Getting Closer

Next week begins my student teacher journey. Interestingly, even though I have an M.ed and I have been teaching for more than a decade, I have never student taught. My "student teaching" experience was my first teaching job at IAB in Beijing, China. It really was trial by fire. I spent the first several weeks trying to figure out what lesson plans were and how to write a curriculum (since I didn't have any). It was an awesome time that I would never want to relive.

And here I am getting ready to embark on another journey with the goal of being a master teacher. I know it's going to be a lot of work but in the end it will be worth it.

Regroup

My parents have left. Life is going back to normal. I don't know what that's supposed to mean. We will miss them but at the same time, it's kind of nice that the holidays are officially over. Now I need to refocus and regroup and establish the direction we need to go as a family for 2013. I know that I can't know the future but having a plan that is built for flexibility is always a good idea.

One thing that I got from my dad this time he was here was the idea of "making war" against my children's peers in order to make our family life more attractive and thus working to overt pain and devastation that can be caused by listening to well meaning but often very wrong friends. I am going to "declare this war" starting now. I will pay what ever price I must to keep our family strong and God at the center of it. I don't want to be overbearing but at the same time, I've got to be strong. Vigilance is key. The price for this will be time . . . time spent with the kids, time instructing the kids and time planning how to impact them.

One of the challenges being back in the US is all the temptations that surround my family. Well, the junk that is in the US is quickly making its way to Asia. There is no longer an option to run. Now, I must stand. Now is the time to make a stand for my kids and their futures. Now is the time to fight.

The Holidays

Lots has happened since I last wrote. I've passed my Texas teacher certification courses and started substitute teaching. In another week, I'll be stepping into a clinical teaching (aka: student teaching) position. Hopefully by the end of it all, I'll be certified and a job will be waiting.

My parents are in town. It's been nice hanging out after 10 years of not really being in each others lives. I know that many would find it stifling but I think spending time with family is great even though of course, habits and lifestyles are different.

One of the thoughts pressing on my mind lately is the idea of "tolerance". I know I'm not the first person to think through this or to be confronted with it. The issue of tolerance in my life revolves around the issue of homosexuality. I am a Christian and the Scriptures make it clear that homosexuality is sin and a homosexual lifestyle is a sinful lifestyle.

But in modern times, calling it that is taboo. Disagreeing with homosexuality has been dubbed as bigoted and on par with being a racist.  That comparison is intolerable. "Tolerance" has been reduced to mean "agree with the status quo". No longer is debating in the public square an option . . . debate is not wanted; it's either conform or get out.

So, how should a Christian live in this increasingly polarized, yet pluralistic society? The early Church lived in similar times. It is interesting how history tends to repeat itself. It's not like the modern era is the first to have homosexuality or other forms of debauchery deemed by society as "ok". And the tendency towards syncretism in a pluralistic society was met head on in Paul's letters in the New Testament.

So, the question becomes, how shall I then live? 

Unemployed

I am working so hard to get a job and I don't have one. It's so interesting and humbling being on this side of things. I used to mock the unemployed thinking if they really wanted a job they would get off their butts and go get it. And here I am, hundreds of sent resumes later, unemployed. I'm working towards my Texas teacher certification. I have a lot to do preparing for this certification . . . but at this point it's costing money. But all the while, the savings are being burned through like gasoline. It's hard not to feel sorry for myself. And it's so embarrassing when someone comes and asks what my job is. The shame is often the hardest part.

I'm ready to work hard but I just need a chance. I want to teach. It's what I'm trained and experienced in and what I love to do. I can go another month like this and then I'll need to find a job no matter the pay or the role. God please give me strength and wisdom.

Finances

As a Christian, finances are a bit tricky. On one side of the coin is the whole idea that I need to not love money--meaning it should never take over as an idol. Also there's the reality that I am already living in ridiculous wealth and comfort especially in comparison to the bottom 50% of the world's population. There is the very real issue that probably, money is already an idol and I'm so entrenched in it that I don't realize it.

Having said that there is the another side of the coin or maybe several (as paradoxical as that may sound). The other side of the coin is to not be a slave to money and possessions but to invest those things for kingdom use. It means to work hard with my skills and multiply what I have been entrusted with. I've just (and I mean "just". It has been just over a month) returned to the US after 11 years abroad. One thing that is hard to miss is the abundance of everything and the "need" for stuff and how expensive this stuff ends up costing.

There has to be another way. I have been thinking this through and I am going to commit to a new path. I have a goal . . . a dream really. I want to be financially independent. This means that I want to be free of debt and free from the need to have to have a job. I don't mean retire and do nothing. I want to live in such a disciplined and shrewd way, that it leaves me free from the chains of "stuff" and money and gives me the chance to use "may" possessions (really the possessions God has given me to steward) for God's glory. I am not disciplined in this area by nature. Sometimes it may seem like that because I like to save money. But really, that's a hoarder's mindset. I'm trying to find security in my savings or my budget when I should be finding it in Christ. And security in Christ doesn't mean blowing my money on stuff . . . creating liabilities.

God give me wisdom as I lead my family as we steward your gifts.

Starting Fresh

It's been 5 years since I've posted anything on this blog. This is primarily because Blogger was blocked in China. Well, I'm back in the US. It's time to log this journey--the journey of life. I am excited to do this even if no one but myself ever reads it. I just want a place where I can share my thoughts, struggles and . . . well, life. I'll probably post once a week. It will usually be on Sunday's.

Getting set for next year

It has been a fast year and I can't wait to get started next school year using this blog. It will be a major help in my classes. Praying everyone has a great summer. Lord Bless.

Mr. Mac