WORDS ~
Words are powerful
I don't remember much about school before fourth grade. It was in fourth grade when I began to get laughed at by kids. I was scared of my teacher too. She was loud and said, "I will send you to the principal". In the 1960's, it wasn't good to go to the principal or for the teacher to talk to your parents. I was always scared I was going to do something wrong. Her words mattered to me and the kids would laugh when I raised my hand to ask questions. I guess I had silly questions, but one time was only how to spell a word. It wasn't until I got into college that I heard this from a teacher, "There are no dumb questions, it's only dumb if you don't ask".
Matthew 7:7-12 New International Version (NIV)
Ask, Seek, Knock
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
WORDS ~
God tells us to ASK, SEEK, KNOCK
God is good all the time and all the time God is good! His words can grow up into better people. His words can give us strength and courage to fast hard things. I didn't' really know to pray to God until I was in College. I had been to church and didn't like it. I heard a message as a small child on faith and will never forget that one. Yet, I didn't have a relationship with God. We are living now in the shelter at home season of life. This season is huge because we don't really know who to believe or how long this will last. We live day to day and listen closely to the news. Yet, too much news can be stress and too much wonder.
James 1:5 New International Version (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
I have found our lives are molded by teachers. Teachers who plant positive things inside of us. I do remember a teacher in middle school who encouraged me to write. She said I was talented and I should pursue it. I didn't really plant that words until I was an adult. As I volunteer in my granddaughters grade school, I have met some incredible teachers. My first grandchild Brookley, had the best Kindergarten teacher (Mrs. Messner). One who would hug a child as they entered that morning. One who taught with a calm voice and made fun projects. First experiences can last a life time.
I have also found friendships in teachers at the school. Volunteering in different rooms and getting to know teachers as people. One's who have real lives, problems, and happy times. We shared experiences of life and I began to pray for teachers. I saw the need of helpers and field trip volunteers. I love the way Miss. Ortiz reads a book and she captivates the room of kids with her voice. Mrs. Boughner had both my granddaughters in her class. She never changed over the years and spoke with such a calm voice. The girls learned so much and loved that it was fun in Mrs. Toughener class. Teachers leave an impression not only in our minds, but in our hearts. I could go on and list so many teachers at this one school. I love that some did not even know me, but knew I volunteered and would say HI. Not only greater teachers at Donaldson Way, but a great principal and office staff.
WORDS ~
As I am a Grammie, I use the wisdom of past years to spur this moment of time. I continue to learn and grow into a better person. I pray daily for you, your family and friends. I know that God has connected our lives through this blog and your example is great too. We never know who watches our lives. I remember a little boy telling me how lucky my grandkids were to have me. He wished he had a grandma like me. Words are powerful and I became a helper at this school and my church. Kids know me as Ms.Sparkie and I love that. Now living in the shelter in place, my friend Ms. Ortiz allows me to come on her zoom call to see the kids. Also, Mrs. Katmeros and Mrs. Haberle allow me to do zoom calls too. I love still being connected while distance in place happens.
I also ask Wisdom from God. Praying that he continues to use my life and my yes to him is yes. Purpose this a good day and share hope with someone today. Remember to pray for teachers everywhere. Their lives have changed so much too and everyone is trying to learn this zoom calls for learning. Parents also need our prayers as they work from home and do school for kids. Let's just pray for each other daily. We ask God for freedom again to walk our streets, shops in stores and back to wearing no mask someday. God help those who are sick too because well. Destroy this virus in our world and help us.
~ Sparkie