Rise and shine!

Good morning and a joyous Friday to you all!

It’s that time of year again when summer is officially over and school is back in session. Where I live, school begins the 28th, I know some schools have already been back in the daily grind for a few weeks now. Whether starting elementary school, middle school, high school or college; a new journey is on the horizon with loads of opportunities.

Below are a few tips for starting a new school year on the right track:

1. Packing your backpack the night before the first day is always a good idea. The morning of a first day can be hectic.
2. Have your outfit picked out and ready to go
3. Be sure to charge your phone, tablet or laptop the night before so it’s ready for you
4. Get plenty of sleep the night before! Eight to ten hours is a good idea.
5. A healthy and energizing breakfast is important
6. I’m not sure why, but finding my shoes in the morning is always a hassle. Keep up with them to save time hunting for them
7. If riding the bus, be at the bus stop early, five-ten minuets is best. If driving, leave early, as traffic is sure to be crazy
8. Parents may want to take a picture or two to capture the memory
9. Stay positive and just remember, it’s only the first day. It’s ok to ask questions, students aren’t expected to know everything.

Before signing off, I want to touch on a topic that is very real and important in my family. It’s hard enough starting a new school year, it can be even worse to be the new kid. Take the time to show yourself friendly to others. Don’t get caught up in the crowd just to be “popular”. Time and time again, this same scenario happens; ignoring those who are different or shy just so those who are “popular” won’t look down on them.

Take the time to make friends with those who seem to need friends, not with those who feel they need a larger entourage. Have lunch with those who no one will sit with. Offer a friendly smile to those who feel they have no reason to smile. Make this school year, one to stand out for the better.

One another note, my fellow Christians returning to school: Be a light. Share God’s love with those who are entangled in darkness. Don’t be ashamed to take your Bible to school. It is sharper and more powerful then any two-edged sword. Have a devotion in the morning. Be prayed up and have a song on your heart as you enter the building. Whom shall you fear when the God of angel armies in on your side? (credit to Chris Tomlin)

I wish you all the best in your studies. You will succeed if you give it your all. Have a great weekend and an amazing school year!

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

School Supplies Shopping

When I was still in school, I used to get so frustrated around this time of year when stores began to advertise the ‘Back to School’ season. I remember saying to my mom many times, “It’s not even August yet!”

Well, if you’ve been out to a store at all, you’ll see aisle after aisle lined with binders, backpacks, lunchboxes, crayons, and so on. All strategically located at the front, I may add.

I’ve been out of school for some time now, and I’m finding myself drawn to these aisles. I suppose writers are naturally drawn to office supplies. Now a days, I can’t get enough at looking at the folders, admiring the packs of colored pens and practically drooling over the many spiral notebooks. (I strongly believe in owning a lot of notebooks)

Isn’t it funny how our feelings can change? For those of you agonizing over the blunt advertising of a new school year,  hang in there and keep moving forward. Each new school year is a year closer to graduation.

Leave a comment on what your thoughts are concerning shopping for school supplies.

Until next time,

~Writer for Christ~

What’s really important?

Vacation Bible School. Commonly just called VBS. Most churches organize a VBS in the summer months, in which children can partake in crafts, Bible lessons, music and so much more. My church recently held a VBS, the theme was Galactic Surveyors.

For those of you who have worked or volunteered at a VBS, you can relate to the mixed emotions that come naturally: excitement, stress, joy and frustration. These emotions may seem to contradict, but they actually blend perfectly. The excitement when the kids start to arrive. The stress of an insufficient amount of time in which to work with. The Joy of observing the children enjoy themselves and having fun and the frustration of feeling overwhelmed.

The VBS at my church was a grand success as some of the kids accepted Jesus into their heart. I had worked in crafts and it would be a lie to say that everything worked out perfectly. On the final day of our four day VBS, hearing the news of a child becoming saved, my heart was full of rejoicing and one of my first thoughts was this, “It was all worth it.” The stress was worth it. The frustration was worth it.

It does not matter what section you are working in or what job is yours. It is easy to get caught up in the wave of emotions but we have to remember what is really important. The kids hearing the Gospel. The kids accepting Jesus. That is why we have VBS. If you intend to help at an upcoming VBS I ask that you keep this idea in the forefront of your mind.

Until next time,

~WriterforChrist~