WOW!! So 8 frickin years have gone by since my last post!! Time flies! I am no longer in public education. I do not hate it, in fact I miss it, but I also love my new job. Staff Development at a large church is a great job - and calling! It seems in 8 years I have acquired one follower! Thanks Tanya! I hope all is well with you! :) Probably has something to do with the fact that I only have one post on here! You know, our walks with God are much the same way. Many times we may feel that God is distant - that He is not involved in our life. So to that I say: "When was the last time you posted to God?" (I did NOT say posted up to God!!) When was the last time we spoke with Him (prayed)? Read His letter to us (Bible)? Just sat in His presence and listened to Him (the OTHER part of prayer). Did something for Him (served in a church in some way)? Gave Him a part of your life - wait, a part won't do. He doesn't do anatomical gifts. He wants it all! In fact, Matthew 13 is a great place to see what I mean...there are a series of parables that end in the same way. God wants it all. Because when we give it all, He can do MUCH more with it! Look! Matthew 13:44-46

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

We see value in treasure and pearls - but the question is: do we see value in Him? Those that do find something awesome! Go ahead! Make the change! If you are interested in more, contact me! rick.mauderer@gatewaystaff.com

Make the most with the people in your life

I am a high school assistant principal. I face many situations in a day that can create anger in me - disrespectful kids, mocking, arrogance, and adults who choose ignorance over responsibility. One thing that God has been impressing upon my heart is that I do those same things to Him. He chooses to show me His matchless grace and mercy on a daily basis. If not, I would surely not be here! I am to show His matchless grace to others on a daily basis as well. Oddly enough, there are days I feel I can go on without Him (arrogance). Days I make fun of others in my own heart (mocking). Days I use His name in vain (disrespect). Days I can make all kinds of excuses why not to do the right thing (ignorance over responsibility). What I am reminded of is this passage in 2 Corinthians 13:14, "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." For some strange reason, God chooses to use His people (you and I) as vessels of His grace. Hence, I must put myself in His hands daily to be more graceful to others - including the students he has put in my charge.

Yesterday, I had to confiscate marijuana from a young person at school. He was very immature in his responses and lied, blamed others, made every excuse except take personal responsibility. I merely told him about the dangers of marijuana, and that in my observations, it would kick his butt until he either died, or gave it up. I gave the discipline the school called for, but even in that , he knew I cared for him enough to talk straight to him without anger or condemnation. Life is too short for anything else!

-Rick Mauderer