Engaging The Souls of Kids

After weeks of searching my heart and seeking what God would want my focus to be in the New Year, I have landed on "STEADFAST" as my word for 2020. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes have a tendency to give up when I don’t see immediate results and become discouraged when things get difficult. This year my desire is to remain steadfast to what God has called me to do and be in all areas of my life. This isn’t to say that I won’t fall down. Steadfast doesn’t mean perfecti...on. I will fall down and even fail at times, but I want to be a daughter of the king that is resolute and gets back up and starts again, knowing that God is with me. I will not let the enemy hold me down. No, I will keep my focus on Jesus, because He is with me every step of the way. He is steadfast. The truth is that no matter what I do, it won’t be my ability to remain steadfast, it is only my trust in Him. Jesus Christ is the One who remains steadfast. Some days I will fail and others will be great days, but There are so many great verses that speak of being steadfast, I can’t select just one. Isaiah 26:3 The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. James 1:12 Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (Many more too) Dear Heavenly Father, You are good, You are worthy, and You never change. Help me to trust You, regardless of my daily circumstance. You hold my today and my tomorrows, and You are the one who remains steadfast. Help me to trust you more and keep my eyes on you. May I be found to be loyal, faithful, committed, devoted, dedicated, dependable, reliable, steady, true, constant, staunch, trusty, resolute, unwavering, unshakable, unfaltering. He Jesus’ name, Amen DEFINITION Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.Firmly fixed in place: immovable.Firm in belief, determination, or adherence: loyal.Marked by firm determination or resolution; not shaken. Fixed in direction; steadily directed.Firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment. SYNONYMS Loyal, faithful, committed, devoted, dedicated, dependable, reliable, steady, true, constant, staunch, trusty, resolute, unwavering, unshakable, unfaltering.

I have referred to this cartoon many times throughout the years. It is true that times have changed and unfortunately casting blame on teachers does happen at times. It saddens my heart, because I believe that one of the most important components of Christian Education is the partnership between teachers and parents. Through my experiences as a mother, teacher and principal, I have found it to be true that teachers and parents genuinely want only the best for students. I h...ave so many thoughts regarding this cartoon and I have many different directions I could go, but I am going to keep it pretty simple. Education, and especially Christian Education, must be a partnership between the church, the home, and the school. Learning occurs at each place, therefore, parents and teachers must partner up and work together for the best possible outcome. I truly believe that this partnership must begin with good communication, believing the best in one another and trusting that both want the best for the student. I have observed parent/teacher relationships thrive and students flourish when there is trust and grace extended. Teachers have the responsibility of teaching an entire class of students and they do their best to differentiate and meet their individual learning needs on a daily basis. However, it is sometimes difficult to meet the individual needs of each student, each and every day. Therefore, because of the collaboration between the home and school, the parent is in the best position to reinforce learning and encourage the student. As teachers and parents work together, it is imperative to remember that they are working together towards the same goal. Without a doubt, what troubles me the most in this cartoon is the triangle of broken trust depicted with parents yelling at the teacher. Although there may be conflicts between teacher and parent/s, it is important to remember that children must view their teacher and parent/s on the same team and working towards the same goal, their success. *Free Parent Advice: When speaking to your child about their class or teacher, be supportive and don’t speak poorly of their teacher. Make sure to make an appointment to meet with the teacher to get your questions answered. *Free Teacher Advice: Communicate offen and meet with parent/s when a student needs some extra help and set up a game plan for the teacher/parent team to work together.

I will be sharing my thoughts on this cartoon within the next couple of days.