Back to School

I have a confession to make, I love school. Ever since I was a child, I loved school. I love the classrooms, the teachers, learning something new, and the structure and routine of it all. I remember getting off of the bus at the end of the day and running inside to play "school" at home. I would be the teacher and my younger brother, begrudgingly, would play the student. I loved school so much that I became a teacher. In fact, I cannot remember a time when I wanted to be anything else. Becoming a teacher and working in a school was my path. And it was my path for a long time. I taught kindergarten for seven years and third grade for five years in the public school system. And then I had twins, and I had the opportunity to stay home with them. Which in a way is the best teaching that I can do.

My own children returned to school this week. My twins are in third grade and unbelievably, it is their last year in elementary school. My other daughter has started kindergarten. As bittersweet as it is to see the passage of time, I know that the routine and structure that the school year brings is good for all of us. And I still have my three year old at home, wanting to wear his backpack and run off to school with his older siblings and I think, no buddy, don't grow up too fast.

I think that my love of learning and school stems from the beginning of something new. A new school year, a new routine. In fact, I find the start of school and September more of a time for a new routine than January. It is, in fact, a time where I often start a new bible study or strengthen my prayer time. The new school year also helps us to set aside a devotional and prayer time as a family. The tips below are simply what my family and I do to seek time together in faith during the busy school year. So, if you are looking for resources or a place to start with your devotional time, or how to incorporate that into your daily routine, may this provide you with inspiration.

1.) Pray for your children. I have said the same small prayer for my kids every day as I drop them off at school for the past four years now. The prayer is simple and short, but it often leads to a more in depth prayer time while waiting in that long car line. And it is reassuring knowing that God is there with me and with them while they are in school.

2.) Pray with your children. We try to pray together as a family before the school day and before bedtime. At night, I ask each of my kids if they would like to pray. Sometimes it's yes and sometimes it's no. On the nights where they do not choose to pray, I use it as a time to model prayer for them. Often, they ask to just pray silently, and I do that alongside them.

3.) Have devotional time together. Most nights, we use the parent cue verses and devotionals that align with what has been taught the previous Sunday in Kids Kingdom. If you haven't downloaded the Parent Cue app, it is great resource to see what your children are learning in Kids Kingdom. If you need help with downloading or registering, please reach out and I would be happy to help you. Below are some other books that we have used in my house, and all of my kids have enjoyed. Local libraries also have a great selection of Christian books as well.

Jesus Calling Bible Storybook by Sarah Young

The Berenstain Bears Bedtime Devotional  by Mike Berenstain

The Jesus Storytime Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Little Ones by L.J. Sattgast

The Beginner's Bible

4.) Have your own devotional time. I know as parents, we are all busy. However, I find that when I take even a few moments to focus on God, read His word, and pray, it not only helps me with my day, but it also helps me be a better parent. And when I open my bible, my kids often ask what I am reading. In fact, my daughter asks if she can read a few verses when I am reading or when we are reviewing the verse of the week. If you do not have a bible or are not sure where to begin, I recommend the Bible app. It's free and has a wide variety of bible studies to choose from as well as daily devotionals.

5.) Join us on Sundays at church. I know, again, we are all busy, especially with the weekends being so precious when school is back in session. In fact, my own son's flag football games are every Sunday morning, and my daughter also has some softball tournaments on Sundays this fall. But I also know that the fellowship and community found on a Sunday morning at FBC is an important start to the week. We have a wonderful children's ministry that takes place during regular service on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am.

We have an exciting Back to Church event on Sunday, September 14. Join us for service and Kids Kingdom and stay for lunch, fellowship, and fun afterwards.

I look forward to seeing you there.

So as the back to school newness fades, I hope that you continue to find ways to grow your faith. And to all of the teachers and students out there, prayers for a blessed school year.