Day 31 - Intentional Goodness for the Classroom

There will be only one post on this second weekend in Lent as we count down the days of intentional goodness towards Easter. It is my hope that you focus on your goodness 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 goodness 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 blessing 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 goodness 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 goodness towards our own family. Have a restful weekend in Him.

 Day 32

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

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 (CEAI) 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.  

Day 32 - Intentional Goodness in the Classroom

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 blessing 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 goodness 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 goodness can do.

A focus of reflection

About a month 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.

Day 34

(School wide intentional goodness at Piqua Jr. High)

As always, I am
Prayerfully dependent,

K

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

Day 33 - Intentional Goodness in the Classroom

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

Day 34

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

As always, I am
Prayerfully dependent,

K

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

Day 34 - Intentional Goodness in the Classroom

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 blessing 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.

Day 35

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

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.