For such a time as this...

July 17 will be the one year mark - of us moving to Borger. Wow!

This past week I was asked if it seemed like it had been a year. To be honest, I really had to stop and think for a moment before I answered. There is a part of me that says I can't believe it has already been a year and yet at the same time, there is a part of me that says - ONLY A YEAR! Ha ha - just being honest here.

Let me expand a bit:

There is a definite part of me that has yet to truly "embrace" Borger and call it home; however, if you have been in ministry any length of time you know that there really isn't a "home" you just go where God leads when He leads. Home to me will always be Southwest Colorado - it is truly where my heart is. That being said, God has shown me through 17 years of ministry and marriage that He can make anywhere home if I am willing to allow Him to do so. In this sense, then yes Borger has become our home.

Yet, I still drive by the hotel we stayed in for interviews and our first two night here and think wasn't that just yesterday that the kids were playing in the pool? It couldn't be a whole year of LIFE has passed since then!

These are the parts that say has it already been a year...

The part that says ONLY A YEAR? That part is the one that looks back and ponders all that our family and church have gone through during that time. We have had multiple struggles with schooling (not expounding on those - read previous blogs for that!) We have had Joel's immediate supervisor move on to another place of ministry - let me just say being the one left behind is far harder in my opinion now that I have been on both sides! There have been multiple leadership changes within the church and we have seen families we got close to move or are preparing to move...When I consider all this, I have to say how in the WORLD could all that have taken place in a 12 month time?

In the same conversation I was asked if I felt settled here...Again, I had to ponder that. You see, I am going to give you an insight into ministry. Typically minister's can refer to their first year at any new position as the "Honeymoon Time". This means that during the first year you can coast, things are new and growing, it's a time of a lot of ups and very few if any downs. Borger has been different for us. Don't get me wrong we have seen some ups and things have grown but we have also seen a lot of downs both personally and in ministry. So - settled? I don't think so not by any stretch of the word; however, I CAN say that God has proved over and over that this is where He called us! Many times I have thought of Mordechi telling Esther "Perhaps God has placed you here for such a time as this." It is my belief that God placed Joel and I here in THIS church with THESE people FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. If you recall the story of Esther, these words were NOT spoken during a time of rest, success, or when things were looking up - they were spoken in a time of crisis, a defining moment for Esther, a time when she would have to step out into a stormy situation and trust the Lord for guidance and direction. I can resonate with that!

It is MY belief that God has called Joel and I into a situation that is rocky and insecure at times to say the least. In fact, I would venture to guess that He is calling ALL CHRISTIANS to take a step and trust HIM during a time of uncertainty, a time of crisis, a time of uncertainty, a storm! Look at our Nation and our World...the situation is volatile...things could figuratively and literally explode at any given time. Yet God is calling us as believers "For such a time as this!"

Back to the question - do I feel "settled"? No, but then again I am not sure that any of us as Christians will feel settled until we reach the Kingdom of Heaven and I am not sure I want to! What I mean is this - I don't want to grow complacent with where I am at in any area of life - I don't want to settle and realize one day that I am so settled, I have become stuck! I want to live a life that is ever changing and ever growing and always seeking what the Lord has in store next.

So, although not at a settled point and although this isn't Colorado - I am certain that Borger is where God has our family now during THIS time. I am content with the mission and ministry that He has set before us. I am certain and sure that our work here is far from finished. With that in mind - I eagerly and enthusiastically say - THANK YOU LORD FOR CALLING US TO BORGER! I truly look forward to seeing God's purpose and plan in all that has transpired - I know that He has something BIG in mind because Satan has done his best to discourage and dissuade us from continuing on...FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS I will serve, I will obey and I will raise up my eyes and look ahead!

Tyler's Story

Since today is my Tyler's 11th birthday, I thought it appropriate to share his story. It is the story of faith, miracles, power of prayer, and most of all dependance on God Almighty! Some may be familiar with it and others may not. It is my prayer that in sharing his story, you will be encouraged that our God DOES still work miracles and He is able!

Tyler was born June 27, 2001. I went in for a regular doctor appointment. We were supposed to have a scheduled c-section July 6. While at the appointment, our Dr informed us that I was already having contractions - being as we lived in Pagosa Springs and our Dr was in Durango (approximately 60 miles away), she gave us two options: go ahead and be admitted to the hospital and they would do the c-section as soon as an OR opened up; or drive back to Pagosa and know that we most certainly would be turning around and coming back to Durango that evening. We chose to stay! Of course, didn't have the hospital bag, or anything with us so Joel would get all that later. :)

Tyler's c-section went off great without a hitch. He entered the world at 6lbs. 6oz and had a little mohawk of blonde down the middle of his head! Ha ha!! From the beginning, Tyler was an active little man - he just liked to move!!!

At two weeks is when things began to change fairly rapidly for Tyler. At his regular two week check-up Tyler had failed to get back to his birth weight. Having already had 3 kids, I knew this was not normal - our family doctor agreed and sent us to a pediatrician who specialized in low weight babies. Dr. McGrath was a God send to us! He was so thorough and complete in treating Tyler. The initial diagnosis for Tyler was "failure to thrive". Basically what this means is that the baby is not developing and growing at the appropriate rate for an unknown reason.

Tyler would eat but then he would spit up almost all of it. He just stayed little. All the "usual" milestones for Tyler came much later than an average baby. Dr. McGrath continued to be mystified and thus nick named him "Tricky Tyler". Of course, I did exactly what they tell you NOT to do - I googled and searched everything on the internet to figure out what could possibly be wrong with my baby - NOT A GOOD THING TO DO!

In November 2001 our family was on vacation at Glorietta New Mexico. I had left the number with Dr. McGrath should he find ANYTHING that would explain Tyler's failure to thrive. By this time, Tyler was 5 months old and not holding his head up, not sitting or anything really. While at Glorietta we got a call that stopped us cold.

Dr. McGrath had been in contact with a Dr at Children's Hospital in Denver. After hearing all of Tyler's symptoms he concluded that he was 95% sure Tyler had Cystic Fibrosis. At the time, we knew a girl with CF but didn't really understand what it was. Dr. McGrath informed us that we needed to make plans to head to Denver as soon as we returned from vacation. That we did! However, thanks to our parents and our mentors the prayer chain was already in full force before we ever got back from vacation! Warriors were on their knees in battle for little Tyler Bay!

I remember vividly the drive to Denver - it was cold and very snowy. We had to drive over two snow packed mountain passes the whole time fearful for what lie ahead. By this time I had done some research on CF. I knew the odds for a long life were slim, I knew that should Tyler really have this, his life would be anything but normal. They did test him for CF at birth but the Dr in Denver said there are a rare number of false negative tests (like less than 5%) and he believed that Tyler fell into that category. The whole drive there, Joel and I were fairly quiet other than to just PRAY!

We checked into a house similar to a Ronald McDonald place and I am not sure either one of us slept much that night.

The next day, we started the myraid of tests at Children's Hospital. There was blood drawn, weight, height, and a sweat test. Late that morning, we met with the Dr. I will NEVER forget the look of puzzlement on his face. He said, "I am not sure you brought the same baby I talked with Dr. McGrath about. That baby had all the classic signs of CF but the tests today show that Tyler is fine. He doesn't have Cystic Fibrosis." The Dr explained that it must just be late development - We explain it a little different!

After talking to our mentor, Bay Forrest, (yes this is where Tyler gets his middle name) we all agreed - God had worked a miracle in the life of our baby! It was and still is my firm belief that Tyler had Cystic Fibrosis when we began that drive to Denver. However because of the power of prayer of many faithful warriors - God chose to heal Tyler and show us his infinite power!

I wish I could say that was the end of Tyler's story and that he has flourished and prospered since then - it isn't. Tyler did begin to make a turn at 6 months, he began gaining weight and in time sat up, crawled, walked, etc albeit at a later time than most babies.

However, at 2 years old, Tyler still didn't talk much and when he did you really couldn't understand him. Although overall his health was better, he still suffered from frequent ear infections (something he had since birth), he had random fevers, he would wake up and suddenly lose use of his legs, etc. This continued for several years. At age 4, he was in a preschool for children with disabilities. He would not interact well with other kids and really had a TEMPER! He would get frustrated and would literally tear apart his preschool room. Of course, the initial thought was "he is ADD" "he needs medication" "what's going on in your home to cause this" - you name it, we heard it. All along, I knew that medication was NOT the answer and I was determined that he would NOT be on medication.

When Tyler was 4, we FINALLY had some insight. At this time, we lived in Arkansas and were referred to Children's Hospital in Little Rock for testing. There, an audiologist finally diagnosed Tyler with moderate to severe hearing loss. She explained that his behavior was classic for children with hearing loss - he couldn't hear so why would he interact and obey. His hearing loss is best explained as hearing things as though you are underwater. After getting hearing aides, some therapy and lots of love - Tyler began to "mellow" out somewhat.

He has had tubes in his ears twice, has had tonsils taken out, has had numerous testing done on his ears and throat and through it all - he is a smiling laid back boy! There has never been an explanation for his random fevers which he occasionally still gets or for the random loss of the use of his legs which he has not had issues with in years. It is still my belief that God has and is working miracles in Tyler's life.

Tyler is still in the midst of his story. He has now been diagnosed with "pronounced learning disability". He has an IQ of 72 which is border line for Mental Retardation, he reads at a first grade level and struggles academically. He has dealt with numerous medical trials as well as social ones. He is often the target for bullying at school. Yet HE teaches ME so much! He smiles no matter the circumstances, he refers to the bullies as HIS FRIENDS. He loves with no limits and knows not an enemy! He inspires me to obey when Jesus says "pray for those who persecute you" "love your enemies" Tyler does this with the faith and innocence of a child!!

I don't know where those reading this are at but I pray that through Tyler, you like me, will see the hand of an all powerful, almighty, loving and healing God! I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for my Tyler Bay! I know that God has something BIG in store for Him because he has brought him through SO much!!!

A matter of priorities...

Should my daughter play softball with this travel team, or should she play with the local team? Should my son be in baseball all summer or should he not? Should Sally be on the dance team or maybe ballet? Should we enroll in this camp or that one? What about the extra batting lessons or the fielding lessons? Volleyball camp or Church Camp?

Do any of these questions sound familiar? Do they resonate just a tad bit with you? I know they do with me! If your family is anything like ours then you and your kids are faced with a myraid of decisions as to where to invest their time and your money! I hear it and see it all the time.

We live in a community that is SPORTS focused. We really do! If you aren't 100% involved in at least one sport or more, you are guaranteed to be made fun of, feel left out, and pretty much not be "successful" in the eyes of your peers. Further more, if you don't go to camps, lessons, extra practices, or if you miss a game - you are pretty much guaranteed to "sit the bench" or be cut from the team. It is what it is and I wish I was exagerrating but I'm not.

As Joel and I have seen these questions and choices come up not only in our family but in the families that we minister to and serve alongside - an uncanny trend has come to light for us....we have had to evaluate our priorities and decide what it is we really want our kids to be successful at and where we want to invest our money - and yes, it is an investment!

I recently heard of one family that has spent upwards of $9,000 dollars in the past year on lessons, equipment, camps for their daughter's softball training. Another family I know has spent around $10,000 in dresses, fees, traveling, etc for the pagents that their daughter is in. These are just a few examples I could go on and on and tell you more but I think you get the idea.

For us, spending that much money really isn't an option - we don't have it! However, we have had to make choices as far as how we do spend the money we have and even more so how we spend time! I grew up, and perhaps you did to, when Sundays and Wednesdays were church days and there were no sporting events on those days - period. 9 times out of 10 if your school was on a sports trip you came in LATE Saturday night to allow for church - just the way it was. However, that is no longer the case...Now there are not only GAMES on these nights and days but there are practices scheduled during regular church times...the reasoning "playing sports has its costs."

Really? At what cost am I willing to sacrifice my child's spiritual growth, our family time, our service to others? These are the things that get "sacrificed" when we give into the world's belief that being successful in athletics or clubs is what will make our children successful in life. Not to mention the thousands of dollars of debt that so many families are in simply by "doing whatever we have to" in order for their child to be successful.

While browsing some of the regular blogs I read, I came across this quote, "I am convinced that I can pour nothing greater into the lives of my kids than an intimate knowledge of the Grace of God that flows from His loving heart." THIS is what I want to invest in - I want my children to know and share the grace of God Almighty! Can they do that and play sports or dance or do pagents? ABSOLUTELY! However, I do not at any point in time want the priority to shift from God to activities - it MUST remain in balance.

Our family faced this firsthand during softball season this year - Kestra's team had a tournament that would be all day Saturday and all day Sunday. To play just one day was not an option - the coach made it clear "You must play all games both days to be a part." Now, I am not going to lie - I LOVE Kestra being in softball and frankly she's pretty darn good given the limited experience she has had in it. I also wanted her to "fit in" just telling you how it is. Yet, I knew that I couldn't say yes without talking to Joel. His first instinct was "No, we don't compromise Sundays and worship." yet we really struggled - it was a one time deal right? Not like she was doing it EVERY week. What would missing one Sunday hurt? In the end, Joel explained to Kestra (and to me) that giving in "one time" will make it harder and harder. We have to take a stand for what we know is right. Kestra was fine and just bounced off down the hall - me, well I knew it was right but I was bummed. Finally, after some prayer I did get over my "pity party" and trusted the Lord AND my husband to do the right thing. The end result - there were no teams with enough players to enter the tournament, it got cancelled! The lesson - when we keep our priorities right, God blesses!

In ministry we are seeing this priority battle more vividly than ever before. Families are feeling the pressure to chose between church on Sunday in the summer and baseball tournaments, pagents, etc. Even when the games aren't on Sunday - many go LATE on Saturday nights to where families are dragging in their doors at midnight or later and then simply "too worn out" to go worship on Sunday morning. The same is happening when it comes to church camps - due to time and money restraints choices have to be made between sports camps and church camps and all to often - sports are winning.

Don't misunderstand me - I am NOT saying that a church camp is the solution to all your child's spiritual needs, nor am I saying that just going to a church service is all you need either. What I AM saying is this - IF we are compromising our children's spirtitual development for ANY OTHER thing - we are letting them down and leading them astray. It's as plain and simple as that. IF WE AS PARENTS AREN'T showing them that our relationship to God and obedience to HIS WORD comes before ANYTHING else - then WE are responsible for their lack of relationship with God.

The writer of Hebrews must have seen a similar trend when he penned these words, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near" You see, so many Christians are neglecting the meeting together in order to meet societies expectations! We are making our excuses Sunday after Sunday after Sunday and before long, it's no longer a question of if we will get up and go to church - we don't! If we don't have some event scheduled then we are so tired from going going going all week and weekend that we decide Sunday is our down day, a day we can "just stay home as a family"

WAKE UP CHRISTIANS! Really? You want to teach your children that staying home is more important than obedience to the Word of God which tells us to NOT forsake the worshipping or gathering together as a family of believers? It doesn't say "stay home and worship as a family" it doesn't say "come worship as long as you aren't too worn out"! If I am stepping on toes, then know this - mine have been crushed a lot recently about this issue. You may say, "yeah right, your husband is a minister you are expected to be there" and right you are BUT how many times do I not reach out to someone in need because it's "our only night at home" or how many times have I debated to give to missions because it's "just not in the budget" or how many times have I wanted to send Joel on Sunday night because we are all worn out, and on and on.

Here's what hit me this week - I want to raise children that:
1. Know and have an intimate personal relationship with Jesus Christ
2. That long to serve Him in any means He calls them to
3. That see other's needs as more important than their own
4. That see the value and importance of missions whether at home or abroad.
5. That DO ALL things as unto the Lord
6. That know that being an active member of the family of God through a local church is more than a passing though - it is a direct command of God.

That's it people - if they are good in academics then thank you Lord, if they are successful at a sport then Lord please use it for your glory but MY priority, MY job, MY goal in raising them is to instill in them these 6 truths so that when they are old they will not depart from it.

As I talked with Joel about this issue I made the comment to him "Do you realize that $9,000 would easily pay for half of our family to go on a short term missions trip?" You see, I would rather spend the money I have allowing my children the opportunity and blessing of experiencing a mission trip or growing from church camp than any lesson or sports camp out there! That is what will make an eternal difference!

HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR TIME, MONEY, RESOURCES FOR AN ETERNAL IMPACT? WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING YOUR KIDS ABOUT PRIORITIES

A long overdue post!

Where does the time go? How in the world does life just seem to fly by without me noticing it?

So, I have been absent from the blog simply due to the fact that I have been EXHAUSTED! Most of you may know, that I took a substitute job that was originally supposed to last about 8 weeks and ended up lasting an entire SEMESTER! Can you believe that? I have discovered the reason that TEACHERS look forward to summer! Ha ha ha! After spending my days with 44 preschoolers, what little energy I had left was spent on my own kids and home...thus the lack of blogging!

Alas, school is out and so although still busy, I hope to become more regular and intentional in blog posts over the summer.

This week is VBS and is significant in that after VBS we will have officially been a part of all the "big" children's events here at FBC Borger. There is still camp but other than that at the end of the week we will have been here through a whole ministry year. Joel is really excited to be at this point because now he can begin to truly evaluate from what he has observed and then move forward from there...We truly have come to love the people of Borger and know that the Lord called us here "for such a time as this".

We have also FINALLY made it through our first full school year here in Borger. Both Joel and I agree that the past school year has by far been the most difficult for our family. Understand, that by NO MEANS have we questioned our call here - there have been times of questioning, discouragement, and brokeness but God has reassured us both in seperate ways and at seperate times that Borger is where He called us. That being said, when God calls you to a place, He doesn't EVER promise it will be easy. He doesn't promise a smooth road, He doesn't promise that it will all be roses - He DOES promise that He will be there, that He will hold us up. We have had to claim these promises over and over throughout the past school year. All four of our children have struggled in some form or fasion this year - some with peer pressure, some with bad influences, some with bullying, some with grades, some with academics, some with lack of friends, etc. As I look back on it all - one thing stands strong and bold above everything else - A LOVING AND FAITHFUL GOD! He has held this broken momma many nights as I cried in hurt for my children, He has had a close friend call or text at JUST the right moment when I didn't think we could go through any more, He has shown comfort from His Word...He has BEEN!

Our experience with school this year has really opened our eyes our heart and our mind to where our Nation as a whole truly is headed. I can't place the blame anywhere other than where it belongs - a Nation that has turned it's heart away from the Lord. We have gone our own way, seeking our own selfish desires, given in to immorality, impurity, etc. and as a result: OUR KIDS ARE SUFFERING! It is time that we humble ourselves turn from our wicked ways, and cry out in repentance to God...

As an update to where we are headed in regards to our kids and education; here is the plan for the 2012-2013 school year. Hannah and Malachi will be enrolled at Texas Virtual Academy which is an on-line K-12 public school. Kestra will continue for now at Borger Middle School - although we are open to her enrolling in Texas Virtual in the future. Tyler will be going to Borger Intermediate School at least for now. This is probably the biggest surprise to us as much as everyone else. However, we have met some with the principal there and feel like they have a good handle on some of the issues that we faced at the primary school. We are going into this with the mindset that he has nothing to lose and everything to gain - we will be monitoring it CLOSELY and if we feel like it isn't working out - we are prepared to pull him and homeschool him. I know it is crazy to think of kids going so many different directions but after much prayer and conversation, we feel like for now this is where God is leading....

Well, I guess I have rambled enough for this post, with that I will go but hope to blog again later this week (and NOT address education!)

Lessons in the Night

If there is one physical ailment I have trouble dealing with it is a headache. Seriously! I do not do well AT ALL with them. Joel often comments that headaches "are my weakness" and they are. I pretty much just don't function well when I have ANY level of a headache. I would rather have a stomach bug and be puking than a headache - I know, totally wrong but just the way it is!

Now, I am the first to admit that probably 90% of my headache phobia is a mental issue. For those who don't know, my older sister Sherri suffered from MAJOR migraine headaches - so bad that she would pass out from them. My parents had many tests done and no source could really be identified. Sherri passed away as a result of suffocating after passing out due to one of these headaches - she fell between a door and furniture. So, yes there is an element of fear and bad memories associated with headaches for me. Anyway, this whole week Joel has been out of town (he comes home TODAY!) at a conference. Like many wives, I don't sleep great when he is gone...just don't. Last night, I decided to try to go to bed at 10:00 and catch up on my lack of sleep. Ugh! One thing after another kept me awake. First it was the dog wanting out, then it was the heat in the house (AC is out, but getting fixed today!), then it was the wind causing house to creak...FINALLY I was able to rest and sleep. UNTIL...I woke up at 2:00a.m with a MAJOR headache! Not the kind that is just mildly annoying but the kind that was so bad I couldn't focus!!! I got up, took Aleve and tried to lay back down - it was POUNDING!!! It was incredibly intense - in fact, I can't ever remember crying because a headache hurt so bad - but cry I did! After about 45min of this raging headache, I had decided that if it didn't start getting better in the next 30 min I was driving myself to the ER! (I know, hmmm driving with headache so bad you can't focus not smart!).


This morning as I thought about all that happened last night two things stuck out to me. First, I DO want to make EVERY moment of my life count for Christ...the times with my kids at home, the time I am subbing with 44 pre-k students, the times I am at a ball game, or at church, or even in Wal-Mart! Every moment!!! Second - how often do we ask God for something, He grants it to us, and we just go on never bothering to say THANK YOU! You see, I tell God thanks for the BIG things but too often I forget to say thank you for the LITTLE things - you know, like telling Him thank you for relieving a headache in the middle of the night!


PS - just a side note to those who may be concerned: I do not get headaches on a regular basis, in fact they are very rare and definitely do not get the intense ones too often!

You big BULLY...

As I have mentioned in my past two posts, Tyler is facing some big issues with bullying at the school here in Borger. It has been a rough road for all of us to travel. Obviously it has been hard for Tyler as he is the one being bullied but it has also been hard on Joel and I as we have watched him not only face this bullying but watched as a school over a period of 6 months has not stepped in to intervene.

Of course, my first instinct was that of a Mama Bear protecting her cub. I am not sure if you have ever seen how fierce and vicious a mother bear gets when she feels her cub is threatened or in danger but let's just say it isn't pretty! Neither was I - okay let's be honest, I am still struggling with containing my fleshly temper! Yet, I knew that this wasn't the reaction that would bring glory and honor to God.

Don't get me wrong, Joel and I are both FIRM believers that parents not only need to be but MUST be the strongest advocates for their children! When the bullying first began, it was actually not Tyler that reported it to me but a mother of one of the other kids in Tyler's class. Her daughter, had seen how Tyler was being treated and went home broken hearted about it. This mom was as angry for Tyler as I was and wanted strong action taken!

Joel and I have always been of the opinion to try and work with the school not against them. We have always tried to have an open line of communication, back the school or teacher when our children have done wrong, volunteer at the schools, etc. We still believe that is the right and Godly approach. So, it is the route we took initially - not one of "I'm out to get the school!" but rather one of "We want to come along side you and be a part of the solution."

Let me pause here to say that at about the same time the bullying was reported to us, we began to get notification that Tyler was in trouble for things at school that we hadn't seen or heard of him doing before. We would get an e-mail saying Tyler was playing around in the bathroom, or tripping kids in the hall, or pushing other kids. At first I was like okay Tyler you need to knock it off and behave. Yet, over time we began getting a different picture. Tyler would say that two certain boys would trip him and then say he tripped them or that they would block him from leaving the bathroom. I was still unsure as to whether or not Tyler was telling the truth or just trying to get out of trouble. Then,we started to hear from more parents and students about how THEY saw Tyler being treated...their stories matched with Tyler's accounts and it was heartbreaking.

So, we contacted the teachers, the principal, the special education teacher, etc. The response from one teacher was well I see all the boys including Tyler contribute. When we asked for a face to face meeting so we could all talk and discuss how we could help TYLER with his behavior we were told, "I will call you tomorro with an opening in my calendar." from the principal - that was OVER two months ago and we still haven't gotten that "call".

For a time, we thought we would just let the dust settle and then yet another incident was reported to us - this time by Tyler and we believed him. He was walking down the hall and said "What's up" to a boy. The boy replied "Nothing" then shoved Tyler against the wall (of course no teacher looking) Tyler went to step around the boy and again was pushed, Tyler then put his hand out in front of him to block the kid off and of course THAT is what the teacher saw and Tyler got in trouble. This was the "straw that broke the camel's back for us" - we decided that SOMeTHING had to change! Since we hadn't gotten a response from the principal nor had the teacher responded to our concerns, Joel began to research the school "bullying" policy. The policy states that "When a complaint of bullying is reported to ANY school employee an investigation will be opened." Well, obviously not!

At this point, we are in the process of filing a complaint with the Superintendant about the bullying, not sure what will come of it but we feel that it is the right method to go.

Although, yes in the truest way we are being an advocate for our son, a close friend also reminded me that being an advocate for your child doesn't mean you let them stay in the situation where they are threatened or harmed. This is what has encouraged our decision to move Tyler into a different school. The fact is that these same boys will be here next year and although they will all be at a different campus with a different principal we have no way of knowing if the bullying will stop - probably not. There have also been some educational concerns and we just feel that Tyler's education is not something we can risk right now. He is already behind and so he needs the BEST educational environment he can get.

I tell you this story not just because it is like the forefront of what we as parents have had to deal with almost daily (which it is) but because I believe that bullying is becoming more and more of an epidemic in our nation! Since walking this road with Tyler, we have become aware of so many more instances of bullying not only here in Borger (which there are a LOT) but in other cities and schools. It is literally out of control!Sadder still is the fact that the adults in authority are standing back and doing NOTHING! They are allowing this behavior to go unpunished and in so doing are actually ENCOURAGING these kids who are bullies to keep it up!

Now, I realize there are those in the Christian realm who would use this as a platform to push homeschooling. Let me state, that although that IS a viable option and if the Lord leads a family to take that path then YES do it. However, just like any other issue that we face as Christians in America we CANNOT just stand back and remove ourselves from the situation! We have to take a stand and say this is WRONG! I really struggled with this part - I have and still am considering homeschooling if it comes to that but I also want to take a stand and say ENOUGH! Every child has the right to a safe and secure educational environment - PERIOD.

This is why we are pursuing the complaint with the district and are even prepared to take it to the school board should the need arise. Yes, we are probably moving Tyler to another school that is better for him but that doesn't mean we are going to stand back and be complacent and not stand for righteousness. If you are reading this and the story rings true in your family or a family you know of, I encourage you to take a stand! If the bullying is at school - take it to the schools all the way up until there is no one else to listen. If it is happening at a sports practice, like some friends of ours here in Borger, take it to the coach, to the league, to parents, keep addressing it until there is no one left to take it to.

The problem lies not with the kids who are bullies but with those in authority over them - whether it is parents, teachers, coaches, etc. We by no means are mad at these boys - in fact Joel went to eat lunch with Tyler so he could meet the boys and try to "befriend" them. What we are mad about is that nothing has been done by those in authority.

Recently a movie entitled "Bully" was released - however only 5 theaters in America are showing it - FIVE!!! Google the movie trailer and it will break your heart to see what kids go through and what schools are telling them. Many,like Tyler have been told "Don't be a tattle tell" by teachers when they report bullying! REALLY?

As I close, I would ask for prayers for Joel and I. We will be having an AARD meeting (a meeting for kids with special needs to discuss their progress, concerns, etc. like an IEP in Colorado)on Monday afternoon per our request. It is our plan to address the bullying issue at the AARD meeting. Pray that we will come across clear and concise but in a way that honors the Lord. Please pray for me specifically to have a reign emotionally as I go back and forth between anger and tears on this issue.

Learning a whole new realm...

This past month I have been learning a whole new realm....of trust and flexibility in my plans. It has been a rough process, a stretching process, but so very worth it.

First of all...in regards to our children. Hannah continues to homeschool and although it is going "okay" it isn't ideal. Joel and I see her lacking in motivation and more importantly socially. We so long for her to have friends her age and to be able to be her fun loving self! However, we are VERY confident that we made the right decision in pulling her from the public school - recently there was a huge bully issue at the HS and she would have been in the middle I am afraid. So, that is a good thing but we don't feel that homeschool is the ultimate end for her. So, we are still looking and praying and trusting and adjusting....
Tyler's situation is just plain heart breaking and frusterating for this mom - there is simply no other way to say it. He is constantly being bullied and mistreated at school and as much as we and he have tried - it's not being acknowledged or dealt with. In addition, the Special Ed department is just SO different than what he had and what he needs. So, once again we are praying, searching and adjusting...at this point it is likely that we will move him to a neighboring school district that is MUCH smaller and we have heard many positive things about. We have always believed strongly that we are to be advocates for our kids and to work with the school for their best interest. As much as I in my flesh long to "battle this out" with the school I have come to the conclusion that this would not be the best situation for Tyler - he needs to be in a good environment NOW. My desire is second...so we are planning on finishing the year at this school and then moving him.

Second in regards to ministry. Recently the Pastor of Spiritual Development resigned from our church. In his absence, the staff have had to divide up his duties, which really isn't too much but still different. Joel is taking the part of overseeing Sunday School and Small Groups.
Along the lines of ministry but on a more personal note - several couples in our Sunday School class are moving. :( So sad, after just getting to know them - but of course we of all people know that when God calls you go....I am just curious as to what God has up his sleeve next....

It just seems like every time I think I have it all figured out...God has a change! Ha ha and to be honest, I am okay with that. I have enjoyed not having it all laid out for a change, it's rather freeing to be honest! One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11 - God knows the plan He has for me, I can relax and rest in Him!!!