Keep Him Near

I trust you are feeling a little more comfortable with your fall schedule and you and your students are
growing in a new and wonderful relationship. That being said I know there are still some of you that are
changing locations and classrooms. This can be a painful experience. I pray that if you are one of those who are moving, that you will find the blessings that will come in your new assignment.

Changing schools, grade levels, or even classrooms creates an angst in us that is sometimes hard to reckon with. What do we do with those feelings? How do we keep our focus where it should be and off the very thing that demands all our energy? How about giving yourself a cue, something to redirect your attention; something that will remind you who you really are and what's important. My grandson was washing his hands in school one day and as he was drying them, he noticed that the soap he had used (I'm glad he even used soap!) reminded him of me. He told his mom that night that his hands smelled like Grandma so he found himself smelling his hands all day so he could feel close to me. It does create sort of a weird picture but I found it endearing.

Your challenge might be to find something to look at, hold, or yes, even smell, that will create in you a peace that will allow you to be the teacher you were created to be, changing that angst you were feeling into a calm confidence. We don't have to be a re-assigned teacher to look for that cue. We could all benefit from a constant reminder of someone who loves us and grants us His peace.
Blessings,
Barb

A Bittersweet Good-Bye

The school year started and I felt rather removed from all of you and your first days. I was consumed with family matters as my elderly mother spent a week in the hospital and 4 days in a nursing home before going to be with Jesus last night. It was the sweetest of good-byes but still hard to do.

Isn't it amazing what happens when we really submit our wills to the Lord and watch Him work? Much of what happened with my mom these last 10-11 days, was totally out of my control and while it seemed the doctors and nurses were the caretakers, it was evident that even these strangers were being led by the Lord's hand. I was given peace at every turn and discernment with decisions. We never felt frustrated or fearful but trusted that everything was happening just how the Lord ordained it.

The lesson for all of us in this process might be to ask for wisdom when we need it, listen for the voice that delivers it, and accept the peace and comfort that follows. Because follow it will! God promises us that. I pray that your first days with your new students have been exciting and fun. You are the Jesus they need to see so ask for that guidance and strength as you need it. It's there in abundance.
Blessings.
Barb

Follow the (Your) Leader

I was reading in a devotional this morning and there was a reference made to bloopers and church signs or bulletins. It said, "I am their leader! Which way did they go?" At first I laughed then I recalled my classrooms throughout the years parading them down halls, sidewalks, through museums, etc. and hoping everyone followed me. What kept them in line? Sometimes it's enough "responsible" students that always do the right thing and strategically placed, I could hope they had some positive influence. At Art Prize, it was an actual rope that everyone held that kept us moving in a large, slow amoeba like fashion.

I wonder what the Lord is thinking when He sees us not following Him. I think I'm better off with some pretty concrete "ropes" to hang onto to keep me where He wants me to be. My ropes come through Scripture, other people, and prayer. Unlike most of our students who think they have a better way or just like the freedom to go their own way, I choose the rope. I'm safe and loved there. Hopefully your new students will feel safe and loved with you as well. Continued blessings on those who already started their year and fresh blessings on September starters. Follow your Leader!

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in  me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."       John 15:5

From the Good Book

Maybe some of you grew up hearing the phrase "the Good Book" when  someone was referring to the Bible. It never meant to me then, what it does now; like many things in life. Today I just want to send out a couple of my favorite verses from the Good Book. Read, reflect, and here's a good one, ruminate.(Rumination is something a cow does to its food; chewing it over and over. No more details necessary.) Let these words be your refuge today.

"My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; He is all I ever need."   Psalm 73:26

"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."          Psalm 37:23-24

This second verse creates a visual in  my mind. I see the Lord holding my hand as I plod or skip or am dragged through the day and no matter my gate, the Lord can keep me steady. That's a good thing as I am really no good to Him on my face!

Pick a part or phrase of either of these verses and use them as your mantra today. Let the Lord into the details of your life. He delights in them. Even if you don't.!

Sheep or Shepherd?

Let me preface my thoughts with this: When I say "teachers" I use the word to include anyone who interacts with children and is even remotely responsible for their education. No one in a school should be exempt. Having said that, let's think about our role in that educational process. In familiar Bible stories I grew up with, shepherds pop up many times and I thought how fun that might be; to walk along poking lambs and ewes, sitting quietly and watching them graze. On the other hand, the sheep, as it was pointed out to me later, are not the brightest of animals. They need a lot of guidance and prodding and are really quite defenseless.

Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Like the shepherd in ancient times, lying down in the doorway of the fold to keep his flock safe, Jesus is also that door. It is through Him we must walk if we are to be kept safe and as humans, we too, are defenseless against evil, if we are without a shepherd. So what does that say to us as "teachers?" We sometimes are the sheep because our role finds us following someone else's guidance, rules, or prodding. Yet we have the awesome task of being the shepherd to our students. Our families expect that we will keep our students safe, guide them, provide for them and seek them out when they wander. (Wandering can happen in many ways.)

As this week unfolds and many of us are returning to school to prepare our hearts, minds, and rooms for the beginning of another year, think of Jesus, your Shepherd, every time you walk through the doorway of your room, or your office, or even the front door. Whisper Jesus' name as you enter, asking Him to shepherd you and help you be the shepherd you need to be to your "sheep". Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.
Ask for His strength and guidance. It's there for you in abundance.

September Already?

No, it's only August. But we all know what August means. It's a mere prefix to September. And September brings with it different things to different people. To educators and anyone affiliated with a school, it means gearing up for another class or the responsibilities of running an office, and kids, and parents...and the list goes on. Our "free time" or that so-called 3 month vacation we all get as teachers, is about to come to a halt. (Don't you wish it really was 3 months long?)

The good news is the Lord didn't take a vacation nor does He need to gear up for your new semester. He's ready to lift you, guide you, and when needed (and needed He will be) He will sustain you. His power is perfect, his love unconditional, and his mercies are endless. Use his strength as you gear up and turn your thoughts towards September. Allow his truths to guide your thoughts and keep your focus on Him. Your burden will be too heavy no matter how excited and motivated you are. Give it to the Lord. He knows your tomorrow and He's ready for you. Be blessed by the Lord and highly favored.

I hope these words and words to follow will help you keep your direction clear and your burdens light. 1Chronicles 16:11 says, "Look to the Lord and his strength. Seek his face always." Tuck these words away and visit them September 4th. It can't hurt!