WHEN YOU KNOW YOU’VE MADE THE RIGHT MID-LIFE CAREER CHANGE…

5th Graders: “Mr. Johnson! What’s your favorite color?”

Me: “I like black and purple.”

30 minutes later:

I’ve been an ordained minister for the past 25 years, but that’s not how I’ve paid my bills.

After years as a Marketing Copywriting Manager, two years ago I began a second career as a teacher at 50 years old.

I have also worked as a Radio Marketing Consultant, Mortgage Loan Originator, Beauty Supply Store Owner, Welder, Machine Operator, Retail Salesperson. I’ve done Nursing Home Ministry, Prison Ministry, Homeless Ministry…however teaching is by far the most challenging work I’ve done.

BUT IT’S SO REWARDING!

This week I had another subtle, but unmistakable defining moment that helped confirm I made the right choice (the conversation and pictures above).

I’m at a school in a system that seems ideal for my personality and skill set. I started my new career in an inner-city school system where my approach was considered by many to be ‘weakness’. I was pleased to establish great relationships with both parents and students, but some people have an idea of ‘toughness’ with which I disagree.

So, as I’ve been settling into a new school system ( I work at the same school as my wife too) I have again established some beautiful relationships with both students and parents…it’s the little things that confirm you’re really appreciated, like the little bracelet my students made for me.

I’m also reminded every October. In my previous job we received a bonus based on performance that was many times five figures. It’s the same week as our school Fall Break… I’de rather have the break!

To God be the glory!!!!

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

Train up a child in the way he should go,
[a]And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Teaching is a ministry.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

FOR CHRISTIANS WHO SAY THEY DON’T BELIEVE IN LUCK…

I often hear some Christians say, “I don’t believe in luck because I have grace”. Well that’s partially true. Yes, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior enjoy the benefits of God’s grace, which as you know is God’s unmerited, undeserved favor reserved for His people. Grace can’t be earned. As stated in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Ephesians 4:7, grace comes only through our faith in God through Christ, and it’s a free gift for each of us. 

Grace is God’s favor that all things will work for our good no matter what the circumstances, so what the world calls COINCIDENCES, Christians call CONFIRMATIONS. Since God is working on our behalf in all things Christians aren’t lucky. 

So if grace is God’s favor reserved for His people, then what is it when those who aren’t in the Body of Christ have unexpected, serendipitous, good things happen? They don’t have grace…right? Everyone receives God’s mercy. God is withholding His judgement from everyone until the appointed time…that’s mercy. God hasn’t dealt with anyone as they deserve Psalm 103:10 says, “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities”…that’s mercy. As stated in Matthew 5:45, God allows His sun to rise on both the evil and the good, and His rain to fall on both the just and unjust….everyone receives God’s mercy. 

BUT, those who don’t acknowledge Christ as Lord and  don’t have grace. In their lives, whatever happens just happens. God isn’t working things out for their good. They don’t have His favor, but good things still happen to them if they work hard. They do sometimes have unexpected good fortune…but it’s not grace. For them, it’s luck it’s all chance. Calling it luck doesn’t minimize God’s power in the lives of believers or reduce the fact that He has power over their lives…they are just going about life on their own. 

Praise God today for giving us His GRACE and MERCY, and for the fact that we don’t have to hope for a lucky day!

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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