Are You a Lifelong Learner?

Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

It's that time of year again.

On Wednesday, the first day of the 2023-24 school year, I spent the day in Sara's first grade class. Those bright little students took in a lot of information. They got refreshers on how to go through the lunch line, play at recess, organize their desks, and they got to pick out books from the Grammy Penny crates. Sara had them do a drawing activity, that they'll write about this week, and a fun marshmallow story that showed them how to be quiet and respectful in the hallway. All-in-all they had a wonderful first day.

Whether public school, homeschool, private school, college, trade school, or any other learning, being a student takes work and being the teacher takes preparation. Hopefully, when the two meet, a great learning experience happens.

I've worked in the public library, school library, and college library. My mom always said I never stopped going to school. In a way, she was right. I'm a lifelong learner, always seeking to gain knowledge and wisdom about something. Maybe something as simple as what kind of butterfly or flower I saw.

The most important learning I have ever experienced is what I've learned from the Bible. God's word teaches so many lessons, insights, and ways to live. There is no education more important. Jesus wants me to listen and apply what I've heard and read. I'm so thankful God prepared a book I could read and study that teaches life lessons, offers encouragement, shares so many types of literature, tells remarkable stories, and leaves me wanting more. Some say the Bible is boring, but I disagree. It's fascinating.

I choose to read a few verses a day and ponder and pray over it and discover what God wants me to hear and learn. That way I'm not overwhelmed, and I remember it better. How do you approach reading the Bible?

Be a lifelong learner of God's word.

Children’s Picture Book Review: Candace’s Playful Puppy by Candace Cameron Bure, illustrated by Christine Battuz

Book Description:
Candace’s Playful Puppy is for every boy or girl who has ever wanted a dog and every parent who knows the responsibility that goes along with caring for a new pet. Written by New York Times bestselling author and actress Candace Cameron Bure, laugh along with this story of a little girl who visits a pet shelter to adopt a cuddly new dog and comes home with a rambunctious pup instead.

Candace’s Playful Puppy is a picture book for ages 4 to 8 that teaches kids:

How to be faithful to your commitments

To never give up when you face a tough situation

That patience is a skill that takes a lot of practice and hard work

When Candace’s new pup, Freckles, doesn’t pay attention to her instructions, Candace’s patience is tested and her excitement over the new pet quickly fades. Freckles escapes … but ends up making a muddy return. Candace realizes that being a great dog mommy isn’t as easy as she thought.

My Thoughts:
Candace Cameron Bure has written a thoughtful story of a little girl who needs to understand the commitment needed to take care of a puppy. Candace expects an easy-going cuddle puppy, instead she takes home a pup who loves to run and get into things. This sweet story is a great one to read to a child who’s preparing to adopt a pet. It will help them understand the responsibility of owning a puppy, and the frustration that sometimes comes from having a pet who doesn’t listen. Christine Battuz’s delightful illustrations add fun and entertainment to the story. And make sure to watch for Harry the hamster on each spread. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

Guard Your Heart and Mind

Our minds hold an incredible amount of information. 

We process and reason, memorize and learn.

We choose what goes in and what comes out.

Feed your mind the word of God, so that...

"... the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4:7

 

Knee-deep

Proverbs 1:5-7

Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I'm knee-deep in learning. My friend Jody and I attended a writer's conference at Taylor University. The speakers and teachers shared their knowledge and wisdom about the writing and publishing world. My ears tingled as I listened to Dr. Angela Hunt, a prolific Christian author, share about the skeleton plot. That may sound funny, but I was excited to learn from the best.

I've also been helping my daughter, Sara, prepare her classroom for the new school year. The smell of crayons and paper gets me excited for the kids. The new principal in Sara's building is initiating a super hero theme, encouraging the students to do their best, be a good friend, and be a bucket filler. You see along with academics, the teachers work to instill confidence and positive behavior. Those little kiddos are blessed to have teachers who care about them and want to fill their buckets with kindness and joy.

So I'm knee-deep in learning...about writing, about kids, and about Jesus. Talk about hearing from the best. There is no better place to learn than at the feet of Jesus. Like Mary in the Mary and Martha story, I want to hear every parable, word of wisdom and proverb Jesus shared. I'm thankful the writers of the Bible penned God's words. I'm excited that I have the very words of Jesus (red letters in many Bibles) to read and tuck into my heart.

God wants his people to keep discovering Him. Every day brings a new experience, a new perspective, a new way to learn and share Jesus story.

What have you learned today?

If you have a minute, pray for all the kids, teachers, and staff heading back to school.