I don't have to tell you what time it is, because everyone knows it's time to go back to school. When I ask student if their excited they almost always say NO! but they are a little nervous for all of the unknown that is ahead for this school year. Will I know anyone? Will my friends from last school year still be my friends? Will I like my teacher(s)? Will my teacher(s) like me? Will I have lunch with anyone I know? Will I have any classes with my friends? I wonder how much homework I will have every night? I wonder how many cute guys or girls I will see the first day? (lets be honest this is a huge question) Are my classes going to be too hard? What sport(s) should I try out for? Do I want to try out for the musical this year? I wonder how long it will take for me to memorize my locker combination? I wonder if I know anyone that rides my bus? . . .
If you have a student or are a student you have been dealing with these questions and probably will for the next few weeks as classes begin. In a student world these are BIG questions that need answers, and are things that are weighing heavy on their minds. Join with us as we pray for the students throughout our enitre community that God would give them Peace, that even if they don't have all the answers that He will be with them. Also that God would protect all of the campus', students, faculty & staff of the schools from the things the world has to offer. And believe that this is going to be the best year yet!
Be Blessed!
Matt
10. Enjoy the end of summer. Be sure to complete everything on your to do list so you'll be able to have plenty of great stories to tell once school begins.
9. Get in a routine. Kids are creatures of habit. It is very important to "practice" going to bed on time and waking up on time before school begins.
8. Take a trip to your school and visit you teacher(s). Getting a child familiar with there new surroundings will be very beneficial.
7. Go over their school schedule. Talk to you child about what they can expect day to day while at school.
6. Go school shopping! Who doesn't like shopping? This is a time of fun for all kids. A time for new clothes and school supplies that are sure to get them excited and in the mood for school!
5. Get a haircut. Why stop with new clothes? Throw in a haircut too. Get a fresh start with a new look.
4. Review what you child learned last school year. Go over old tests and worksheets. This will get your child's brain in learning mode. It will help jog their memory so they won't have to play catch-up while trying to remember what they learned last year, but will be able to move forward with new material.
3. Bring up positive experiences you had while in school and particularly in their grade. Avoid ALL negative stories and attitudes toward school... these will only lead to you child's anxiety!!!
2. Acquire a good attitude. Do everything within your power to help your child have a good outlook for the upcoming school year.
1. Pray! Begin praying now with your child for their class, teacher, and friends. Prayer is a great comfort for fearful kids. Try praying with them every morning before they leave for school as well. It boosts their confidence and helps them to remember that they are never alone!
contantly speeding up - "multiple tasking" - clutter - superficiality - inability to love - sunset fatigue
Can you relate to these statements? These 6 statements are from John Ortberg's book "The Life You've Always Wanted." His chapter on "slowing" is really a pertinent one for all of us. If we are to follow Jesus, we must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives-because, by definition, we can't move faster than the one we are following. So how do you cure this sickness of hurry? We must realize that we cannot achieve this on our own we have to enter the life of training. First, is called "slowing" this involves cultivating patience by deliberately choosing to place ourselves in position we we simply have to wait." Things like declare a fast from honking or for a week your fast food slowly. We will soon discover we can survive without hurry.
I learned this lesson the other week while on my way to pick my parents up at the airport. I decided to make a stop at a store which put me behind in time to pick them up. I knew that I needed to make up some time and so the foot got heavy which lead to my first speeding ticket ever. My oldest daughter was with me and after the nice altercation with the Sheriff she congratulated me on not getting my first ticket until I was 38 years old. I am still learning this practice of "slowing" how about you? PJ
Vacation - n. a period of rest from work, study, etc.
That is Webster's definition of vacation and I like it. I hope you have been able to vacate this summer and get a little rest with family and friends. The Bible uses the word "sabbath" which literally means to quit what you are doing. Now that is not a permanent quiting but a temporary time to stop doing work and enjoy life. I am going on vacation in a few weeks with my family and I am looking forward to it! We all know that life happens at frightening speeds and if we don't take time to slow down or as John Ortberg says practice the art of slowing we will be no good for anyone or anything. I pray you practice the art of slowing this summer and enjoy what is left. What did you do on your vacation this summer or hope to do? P.J.
I was traveling in my car the other day to drop my prince and princess off at daycare and I was reminded by a conversation taking place over the radio of how excited, energized, and empowered we feel when we hear a song that brings back great memories from our life. I don't know about you, but music does this to me, a lot! It takes me back to great times and experiences of my past some are spiritual mountain top experiences and others are just really good times with family and friends. I'm sure your probably the same way with something, (maybe not music) in your own life.
Have you ever thought how you could share your story (testimony) with someone you love and care about in a matter of 60 seconds or less, or if they you/they had the time your entire story in detail. Most of the time you will share it in as little as 60 seconds. Kind of like the title of a favorite movie of mine "Gone In 60 Seconds" a lot of times that's all the time you have to share your testimony, if you can't, their GONE!
If you havent thought of it before I encourage you to, and then begin to write it out. Then incorparate scripture (God's Word) that strengthens the point of where God has brought you from. Then begin to share it!
So as I'm in my car and I'm thinking about how sharring my (God) story is
just like reliving & remembering what God has saved/brought each one of us
from. Now that's some really exciting moments in my life, and I'm sure
yours. Remember EVERYONE has a
story to tell!
Consumed by HIS Calling,
pastor matt
