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Ideas for Teaching About September 11th {Upper Elementary}

On September 11, 2001 the world changed forever. The country came together in the face of terrorism and tragedy. It…
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I was sitting in my 8th grade biology class at our

I was sitting in my 8th grade biology class at our town's public middle school when the teacher began a long lecture on the different theories of evolution. Each theory came down to the same basic claims: the Earth (and everything in it) formed gradually, with no known intelligent Creator. All organic life has formed and changed over millions of billions of years. Humans are not special or important - we are only a mix of mutating cells.
After the lecture, the teacher then opened the floor for the students to share their thoughts on which theory of evolution was most convincing and why. As I listened to my classmates arguing for natural selecion, divergent evolution, etc. I felt a stirring in my heart, a nudge whispering "share the truth." I was afraid of the backlash of standing up to my teacher, worried about the comments from my peers, anxious that I wouldn't have all the answers. But I was feeling conviction - I needed to speak up for what I believed was true, according to the authority of Scripture.
I raised my hand and told the class that I didn't believe in any theory of evolution. I explained thgat I was a Christian who believed the Creation account in Genesis 1 of how God created the world with design and purpose, and that male and female were highly valued because we were made in His image. The room was silent for a few moments and then the teacher cleared her throat and moved the discussion on. Rather than being ridiculed, I had so many opportunities to dive deeper with some of my classmates in the coming weeks as we continued our study. Two girls started coming to church with me because they were intrigued by this Creator. I am so glad that I listened to the Holy Spirit and stood up for my convictions.
We glorify God when we stand up for what is right, what His Word says, and point a dying world to Christ.
Titus 1:9 charges Christians leaders to hold fast to their convictions: "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

What’s worse than an uncomfortable pair of shoes

What’s worse than an uncomfortable pair of shoes? Nothing. Nothing is worse - can I get an “Amen!” 🤪😄🙋‍♀️
If you’re on your feet a lot you need comfortable and supportive shoes so you can be present and intentional, wherever God has you, instead of distracted by a shoe that is rubbing your toe, just a tad too tight, or doesn’t have enough arch support. Enter these amazing shoes from @walkingcradles - they are cute, comfortable, and I can literally wear them all day long! Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a pair - they have flats, sandals, sneakers, boots, etc. Visit www.walkingcradles.com and use promo code JOY20 for 20% off your order!
So who’s ready to say GOOD-BYE to achy feet? Let me know in the comments!🙋‍♀️👡👢👞👟

My kiddos are always eager to help in the kitchen.

My kiddos are always eager to help in the kitchen. It’s definitely messier and takes longer, but I love to include them when I can - the training and relationship is worth my inconvenience ❤️. I bought this set of kid-friendly knives on Amazon and they’ve been a big hit! Here are my three kids (ages 3, 4, and 6) all cutting fruit independently. If you have little kids, these are a must-have!
The pack of 3 knives is on sale for $5.99 today —> https://amzn.to/3Axsfvg

Note: this is an affiliate link, which means I earn a small commission for sharing, at no cost to you :)

My daughters are 3 and 4 and every night, as I tuc

My daughters are 3 and 4 and every night, as I tuck them into bed, they beg for stories and songs. After recounting a made-up tale of a princess exploring a new island on her magical flying unicorn, we settle in for a song or two. Recently they've been wanting "This Little Light of Mine" on repeat. I love to see their little fingers wave in the air as they boldly sing, usually at the top of their lungs, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine!" It encourages and challenges my heart to shine for Jesus in a dark world.

Today, I want you to pray that you would be a LIGHT wherever God has placed you. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (5:14-16)
When we spend time with the Lord we reflect His light and point others to Him, like a beacon of hope.

We can shine God's light in our classroom, our Sunday School room, our home, etc. when:
-- we choose to respond in love, instead of reacting in anger, when a student ruffles our feathers
--we give a kind and gentle answer to a belligerent parent
--we choose to humbly ask for forgiveness when we've been wrong
--we stay a few minutes after work to listen to and encourage a coworker who's struggling
--we give grace to someone, even when the world would say they don't deserve it
--we offer wisdom and encouragement from the Bible instead of a pat "everything will work out" answer
--we stand firm in our convictions and don't compromise on what God's Word says is right and wrong

I am praying for you, dear teachers! I don't need to tell you that believers in Jesus are waging a war against darkness in this world. But we do not despair! "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5) We know the ending - Jesus, the King of Kings, will reign supreme on His throne and we will spend eternity worshipping Him. Fellow believer, I charge you to let your light shine while we wait!

Today in our Proverbs-a-Day challenge we’re read

Welcome to another week of Prayers for the Teachin

Welcome to another week of Prayers for the Teaching Journey. Today, let's pray for COOPERATION.
Pray for cooperation between you and your teaching teammates, that you would work together to plan engaging lessons that reach all of the students. Pray for a spirit of cooperation rather than one of competition.
Pray for cooperation between your students. Give them opportunities to work together and teach them strategies that will help them cooperate, collaborate, and compromise, both in your classroom and in life.
Pray for cooperation between yourself and the parents of your students. Pray that you would see the parents as allies as you both seek what is best for each student. Pray for open communication, grace, and a willingness to cooperate.
The verse I have chosen for today is Philippians 2:2 "Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
Tag a teacher friend who needs this encouragement today 🙂

We’ve had a rough weekend over here: my little m $We’ve had a rough weekend over here: my little man fractured his femur! 😫😭. If you sent me a message or email, please be patient as I’m going to be stretched beyond normal mom duties for the next couple of weeks. I will get back to you as soon as I’m able ❤️. I am looking for creative ways to keep my little buddy engaged and entertained while he can’t walk. Any suggestions?$

Every October (and March) I read through the book

Every October (and March) I read through the book of Proverbs. I read one chapter a day - because there are 31 days and 31 chapters. It’s a wonderful rhythm that I’ve built into my life and each time I do it I glean so much spiritual wisdom, practical ideas, encouragement, and conviction. No matter how many times I do it, I am always amazed at how fresh and applicable it feels to me, right here and right now.

Why read the Bible?
—2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.”

Why re-read the Bible?
—Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Who will join me this month?!? 📖❤️✝️

My favorite things about fall: 🍎🍏 allll the

My favorite things about fall:
🍎🍏 allll the apple things: pies, ciders, crumbles, muffins, etc. I love pumpkins for decorating but don’t like to eat pumpkin anything. I know, I know… but it’s true!
🧥👢 sweaters, jackets, scarves, and boots
🍁🍂🍃 leaves changing colors and crunching beneath my feet
🧡💛🤎 general feeling of coziness
What about YOU? What’s your favorite part of fall?

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