Sunday, May 27, 2018

Summer 2018






No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks,” is the refrain most remember from Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out For Summer,” because through the eyes of a student that doesn’t love school there’s great reality. However, don’t we all hope they are still learning throughout the summer. Many students are blessed to have parents who travel and take them places while other students vegetate in front of the TV.  What about teachers? What do they do when the school door closes for the school year? For me, I always needed those first few days to do nothing. It was as if the hammer that was clanging on my head the whole year suddenly stopped. After that I typically had some type of professional development to attend, a conference or two and plans for next years. Fortunately, there is much more time for family and what a gift. 

As you enjoy these summer days and typically have a slower pace, please let me encourage you to spend more time with the Lord. Develop holy habits that could be continued in the school year (perhaps on an abbreviated scale) that will cultivate your relationship with the Lord. It’s easy to cry out to Him in our desperations and exasperations, but too often we forget Him in less stressful times.  I would like to offer just a few suggestions for spending time with Him:

  •  Invest in the habit of prayerwalking.
  • Be in the Word everyday.
  • Give thanks.
  • Practice 1:16 PM
  • Find an accountability partner.
  • Read the book, "2 Chairs" by Bob Beaudine


Investing in prayerwalking has been a life saver for me. One of our pastors suggested it and I have found it to be my most engaging time in prayer. You definitely cannot fall asleep. If you’ve never tried it, the first time it’s a little awkward to pray and walk at the same time. Depending on where you are, the words can be audible or silent but the beauty that He has created around you is a testimony to His love. I have been prayerwalking everyday for 25 years and look forward to any time I can get to the water’s edge to prayerwalk at sunrise. 

Being in the Word everyday is critical to our success as educators. I realize how hard that is early in the morning, but it doesn’t have to be long and involved, because He’s our coach. We need to drink in His plans and promises to be effective. A simple holy habit that I love is “flopping” in the Word. I randomly “flop” open my Bible each day and search for His message. 90% of the time I’m jazzed by what He reveals to me and I write a quick note back to Him with grateful thanks and an attempt to understand the verse in my present situation. The great app available for devotionals and tons of Bible translations is simply called Holy Bible. It’s been a life saver to have the word on my devices and available everywhere and anywhere I go.

We are asking you to practice 1:16PM this summer for the 2018-2019 school year. We are asking every Christian in the public schools to stop and pray at 1:16PM. Based on Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentile, we believe that this movement can be in every public school in America. The key is reverence and discretion. For more information, visit www.one16pray.com. Help us spread the word to your sphere of influence.

Finally, seek an accountability partner or small group who will hold you accountable to your desires to please Him. There is no better summer investment of your time than to grow more in love with our Lord. He will guide you, provide for you, look over you and give you peace. May this be your most refreshing summer ever.


As always, I am prayerfully yours,
K



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

PS. Don’t forget to spread the word about the 1:16PM Prayer Movement and Around the Word in 180 Days:
      Go to www.one16pray.com  and www.aw180days.com for more information.
      Visit,  "like", and add comments the 1:16PM Facebook page and the Around the World in 180 days Facebook page.
      Sign up for text message prayer prompts from Remind  

May God bless you as you rest and prepare for the 2018-2019 school year.



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. 

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Honor the Grads - Osceola County 2018


The Osceola Honor the Grads picture album


The 3rd annual Honor The Grads ceremony in Osceola County, FL was held Monday evening, May 14, 2018. This prestigious award, sponsored by the Christian Educators Association, Int. in Osceola County, has become one of the most important events of the year in the lives of these students. Can you imagine being chosen by your peers as an example of integrity and living out your faith throughout high school?

The format of the Honor the Grads program is beautifully simple. The family and friends of the award winners were led in a few praise songs by a former Honor the Grad recipient, Brian Delgado and his accompanist Xavier. After the praise time, the graduates were given the opportunity to share a favorite verse, tell about their future plans and give a testimony.  It never ceases to amaze us how the students can so boldly and passionately share their love of the Lord and their desire to serve and give thanks to those who helped them along the way.



Some of the graduates told stories, one even wrote a poem and most share words of encouragement  such as the ones below:
  • God is generous in love. God gives grace.
  • God loves you.
  • My favorite Bible character is Paul.
  • We must do more than believe, we must act.
  • God can use each and everyone of us.
  • I went from being an atheist to a believer.
  • Dare to be different,
  • Do you trust me? (God's question to one of the grads)
  • Let God lead you, don't be afraid.
  • Don't live by the worth others place on you, but the worth God places on you.
  • FCA is my " bring back".
  • Fight for your blessings, like the woman who touched Jesus's cloak.
  • Be a light in a dark world.
  • Live out your faith so others can see God through you.
  • Be the light. Shine bright.
  • The Creator of all things believes in you.
  • Are you willing to be different for the sake of the gospel?
  • We spark an interest.
  • Change is incremental, not sudden.
  • Make prayers from faith, not fear.
  • FCA transformed me into a woman of God.
  • God has something in store for all of us.
  • All things happen for a reason.
  • Tell friends about Jesus.
  • Went from a church kid to a kid who loves church.
  • Write a thank you note to God.
  • Don't give up. Follow God's plans.
Future plans include:
  • Warner College
  • Valencia State College (3)
  • Southeastern University to become a pastor
  • Valencia for electrical engineering
  • University of Florida or Hillsong College in Australia
  • Clemson University for engineering
  • SUM, Hot Springs, Arkansas
  • Valencia > FIU for pediatric physician assistant
  • Valencia's Honor program with a full scholarship
  • Johnson University for preaching and church leadership
  • Bridges program at Valencia for health science > Lee University for chiropractic studies
  • University of Florida for pre-medicine


After the student testimonies, the families and supporters gather around for a time of prayer from all who feel led. All were then invited for a time of fellowship and snacks.






The 2018 Honor the Grads awardees are:

Celebration High School

Evan Crumbach
Brandon Spahn

Gateway High School

Isaiah DeJesus
Alex Jimenez

Harmony High School

Brodi Bukowski
Caroline Joseph

Liberty High School

Melissa Garcia
Juliet Kaylajean Marzan

Osceola High School

Jose Mateo
Daniel Rodriguez
Tamyia Paul

Poincian High School

Becky Beltran
Nadyel Negron

St. Cloud High School

Katherine Napoleon
Celina Adams






Congratulations to all the graduates and their families. 



As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,
K



PS. Don’t forget to spread the word about the 1:16PM Prayer Movement and Around the Word in 180 Days:
      Go to www.one16pray.com  and www.aw180days.com for more information.
      Visit,  "like", and add comments the 1:16PM Facebook page and the Around the World in 180 days Facebook page.
      Sign up for text message prayer prompts from Remind 101 
      Follow us on Twitter for the prayer prompts @one16pray


May God bless you with success His way this 2017-2018 school year.

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. 














Monday, May 14, 2018

Honor the Grads

Honor the Grads 


Honor the Grads - Osceola County (2018)     Osceola picture album

Honor the Grads - St. Johns County (2018)     St. Johns picture album

Honor the Grads - Seminole County (2018)     Seminole picture album


Images and details from Honor the Grads Osceola County (2017)

Images and details from Honor the Grads Seminole County (2017)

Images and details from Honor the Grads St. Johns County (2017)

Thank you for visiting this information page about Honor the Grads. Honor the Grads is a special evening of celebration where seniors, selected by their peers, are honored by parents, family, youth groups and community members because they were chosen as an excellent example of integrity to others. Students in the FCA or other Christian student groups in our local high schools nominate two seniors who walked their walk, talked their talk or generally displayed a Christ-like lifestyle throughout high school.

The nomination process is made during student youth group times at each of our six main high schools that have an official Bible study group (FCA, Youth for Christ, Young Life, etc.) Since it is student-led, the award is all the more special. Can you imagine what it must feel like when your classmates selects you as the one who walks their walk with the most integrity? Wow. This award is one of the highest honors anyone can receive. 

The students that are selected by their peers are awarded a medallion for graduation, a certificate of excellence and $100 towards their future plans. They are given the opportunity to share their future goals and give a testimony of how God has helped them through their high school years.

St. Johns County Christian Educators have sponsored this event for 19 years. Inspired by St. Johns County, the Osceola County Christian Educators network sponsored its 1st annual Honor the Grads in the 2015-2016 school year. 

Come out and support these fine young adults as they enter their future with hopes and dreams. If you are interested in donating or serving at this event, please contact Karen C. Seddon at kseddon@ceai.org
















As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,
K



PS. Don’t forget to spread the word about the 1:16PM Prayer Movement and Around the Word in 180 Days:
      Go to www.one16pray.com  and www.aw180days.com for more information.
      Visit,  "like", and add comments the 1:16PM Facebook page and the Around the World in 180 days Facebook page.
      Sign up for text message prayer prompts from Remind 101 
      Follow us on Twitter for the prayer prompts @one16pray


May God bless you with success His way this 2017-2018 school year.

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. 

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Teacher Appreciation Day - 2018





In the middle of Teacher Appreciation Week, please know that you are loved all year long. We count it a gift to be able to remind teachers and the ones who love them to celebrate this great profession. May you be blessed by:

Encourage

You are a blessing to so many children of all ages, all races, all beliefs, all shapes and sizes. It's incredible how many lives we really touch. If you actually try to count the children whose lives have been impacted by you by the end of your teaching career, it's impossible. It's so touching when a previous student meets you at a store or restaurant and tells you how much they loved your class. Isn't it amazing how many names are forgotten? They remember how we treated them more than they remember what we taught them. Be a blessing to the children today.


Equip
Going to God's word each day reminds us of what is important and how much help we need as teachers to be an educator of excellence. 

Ps. 143:10 - Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground

Empower





Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You dear Father for the children You have placed in our care. Help them to be listeners today and to yearn for new knowledge. Help them to be open to new ideas and to be curious. Thank You for creating each and everyone of the children who come to our rooms today. It's a miracle how You made each and every one of them unique. Lord, help us to see them as You see them and to treasure these last few weeks with them. Erase any negative influence we may have had on them and forgive us for our failure to always be good to them. Show us how to finish strong and be a teacher of excellence inYour way with Your power. We love you. Amen.


As always, I am prayerfully yours,
K


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

PS. Don’t forget to spread the word about the 1:16PM Prayer Movement and Around the Word in 180 Days:
      Go to www.one16pray.com  and www.aw180days.com for more information.
      Visit,  "like", and add comments the 1:16PM Facebook page and the Around the World in 180 days Facebook page.
      Sign up for text message prayer prompts from Remind  

May God bless you with success His way this 2017-2018 school year.



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. 

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Honor the Grads - St. Johns County 2018

St. John's Honor the Grad picture album

The 20th annual Honor The Grads ceremony in St. Johns County, FL was held Monday evening, April 30, 2018. This prestigious award, sponsored by Christian Educators Assoc. in St. Johns County, had become one of the most important events of the year in the lives of these students. Can you imagine being chosen by your peers as an example of integrity and living out your faith throughout high school? A common surprise to most of the graduates was that they has no idea that this award was "really a thing!"


The format of the program is beautifully simple. The family and friends of the award winners are lead in a few praise songs and then the graduates are given the opportunity to share a favorite verse, tell about their future plans and give a testimony.  It never ceases to amaze us how the students can so boldly and passionately share their love of the Lord and their desire to serve. Each and every graduate even thanked the others for shining their light.



Some of the comments shared by the graduates this year include:
  • I'm looking for crazy Christians at college who share my passion.
  • There is no love like Jesus's love for us.
  • Listen to the song, "Impossible" from Cinderella and know that all things are possible through Him alone.
  • Being ridiculed for your faith is not the worse thing that could happen, denying it would be the worst thing.
  • Blessed to have a God Who doesn't hold me sins against me.
  • He's a 24/7 God and never in a hurry.
  • He left the 99 and came and found the 1 - me!
  • See others as Jesus sees them.
  • Be set apart.
  • It's all about a good God and advancing His kingdom.
  • You teach much more by how you live your life.
  • Playing tennis in college will be my platform for the Lord.
  • God's never ending love puts joy in my life.
  • Be someone that someone is grateful for. (advice from her dad)
  • GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense.
  • I use my faith to smile and count my blessings.
  • I am a vessel of His love; conduits of His authority.
Future plans include:
  • Southeastern University and Celebration College for worship ministry
  • University of Central Florida for physical therapy
  • University of Mobile for nursing and someday missions
  • University of North Florida for music and technology production
  • University of North Florida 
  • University of Georgia for fashion merchandizing 
  • University of Georgia for speech pathology
  • Flagler College
  • Still deciding between Florida State and University of Florida
  • St. Johns River State College
  • Defiance College and will play football.


After the student testimonies, the families and supporters gather around for a time of prayer from all who feel led. All were then invited for a time of fellowship and snacks.





The 2018 Honor the Grads awardees are:

Bartram Trail High School

Britni Hodge
Alexsus McCray

Creekside High School

Issac Unkefer
Shelby Wright

Allen D. Nease High School

Angela Ayoub
Jacqui Orellana

Pedro Menendez High School

Madison Hobbs
Grant Kayworth

Ponte Vedra High School

Anna Grace Pahlow
Sarah Waters

St. Augustine High School

Sophie Allert
Holly Dixon

St. John's Technical High School

Thomas Adkison









Congratulations to all the graduates and their families.


As always, I am
Prayerfully yours,
K



PS. Don’t forget to spread the word about the 1:16PM Prayer Movement and Around the Word in 180 Days:
      Go to www.one16pray.com  and www.aw180days.com for more information.
      Visit,  "like", and add comments the 1:16PM Facebook page and the Around the World in 180 days Facebook page.
      Sign up for text message prayer prompts from Remind 101 
      Follow us on Twitter for the prayer prompts @one16pray


May God bless you with success His way this 2017-2018 school year.

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.