Pray for Them All

With August comes the beginning of a new school year.

Let's pray together for-

administrators

teachers

staff

students

parents

homeschoolers

and all involved in educating our children.

Talk to the kiddos going to school about-

being kind

having confidence

showing courtesy

and doing their best.

Pray for the children who need a little extra care, and

the teachers who touch their lives.

Blessings!

 

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.

Knowledge and Wisdom

Philippians 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

I’m a life-long learner.

I confess, I didn’t like school. Elementary school was okay, but by the time I reached junior high and high school, I wasn’t a fan. Not being a social butterfly, I was quiet and everything kind of overwhelmed me. I did like having friends and going to basketball games, but I preferred to stay home and read or wander outside.

The funny thing is, I loved learning and I still do. After high school, I attended college for two years, but it took me until I was forty-eight years old to complete my bachelor’s degree. In the meantime, ironically, I worked in education. In the library of the elementary school and in a college library, I encouraged students to read and learn.

Even though I wasn’t a fan of school, I loved gathering knowledge and wisdom, and I do believe school is extremely important. As I tell my grandchildren, whether you enjoy school or not, you need to do your best.

The apostle Paul is writing to the Philippian church and reminding them to keep learning. He prayed they would grow in knowledge and insight. Knowledge of God’s word and insight into the people God called them to love. He encouraged the people to discern or consider what was best when it came to loving people as Jesus loved them, and he reminded them they would grow in the fruit or righteousness, or the fruit of the Spirit.  

God wants me to keep learning and use what I learn to love people better. As I seek the truth in His word, I grow in His love for other people. As a result, I glorify my heavenly Father through my actions.

Are you learning more about Jesus every day?

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

The Smell of Crayons

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
       I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Pray for students, teachers, and staff.

The back-to-school sales are on, the smell of crayons and sharpened pencils fill the air. Teachers are prepping their classrooms and children are counting the days until they see their friends again.

We have several educators in our family, and they're setting up their rooms, attending trainings and meetings, and working to make the start of school successful. I’m thankful for the people who teach, whether in public school, private school, or homeschool and the folks who work in support roles. Many of the people who instruct our children in academics also work to instill confidence and positive behavior. The kiddos are blessed to have people in school who care about them and want to fill their buckets with kindness and joy.

Jesus, the best teacher—taught by example. Through parables and sermons He shared scripture and taught us to pray. Talk about hearing from the best. There is no better place to learn than at the feet of Jesus. I love to hear or read every parable, word of wisdom, and proverb Jesus shared. I'm thankful the writers of the Bible penned God's words, and I’m excited 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 as He fills our buckets with blessings.

If you have a minute, pray for all the parents and caregivers sending their children to classrooms, as well as teachers, staff, administrators, and students heading back to school. Pray for wisdom, confidence, kindness, and safety. Encourage your children to embrace learning and to respect their teachers and fellow students. I remember a few teachers who believed in me, and I’ll always be thankful.

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.

Great is Your Reward

Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The sounds of May—teachers shouting with joy and students laughing and fist bumping the air. Schools out for the summer.

The week has been busy with end of school awards. Since retirement, I've been able to attend the activities of grandkids. At the middle school on Wednesday, I watched as my granddaughter Dylan was given certificates from the teachers who worked hard to instill a love of learning. On Thursday, I attended awards for Eli and Zeke, moving from third to fourth grade. Every child beamed when their name was called. They held up their certificates and medals, joyful about their accomplishments. What a way to end the year!

Many of the children received the Tiger award. A special acknowledgement of good behavior, kindness, and hard work. Those students treated their fellow students with respect and were rewarded.

When I accepted Jesus as my savior, I agreed to obey God. Frankly, at times I've failed. But the beautiful thing is—God gives grace. Yes, I obey in hopes of receiving the reward of heaven. More than that, I want to emulate Jesus. I strive to show love the way he has, to others.

Jesus reminds me, in the passage in Matthew, that following him may bring persecution. The devil loves to poke, prod and attack from every side. As certain as I am that it wasn't always easy for the students to show kindness to each other, I know how difficult the path is when following Jesus. Yet, I choose to follow the example Jesus set. To love God and people. For great is the reward of heaven.

Are You Ready for School?

Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Towards the end of second grade, I moved with my family to Lynchburg. For me this meant a new school with only six weeks left in the school year. My shy, anxious little self couldn't quite comprehend what that meant. I understood we had a new house, with a big yard and lots of beautiful trees. I occupied a larger room with my older sister. I finally had my own closet. But even with all the goodness, came the dread. I had to meet new people, learn from a different teacher. I left my friends behind in Pricetown. Now what?

Fortunately for me, Miss Mercer was a sweet and an amazing teacher. She taught me phonics, which I hadn't learned at my old school. She poured kindness over this nervous little girl. Plus, there was a girl who "friended" me. Not like Facebook, but real life, in person friendship. To this day Garnet and I still keep in touch.

Most local schools have already started or are about to begin. A lot of preparation goes into the classrooms and at home. We buy notebooks, pencils, clothes, and tissues. But the most important groundwork doesn't come from the store, instead it comes from the heart. Have you prayed for your child's teacher? How about the principal? The janitors, secretaries, aides, bus drivers, cafeteria ladies. The list goes on. And what about the children? Have you taught your child to be the kind one who shows compassion instead of being mean? I pray for my grandchildren every day. I pray for their safety, that they open their minds to learning, and that they are the "kind kids." I want them to show Jesus love to the people they encounter.

Let's lead our children by example and be the encouraging adults who follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. Jesus wants us to love each other.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Children's Book Review: School Time Blessings by Mike Berenstain

Book Description:

It’s time for the new school year to begin and all three Bear cubs are excited and a little nervous too. When challenges and fears almost get the better of the cubs, Mama and Papa step in and remind Brother, Sister, and Honey that with their support, prayer, and God’s love they will each have a great year!

My Review:

Summer is winding down and school is just around the corner. And the Berenstain Bears are ready to help make the transition a little easier. Mike Berenstain has continued his family legacy with this delightful new book, School Time Blessings. This is a perfect book to read with your children before school starts, especially if they go to a public school or preschool. I like the way he incorporates prayer and scripture for reassurance in the story. Kids will love the latest Berenstain tale and will learn from the family's solution of how to calm the fears of a new school year. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Back to School

Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

The back-to-school sales are on, the smell of crayons and sharpened pencils fill the air. Teachers are prepping their classrooms and children are counting the days until they see their friends again. Tim and I had the privilege of helping a friend and her church set up to give out backpacks filled with school supplies. The folks shared an excitement for giving and worked to meet a need in their community. What a wonderful way to give a positive start to the school year.

We have a number of teachers in our family and they've already set up their rooms, attended trainings and meetings, and worked to make the start of school successful. At the college where I work, we're preparing for fall semester. Working to get the library in shape before the students come.

God encourages teachers to speak the truth and have a loving eye for students. Jesus, the best teacher, taught by example. Please join me as I pray for teachers, staff, administrators, and students starting back to school. I ask God to bless them with energy, watch over them as they watch out for the students, and fill their hearts with peace and joy. Praise God for the teachers who know him and show his love to their students.