Since I haven't posted for nearly 2 months, I don't know if anyone will even read this. However, there have been a few prompts in my life lately that have led me to think I should re-enter the blogging mode.

First, for any interested, let me catch you up to speed with the past two months vocationally:

I have been substitute teaching at Enterprise Middle School all but three days since late January. This means that God has been incredibly faithful to provide finances for our family and given me a real purpose in the days. While there, I have subbed for Art, PE, Math, Science, Language Arts, Home and Family (Home Ec.), Mythology, and Technology -- all grades (6-8). I believe at last count I have subbed for 21 different teachers! I know most names of students in the 6th grade well (where I've taught most often) and often hear some student call out, "Hey Mr. Stone!

I have so many stories from these days that I have recorded in a journal, and perhaps someday they will see the light of day on this blog...

For today, I want to offer an intriguing thought from my personal reading in Daniel. I've always read about Daniel not accepting the King's food and drink and thought that those tasty vittles must have been hard to pass up (it was food fit for a King, you know). However, as I read yesterday, it struck me that the hardest part of not eating and drinking (had I been in that situation) would be giving up the strokes or affirmations that were inherently granted to one so favored to eat the King's food! What strong praise the Babylonians were offering to Daniel -- we think you're so good looking/talented/ smart/impressive, that we want you to eat the King's food! I know how important that would have made me feel.

And then it hit me that I still long to be thought important by those around me. I want people to sit up and take notice that I am wonderful and valuable. And that, while perhaps not being sin inherently, leads quickly to a death spot of longing for fulfillment from man -- not God. That has made me think, and I am asking the Lord for the gift of repentance in this area. It's likely worth considering in whatever spot you find yourself today.