To educate

What is a good teacher? I have seen and personally know several good ones in my life time to be able to tell the difference. There are too many good teachers who have to put up with more than enough out of teenagers today not to mention the red-tape paperwork that they are subjective to complete.

You are a parent. You have one or two children. Well a teacher has 28-35 they have to contend with on a daily basis. Did anyone ever once consider place yourself in their shoes? It is a hard but rewarding job. They spend hours (more the 8 hours) trying to educate children to take their place in society.

I say this tongue and cheek: Why the hell is our society and our government no doing their part to make sure that the teacher succeeds? The more we heap red-tape on top of teachers, and do not pay them enough, means the less chance they have to perform their job adequately.

Many teachers are tired. Why? Because: they have to work more than two jobs in most cases where only one family has a salary. They also have families they have to support and feed as well.  

This is the same issue as the minimum wage. We want to complain but what are we doing to help out. How many parents volunteer to help with lesson plans, to help by researching ideas to help the teacher, how many make copies? How many of you help the teacher raise your child? Yet I hear this out of so many parents: “I don’t want government involved in me raising my children!” It is a public education, the government is involved. Our tax money goes toward education.  

What does the parent do other than drop off and pick up? Think long and hard; and, if your child turns out to be a “dumb ass” don’t blame it on the teacher, start with yourself as a parent.

A person with a BA starting salary in the US (2013):                                     $45,327 (Private Industry)

Government job for a person with a BA starting salary:                                  $56,130

(Elementary education BA-federal level)

                                               

–Average Teachers Salary-starting**

                Texas                                                                                           $34,234

                Alabama                                                                                       $36,301

                Mississippi                                                                                    $31,187

                Louisiana                                                                                      $38,655

**Texas is based differently district to district; Alabama differs from county to county; Louisiana is based on parish to parish; Mississippi is based on rank “A” status.

So if private industry and the federal government pay more on a starting level what is wrong with the states? Wait a minute, I know the answer: Well, we set aside budget money for “the roads.” We better make sure our rides do not get too messed up until we can buy a new one.

Well here is my answer; you can’t buy a new kid when they become damaged.

In my research I find that more money was put into the roads than into educating our children. We put more money into building better government offices than into educating our children. We put more money into the political party and conferences with televised events than into educating our children.

What is going to happen tomorrow when our children don’t know anything?

Dear Federal, State, and Local Governments,

Why are you not putting in enough money to insure our future, the children? More resources and better pay for teachers. Please get rid of all your BS paperwork, some of those ridiculous rules and regulations and let teachers teach.  There are a lot of good teachers teaching; (again) let them teach.

If parents don’t like what is going on in their schools, stop your complaining and get more involved.

Sincerely,

John & Jane Q Public

Please see what you can do to help your teacher.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)

If we believe the children are our future, we must invest in that future. Do not destroy the profession of teaching those children.

Keep in prayer Teresa Bufkin’s mom in her fight on cancer; Stuart (Pete Prescott’s son) is doing well and was sent home early from the hospital after his surgery; keep in prayer Ashley Larson as she continues to heal; keep in prayer the family and friends of Melinda Denny who was called home to be with God; pray for each other.

God bless each and everyone to stay safely in His arms. 

Sources:

http://www.teacherportal.com/teacher-salaries-by-state/

https://www.naceweb.org/about-us/press/bachelor-degree-starting-salary-rises.aspx

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#25-0000

http://images.pcmac.org/Uploads/BaldwinCounty/BaldwinCounty/Divisions/EmploymentCommonDocuments/2013-2014%20SalSched_Final.pdf    Baldwin Co. $37,228

http://www.nea.org/home/2011-2012-average-starting-teacher-salary.html

http://images.pcmac.org/Uploads/MCPSS/MobileCounty/Departments/Forms/2011-2012_Salary_Schedule_Final_Board_Approval_WebCopy.pdf  Mobile Co. $36,144-$51,927 (based on Rank/Days)

http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/docs/school-financial-services/salary-schedule-2013-2014.pdf?sfvrsn=0

Mississippi $30,900-35,020 (based on “A” rank)

 http://www.houstonisd.org/cms/lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/Domain/16074/2013-2014%20Teacher%20Salary%20Schedule.pdf  $46,805 (10-M BA)

 http://www.nisd.net/hr/sites/nisd.net.hr/files/webfm/compensation/TEACHER-LIBRARIAN-NURSE-2013-14Final.pdf $48,525

http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/uploads/17776.pdf  $27,102-$50,100

Just because it looks good doesn't mean it is good.

How many of the people my age or a little older grew up seeing a plastic bowl of fruit on the tables of our mothers or grandmothers?  I was really young the first time looking at these luscious purple grapes that looked so real and so delicious at my paternal grandmother’s house. They sat in a wire type silver bowl. One day, when no one was looking, I snatched one and put in my mouth. There was no sweet nectar. It was bland and very chewy. I spit it my hand and it was still round: not squashed like most food and blah as I viewed the content in my palm intently.  I knew I couldn’t eat it; so, I dried it off and put it back with the others.

Hypothetically, fruit are a lot like people. Just because it looks good, doesn’t mean it is edible.

“…But, the fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

A person can invest themselves in relationship with a vast array of people that interact in their lives daily but that doesn’t ensure that the investment is wise. Sometimes the relationship has no taste and it is not the “real deal.” Put it back and only invest in the reality of something that is the spiritually ripened.

When we make decisions in life, are we making it off of past experiences or superficial ideals?

Keep in prayer the family and friends of US Navy Commander Alphonso Doss (Pensacola) who was taken home on February 12^th; it was announced today that his death was ruled a homicide. “Support for Sophia” announced this morning that Sophia went home to be a baby angel. Keep her family and friends in prayer. Ashley Larson is improving and is in great spirits; but, still is in need of prayers to continue improving and to help her financial needs to be met. Keep each other in prayers.

God bless each and everyone.

I was protected as always without doubt

I will read something and remember an event that has either been suppressed or just forgotten.

When I lived in North Carolina there was a time when I held two jobs. This wasn’t the first time I have held two jobs in my life time. In 2008, I drove a taxi-cab on my days off from working in a hotel – an administrative employee with more than five “hats.” My children needed additional money for high school that year and it was my job as a parent to see they get it. My friends and associates from work were very concerned for my safety; but, I had been trained to know what to do and how to behave. I also kept my Bible on the front seat of the cab which I felt would be protection. It protected me one night.

I had picked up two men from a strip club to take them to their hotel at about 2:00 a.m. They were funny. One of them was very “amorous.” When we got to the hotel, one gentleman paid me for the fare and went on inside. The amorous man stayed in the back seat and talked while making advances. I wasn’t scared. He even offered to pay for my time to the sum of $500. It would have been money I could have used too. I repeated numerous times that I was not interested. He gave me a $100 bill, dropped his pants, and slid into the front seat.

He asked me: “Have you ever seen anything this great before?”

I told him: “Please get your naked butt off my Bible.”

I was calm. He got out of my cab, pulled up his pants, and left. I had Clorox Wipes in the cab and sanitized by Bible cover. He left his $100 bill sitting on my seat next to my Bible. That night after all was said and done, all expenses for driving the cab paid, I had more than enough money to pay for what my children needed and plenty left over.

The word of God protected me. Since then, I have never ever doubted the presence of God.

There have been times when I have been so broke that I didn’t know where the money was coming from to feed my family. God pointed me to some Christian friends who helped me out. I did pay them back so they could help others. It seemed at times there were dark clouds circling just me. There were times I had no car and had to walk everywhere including in the snow or rain just to get groceries. There were times I just wanted to give up. There were times when all our needs were met. Not once did God leave my side.

(This is one of my favorites.) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Keep in prayer Stuart, son of Pete Prescott, who will be having surgery this week. Ashley Larson is doing much better today; her temperature is down and she is in better spirits. Thank you all for responding last night to the prayers. They made a difference. Keep each other in prayer.

God bless you all and keep you safely in His arms. 

God does exist... Everything else is just conjecture

One day while I was sitting in class it occurred to me that something was missing in my thought processes about science and theories, etc. The science that we know is relatively new: coming into its own in the late Renaissance and earl Baroque periods. Yet in classical studies there was architecture, studies of the heavens, water management and much more—which was in some cases way before the time of Christ.

While I was reading Blackstone’s “Commentaries on the Laws of England” – 1765, He opens up the discussion about natural law. My perception is that all forms of life (every living matter) are governed by natural laws. Nothing is left to chance or the will of itself; but, there is an order or rule as created. God created that order and rule.  

The history of the evolutionary thought was formed sometime in the pre-Socratic era. (Socrates died in 399 B.C.) The theory (best I can remember) became popular with Charles Darwin around 1842. The way I understand it, though, that the science we know actually didn’t start taking off and flying until the 1600s. I know that Darwin has been misunderstood in history period. We never descended from apes, we just have similar DNA components; for that matter I learned in Biological Anthropology that we have similar DNA components to a banana and many other living organisms for that matter. Evolution has occurred without us really knowing it. Evolution is change; changes in the genetic pool. DAH!!!

In 1800 the average height of a man in North America was 5’7. In 2003 the average height is 5’11. Since height is determined by genetics (genes), do you think man have evolved into being taller?

The Big Bang theory didn’t come about until the 20^th century. That theory (if I am not wrong) is approaching its 100^th year.

What I am getting at is that all the theories that we learn in science, only a few can be attributed to Biblical passages and happened years before the word of sciences came into play. I am absolutely sure without a doubt in truth that God does exist.  Everything else is just mere conjecture. A theory, a thought, an idea is had by all; but, only one God exist which is something greater; He is a faith, an understanding, and a hope. When He (the great creator) molded every living thing on this earth He supplied the inter-dependence that we experience and made the order of natural law in which we abide.   

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.” (Psalms 90:1)

On the 22^nd I mentioned that Joseph Davis was missing through a post from Consuella Thomas-Price to keep him in prayer. Please keep in prayer the family and friends of Joseph Davis. His mental health was not good and was recently called home to be with God. Keep Natalie Hightower on her fight with cancer. She has not been feeling well. Keep in prayer Larry Gill who had a misstep that cause numerous injuries or him; we hope he recovers quickly. Keep in prayer for Dinna Nance Cunningham who has not been well. Keep in prayer Ashley Larson on her battle with cancer and recuperation from her recent surgery. Keep in prayer Brielle and Kyrie (picture of the twins) they were born 12 weeks early with some complications. Brielle was not expected to live until she was placed in the same incubator with her sister and since then she has stabilized. Pray for each other.

God bless you all while staying safely in His arms. 

Examine your motives

I ran across a really interesting concept while reading on one of the text books assigned. This one passage had a tremendous amount of interpretation. “Christians require pastors or ministers to instruct and guide them but not as a priestly class set apart.” (Russell Kirk, “The Roots of American Order”, Pg 235) The first thing that came to mind is why? 

Believe it or not I have always been anti-establishment when it comes to modern ecclesiastical doctrines. I am of the opinion that religion is not treated with the same original spiritual purpose as it was originally intended. It has transformed into something that I just cannot understand--sometimes. The religious communities are full of intrigue, drama, hatefulness, and the imperfections as standard society. So why go to church? Therefore, I stopped.

I never expect anyone to be like me and my habits; I question my intentions (often) if they are right or wrong. However, people do need that Christian interaction on their own given terms—which in most cases meaning going to church as scheduled. I personally worship God and Jesus and attempt to spread that word every waking minute.

Why do Christians require pastors or minister? (a) Could it be Christians need to be with others in a community—to fit in and be needed or (b) could it be Christian laziness and narrow mindedness? People need to be with others in a Christian community to fit in for their purpose of their continuation in spiritual traditionalism. There is nothing wrong with that.  

Here is my reasoning. The minister or pastor is like a parent. They guide and help us mold our spirituality. Their position is much like a parent with many children.  A lot of times, people get a really good feeling when they hold hands and pray together; or, sit at a table and share food with good like minded company. This doesn’t mean that you like everyone there. Not every single person in the room is going to like each other, but they are tolerant of each other’s “spiritual sibling.” Sometimes the spiritual siblings do not like the parent. Not all spiritual parents are fitted to a specific religious community. Then you really have a lot of drama! The only difference is that we cannot fire our biological parents; though, we can learn from them.

Next part of the answer: are you a lazy Christian? What do you do to learn or do you just leave it all up to the minister or pastor to instruct you? “Sit in the pew and open your Bible to the page instructed? Today we are going to speak about ‘blah, blah, blah’…” and then you doze off just a little bit but you are listening to the whole thing. How? Your Bible sits on the chair or table until Wednesday. You eventually read the program to find out the events of next Sunday. Oh goody! Been there and done that. In my lifetime I can name a lot of people who have done this too.

Are you attending church because that is what your neighbor/friend does? Is it because of socialization? Is it to get more business contacts or to become a better known person in your society? A person needs to know why they attend church and what are they getting out of going? If you can’t figure it out then you really need to examine: (1) your soul or (2) maybe you aren’t comfortable with your spiritual community. Either way-- question your motive. Be honest with yourself.

The true reason to worship God and Jesus is for our soul: with faith and grace comes hope: with hope comes a will: with a will comes the opportunity to spread through physical actions: with physical actions come charitable work and suffering. Being a Christian is easy: sustaining one’s Christianity is the most difficult task in your life—emotionally and physically. Christianity isn’t just a way of thought; actions have to be included.

Michael Miller shared with me “Last man standing.” “Walter D Ehlers, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the Allied invasion of Normandy during ‘Operation Overload’ in 1944, passed away in Buena Park, CA on Thursday of natural causes at the age of 92; please, keep his friends, family, and fellows in arms in prayer.” I mentioned this young man on February 9^th, and this is a follow up after contacting a family friend Wendy Ladner-- with a very heavy heart on this subject, God called home a very special young man in the community of Jones Co., Mississippi—Austin Blake Savell. His father works at Jones Co. Jr. College in Ellisville, MS. Blake had surgery and he never woke up. God needed him more on February 19th. No matter what the situation, when a child passes through the arms of his parents, it is the hardest loss of all. Keep his friends and family in prayer.  Remember to pray for Ashley Larson who is still recovering but appears to be much better. Keep in prayer each other.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) Examine what you are fighting for? Is it life everlasting?

Remember this is just my thoughts and no one has to agree, but I request everyone be respectful of each other if not yourself.

God bless you all and keep you safely in His arms. 

Baked chicken, a speech, and a lot of people

I have come to the conclusion on the topic subject I will be presenting in April.  It will be on how the Kingdoms of King Alfred (English) and Charlemagne were introduced to Chivalry and why it was so strong during Charlemagne’s Carolinian reign and not as strong during King Alfred’s time.  The historical information on this will surprise many people. I know the answer but to write about and present it is another deal.

I suppose that is why I have been trying so hard to walk and get just a little more weight off. Reason one is this presentation; reason two is I want to walk at graduation across that stage. My children will be taping my presentation that evening. If you are Houston on April 17^th, it is an Academic Symposium and if you would like to attend just let me know. Other than class presentations, I haven’t spoken on a stage since 2007 and that was to an audience of more than 500 people with chicken lodged in the cleavage of my breast and bra.

Okay… I am sure I have told this but here is a brief story of what happened. The presentations at a fundraiser in 12/2007 were during the dinner. I had a piece of chicken on my fork when one of the organizers tapped me on the arm holding the fork and chicken went down my shirt. Needless to say I didn’t have time to retrieve it. The gentleman at my said told me he couldn’t tell and I will do fine. I had my speech memorized and didn’t need the notes. When it was all said and done and I exited the stage, I started trembling something fierce.

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:6-9)

Keep in prayer the friends and family of Barbara Russell—Ambassador and Queen of the Darling Red Hatters of WPSCC Chapter—Philadelphia. She went to sleep and woke up in heaven on February 19^th. She will be missed so dearly here with us but God needed her more. Keep prayers for the safety of Joseph Davis (via Consuella Thomas-Price); he has been missing and has health issues. Keep in prayer for Dinna Nance Cunningham who has not been well. Please, keep each other in prayer.

God bless you all and keep you safely in His arms. 

Truth has to spiritually honorable

Today has been much better. I prayed a lot last night to lay my worries down. I studied and outlined some material for class and rested.

                I was having trouble last night in class, expressing myself totally, which is sometimes nothing unusual for me. Of course I question just about everything from A to Z in my studies. The topic was communion. I question the rituals practiced since they technically are nothing more man’s commemoration in association with certain events in the Bible. Sometimes I feel different (no funny jokes about me being “different”) because I look at too much at the realistic truth. The Bible never instructed any man to follow of the commemorated events that are practiced at church. To get my thoughts together I had to talk it over with another a professor this afternoon—who is accustomed to my peculiarities. (I also think he understands that there are times my turnips are not on the elevator like they should be.)

                There are specialized traditions that are part of a community that helps people feel part of a group. Even though there are no biblical mandates, the rituals are said to be a show of respect for authority, wisdom, and unity of the spiritual community.  The spiritual community means the church in which we chose to worship in. It is true that society (generally) does have a general lack of Ecclesiastical history because of a specific doctrine they follow. I suppose what I am getting at is that religious based traditionalism and symbolism can be a very beautiful event.  The doctrine is a guidance in which a person worships in their religious community.

                Worshiping God and Jesus can be the most wonderful events in any person’s life. Understanding the philosophical theology behind the tradition and how it all came to be is absolutely magnificent! Sharing knowledge of our ideals can be very rewarding even if many do not believe like you do. You are sharing part of yourself.

                 Keep in prayer 498^th Mobile Transportation Unit who left today on their 3^rd tour in Afghanistan: may God guide them and keep them safe always. Keep in prayer Ashley Larson who is recovering in Florida. She was up and on the walker this morning; we want to continue in prayers for and with her fight on cancer; keep my uncle Mike Walters in prayer. Lift each other in prayer as well.

                Paul stated: “Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.” (I Corinthians 11:2) Paul instructed (even though I don’t always agree with what he has written) honorably to the best of his ability in accordance with what he understood was godly and what Jesus would have wanted him to do as a disciple. He felt it was important for the future of Christianity. However, Jesus said: “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3) If your tradition emulates the true spirituality of God or Jesus then you are honoring the gifts and blessing he has bestowed on us. Truth in our hearts has to be spiritually honorable.

                Remember my opinion; you don’t have to agree. I will though respect your opinion if you respect my.

                God bless you all and keep you safely in His arms.