Famous Quotes

Well, my husband has been on the verge of nagging me to blog, so here I am! Usually, my excuse is being so tired from teaching 24 6 and 7-year-olds all day. They wear me out! So, my new (and hopefully repeating) update will be famous quotes from my students. They can come up with some great things sometimes! Here is one recent story from a student who started out as my most challenging and has grown so much in his behavior control, that he's become one of my favorite students to be around and talk to. He and another student were joking around with me as they were waiting for their buses, saying they wanted me to give them money for a drink. After, of course, telling them no, they joked they would steal it from my purse. I told them that people who steal have to go to jail and then they couldn't fulfill their dreams, namely professional football and basketball. Well, one of them quickly replies, "My mom works at the prison and when I go there, I see them playing basketball all the time!" HA! I laughed so hard and informed him that they don't get paid quite the same. He said, "The lunch lady does." My response, "Do you want to go to prison just to play basketball?" Student: "I'd be close to my mom!" (His mom is a nurse at the prison in Charlotte.) Such the sweet words from a boy whose favorite woman is still his mom!
So, that's the famous quote for today. More to come soon! However, I did just begin Spring Break! I'm convinced God created Spring Break! I need it!!

Destination Known and Unknown

If you've been wondering what's going on with the Laniers in the job search journey, here's a copy of an update just recently sent to the members at Desiring God Community Church. You may also note that we've asked Bethlehem Baptist to take us off of their candidtate list for their evangelism position. Without getting into details now, we just sensed deep confirmation from the Lord that He was not leading us there. But He is leading us still! Read on:



Dear fellow church members,
It is with joy that I write you and let you know how God has answered many of your prayers in relation to our future. As of the beginning of April, I will be taking a job as a Behavioral Modification Technician at Crossroads Charter High School. Bottom line, I help keep the kids orderly on their way to class, and I talk to them through issues they may be having, either on their initiative, or by recommendation by a teacher because of conduct. I am very excited about this opportunity, and allow me to explain how all of this came about.

A few of you may know that I began volunteering on Tuesday afternoons at the high school leading a discussion group for a program called CHAT (Character Helps Achieve Triumph). These kids are considered “at risk” and are in a Title I alternative school, so the issues they face are obviously considerable. We use our discussion to talk on topics that they are interested in, and that I facilitate with intention of incorporating biblical principles, and hopefully prepare them to hear the Gospel from myself or someone else in the future. I have thoroughly enjoyed this time, and find it very rewarding.

Last week, after the principal had observed the program, I received a phone call with an inquiry to job employment. This came as a complete surprise, and was a clear move of God. I simply received a phone call, then had a conversation with the principal and the security supervisor, and next thing you know they were offering me a job! The most humbling part about it all is that they are willing to work around my Thursday class schedule. Praise God!

Of course this may be bittersweet for some to read, as it means an early departure in employment at DGCC. Thank you, on behalf of Stacey and I, for your concern, love, and hopes concerning us. We have been flattered by many of your comments made to us. Again, thank you.

What this means for our long-term future is still uncertain. I will only be working definitely until the middle of June at CRCHS. After that, we are still unsure. We continue to explore options in Raleigh, and will be there this Sunday morning. Though not on staff, we remain active members of DGCC, and will participate regularly in the Racial Harmony Roundtable, small group, and when not visiting other places, Sunday morning services.

Thanks again for your prayers, and though we know this is pretty big news, please continue to ask us about other relevant issues in our lives, our spiritual walks, our service to our neighbors, and our family life. We look forward to doing the same.


In His care,

Dee Lanier (Phil 3:13-14)

The Second Chance

Sorry you guys it has been a long time. I have been itching to write and let you know about a really well done movie on the topic of race relations and inner-city ministry. Do not get thrown off by the star of the movie, Michael W. Smith. He can actually act much better than sing, in my opinion. Smith, and jeff obafemi carr (that's right, he prefers all lowercase letters), do a great job of depicting the many tensions that exist between the white church and black church, even when they are supposed partners in the work of the Gospel. My wife and I were urged to go see it by a few friends, and we ended up going with two fellow members in our Racial Harmony Roundtable discussion (more on that to come). To say the least, we did not know exactly what to expect. Would it be bad acting, or cheesy, or so tame that it was worse than fictional, borderline comical? It was none of those things. The movie was honest and intense. It gets a PG-13 rating because it did not aim to make it "family friendly" and mushy. Instead it was hard-edged and it showed some of the brutal realities of urban street life, and the social phenomenon that plague any city near you. It also showed white apathy and black distrust and personal relational tensions. Most importantly, it showed change, and how the Holy Spirit continues to work in the lives of even the most stubborn of pupils. In short, I have a recommendation for you-- GO SEE THIS MOVIE! Click on the link above to view the trailer. Showing times and locations are limited, so you may need to do some searching, or get it when it hits the video store.