Monday, February 26, 2018

Day 11 - 40 Days of Intentional Joy



Day 11

For many testing season is upon us. Our students need our intentional joy in great measure more than normal. To prepare for the state’s standardized tests, let focus on being the encourager.

A verse to ponder

Mark 10:27 – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

An intentional joy for the classroom 

Some children get very nervous before standardized tests. Today, you are the encourager, the cheerleader, the coach, and the one who gives the pep talk before the big game. Go out of your way to truly reassure the students in your sphere of influence that they are well prepared and success on any test is now just like playing the big game. Have fun, be creative and be purposeful in your admonition.

A focus of reflection

I love today’s verse because it is actually the state motto of Ohio! Have you prayed for your students’ success on the standardized tests? Before you leave your classroom or school today and before you begin the tests, walk around your room and then sit in some of the students’ desks and ask God to give them the ability to succeed. “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”


 from Day 10
(My children's children a few years ago)
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. 

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Saturday, February 24, 2018

Day 10 - 40 Days of Intentional Joy




Day 10

 There are not Lenten days counted for Sundays.


There will be only one post on this second weekend in Lent as we count down the days of intentional joy to the Resurrection of our Lord . It is my hope that you focus on your blessing at home, specifically on the children in your home or a relative’s home. One of the most powerful things my grandmom demonstrated to me was the joy of intentionally providing for her children’s children.

A verse to ponder

Prov. 13:22 – A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children….


An intentional joy for the classroom 

Have you thought about your children’s children and what kind of world they will be growing up in? As adults, it is our responsibility to pass on something to them. Today, identify a specific child or children to whom you want to begin a little inheritance for. It may be establishing family stories to pass on, it may be a share or two of stock that will grow over time, or it may even be the beginning of college savings. Today’s intentional act of kindness is to begin a plan of joy for our children’s children.

A focus of reflection

My grandmom purchased 3 shares of Standard Oil stock for each of her 13 grandchildren in the 60’s. I have never touched mine and now have 264 shares of Exxon-Mobil stock. She understood the children’s children concept. God’s principles are always in our best interest. My hope is that today is the day we can begin planning or tweaking our intentional joy towards our own family. Have a restful weekend in Him.


from Day 9
(Classroom poster. Making them feel safe is half the battle.)



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. 
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Friday, February 23, 2018

Day 9 - 40 Day of Intentional Joy




Day 9


Do your students feel safe in your classroom? Does everyone feel safe in your school? Is there a way to create a safe environment in the classroom? It’s not an easy concept, but critical to learning. One of the most important things we can do as educators is to help our students feel secure.

A verse to ponder

Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures,

He leads me besides the still waters,
He restores my soul.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;
    
My cup runs over.
Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me

All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

An intentional joy for the classroom 

If we step back a bit and seek to find one who feels the least secure, it probably won’t be that hard. Show intentional joy to one who is nervous, upset or who brings the baggage of home to school each day.  Purposely use kind words of reassurance, “Have I ever told you have glad I am that you are in my class?” or “Do you know how much I look forward to seeing you each day?” This practice is good for the giver and receiver, particularly if it is intentional towards one who doesn’t deserve it. Try it to see what a blessing can do.

A focus of reflection

A few years ago, I completed the Fruit of the Spirit related to the classroom and the one I wrote about Goodness in the Classroom encouraged me to read the verse from today aloud. As you reflect on Psalm 23, isn’t it amazing how safe God makes us feel.  Let’s pray for His wisdom to create a safe and secure environment for our students and colleagues and give Him thanks.


from Day 8
(School wide intentional goodness at Piqua Jr. High)

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. 
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Thursday, February 22, 2018

Day 8 - 40 Day of Intentional Joy




Day 8


Being influential, proactive and creative through intentional goodness is the perfect mix. Let’s give our students the opportunity to do good things in their own way. I spent a few days at Piqua Jr. High where their Character of the Month initiative was exemplary and had to share what they are using – Generation On.

A verse to ponder

Ps. 1 - Blessed is the one
 who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither -whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff
that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

An intentional joy for the classroom 

Think big today. Consider influencing your whole class or school. Many schools around the nation teach character education to help the students learn the ways of joy. An excellent website to encourage making a difference is Generation On. Encourage your students to click on the Teens or Kids section and embrace a possible project of their own. Take the time today to consider influencing others to be intentionally good to each other.

A focus of reflection

Can you teach joy in your school? Is it legal? Of course! Every school community needs a little more joy and when it comes from within, it’s powerful.  When it comes from the students, it’s much more meaningful.


from Day 7
(I make peace with the Lord in prayer at sunrise any chance I can get.)

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. 
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Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Day 7 - 40 Days of Intentional Joy




Day 7


We return to the Beatitudes today for peace. What child doesn’t yearn for world peace? Why is it so illusive? As children of God, we are to be the peacemakers.

A verse to ponder

Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

An intentional joy for the classroom 

If there is anyone in your classroom or school building that you have ever offended, today is your chance to make amends. Intentionally speak kind words to someone whose feelings you may have hurt. It’s a hard thing to do, but taking the high road makes peace. Sometimes it can be a simple as breaking the ice with, “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings,” or opening the door of conversation that has been on hold for whatever reason.  Be an intentional peacemaker today.

A focus of reflection

Can you be a peacemaker in the classroom? Is it legal? Of course! I love how profound Matt. 5:9 really is. The blessing of being a peacemaker is that we will be called children of God, yet when we are children of God we need to be peacemakers. What a privilege to be His ambassadors.


from Day 6
(Don't you just love middle school smiles?)


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. 
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Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Day 6 - 40 Days of Intentional Joy



Day 6


God’s Word is living and active. It gives us encouragement, hope and lessons for daily instruction. I listen to Alistair Begg often and he demonstrates that by preaching whole books of the Bible he can hit on every one of life’s issues. It’s amazing. Today let’s be intentional with our face.

A verse to ponder

Numbers 6:24-26 – The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.


An intentional joy for the classroom 
Just as God shines His face upon us today it will be our turn. Use your smile today on purpose. Be conscious of your facial expressions and intentionally send smiles today.  You will be amazed at the power of shining our face upon someone else.  At the same time, notice the smiles of others and comment on their smile. “Nice smile.” “You’re always smiling.” Your smile made my day.” 

A focus of reflection
Have you thought about how gracious God has been to us as educators? He gives us creative ideas, strength to be patient when we are not, the desire to learn and this high calling. Thank God today that He made you an educator and how much He shines His face upon us.



Day 5
(I was unable to see any students on President's Day, but it's never too late to encourage them to be anyone they want to be! ")

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. 



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