Thom Andreae

Are you happy?

2011-10-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

I'm reminded of Rick Warren's recent post - "The Bible teaches that happiness isn’t getting what you want. Happiness is being happy with what you have." Look at all the things God has given us. A family like no other, regardless of the fact that everyone doesn't see "eye-to-eye." I don't think we were ever intended for that. Our differences is what makes us unique, in spite of the fact we may have been raised in the same home. I thank God I lived in a home. How about our friends. Thank God we can pick them. For some, we wish we could say a quick prayer and ask God for redemption. Perhaps I wasn't thinking clearly when we asked Johnny to me my friend. Find a friend and spend some time with him. Chances are you'll need him more than he needs you. How about your job? Well, how about thanking God you have one. Do you drive a car? Thank God you have transportation. Haven't you seen your fellow sister on the side of the road stranded because her car wouldn't start? Did you stop to offer help? God would have. Do you have a neighbor? Chances are you do and they're only twenty feet from you. Do you know their name? Chances are you don't. Don't you think it's time to introduce yourself? Maybe offer to cut their lawn because you know they live alone and their husband left this earth to join Jesus.

Perhaps we have more to be thankful for than we realize. How about giving God the credit? I think He deserves it. We need to look around us and find the good. Find happiness. Embrace it and share it with someone, even if it's a complete stranger. Chances are, it will make YOU feel better.

By the way, the photo above is my good friend and step father-in-law, Johnny. I didn't ask him to be my father-in-law, but I did choose for him to be my friend.

Madame Butterfly

2011-07-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

For twenty minutes I focused in on the life of my little friend "Butterfly." Amazing how committed she was to the flowers. Ms. Butterfly saw something in the flowers I didn't. But, I saw something in her she may not know. Does she know the flowers need her as much as she needs the flowers- just as we need Christ.

Living On The Edge

2010-02-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

The message Pastor Mark delivered today was insightful and very powerful. So why do we as humans live on the edge in everything we do and say? We set boundaries on ourselves, at home, at work, at play, at school, just about everywhere in our daily lives. We establish boundaries that allows us to reach the limit, only to pull back and question, can we go further, or must we stop? We do this all the time, "don't we?" We eat to excess, only to say to ourselves, this is the limit, no more calories for today. Tomorrow's a new day. We tell our kids, we want them home by 11:00 pm, because that's their curfew. Have you ever known a child to come home before their curfew? How about when you loan your kid some money and you tell them this is all they get. Do they ever come back with money left? As a teacher, I set limits for my students every day, or at least I hope I do. "Mr. A, can I go to the restroom." Yes but just this once. "Mr. A, can I turn this assignment in tomorrow, I'm not quite done." Yes, just this once, don't make a habit of it.

The message - How do we Shape The Heart Of Our Children? Through integrity, modeling, perseverance, and the Lord's wisdom. James 1:5 states, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

It's not too late to ask for God's wisdom. I can't be a good husband, parent, friend, or teacher well, without being a Christ-like example.

A Day Off

2010-02-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

I woke this morning to a gentle breeze whisking against the window screen. It was 5:45 AM, as I lay awake to see if school would be called off. By 6:15, all indications pointed toward the fact we would have school. After my morning routine, I got ready to head out to start the car, and I got the phone call. A little late I'd say. remember when you were a small kid, and you got the news from mom and dad that school was canceled? Well, school was canceled and I was going to stay home. Good news, you say? Today was the day I was going to have a substitute teacher take over for the last two hours of my class. you see, with good news, comes bad. Today is the day my wife's grandmother, Kirby, has her funeral. The good new is that she's at a better place, which the Lord has prepared.

This reminds me of a passage I read this morning in I Peter: Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Today the sun shines on our winter landscape, and life is good.

John 3:16

2010-02-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live". This scripture hit home for me tonight at church. Do we act, or react to situations based out of love, like that of Jesus? D.C., thank you for the powerful message when you said, perhaps the only bible one may read is the bible you carry in your heart. I sure hope this holds true for me.

The Human Spirit of Teaching

2010-01-30T17:15:00.000-08:00

My AP Studio Art class took a field trip to Leo Burnett USA Advertising, Chicago. Inspired by their creative approach to embody good advertising, I walked away thinking how their philosophy can be applied to my classroom. I think it's all about the "Human Spirit." As educators, we need to define our attributes that applaud the accomplishments of our students. And, like Leo Burnett, we need to constantly rate ourselves - never accepting the status quo, but always raising the bar.

If we have eyes of a child and ask why; if we have the heart of a child and feel compassion; if we have hands of a craftsman and accept nothing but the best; it is then that our soul is content. So then, let's teach with SOUL.