Self-Discipline

Two posts in one day?  Wow!!

Since I mentioned this in my previous post, I thought I would share it with you.  The public school system as a whole says that writing for 'punishment' is wrong.  It discourages writing for enjoyment.  I happen to think that is a big pile of horse doody.  Therefore, this is what my children will write when I feel the need arises.  The number of times they write it will depend on the seriousness of the offense.

As a student of Hilltop Academy,  I realize that I must have appropriate behavior at all times. I know that if I do not behave appropriately there are consequences for my actions. My teacher is my mother, and she wants what is best for me.  I need to follow all of the rules in our classroom.    Disobedience is disrespectful to God, who gives us the opportunity to have school at home.  An education is a gift and should be treated as a gift.  The work I am assigned is intended to increase my knowledge and help me to be a better person.  I need to do everything I am told to do, the first time and to the best of my ability.  I need to be a red bead in a black bead world at all times.  My education is my own.  I am responsible for it.  Every decision I make affects my life and my future.  My character and my education are a direct result of my effort.

What do you think?

Black and Red Beads

I wanted to show you something that sits on the shelf behind my desk.

 

 

This was an idea given to me by a very dear friend.  Her husband uses this analogy with their son all the time.  It's a jar full of black beads with one red bead dropped in.

 

This is what I tell my children; "Be a red bead in a black bead world."

 

If you read my self-discipline that I posted on FaceBook, you will see this statement.

 

My friend's husband always uses this in the context of work ethic.  He wants his son to stand out, to be noticed for being a good worker.  That's a good thing, and I'm not criticizing it at all.  I think that this world as a whole has become complacent.  We only do what we are told, when we are told, and only as much as we are told.  No one has initiative.

 

I want my children to learn to take that initiative.  I want them to see a job that needs to be done and do it.  I want them to understand that, if the world says do 2, they should do 4.  Go above and beyond.  Do your best.  Please God in all you do.

 

I've been thinking about my jar.  I don't think that it applies just to a job.  I think it is a far-reaching concept.

 

I want my children to realize that they must be a red bead when everyone else is drinking, or smoking, or cheating, or living a promiscuous lifestyle.

 

I want my children to know that they have to be a red bead when no one likes them for it.

 

They must understand that standing firm on convictions and principles will make them red - and not liked by black beads.

 

A red bead will be unfriended on FaceBook and in real life.

 

Being a red bead is hard - especially when you're the only one.

 

A red bead concept is totally Bible-approved, and we all know how popular Jesus was with the Pharisees. 

 

Red beads need tough skins.

 

Red beads can be lonely.

 

The good news is, though, red beads tend to gravitate toward each other ~ seek each other out ~ hold fast to one another.

 

I want my red beads to find other red beads, hang out with them, date them, marry them, and raise a new generation of them.

 

If more parents made red beads, black beads would become red beads, too.  They wouldn't have a choice.  They would be outnumbered.

 

I can't change the world, but I can affect my world.  I am responsible for everything that goes in these two children, and everything that comes out.  These two red beads-in-training are my job, and I intend to do that job to the best of MY red bead ability.  You see ~~ my parents raised a pretty good red bead, too ~ if I do say so myself.

High Places

2 Samuel 22:29-34

King James Version (KJV)

²⁹ For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.

³⁰ For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.

³¹ As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

³² For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?

³³ God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

³⁴ He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.

 

I actually like verse 34 in the New Living Translation:

 

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,  enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

 

I recently read "Hinds' Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurdard.  I tried to read it years ago, and I just couldn't get very far.  I only picked it up again at the recommendation of a close friend, and I'm glad I did.  I won't be so conceited as to say I'm in a better place spiritually, just a different one. 

 

I won't bore you with the details of the book, and I also don't want to ruin it for you if you haven't read it before.  It's a wonderful read if you're looking for a good book.  However, I will warn you.  It's not a warm-fuzzy.  Be prepared to walk away different than you were before.

 

I was talking to that same friend today about an e-mail I sent her.  It was about a little animal called the Ibex. 

 

 



They climb impossible heights with no fear or hesitation.  They walk on ledges that no other animal could scale.  They are confident in their footing and stand unafraid.

 

Well, now.  Isn't that interesting?

 

She and I agreed that we had both pictured an animal similiar to this one when we read the book.  I believe that's what the Bible is saying in verse 34.  He makes us like this little goat-wanna-be.  When we have Jesus, we can soar like eagles.  When we live like He wants us to live, we stand like this little Ibex.  It's not our strength that makes us stand - it's HIS.  When adversity comes and troubles are knocking at the door, we stand on the precipice looking down onto certain death, but we stand with calmness and assurance, for we know who calls the storm.

 

This little cutie looks very sweet and innocent, and it probably is.  But, when the going gets rough, that little booger can go where giants fear to tread.  

 

Remember... someone is watching you.  When you have obstacles that seem unsurmountable, do you leap with hinds' feet?  Or, do you wallow low in the valley of humiliation?  What example of Jesus do you show?

 

My wish for you - my prayer for you - is that you find your hinds' feet on high places, if you haven't already.  They are not easy to get.  The book will tell you that.  You must face valleys, fog, storms, lonliness, isolation, fear, and doubt.  Jesus never once looked at any of His followers and said it would be easy.  He only promised it would be worth it.