Friday, March 23, 2012
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Back to School Special
***BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL****
You can buy:
The Stakes are High: God's Wisdom for Our Public Schools for $10 !! (reg. price is $12.99)
A.W.O.L. (Acting WithOut Love) Christians (reg $19.95) for $16 !!
Want one of each? Get the pair for $25.
All handsigned of course!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Do you know the entire Star Spangled Banner?
We know the familiar first verse, but at this time of year it is good to reflect on Francis Scott Key's entire lyrics:
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Be your own teacher
When you stop and think about it, would you (or perhaps I should ask should you), when taking a math class, carry your book to class, listen to the instructor teach a lesson from it, then carry it home and set it aside until the next class?
Why then do we carry our Bibles to church and listen to the preacher teach a lesson from it, then carry it home and set it aside on the table until next Sunday?
I tell my classes that they can watch me use the mathematical concepts day after day, but unless they put them into practice themselves, not much will be accomplished and learned by them.
When we expect someone to do the learning for us and pass along little bits without really delving into the concepts and issues ourselves, we are cheating ourselves from the fullness of God’s Word and His desire for us to know Him and live according to His will.
Why then do we carry our Bibles to church and listen to the preacher teach a lesson from it, then carry it home and set it aside on the table until next Sunday?
I tell my classes that they can watch me use the mathematical concepts day after day, but unless they put them into practice themselves, not much will be accomplished and learned by them.
When we expect someone to do the learning for us and pass along little bits without really delving into the concepts and issues ourselves, we are cheating ourselves from the fullness of God’s Word and His desire for us to know Him and live according to His will.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
***** JUNE SPECIAL *****
****JUNE SPECIAL****
The Stakes Are High only $10.00
(reg. $12.99).
Speaking at your club or function is
NO CHARGE.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
From the Christian Law Association
America’s public schools are some of the best mission fields. Does your church have teens that want to start a Bible club? Find out more here:
http://www.christianlaw.org/cla/index.php/resources/ps2
http://www.christianlaw.org/cla/index.php/resources/ps2
Thursday, May 5, 2011
grow to full maturity
"...let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16, Amplified Bible)
For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16, Amplified Bible)
National Day of Prayer
On this National Day of Prayer, I lift up all of America and I pray that all of America will return to our Christian heritage and call upon His wisdom to guide us. I repent for those times we turn our backs and try to go it on our own. I pray our leaders will be convicted in a new great way that God, our Father, is our true Leader. He will provide and protect, if only we will surrender to Him. God bless America!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
KINDLE GIVEAWAY!!!
Participating authors in a writer's group that I belong to are giving away a Kindle on May 15 th. You have a very good chance of winning. To enter the drawing, you can either order two books from me, or have a book signing party or event. Invite me to speak for your civic club, church group, library, or other group ...and you will be entered.
Participating authors in a writer's group that I belong to are giving away a Kindle on May 15 th. You have a very good chance of winning. To enter the drawing, you can either order two books from me, or have a book signing party or event. Invite me to speak for your civic club, church group, library, or other group ...and you will be entered.
SPECIAL PRICING:
2 copies of The Stakes Are High = $22;
1 copy of The Stakes Are High and one preorder for AWOL Christians = $30.
For a preorder of one copy of AWOL Christians ($19.95) I will give you a Kindle entry!!
View the AWOL blog here: http://awolchristians.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Salt & Light
Driving to work one day this past week I turned on the radio to hear the end of a teaching on Matthew 5 when Jesus directed followers to be "salt and light". The previous night's weather forecast was typical for January in Ohio - snow flurries and cold.
When those two broadcasts collided in my brain that morning, I felt the Holy Spirit indicate to me a different point about Jesus' teaching. Typically we think of the salt reference to apply to salt as seasoning. In fact, the Message Bible translates it this way: "You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth."
My mind was thinking more about the cold January days ahead and I realized that I was using salt to thaw the ice on my sidewalks, like the highway department uses it to thaw the roadways. Snow and ice make walking and driving dangerous this time of year. Ice can cause you to slip, fall, and hurt yourself. Salt on your path makes it safer and helps to keep you from falling as you move along your way.
This, to me, is another role for us as "salt" to the world. By representing the love Jesus demonstrates toward us to those around us, we can dissolve the slippery spots in others' paths and lives. When we are examples of Jesus, we are salt. We can lead others to share in Christ's love and gain the tools to help avoid the slips and falls of life.
Also, we are told to be light. Jesus is the Light and we should reflect that light to others. So many folks are walking through life in what amounts to total darkness to the Truth of God's love. When we walk into a dark room in the middle of the night we are more apt to run into the coffee table or trip over a pet's toy. We could do ourselves physical harm.
When we have even the smallest of flashlights we can see those obstacles and save our shin bones from connecting with that table. If we are "light" to those around us, through our "love-walk" with Jesus, we can help keep others from stumbling or falling over those unseen obstacles in their paths. It doesn't take a "faith giant" to accomplish this. Even the tiniest of lights, in total darkness, can keep someone from stumbling.
So let us fulfill Jesus' desire for us to be salt and light. we can melt even the most hardened, iced-over hearts, and we can light the way for those in darkness. It really is easy - just love, as Jesus commanded, "your [every] neighbor as yourself."
When those two broadcasts collided in my brain that morning, I felt the Holy Spirit indicate to me a different point about Jesus' teaching. Typically we think of the salt reference to apply to salt as seasoning. In fact, the Message Bible translates it this way: "You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth."
My mind was thinking more about the cold January days ahead and I realized that I was using salt to thaw the ice on my sidewalks, like the highway department uses it to thaw the roadways. Snow and ice make walking and driving dangerous this time of year. Ice can cause you to slip, fall, and hurt yourself. Salt on your path makes it safer and helps to keep you from falling as you move along your way.
This, to me, is another role for us as "salt" to the world. By representing the love Jesus demonstrates toward us to those around us, we can dissolve the slippery spots in others' paths and lives. When we are examples of Jesus, we are salt. We can lead others to share in Christ's love and gain the tools to help avoid the slips and falls of life.
Also, we are told to be light. Jesus is the Light and we should reflect that light to others. So many folks are walking through life in what amounts to total darkness to the Truth of God's love. When we walk into a dark room in the middle of the night we are more apt to run into the coffee table or trip over a pet's toy. We could do ourselves physical harm.
When we have even the smallest of flashlights we can see those obstacles and save our shin bones from connecting with that table. If we are "light" to those around us, through our "love-walk" with Jesus, we can help keep others from stumbling or falling over those unseen obstacles in their paths. It doesn't take a "faith giant" to accomplish this. Even the tiniest of lights, in total darkness, can keep someone from stumbling.
So let us fulfill Jesus' desire for us to be salt and light. we can melt even the most hardened, iced-over hearts, and we can light the way for those in darkness. It really is easy - just love, as Jesus commanded, "your [every] neighbor as yourself."
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
There’s a Little Bethlehem in You and Me
There’s a Little Bethlehem in You and Me
When I think back to that cold dark night
The night when Christ was born;
I picture myself there in that scene
That very first Christmas morn.
And each of us can take our place
Right there on Christmas Day;
Which member of the manger story
Does each of you portray?
Are you the keeper of the inn
Who turned the child away?
Or are you those lowly animals
Who shared their beds of hay?
Are you the awestruck shepherd boy,
Amazed to see the Christ?
Or are you magi, rich and wise
Who brought their gifts so nice?
Are you the king who felt so threatened
He wanted the young child dead?
Or are you the loving parents
Who cradled the baby’s head?
Each one of us is living out
Our role in the Christmas story;
Our holiday times are ever joyous
All filled with wonder and glory.
But every day we treat the Lord
As those did at His birth
Are we like the shepherd, the magi, or king,
How do we rate His worth?
We live our lives
From day to day
And when we think of Christ
Some kneel in awe
Some turn away
Some act like they despise.
So look into your heart right now
And tell me what you see;
Each reacts differently
To our thoughts of Jesus,
‘Cause there’s a little
Bethlehem in you and me.
When I think back to that cold dark night
The night when Christ was born;
I picture myself there in that scene
That very first Christmas morn.
And each of us can take our place
Right there on Christmas Day;
Which member of the manger story
Does each of you portray?
Are you the keeper of the inn
Who turned the child away?
Or are you those lowly animals
Who shared their beds of hay?
Are you the awestruck shepherd boy,
Amazed to see the Christ?
Or are you magi, rich and wise
Who brought their gifts so nice?
Are you the king who felt so threatened
He wanted the young child dead?
Or are you the loving parents
Who cradled the baby’s head?
Each one of us is living out
Our role in the Christmas story;
Our holiday times are ever joyous
All filled with wonder and glory.
But every day we treat the Lord
As those did at His birth
Are we like the shepherd, the magi, or king,
How do we rate His worth?
We live our lives
From day to day
And when we think of Christ
Some kneel in awe
Some turn away
Some act like they despise.
So look into your heart right now
And tell me what you see;
Each reacts differently
To our thoughts of Jesus,
‘Cause there’s a little
Bethlehem in you and me.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
***NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFER!!***
For the month of November take advantage of a special deal on autographed copies of my book which is listed at $ 12.99. I will deliver signed copies to you locally for a special price of
TWO for $22.00.
For those of you further away I will ship those two copies to you for an additional $3.00. Get one for yourself and one to give to any parent, teacher, or church friend for Christmas!
For more than two copies contact me for shipping deals.
For those of you further away I will ship those two copies to you for an additional $3.00. Get one for yourself and one to give to any parent, teacher, or church friend for Christmas!
For more than two copies contact me for shipping deals.
Friday, October 29, 2010
What reviewers are saying about The Stakes Are High:
“This book would be an excellent resource for those parents and grandparents who are concerned about their child's education. It provides a Christian perspective and offers up a challenge to parents and students.”
“Dennis draws from his thirty years of teaching experience, real life situations, quotes from respected authors and teachers, and, of course, Biblical insight to share his thoughts on what our public schools are lacking. A great book that I'd recommend for anyone who needs to find that there is still some hope left in our public schools.”
“In an age where chewing gum and talking are no longer the biggest problems in our classrooms, Ray emphasizes the solution which God has already presented to us. Consistently referencing the Bible--as well as more contemporary literary figures and teachers--The Stakes are High executes the importance of teaching our children, and ourselves, to use God's wisdom to guide us in educating our successive generations. It is a very thought provoking and informative book, written in smooth vernacular, as if you were listening to Mr. Ray speak to you as you read.”
“Dennis draws from his thirty years of teaching experience, real life situations, quotes from respected authors and teachers, and, of course, Biblical insight to share his thoughts on what our public schools are lacking. A great book that I'd recommend for anyone who needs to find that there is still some hope left in our public schools.”
“In an age where chewing gum and talking are no longer the biggest problems in our classrooms, Ray emphasizes the solution which God has already presented to us. Consistently referencing the Bible--as well as more contemporary literary figures and teachers--The Stakes are High executes the importance of teaching our children, and ourselves, to use God's wisdom to guide us in educating our successive generations. It is a very thought provoking and informative book, written in smooth vernacular, as if you were listening to Mr. Ray speak to you as you read.”
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Being a Witness for Christ
"The Greek word for witness is 'martus,' where the English word 'martyr' comes from. Death doesn't make martyrs, it only reveals them. A true witness dies to themselves that they may live to express Christ."
-- Charles Price
-- Charles Price
Friday, August 13, 2010
Amazon.com book review
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you are a Christian and have children or grandchildren you will want to read this!
August 12, 2010
By Teila Tankersley
This review is from: The Stakes are High (Perfect Paperback)
The Stakes are High
God's Wisdom for Our Public Schools
by Dennis R. Ray, M.Ed.
Contemplating pulling your kids out of the public school system? Then this is a book that you'll want to read. Dennis R. Ray is very familiar with public education, he was a teacher for thirty years and loved what he did.
In his book he identifies a series of key components that make up the educational system. Dennis believes that something is missing in our educational system and he explains in the book what that is.
The author makes several important points regarding the responsibilities facing students, parents and teachers today. And, in spite of the flaws in our public school system, Dennis firmly believes that it is our responsibility as Christians to reach out and make a difference.
Incorporating God's wisdom back into the schools is his goal, is it possible? Dennis Ray seems to believe that one person can make a difference one child at a time, one parent, and one teacher at a time.
The stakes are high and a good education is vital. We've got plenty of teachers that are well educated and have the ability to do an incredible job. Should we abandon ship,tossing the baby out with the bath water? Our students deserve to have the best education possible.
You may have the option to pull your child out of the public school system but whom are you leaving behind. Not all children will have the benefit of attending a private school; you may be the only link to biblical principles that those children and teachers see. A strong Christian foundation and Godly wisdom could be the tools needed to pull our educational system around.
This book would be an excellent resource for those parents and grandparents who are concerned about their child's education. It provides a Christian perspective and offers up a challenge to parents and students.
Buy this today!
See reviews at: http://www.amazon.com/Stakes-are-High-Dennis-M-Ed/dp/1606042335
If you are a Christian and have children or grandchildren you will want to read this!
August 12, 2010
By Teila Tankersley
This review is from: The Stakes are High (Perfect Paperback)
The Stakes are High
God's Wisdom for Our Public Schools
by Dennis R. Ray, M.Ed.
Contemplating pulling your kids out of the public school system? Then this is a book that you'll want to read. Dennis R. Ray is very familiar with public education, he was a teacher for thirty years and loved what he did.
In his book he identifies a series of key components that make up the educational system. Dennis believes that something is missing in our educational system and he explains in the book what that is.
The author makes several important points regarding the responsibilities facing students, parents and teachers today. And, in spite of the flaws in our public school system, Dennis firmly believes that it is our responsibility as Christians to reach out and make a difference.
Incorporating God's wisdom back into the schools is his goal, is it possible? Dennis Ray seems to believe that one person can make a difference one child at a time, one parent, and one teacher at a time.
The stakes are high and a good education is vital. We've got plenty of teachers that are well educated and have the ability to do an incredible job. Should we abandon ship,tossing the baby out with the bath water? Our students deserve to have the best education possible.
You may have the option to pull your child out of the public school system but whom are you leaving behind. Not all children will have the benefit of attending a private school; you may be the only link to biblical principles that those children and teachers see. A strong Christian foundation and Godly wisdom could be the tools needed to pull our educational system around.
This book would be an excellent resource for those parents and grandparents who are concerned about their child's education. It provides a Christian perspective and offers up a challenge to parents and students.
Buy this today!
See reviews at: http://www.amazon.com/Stakes-are-High-Dennis-M-Ed/dp/1606042335
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
In response to the piloting of a no zero program in two of our county schools, I submitted the following letterr to the editor of the Chillicothe (OH) Gazette, in October:
Dear Editor,
During my 30-year teaching career I have witnessed more educational trends come and go than I care to count. Each and every one was touted as the cure for low-performing students, or the surest way to build self-esteem, or the miracle that would help all children achieve to their potential.
The latest of these ‘fads’ seems to have hit Ross County. It is the “no zero policy”. Under this policy the lowest score a student can receive is a 50%. This means that when your child who struggles in a certain course, gives his or her all to prepare for a test or other assignment and earns a 60 or 70% (depending on what is considered a D in your school), they only marginally score better that the student who comes to class, signs his name on the test paper and turns it in with no effort, and is GIVEN a 50%. Through teacher internet websites I have communicated to teachers across the country with this policy and that is the frustration they are expressing.
What has happened to our desire to build strong character in our children? Are we so conscious of state required graduation rates and other dry statistics that we will sacrifice these students’ concept of “doing the right thing” for some institutional rating?
The Gazette article correctly illustrated that three 80% grades and one zero averages to a 60%. For one thing I do not know any teachers who base a quarter’s grade on only four assessments, although there are probably some.
The point is that yes, a zero hurts your grade. But why did the zero occur? School suspension? Truancy? Vacation? The lesson needs to be that there is a price for disobedience and that schools are not here for everyone’s convenience. If we would “do the right thing” as parents and instill strong character traits of hard work and respect for getting a good education into our children, and if the schools will “do the right thing” and build on that demand for excellence and not give in to mediocre efforts, maybe, just maybe we will produce a next generation who know that “doing the right thing” pays off.
Sincerely,
Dennis Ray, retired CHS teacher
During my 30-year teaching career I have witnessed more educational trends come and go than I care to count. Each and every one was touted as the cure for low-performing students, or the surest way to build self-esteem, or the miracle that would help all children achieve to their potential.
The latest of these ‘fads’ seems to have hit Ross County. It is the “no zero policy”. Under this policy the lowest score a student can receive is a 50%. This means that when your child who struggles in a certain course, gives his or her all to prepare for a test or other assignment and earns a 60 or 70% (depending on what is considered a D in your school), they only marginally score better that the student who comes to class, signs his name on the test paper and turns it in with no effort, and is GIVEN a 50%. Through teacher internet websites I have communicated to teachers across the country with this policy and that is the frustration they are expressing.
What has happened to our desire to build strong character in our children? Are we so conscious of state required graduation rates and other dry statistics that we will sacrifice these students’ concept of “doing the right thing” for some institutional rating?
The Gazette article correctly illustrated that three 80% grades and one zero averages to a 60%. For one thing I do not know any teachers who base a quarter’s grade on only four assessments, although there are probably some.
The point is that yes, a zero hurts your grade. But why did the zero occur? School suspension? Truancy? Vacation? The lesson needs to be that there is a price for disobedience and that schools are not here for everyone’s convenience. If we would “do the right thing” as parents and instill strong character traits of hard work and respect for getting a good education into our children, and if the schools will “do the right thing” and build on that demand for excellence and not give in to mediocre efforts, maybe, just maybe we will produce a next generation who know that “doing the right thing” pays off.
Sincerely,
Dennis Ray, retired CHS teacher
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