My Epic Journey

It has been a while since I have posted anything new concerning what is going on in my life.  I hope to do so here.

1.  My goal for this year is to live 1John 2.6, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”  I want to walk just as Jesus walked.

2.  I am transferring degrees from Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology to a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership.  Just sense that the counseling path is the path God has for me right now.

3.  I have read two fiction/non-spiritual books in the past month (that is a record for me, since I prefer non-fiction spiritually related books).  I read, The End Is Now, by Rob Stennett.  Though it is a spiritually focused book it is fiction book.  The other book I just finished up is, Tiger Force, by Michael Sallah and Mitch Weiss.  The book is the account of a renegade group of U.S. soldiers in the Vietnam War.  This book was way out of my normal reading habits but Anna got it for me and I really enjoyed reading it.  I read it all in about 3 nights.  It taught me a lot about human nature especially in moments of extreme crisis and conflict.

4.  I am currently reading, In Common:  Catalyst Groupzine.  It is a compilation of authors discussing the importance of community among Christians. 

5.  EPIC is going well.  I really like our FUSE Nights in which parents are encouraged to attend.  Our current programming breakdown is:

1. First week of the month—FUSE Night (Dinner with families and then parents have separate discussion while students do their regular programming).
2. 2nd and 3rd week of the month—regular EPIC format
3. 4th week of the month—rotate between an outreach activity and service projects.

6.  I am excited that the Colts are in the Super Bowl!!!!

7.  I am focused heavily on The CHILL which is our High School winter retreat.  You can read about it here.

8.  My personal spiritual development has been taking me through the book of Acts.  Though I haven’t been as consistent as I should, I have been impacted about the leadership of the Holy Spirit in the early church.  The result of His empowering of Christ-followers was incredible boldness and compassion which led to incredible growth and ministry opportunities.

9.  The fam is doing well.  Isaac and Noah continually do well at school.  Isaac has been quite the Jesus-witness at school (we are waiting te get calls from the school and/or parents).  Emma is Emma—really enough said!  She is getting sweeter by the day.  I live for our nightly snuggle moments.

10.  Anna and I have been working out.  Though it has been painful,  I have really enjoyed the experience.  I have lost about 10 pounds in the past 15 days.  My favorite snack is Steamed Sugar Snap Peas—and no I am not kidding!

So what is your Top Ten so far this year?

While working on school work, I came across a great evaluation to determine if your student may have a drug or alcohol problem.

1.  Identification with drug culture

• drug-related magazines or slogans on clothing
• conversation and jokes that are preoccupied with drugs
• hostility discussing drugs
• collection of beer cans

2.  Signs of physical deterioration

• memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty concentrating
• poor physical coordination; slurred or incoherent speech
• unhealthy appearance; indifference to hygiene and grooming
• bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils

3.  Dramatic changes in school performance

• marked downturn in grades–not just from C’s to F’s, but from A’s to B’s and C’s; assignments not completed
• increased absenteeism or tardiness

4.  Changes in behavior

• chronic dishonesty (lying, stealing, cheating); trouble with police
• changes in friends; evasiveness in talking about new ones
• possession of large amounts of money
• increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility, irritability, secretiveness
• reduced motivation, energy, self-discipline, self-esteem
• diminished interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, church activities

If your student is displaying any of these signs, it would be wise to dig deep into the reasons for such behavior and changes.

Reference:

Feldman, R. S. (2008). Development across the lifespan (5^th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.