Whether I am a mom responsible for my children, or an administrator in charge of a school, or a teacher in charge of a classroom, I am always in charge of producing an effective learning environment. Osher et al. (n.d) suggests the three phases of creating safe and supportive schools are to assess and evaluate, engage and educate, and use good decision making and implementation for the programs (Osher, n.d). In order to create an environment of belonging and engagement, teachers need to add these elements of engagement. Students need to know it is their work, their ideas, their books, and their goals to set and make (Alber, 2017). When children or students are seen as important stakeholders, the teachers can be seen more as facilitators and the engagement can happen organically. Blooket, GimKits, and Bamboozle are three tools that can create this type of active engagement and raise student achievement.

     With any use of technology, there will always be advantages and challenges to using a resource or tool in the classroom. I went to my son’s high school open house last night and heard a teacher say, “We try not to let paper be a distraction to succeeding. The paper might get wet, the supplies might not be in class, or they might not be prepared so we make it really easy for the student to be able to succeed only using his or her iPad” (R. Aske, personal communication, September 2, 2022).  My love for paper and pen could be described in another whole article, and the importance of building responsibility beyond technology is a crucial piece that educators, parents, and communities need to take into consideration. Yet, what struck me about this teacher is that he wanted to make good use of the time in class. I appreciated that forethought and drive to not just allow students to do workbook page upon workbook page. Another one of my child’s teachers of a higher-level math class just handed them a workbook at the beginning of the year and just told the students to just let them know if they had questions and worked on his computer every day. 

     One of the most important ways to meet the needs of each student is to create an engaging system that has a support team to implement it (Lynch, 2019). When a teacher just gives workbooks or just uses class time to explain the assignment in ten minutes and allows the rest of class (which could be up to 60 minutes) for homework, there is no support system put into place. The teachers should be planning group projects, experiences to share, acting as a facilitator or adding a type of gaming element into the classroom for a more engaged instructional piece to the practice. Without this type of initiative, teachers are losing out on chances to create engaged learners and create a healthy school culture. 

     In contrast to the benefit of using technology to meet needs, the challenge of using technology tools is that one teacher may work by themselves rather than collaborating because the other teachers may not feel comfortable using the technology. Odden &Picus (2020) argue improving schools that combine teachers into collaborative groups who use data to improve instruction will raise student achievement (Odden, 2020). This data can come from these technology tools. Just like when teachers talk to each other, they grow in knowledge, when students talk together, they challenge each other, give multiple perspectives, and can encourage each other to be better learners. In this way, both teachers and students can hold each other accountable for creating a rigorous learning environment.  “So, then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (English Standard Version Bible, 2001, Romans 14:12).

     In order to create this healthy collaborative environment that will raise student learning, I will dive into the three top tools for student engagement focusing on what I call the three Cs of implementation of technology: connectivity, cost, and classroom design.

Click picture to go to site!

     Blooket  (pronounced blue-kit) is an interactive gaming system that creates an adventure that can be laden with treasure chests or a student can be a city planner that has to put “blooks” into the city to defend it from creatures. The connectivity is user friendly. This device will work well with both iPads and chrome books because it only uses an internet browser to log in. There is no special app needed to download from self-service, but can be easily logged into by students in kindergarten to adults. The cost to connect is free with no money needed to open up different games or templates for the activities. Lastly, this resource works well as both a whole group activity and as a small group activity for classroom design. It is student paced and yet also has competitive elements included to make the tasks more engaging to the students. I have done it both in class and online with students and it is engaging to all students from first grade to high school.

Click  picture to go to site!

     The next technology tool is GimKit. This activity is a gamification task that invites the user into being on a spaceship and having to choose who to vote off, similar to the game Among Us. The host can also choose to build a wall as a class and beat their own time. Connection is user friendly only needing to log in. As far as cost, it is free to play GimKit, and upgrades are only needed to unlock various other template designs for the games. The engaging classroom design of this tool is the fact that you can choose to have students collaborate or play against each other. The game can also be finished when a certain time is met or by voting people off. 

Click picture to go to site!

     Bamboozle is the last of the technology assets. This is a game similar to Jeopardy where you fill in the questions and the students answer questions for points. The connectivity is easy for even first graders to do as they only need to login and add a join code. The cost is free with upgrades coming with a paid subscription that allows for more bonus questions like adding more Bamboozle options such as giving points or doubling points to the students. The classroom design can be used in class or remotely. The engaging piece of the design is that the host or teacher can add videos or photos to show when the answer is right or add them directly to the questions to help the student to have a clue for the right answer.

You can try it out yourself! Or have your child!

     (This is one created to test your CVC words and a little something for my fellow Liberty Students!)

     Of the three, the most user friendly and engaging is Blooket.  This is a resource where not only is the content practiced, but in each design template, there is a problem-solving logic that one can use in order to get the most points. Setting up Blooket is easy as one, two, and three. First, the teacher will choose a question set or create one themselves. This allows for variety and differentiation. Next, the host will select a game mode. There are unique game modes to choose from as well as limited seasonal modes. Then, the teacher can host it on a large screen in the classroom or share the screen if one is hosting it with students who are not with you. The engagement will begin even as the instructions are being displayed. Be one of the first to try the newest game: Click to play HERE.

     The important part to know as you utilize Blooket is that while the student is engaged in learning, the teacher can get data at the end in how well the student did. It is more important to focus on the teaching aspect than what technology tool one will use. With these detailed reports of Blooket, teachers can understand how well their students did and identify areas where a child may need more practice. This aspect is important whatever technology tool one chooses to use. It allows an educational leader to dive deep to understand who the students are and what they really know. Teachers using data to make instructional decisions for all students will build a culture and climate where everyone feels comfortable (Schmidt, 2022). When people feel comfortable, they will build a healthy school culture. This healthy school culture encourages teachers and students to approach education from a more engaged and flexible perspective, expanding the curriculum based on specific assessments that highlight students’ progress throughout the year (Zimmerman, 2018).  

     The environment is an important part beyond the tools and tricks a teacher may use. If the surrounding atmosphere is calm and organized, the students will feel calm and ready to learn.  A heart at peace gives life to the body (English Standard Version Bible, Proverbs 14:30). This peace will envelop a community for better student learning. This peace will allow the educator to stay away from busy work workbooks, and build engaging activities using technology, while also continuing to grow as a community as the students involved feel like they belong to a place of intentional class activities and peace.

References

Alber, R. (2017, April 8). Intervention for failing students: What matters most? Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/what-matters-most-student-academic-intervention-rebecca-alber

English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://www.esv.org/Proverbs+14/

English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://www.esv.org/Romans+14/

Lynch, M. (2019, October 15). Types of classroom interventions. The Edvocate. https://www.theedadvocate.org/types-of-classroom-interventions/

Odden, A.R. & Picus, L. 0 (2020). School finance, a policy perspective (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill. ISBN: 9781259922312.

Osher, D., Kanter, E., La Hayne, S. Moroney, D., Money, J. & Nolan, E. (n.d). Trauma and culturally sensitive practices for guidance. file:///Users/aryg/Downloads/building-equitable-safe-supportive-schools.pdf

Schmidt, K. (2022, January 11). Top teacher: Naperville third grade teacher builds confident students with unique techniques. Daily Herald. https://www.dailyherald.com/entlife/20220111/top-teacher-naperville-third-grade-teacher-builds-confident-students-with-unique-techniques

Zimmerman, E. (2018, October 18). Data Driven Instruction: How Student Data Guides Formative Assessments. EdTech. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2018/10/data-driven-instruction-how-student-data-guides-formative-assessments-perfcon

These past few weeks, I have been thinking about my life and my future as some of us find ourselves doing on any type of vacation or break. I wondered if I am where I am supposed to be and if there is a next step I haven’t seen. An open door I am missing or a closed door I am trying to push. I thought about my writing and I have come to the realization that I not only write for a particular audience, I completely change my attitude, facial expressions, and word choice depending on my audience and while that is okay and expected to a point, I am tired of living in the land of the “should.” Now, while I actually think I coined that phrase, “Stop Shoulding on Me!” (merch coming soon), a few books are coming out about it and I think it is because it is finally sinking on that people are different and THAT IS OKAY!

But, back to Ted Lasso…If you have not seen the show, just know ahead of time that there may be a salty word or two or fourteen an episode. If that ain’t your thing, don’t watch it. I overlooked it for the beauty of this show. Being a literature teacher, I can appreciate the changing storylines and transforming characters and I could analyze what conflict really is at play in each scene - whether it is man vs. man or man vs. self in each one, and give you an essay about that.

Instead, I am going to tell you what it taught me:

1. You can celebrate even if you lose.

   Ted Lasso is a football coach who comes to London to coach soccer. Spoiler alert: The team Lasso coaches loses a game and they have a birthday party after the game for a player that is missing his home and family and it is a beautiful thing. Then one guy tries to ruin it all, but the point of it is, life is going to stink sometimes and you can either complain about it all over social media, yell at your kids, give your spouse the cold shoulder, or you can scream into a pillow and then dance. When this team chose to dance, that birthday boy felt celebrated and part of a team. Sometimes the more we focus on what is wrong, the more attention we are giving to our pain and the less power we feel to get healing or change.

2. Ask questions

   Another spoiler alert: In one of the best episodes, Lasso is playing darts with a guy who is the antagonist and he challenges Lasso to a dart match. Lasso agrees and the guy sneakily says, “Oh, I forgot I brought my own dart set!” demonstrating how good he is going to be. Lasso comes back with, ”Oh, I forgot I was left handed!” and using his left hand instead of his right which he had been using up to that point, whips the dart into the bullseye. And Lasso proceeds to tell the story about how important it is to ask questions. So, in life, ask the questions. Ask the hard questions. Ask the common questions. Don’t ignore someone when they say their day is “so-so.” Ask your kid about what coach said. Ask them to tell you more about where they are going instead of just “out.” Ask your friends how they are doing and then ask again how they are really doing. Find out more about others than talking about yourself.

3. Sometimes you have to let go of the dream.

   This doesn’t sound happy and it is in direct contradiction to a world that tells you to dream big and you can be anything you want anytime you want it. Lasso actually had to let go of a relationship that he wanted to work. A captain had to let go of his leadership title. In both cases, the choice was made for them, but it was how they were going to respond that created their character. You are not always going to get the dream you want or that perfect guy with the shiny ring. You are not always going to get that book deal or land the most fulfilling job. You may have to move in with you parents. You might have to go to your second choice college. And yet, Lasso teaches us that letting go is not giving up. It is realizing that whether it is timing, something better is in store, or just growth that needs to happen, letting go is not giving up. Sometimes letting go is the first step in finding what you want and who you really are meant to be.

These are just a few lessons for season one and I cannot wait for season two to come out. This is really just a snippet. I could go into the lessons of friendship, and consistency, and biscuits in the morning, but some you will have to find out for yourself. Watch it. Or don’t.

I won’t should on you like that.

 School starts soon. The pencils are sharpened and the folders are labeled. Some students will be walking in the front door with masks on. Some students will be sitting in their kitchen with the Zoom link clicked. All of them will want someone to be waiting for them. 

Last week, the Chicago Tribune published a commentary, “I will not know how to teach them” from a middle school teacher, Hillary Richards, concerned about in-person instruction in the era of the coronavirus.

Here is another perspective from me, a middle school language arts teacher in Arlington Heights: I will know how to teach my students, because I am their teacher. 

I have been preparing for my students all summer. I will teach them as I have every year since I began teaching: with a caring heart, a problem-solving mind, and a hope for the future found in each of my students. I have planned for this. I am not caught off guard. I am not confused. I will choose grace over grades and possibility over perfection. My philosophy of building community, teaching compassion, and engaging in creative learning experiences will remain the same.

The practical ways to care for and educate my students may look different, but that should happen every day as I am evaluating and engaging my students at their level. 

This year will have different procedures and routines. Students in school will sit further apart. They will not share their books and they will have their own calculators. Students at home will have their own calculators, too. They just may be stored on their dining room table instead of on the bookshelf by the flag. 

Each child had unique needs last year when I taught and this year is the same.  I will meet them where they are because each child is important. It doesn’t matter if they see me in person or in a square on a screen, I have the privilege to be part of their story. I will know how to teach them because I am their teacher…

Follow the link to Chicago Tribune to read the rest of the article.

During this crazy time, we need to remember God is in control whether we are teaching face to face or remote or a blend of both. We can do this!

Go easy.

At first, it was go easy on the strangers:

The ones you see in the store.

The ones taking a few extra minutes checking out.

The one who cut you off in the McDonalds’ drive through.

We never know what people are going though. They could have losses or stresses or questions or hurts. Those marking the anniversary of a death. Those in the middle of divorce. Those struggling with an anxious teenager. Those struggling with infertility. There are no labels. No neon lights that say, “I’m struggling today. Please, please, just be kind.”

So go easy.

Then, I felt this message as an encouragement to go easy on the ones closest to me:

The college daughter away from home questioning her major.

The high schooler wondering about his future and what college will be like.

The high schooler with the classes that are meant for college trying to succeed.

For the middle schooler trying to make his way growing and changing every day.

For my husband who wants to provide in every way and leads us well.

I think I know what is going on in their hearts, at work, and at school, but I don’t really. I don’t hear what they hear around them, what they see in the halls, or what they hear from themselves. Chore fights, independence struggles, and tough conversations…I need to go easy on them.

Those you tuck in at night, the ones who you text making sure they got back to school safely, those faces you kiss goodbye, the ones that never, ever, put the new toilet roll on…go easy on them.

And lastly, it is almost a whisper I hear, but I hear it all the same:

Go easy on yourself.

When I compare, when I struggle, when I wonder why I don’t have what she has or I don’t look like her. When I want more from myself and I do want I don’t want to do, God is not surprised.

He is not glaring at me, prodding me for more, wishing I was different, asking me to change for Him to love me because He loves me just as I am because I am His.

The Lord is good to everyone who trusts in him,
So it is best for us to wait in patience—to wait for him to save us—
And it is best to learn this patience in our youth.
(Lamentations 3:25-27)

So here is my new space on the web. It is a place where I hope you will find encouragement, resources for good, and a Hope that will last. Sharing the Grace that comes God, the Grace that sustains, and the good gift of His great love, this is a place where I want you to hear:

Go easy on yourself.

You are loved. You are welcome. You are beloved. And I am so glad you are here!

Do you remember that scene from the movie, Mr. Mom, when the dad is dropping off his kids at school and he is going through the drop off lane the wrong way?  Everyone is yelling, "You're doing it wrong!"

Do you ever feel like that? Like everyone is moving the right way - zipping down the freeway -  and you are heading down some dirt road that only the lost cows travel?

Or sometimes you feel like you aren't even moving at all, but just stuck on the same road, walking down the same path, working the same job, dealing with the same struggles, and focusing on the same hurt relationships?

One of the biggest things I have come to embrace these last few years (yes, years, it takes a long time to learn a lesson) is the power of perception.

Perception can be a thing that can fill you with a false sense of complacency or it can fill you with the beauty of hope.

C.S.Lewis describes this in The Magician's Nephew,  “What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.”

If I see myself stuck in the same place, dealing with the same sins or circumstances, I will continue to feel lost and anxious.

But if I instead see myself standing in the same place, but expectant because I know I am on the verge of change, or in the same circumstances, but also intaking all the God wants to teach me during this trial, I can be filled with the beauty of hope.

God never promised us the fast lane freeway. He never promised us a life free of doubt, hardship, or hurt.

But He did promise us He would be with us. And He did promise us He would transform us.

So what sort of person are you?

You are beloved.

You are chosen.

You are called.

You are His.

Sweet Friend, with Jesus standing with you, you are right where you are supposed to be - going the perfect way for what He has called you to do! Together, let's embrace the perception of hope and grace in our lives today!

Happy Friday!

What would normally start with an intentional time with God often ended up with me telling God my shopping list! I had great intentions, wanting to tell him how great he is.

But somehow, I often skipped to the part where I treated him like my own Santa Clause. I asked him for things, forgetting who he is and not caring if what I was asking for was really his will or not.

I added three simple changes to my prayer life and they have made a huge difference:

Please join me over at Unlocking the Bible to read more...

As much as I try to write more consistently, there are deadlines and proposals and lesson plans, and rounds of knockout to watch. Some of those have consequences if I don't do them...For example, if I don't do my lesson plans, the hands-on activity about David and Goliath might only consist of coloring a free printable rather than searching for the perfect stone outside and relating it to the way God searches for each of us and we are perfect because of what He did on the cross. Now, which one seems more fun to you?

And some of my choices may have personal consequences. For example, I need to do more with my children than just be a drill sergeant and check off what chores they did before they are allowed their electronics for today. I want to cheer for them when they make a basket from the middle of the lawn and show the appropriate surprise when they put Maddie, our Shih-poo, on the skateboard.

And yet, that is why I write...to take the ordinary and see how God weaves the message of His Son dying on the cross into every interaction we have. It is not just the dying, but the raising.

It is the hope after the hurt.
It is replacing the wonder for the worry.
It is the stepping out and seeking out.
It is the magic of the moment when the moment is ordinary, but also very extraordinary.

xo,

Angie

I was checking my Instagram feed during the day which I usually do not do as I find with teaching, I have little time for anything else.  But on this particular day, I had no school so I was swiping up to see all that every one else seemed to be doing.  I saw people who I wanted to be. I saw authors who were reaching thousands of readers. I saw teachers who were impacting thousands of lives. I saw moms who were making cute lunches. And I thought...Does what I do even matter? Does what I say even matter to any one?  And then, I checked my Facebook as I thought, "I might as well see even more people I want to be,"... I told you, it was a tough day...and I saw this:

I literally saw this 5 minutes after Satan was trying to make me question if what I do matters.  And I don't share this to point to me and what I wrote or did, I am sure even Haley could tell you the mistakes Mike and I made as we were youth leaders, but I am posting this to point to God...and that in His infinite grace, chose this day, this moment, for Haley to post and for me to read.

Mamas, what you do matters. The lunches you make, the hard bleachers you sit on day after day. Writers, the words you write matter, the articles, the posts, the books. Teachers, what you do matters, the lesson plans, the learning experiences, the grading, the decorating. Youth leaders, what you do matters.  The meetings, the retreats, the conversations, the Bible studies. Friends, the jobs you go to every day matters - the conference calls, the proposals, the lunch meetings, the lunch boxes you fill, each and every thing you do matters.

Need a little auditory reminder?  Listen to this as you work today...

{Ray Boltz} Thank you

Just know that today - You matter - and yet, although what you do matters,  it is not because of what you do, but WHO YOU BELONG TO that makes you who you are... You are a child of God! The One who would rather die than live without you created you for His works.

Philippians 1:6:

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

What can you do for His glory today?  It may seem small like sending a Facebook message, but our small is His big! Thanks Haley, for this reminder to me.

xoxo,

Angie

It is the last thing we can do when we have presents to buy, meals to prepare, and Christmas Concerts to attend. Including the concerts my students are attending, I have five in one week! As other teachers reading this know, all things Christmas are doubled with lessons to prepare and parties to plan. Add to that, my boys' games to go to, my daughter's college antics to follow, books to read, and words to write, this season is anything but still.

And yet, that is what God tells us to do.

Psalm 46:10 tells us to "Be still and know that I am God." 

So instead of just reminding myself, I wanted to remind about 100 women. I wanted to create a space where women could feel they were not alone.  Or maybe it was so I wouldn't feel alone in this time of year that can often bring about anxiety and comparing.

So, I got together with a friend and we started dreaming...and INSPIRE was born.

An annual Conference which gives space to eat, dream, hope, learn, and plan.  It is a space to encourage and challenge each other to do whatever we are doing...with excellence. And some pretty sweet swag bags! Thanks for all your help Mom and Dad and family - Get ready for next year!

This year we did CLUTTER FREE CHRISTMAS

We had an amazing worship team lead us...

Dr. Whitney gave us practical breathing strategies, goal setting tips, and reminded us that a little bit of planning goes a long way when you are with family.

I broke down the verse Luke 2:14 and was reminded that the God who moved the whole world so that Mary could be in Bethlehem with Baby Jesus is the same God who meets us in our messes. I gave Clutter Free Strategies, Christmas gifts to remember, and a challenge to actually enjoy this season. I even shared a few apps to make Christmas so much easier!

I also got to have the cutest registration help with my daughter, Leah, her friend, Hope, and my nieces, Greta and Linnea.

Now, it has been a while since I have written a post because I have been planning this conference.  With it being sold out,  Lord willing, we will have one every year! But I have also made my mind up to write a little bit more, leave my bed unmade a bit more (Okay, maybe that should be make my bed more...), and make this the Christmas that may not be perfect, but I will spend intentional moments just being still.

As a thank you to YOU for being a kindred friend in this messy, but beautiful thing we call life, I am giving you the link to that talk.  Well, not the actual talk, the snippets that were recorded may be available sometime, but I still have some good stuff here: printable verses, quotes, gift ideas, and the cutest Christmas emojis you can use on your Christmas cards this year!  All FREE. ALL FOR YOU!  As my gift to say you are not alone.  We are in this together! And let's do this Christmas with less stress and more focusing on the One who gave us the Greatest Gift - His Son - Grace to all who believe.

Just click on this for the free powerpoint filled with verse slides to print, actions to take to make your Christmas more focused, and quotes to encourage you to rest in God's Grace this season.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14hgF-IKDFOu57po9HpoXMQtP7EZZNc-G/view?usp=sharing

Merry Christmas!

xoxo,

Angie

How many times do we say the exact same thing. Nope, I got it. I can do that…oh, that?  Sure, sign me up. That is totally me. I don’t do easy.

FIRST STEP:

FIND OUT WHY YOU HAVE CLUTTER.

Why do we clutter our lives?

Some of us have cluttered lives because of busyness or wanting control. 

Oh, another activity? Yes! Let’s get involved. Oh, you want me to plan it?  Okay, sure!

Some of us have cluttered lives out of guilt.

So, at one point when I went back to work, I was actually every single of one of my children’s head room mom because I felt so guilty about working. It was crazy. I needed someone to tell me to stop.

STEP TWO:

STOP COMPARING

I have had Christmas victories and failures.

I could tell you the story of the Christmas I had all my friends over for a pajama and appetizer party and our whole house was decorated in the theme of the Night before Christmas and I could tell you the sweet story when my kids got a puppy in a box under the tree that put Hallmark commercials to shame, but I could also tell you the story of the year with the two foot tree on a table or the year we had only four ornaments on our tree.

STEP THREE:

STOP WITH THE GUILT

Let us not forget that it is the glory of ChristmasThe good news isn't Christmas Parties or events or decorationsThe good news is Christ!

it’s OK to not decorate every room of your house.  It’s okay if you want to decorate every room of the house. It’s OK to want to have some time out of the house. You don’t have to love baking cookies just because it is Christmas. I guess what I’m saying is, whatever kind of woman you want to be is OK. If you love your family and keep trying your best to bring glory to God - that’s all any of us can aim for. We need to stop letting other people, or Pinterest or your mother in law’s opinion affect how you want to spend your time at Christmas.

And yet, in Isaiah 41:10 God tells us to not to fear. He says,

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

In this verse, God gives us three reasons to not be afraid.

Remember That God Is With You

The first reason God gives us is this: God tells us, “I am with you.” When we are tempted to fear, we need to remember that God is with us. God promises us that he will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His Word also says that he will go with us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

We do not face our fears alone. God created us and he knows each specific fear we have. He created our inmost being and knit us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), which includes every tiny cell and every stitch of our personality. God says to his prophet in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.”

Because God created us, he not only knows our fears, but also the situations which may cause us fear. And yet, we know he never leaves us to face those fears alone if we have put our faith in Jesus Christ. We can take comfort in the fact that God is with us always. And “if God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31)?

Come on over to Unlocking the Bible where I share the other two reasons and you can join the community there.

We must recognize we are on holy ground even when we are in a car, at the dinner table, or walking the dog.

Once in a while, God allows me to see an answered prayer, when in a conversation, or in the testing of my child’s faith, I see them turn to God’s Word for answers. Occasionally he allows us to see the “A-ha” moments, the breakthroughs, the answered prayers, and the brokenness that brings transformation in the hearts of our children and ourselves.

But we know that God is always working. I have faith in the promise that God has started a good work in me and my children who profess faith in Christ, and he will “bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

Do you also desire to daily communicate the gospel to each of your children, wherever you are?

Here are three intentional habits to do so:

How to Intentionally Communicate the Gospel to Your Kids

1. Saturate them with the Word of God.

God tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

I drive my kids home from school almost every day. The short ride is a time where I can not only ask about the “highs” and “lows” of school, but also share Scripture with them. Here are some examples:

• When I talk to them about why there are four main types of clouds, I remind them that, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

• I can share God’s truth that although the day may bring unexpected bumps, God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6).

• When my children share the difficulties of living set apart for Christ, I can share that just as Abraham walked up the path to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22), we need to follow God’s commands — even when they go against what the crowd might be telling us to do.

These are opportunities to remind my kids of God’s command to not only be hearers of the Word but also doers — “to love him and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws, and his commands always”, knowing they will be blessed (Deuteronomy 11:1 NIV, Luke 11:28).

So read God’s Word to your kids — both encouraging verses, and those that show our sin and our need for forgiveness. Without knowing Scripture (the law) and the depth of our sin, they will not realize their need for the Savior (Romans 3:20).

Here are some practical ideas for how to do this:

• You can read Scripture to them at bedtime, dinnertime, or even in the morning. It can be a special time where they hear God’s Word even if they can read it on their own.

• You can write encouraging Bible verses on their mirror or pack a short verse in their lunch.

• You can talk about the message on Sunday after church, and talk about the passage used and how it applies to their lives.

2. Pray Scripture for them daily.

Like exercising, I need to pray for my kids more often than just when I feel like it. I need to do it daily, knowing that God commands us to pray and blesses us for it (Matthew 7:11).

There is power in intentional prayer. The Lord comes near to those who pray:

The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)

In Isaiah 55:11 God says that his Word “shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” So that is what I pray over my children — his Word. I pray for their awareness of their need for Jesus Christ, for his salvation from sin in their lives. I pray that they will daily die to themselves and take up their crosses for the glory of the Lord (Luke 9:23).

Let us not grow weary in praying for our children. Let us not grow faint, but every day put prayer into our schedules. Here are some practical suggestions for how to do this:

• Write specific prayers down for each child and then record your praises when God answers them!

• Pick specific verses for each child for the year. Pray that verse over him or her every day.

3. Bring them to church.

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us that going to church is not optional. It’s God’s command for us:

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

And yet, we need to also remember it’s not just the act of bringing our kids to church that is important, but also the attitude with which we bring them. I and my husband have the responsibility to communicate that church is a treasure — a privilege that we are able to enjoy every week. Noel Piper says,

The greatest stumbling block for children in worship is that their parents do not cherish the hour. Children can feel the difference between duty and delight. Therefore, the first and most important job of a parent is to fall in love with the worship of God. You can’t impart what you don’t possess. (desiringgod.com)

Reminders of Grace

Being intentional takes time, planning, and discipline, but in the end, this investment will not only bless our children, but us as well. As we recite God’s truth, pray his Word for our children, and bring them to church, we are reminding our children of the beautiful gift of amazing grace.

For Jesus Christ came to give us new life in himself. He is Lord over every moment of our lives. As we read his Word, we see how far we are from living as we ought because of our sin, and we realize we are in desperate need of his salvation. But we also grow in knowing our great Savior. For he came to free us from sin and give us real hope: the hope of living by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of a life in eternity with him.

Each day as we seek his help through prayer to live for him, and worship with his people, he sanctifies us. He works to deepen our faith in him and our love for him. God has instructed us to practice these habits and he promises by the Holy Spirit to continue to work in our children and in us.

Time spent pursuing these habits will be wisely used, no matter the quantity.

Article first printed on Unlocking the Bible.

But which is better? Missing out on serving in church and being part of a community, or serving my family by spending precious time with them? There always seem to be conflicting opportunities that demand our attention.

The book in the Bible called Nehemiah talks about how Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem. As I was preparing for a talk on prayer, I read through this book, and three of Nehemiah’s actions stood out as helpful to making decisions.

Be Prayerful

I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the King, “If it pleases the Lord and if your servant has found favor in your sight, let him send me to the city…” (Nehemiah 2: 4-5)

What God says needs to matter to us. Nehemiah went to God before he made any decisions; so I need to seek God’s counsel over my decisions, my husband’s, even my mother’s!

By reading the Bible and praying, we will grow in our knowledge of Jesus and what he’s asking of our families. He is not calling us to add more activities to our schedules, or keep up with the latest travel team. He is not asking us to serve at every church event. The longer I’m a parent, I more I realize it’s not the actual decision but what God teaches me through making the decision that grows my heart and keeps me close to him in prayer.

If prayer were easy, everyone would do it. But those who’ve tasted the intimacy of remaining close to God in prayer know there’s no better use of their time, and no greater impact they can make in God’s kingdom, than to be dependent on Christ Jesus through prayer.

Stay Focused

While rebuilding the wall, Nehemiah goes into great detail about how each group worked on the section right in front of them:

Meremoth son of Uriah and grandson of Hakkoz rebuilt another section of the wall extending from the door of Eliashib’s house to the end of the house. The next repairs were made by the priests from the surrounding region.  After them, Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the section across from their house, and Azariah son of Maaseiah and grandson of Ananiah repaired the section across from his house. Next was Binnui son of Henadad, who rebuilt another section of the wall from Azariah’s house to the angle and the corner. (Nehemiah 3:21-24)

God not only described who rebuilt the wall, but what specific part they were fixing. God is not only concerned about what his people are doing, but what specific job each is called to do. The builders were not concerned with anyone else’s work—they focused on what needed to be done without getting sidetracked.

In this world of perfectly Pinterest-themed parties for children and occupations that promise every benefit under the sun, it’s easy for me to compare. She looks like she is doing it all…how is the inside of her van is still spotless?  Why do her kids never seem to fight? Why does he make more money than me? Often, this constant comparing leads me to make decisions for the wrong reasons. I want to look good to other people.

But when I make decisions in light of what’s important to our family and what will bring glory to God, most decisions become clear.

2 Timothy 1:9 says,

He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began…

The clear message of the gospel never changes. God came down to save his children for a “holy calling,” and we are to devote ourselves to him.

Trust God

I am carrying on a great project and cannot come down. (Nehemiah 6:3)

Parenting is hard. Serving is hard. Working is hard. Relationships are hard; yet we are called to rely on God’s promises. And when we rely on those promises, he will be faithful and true:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Nehemiah did what God is commanding of us. He did not come down. When you must make those tough decisions, pray about it, make your decision, and then trust God to take care of it. Persevere and keep praying for your kids. Do you best at your job. Serve with your whole heart. Nehemiah had passion to do God’s work; God desires that same passion from us.

When Christians grasp what God did on the cross—that he took on our sin so that we might live with him in eternity and have abundant life—our gratitude drives our desire to bring him glory through our service. We use our days discerning his plans for us so we can make the best decisions and live out God’s beautiful calling, by the gift of the grace that saved us.

Whether it is a decision about serving or one about a new job you have to decide about taking, my prayer for us is that we can be prayerful, be focused, and trust in God for He has everything under control!

photocredit: highertimeseducation.com

Hey There! 

I taught a lesson on "juicy" words today.  Words like crisp, refreshing, steamy, and crinkled.  I told about how one word can change the whole idea of the phrase. From holding a hand to holding the newborn hand. A kiss goodbye holds more meaning when the word "final" is put before it. I want to apologize for the break I intended to take, but not to take for so long. Yet, in this break, I found not only one word, but many, many words.

I was writing words in different places - places on this thing called the internet to women behind screens - wishing I could just lean in and whisper to them that I am cheering for them. I was speaking words strung together to rooms of people looking for purpose and a connection and a hope that we are not alone.  We are all doing the best we can with these wonderful and crazy different breaths of gifts we have to give back to the King. I was writing words that are on soft, cream colored pages with covers that make me smile.

I wish I could sit across from you and tell you all about the decisions being made over here.  Big decisions like what college Leah is going to in the fall to the little ones like which dress I decided to wear to Easter service. Actually, it wasn't a dress, it was a tunic blouse from Altar'D State and it may just be the flowiest thing I have ever owned!  If you want to be twinsies..check it out here.

But among the words, I found a renewed desire for the Word.  And for how reaching out to a community - reaching out when you are afraid, and reaching out for a higher purpose than today - can bring fresh Hope through the gospel.

I am seeing how hospitality opens doors to share God's Word is ways I could never have imagined.  You can read more here about that.

So, I am opening my doors a bit more to my home and a lot more to this little space.  There are going to be some changes coming.  Some big and some little.  Some I can tell you right now (I am revamping my blog.) and some I can't (I am not sure of all of them) quite yet!

I am also opening up my heart to share more of the nitty-gritty which I would sometimes rather keep hidden, but is crucial in building community.

Because when you come to my house, you step into my nitty-gritty. You will most likely step over a pile of laundry and I will brush a few crumbs off the island. Sometimes it isn't until you have to wipe away the crumbs do you get to see the purpose in the meal. But even if there are dirty dishes in the sink when you visit, I promise I will have fresh, ripe, juicy strawberries and I will always share. Well, unless they are chocolate-covered, because then, all bets are off.

So glad you are here - and me, too - fully immersed into this space again. And because I love giving gifts, in the next few weeks, I am going to be giving some awesome freebies! I can't wait!

xoxo,

Angie

A lot of firsts, a few lasts, and definitely some dreams being built!

I am stepping out in faith - trusting He will guide the exciting things that are coming this Fall!

Soon, I am getting a new look for this space - a place that I pray continues to welcome people into a community where every little moment matters.  And we can celebrate life, love, and the beautiful way God wraps us up in His gospel of Grace!

There is also this little thing called...

INSPIRE -A Gathering to Encourage, Equip, and Empower Women to Embrace their lives with Purpose and Joy -

coming this Fall and you are all invited!!  It was a little dream that God kept bringing up and now it is finally here and the whole team is so excited!!  More details to come, but so you can mark your calendars:

INSPIRE IS COMING ON NOVEMBER 11, 2017!!

So I will be taking some time to update, plan, dive deep into summer with my tribe, prepare, eat shrimp on the beach, pray, read, create, and get ready for one of the greatest things I have had the privilege to embrace - connecting with other women on this journey of living transformed lives!

Thank you for the grace of irregular posting!  Come on over to Facebook and Instagram where I will be connecting more over the summer!

SO looking forward to this year with y'all!!

And

xoxo,

Angie

Welcome to Freedom Friday!

We are learning how to trade life-draining obligations into an invitation to find more freedom, purpose, and joy!

And to make it even more fun. . .

This is my first attempt at vlogging.

That is a video blog. Or in my case, my hubby taking a video while my daughter and my niece are behind him trying to make me laugh!

First of all, WELCOME if you are coming from the Susie Larson Online Your Sacred Yes Book Study emails!

Haven't those videos been so good?!

And if you are a regular reader or subscriber who is thinking..."What?! A blog post!" you must run, not walk, to sign up for this amazing online study!

Just click right here:

YOUR SACRED YES ONLINE BOOK STUDY

I will wait...............

Okay, now also, if you have not bought the book yet, you will have to quick pop over to Barnes and Noble to buy the book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fKPLdXKMbQ&feature=youtu.be