let God push us forward as we shoot from faith to faith and glory to glory.

Educators, God never intended us to struggle in our own strength. Our struggle for things that are already promised to us and under His covenant are just a ridiculous as ...

When you study the Word of God, make note of His promises to YOU. As you learn these promises, your "blessed assurance" will strengthen your wings.

So, here's a promise to get you started for this week:

   Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matthew 11: 28-30 NLT

Whether you're having a wind in your face or wind in your back school year, God wants you to allow Him to lead and guide you. Trust Him with EVERYTHING.  There is nothing too insignificant or hard for Him.  Just go with the flow and ride the wind. 

The Lord is with you and you are love,

Toni

Please enjoy this song.  God is sovereign and nothing is too hard for Him.  Go with the flow and trust Him.

Images retrieved from:
http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/backstage/343326-seagull-tries-save-friend-seagull-vs-eagle-2.html
http://xquatrox.deviantart.com/art/Seagull-in-the-sky-303943395