40 Days of Intentional Goodness

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Consider joining me for 40 Days of intentional goodness during Lent here on the 16-9 Movement blog or by email newsletter. (If you prefer an email, just let me know by writing to me at kseddon@ceai.org and simply say, “I want to be a blessing!”

Lent is the season of 40 days (not counting Sundays) which begins today on Ash Wednesday (2/13/13) and ends on Easter Eve (3/30/13). Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means spring. The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. (from the United Methodist Book of Worship)

This year I will be hosting a proactive view of living an educators' life during Lent. Although, I will be "giving up" one of my favorite yummies, my neighbor inspired me a few years ago to purposely and intentionally do something good each day during Lent.  Would you like to join me in this 40 days of intentional goodness?  It will be a short and sweet daily message in this pattern:

•   A verse to ponder

•   A suggestion of intentional blessing in the classroom

•   A focus of reflection

Day 40

As we begin our 40-day Lenten journey to Easter, let's be intentional about doing something "good" each day. These suggestions are personal and my heartfelt desire to implement with you.  Please do not hesitate to send ideas as we grow in His goodness this Easter season.

A verse to ponder

Let's begin in the Beatitudes:

Matt. 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

An intentional blessing for the classroom

Do you have a student (or colleague) who has seemed down lately? Be intentional in your search today for someone who seems sad, down on their luck or poor in spirit.

Grab a sticky note and write a quick encouraging comment. Be intentional about making his/her day.

A focus of reflection

Am I able to bless my students with a sticky note of encouragement? Is it legal? Of course! What's more important is that is an act of goodness from your heart.  Jesus loved the unlovable. It's not easy to do, but just a sweet little note to a student that has been a problem may just turn things around.

As always, I am
Prayerfully dependent,

K

Karen C. Seddon
CEAI, State Director, Florida
kseddon@ceai.org

Note: To more fully understand the 16-9 Movement, please read the first blog entry by clicking here.

Christian Educators Association International is the only professional association in the United States specifically for Christian educators in public schools.  CEAI protects our members first in prayer, next with excellent professional liability insurance and other benefits while helping them live out their high calling as a Christian in the public school.