“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23 (NKJV) Many who have worked in the field of education have encountered parents who felt their kids were perfect. When their children got in trouble, parents would often blame “those kids s/he is running around with” or it was someone else who did it and didn’t tell the truth about their child, etc. Why? Could it be that we don’t see our own children clearly? Perhaps we may consider their misbehavior a reflection on … [Read more...]
Victim or Hero?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Phil. 4:13 NKJV A high school senior girl stood in front of an audience giving her salutatory address. It was students, with their parents, who had taken the senior year online instead of in the classroom. “I never considered myself a victim”, she said. “Rather the many changes in my life became opportunities to learn and grow.” This young lady went on to explain that her dad had left the family before she started kindergarten. … [Read more...]
The road not traveled
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) It seems that many are truly frightened to enter 2021. Some believe that 2020 was so bad that they dread going into a new year not knowing whether the coronavirus will still be a big problem. Recently, it was reported that Bible sales are up throughout the country as people seem to be searching for answers. As we read our Bibles, we learn of many times throughout history when there were plagues, wars, … [Read more...]
Christmas grace
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) A good definition of grace is “unmerited favor”. In other words, it is favor that we don’t deserve. It seems that many are more than willing to accept God’s grace, but unwilling to show grace to others. We’ve probably all, at some time or another, received a gift at Christmas that deep down inside we really didn’t like. At … [Read more...]
We should acknowledge the goodness of God
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” (Psalm 105:1) Some have been saying, “Let’s hurry and get 2020 over. It’s been a bad year!” Perhaps we all need to think a little deeper and be realistic about the many blessings we have had in spite of the coronavirus. When George Washington made the first proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving, they had much more than we have to deal with now. A good reason to study history is to help us realize our current blessings. Even in my … [Read more...]
Teaching tips
“…bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” –Eph. 6:4 (NKJV) During the many years I have taught both children and adults, I have learned a few techniques that have worked for me. Since so many are now teaching their children at home, perhaps sharing them would be helpful. Of course, every situation is unique. However, I have found that the following worked for me: 1.) Keep on a schedule. Schedules give security and routines help in planning time. 2.) Questions work … [Read more...]
Consequences
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. – Galatians 6:7 (NKJV) Children need to be instilled with the understanding that there are consequences for all actions. It is so tempting to think, “Oh, isn’t that cute? Who could punish a child for that?” In reality, we are punishing children more when we let them grow up thinking they can get by with doing wrong things. My dad told me a story that is worth retelling. It seems that when my dad was … [Read more...]
Home school or public school?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5,6 There are many wondering just what to do about the education of their children due to the turmoil produced by the coronavirus. There seems to be no end to discussion as to what is best for both the students and teachers. Perhaps the situation provides a good time to evaluate whether we should start home schooling those gifted … [Read more...]
The power of praise
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12 (NKJV) For several years now, we have been told by psychologists, educators, and others that we should praise children. “It is good for their self esteem”, we have been told. “It motivates children”, we have also been told. It is true that praise, given when it is truly earned, can be beneficial. However, when too much praise is given, or when praise is given undeservedly, it can also … [Read more...]
Love all people
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28 (NKJV) It’s nice that God created many different kinds of flowers. Having many different kinds of birds is good, too. He also made many different kinds of people. We have our differences, but we are equal in God’s love. He loves no race better than another. There are times within all races when some think they are superior. People … [Read more...]
Super dad
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4 (Amplified Bible) “My dad is better than your dad!” Little boys often compare dads. They want to be proud of their dad, and, by proving dad is … [Read more...]
Family get-togethers
“…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) Will there ever be a better time to have family devotions? The Bible tells us not to forsake getting together and it is not always possible to go to church. When it is possible, of course, we should attend church. Church, however, can never substitute for family devotions. There is much value in setting a … [Read more...]
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