Moving beyond the familiar- William Thompson

by William Thompson

When we first begin to even think about moving beyond the familiar we must start with NEW.

New Problems will surface and New Problems will require New Solutions. Modern day problems will require modern day solutions. If you really have a desire to move beyond.

Deuteronomy 2:1-3 (NLT2)
1  “Then we turned around and headed back across the wilderness toward the Red Sea, just as the LORD had instructed me, and we wandered around in the region of Mount Seir for a long time.
2  “Then at last the LORD said to me,
3  ‘You have been wandering around in this hill country long enough; turn to the north.

Here are seven-steps for an effective problem-solving process.

  1. Identify the issues. Be clear about what the problem is. …
  2. Pray about the Problem…
  3. List the possible solutions (options) …
  4. Evaluate the options. …
  5. Select an option or options. …
  6. Share the option(s) with anyone involved. …
  7. Start Moving Forward.

Moving beyond the familiar- William Thompson

by William Thompson

If you would like to see a new way then start with setting new boundaries. The old boundaries are your limitations as to how far you might go.

How far you move the boundary lines will be determined by how far you want to see your life change.

I have heard people pray to maximize potential in life, yet they never move the boundary line therefore they never see any change in their lives.

“Moving Beyond the Familiar to a New Place”

by William Thompson

Genesis 12
1Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee:
2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed

It will take faith to surpass the fear in your life to “move beyond the familiar” in order to tackle the NEW.

  1. NEW CHALLENGES
  2. NEW PERSPECTIVES
  3. NEW PEOPLE
  4. NEW PAINS
  5. NEW PRIORITIES
  6. NEW PASSION
  7. NEW POSSIBILITIES
  8. NEW PLACES
  9. NEW BOUNDARIES

In order to reach the new destination that God has assigned you. You might have to disengage from the old destination?

  • Abram disengaged from Ur
  • David had to disengage from the sheep to engage to the kingship.
  • Daniel had to disengage from the high level of government to engage to stand for righteousness.
  • Peter had to disengage from fishing for fish to engage for fishing for men.

Why Education Matters – “Parents are the Key” Angela Woods

by William Thompson

It is an understatement to say that the Coronavirus pandemic has caused us to change many aspects of our daily lives.  These changes are clearly seen in our school systems locally and nationally. Because schools in North Carolina have been closed since early March, parents and other family members have become teachers without the benefit of formal training. Despite the hardships brought about by the physical closings of school so early, the Coronavirus has reminded us that education matters and it starts in the home, not the school system.

Parents may forget how instrumental they are in their children’s education.  I remember as a child seeing my father sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper to stay informed about local, national, and international events. He and my mother would often discuss the articles they read.  Our house was always filled with books including encyclopedias, a thesaurus, and a dictionary.  I recall the excitement of bookfairs in elementary school.  Despite not having a lot of money, my parents made sure we were able to buy a few books.  Saturdays were the best because we had our own library cards and would spend the afternoon finding and reading books.  My parents encouraged us to learn and to excel at learning.  They reminded us that we were smart and could not be held back by race or sex.  Although we played sports, our sports performances were never more important than our academics. 

The expectation and encouragement from my parents propelled me to attend the College of William and Mary and UNC School of Law.  As a licensed attorney, I am required to take continuing legal education classes yearly.  Learning should continually be a part of our lives. Parents/caretakers have an opportunity to make sure their children have a great foundation upon which to build.  Because of my foundation, I am running to be the next district court judge for Cleveland and Lincoln counties in the November 2020 election.  I agree with Marian Wright Edelman that “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”  With so many issues we are facing in the world, parents/caretakers’ roles in the education of their children is an investment for our community and the world.  I encourage parents not to be weary in well doing because in due season you shall reap if you faint not.  Galatians 6:9. Education matters and your role in the education of your child is essential for the success of our community and world.

Attorney Angela Woods

$$$ and Sense

by William Thompson

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (KJV)
2  And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

There is nothing wrong with having a vision for your money as well as your life.

Growing up in the 50’s you had rough life to live. There was never an abundance or and over flow of money or things money could buy.

Those in the country had a garden and planted what they would eat and canned for the winter.

As a sharecroppers child we lived in poverty and so did the other sharecroppers children.

What lesson did I learn and what tip would I like to share today.

Make a budget. Writing down expenditures allows them to take life and knowledge of whether you can afford it in the long run.

“Early Education Matters” Betty Jarmon

by William Thompson

Why Educating Our Children At An Early Age Matters

Children at the earliest ages should learn and realize the importance of education in their lives. Some children, however, may resist your efforts and insist on doing things their way. As a parent, the best teaching tool is your attitude. Having a positive attitude about reading and a curiosity about learning new things instills similar beliefs in your children. Show them that education is the ticket to fulfilling their dreams and having a productive life.

Parents need to teach the value of education early in a child’s life. Children are naturally curious and observant. If they see you reading books and newspapers, they may be wondering why this activity holds such interest. Tell them that they need to learn to read to be able to also share such enjoyment. Read to them often help them develop their language skills.

Impress on children the importance of school. This means getting them to school on time and modeling the importance of punctuality. Take an interest in all their homework and make sure the required assignments are completed before the due dates.

Take your children to educational yet fun parks. Instead of taking them to the malls, take them to a museum, science center or zoo. Explain to them that continuing their education will allow them to understand more about the world around them. This strategy will certainly make them more motivated to learn and study.

If your child doesn’t have his/her own computer, introduce the computer to them. Computers never fail to amaze people, especially young children. It’s amazing how quickly a young child catches onto the mechanics of an iPad. Let them play grade-level software games that will provide fun and entertainment. Emphasize to children that learning about computer use, videos and education go hand in hand.

Teach them the importance of education daily. You could incorporate mathematics into daily tasks and situations. Have them help you count the number of cookies on a cookie pan. Their love for learning could start if you rely on them to do specific tasks. Incorporate counting, reading and writing within those simple tasks. For example, you could take them to the grocery store and have them pick out a certain number of items (like five apples or four oranges).

As you enroll your children in schools, learn the faculty and their teaching style. If you want them to love education, make sure to place them in an environment that fosters comfort, fun and learning at the same time. In addition, attend all the parent teacher conferences and become active in other school activities. Your child will notice and grow to respect the time you put into their education.

Bio

Betty Jarmon, was born in Cherryville, NC, and is the eight child of fourteen. She grew up in Grover, NC. Her former education was in the public schools of Kings Mountain, NC. She relocated to Charlotte, NC in 1994 and later moved to Mount Holly in 1999. Her desire to learn came from her father, Albert Smith. He wasn’t able to finish high school, but he instilled in Betty the importance of education. She stayed on the Honor Roll throughout school. He knew that education was the key to succeeding in life. He was her biggest fan and mentor. She excelled in College as well. She was the valedictorian when she graduated from Montreat College, with a GPA of 3.92. Her GPA in the master’s program was a 3.80. Learning and stretching beyond her comfort zone has paid off in many ways: she has been able to work all over the USA and London, and she has traveled for fun and relaxation to many places.

She served in different ministries in her home church, St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, Grover, NC under the leadership of Rev. William Thompson and at Nations Ford Community Church under the leadership of Bishop Phillip M. Davis:
• Sunday School facilitator
• Financial ministry member
• Associate Minister

She has served in several areas while at Rhema Worship Center under the leadership of Pastor Freddie Forte:
• Sunday School facilitator
• Director of the Women’s Ministry
• Usher
• Associate Minister and Elder
• Executive Assistant to the Pastor

She received her ministerial license in 2010, and was ordained as an Elder in 2014 while at Rhema Worship Center.

She has received several degrees from:
• Cleveland Community College with an Associate Applied Science in Business Programming
• Montreat College with a B.S. in Management
• Queen City Bible College with a Bachelor in Biblical Studies
• Piedmont International College with a Master of Arts in Ministry

Betty Jarmon has been an advocate with Carolinas Healthcare System’s Domestic Violence Health Program for the last three years. She has volunteered with several agencies in Mecklenburg County, such as, The Battered Women Shelter, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Second Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army Women Center, Urban League, Samaritan Purse, Samaritan House, Glady’s House, nursing homes, and others. She has also served as a counselor.

Without education, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all that I have.

$$$ and Sense

by William Thompson

Luke 11:3 (KJV)
3  Give us day by day our daily bread.

I spent the first 18 years of my life in the home of my grandmother who was born in 1902. She did not get an opportunity to go to school so she could not read, write or count money.

The reason I selected making your dollars make sense is on Saturday we would go to town to buy groceries for the week. During the summer months we worked in the peach fields picking peaches for three dollars a day. And we would work half a day on Saturday.

After we got out of the fields we would go to town. My grandmother would shop and my role was to give her the price of each item. We had a budget of twenty dollars. It was my role to see that we didn’t over spend.

We did comparison shopping. We didn’t get to bring home what we like to eat but we brought home what would sustain us until the next week.

Tip: Learn to shop by comparing prices and staying in line with a budget

“Education Matters” Chad Beam Teacher/ Pastor

by William Thompson

My personal belief about Education, my feelings toward Education, and my faith in what makes me a quality Educator are all ironically intertwined into one antithesis of a statement, and it is this: One does not choose Education; Education chooses its own.

As a young black boy, Education wrapped its arms around my life and shielded me from the destruction of the streets and from the destruction of poverty. It chose me, whispered an irrevocable call into my subconscious spirit, and placed its mantle upon the shoulders of a young African American Male who was quickly headed toward the stereotypical and statistical damnation of failure that generationally claimed the likes of thousands like me, a damnation that drowned the life out of my younger brother at the age of fifteen.

It chose me, and each year that I teach, Education gives me seventy little brothers and sisters to replace the one I lost. It gives me but one choice and constantly reminds me of it; inspire and teach them to swim or let them drown.

This is my passion. This is my desperation. This is my reward. I didn’t choose Education; Education chose me.

As long as I am an Educator, it is for this purpose, for this passion, for this blessing of a curse that I choose to be chosen. This is the effect Education had on my life. 

“WHY EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN MATTERS” TROPZIE McCLUNEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

by William Thompson

COMMUNITY MATH ACADEMY

“DAUGHTER, LIFE FOR YOU WON’T BE CRYSTAL STAIRS, MUST GET YOUR EDUCATION!!” MY MOM SAID MANY TIMES.  GET YOUR EDUCATION, STUDY HARD. BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE.” EDUCATION MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.

THESE WORDS WERE HEARD OFTEN AROUND OUR HOUSE AS I GREW UP.  I KNEW AT AN EARLY AGE THAT EDUCATION MATTERED AND IT WAS DEEPLY INSTILLED IN ME.   THAT REINFORCEMENT IS WHY I BELIEVE WE MUST SOUND THE ALARM AND LET OUR CHILDREN KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND HOW IT CAN AND WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES PERSONALLY, SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY.  THERE ARE SOME SOUND PRINCIPLES THAT OUR CHILDREN MUST POSSSESS SO THEY CAN BE PREPARED FOR SUCCESS IN THIS GLOBAL ECONOMY.

  1. BE OBEDIENT, LISTEN TO SOUND DOCTRINE (1 SAMUEL 15:22)
  2. SET GOALS AND STAY FOCUSED (PROVERBS 29:18)
  3. MAIN SOUND INTEGRITY (ROMANS 14:16)
  4. DON’T GIVE UP (2 TIMOTHY 4:7)

EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN TAKES A VILLAGE, THAT MEANS EVERYONE MUST BE INVOLVED IN CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR SUCCESS.

I.SET RULES AND BOUNDARIES, SPEAK AND DEMONSTRATE WHAT IS FAIR, JUST AND RIGHT. EDUCATION PREPARES THEM FOR SHORT AND LONG TERMS GOALS BUT IT ALSO TEACHES OUR CHILDREN TO THINK CRITICALLY ON ISSUES OF HUMANITY AND KINDNESS TO THEIR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.   THEIR EDUCATION CAN GIVE THEM CONFIDENCE TO STAND IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY AS THEY PERFORM THEIR DAILY LIFE ACTIVITIES. 

II.TALK TO THEM OFTEN, MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT, INFORMING THEM OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO WORK AND STUDY HARD, ALWAYS REACHING AND ACHIEVING, FOCUSED ON THE OUTCOME, NOT ALWAYS THE INCOME.  MAINTAIN UNBLEMISHED INTEGRITY, CHOOSING THE HARDER RIGHT OVER THE EASIER WRONG AND BE BOLD IN ALWAYS KNOWING THAT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE AND ACCOMPLISHED HAS HAPPENED BECAUSE OF YOUR TENACITY, YOUR STRONG BELIEF IN GOD AND HIS GUIDANCE. AS LIFE WOULD HAVE IT, BARRIERS AND STUMBLING BLOCKS WILL COME THEIR WAY BUT THAT IS NO REASON TO STOP, DROP THEIR HEADS AND GIVE UP!! STAND TALL, LOOK AT THE WORLD RIGHT IN THE EYE AND SAY, “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!”

OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT IN THIS ALONE, LET’S DO WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO ENSURE THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE READY TO FACE THIS WORLD. AS THEY MOVE UPWARD AND OUTWARD, REMIND THEM THAT THEY TOO HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO LEND THEIR SHOULDERS FOR OTHERS TO STAND ON AND ACHIEVE SUCCESS… JUST AS OUR GRANDPARENTS AND GREAT GRANDPARENTS DID FOR US!