Teaching Tools: Black History Month

Hannah’s Prayer

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

First Grade Teacher Cuts off Student’s Braid

When I initially saw the following story I was sure it had to be hoax.  After I did a little research I was able to view the original report from Milwaukee ABC affiliate WISN.  Needless to say I was appalled.  I have a seven year old daughter and I am sure that she would have been extremely upset about an incident like this.

I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that the child’s identity has been revealed but, the teacher’s identity has not.  The news outlet made it a point to outline that teacher stress has gone up, which implies that this child stressed the teacher out.  My concern as a parent would be that my child would be labeled.  Would subsequent teachers lack patience with my child because she “stressed” this other teacher out?  Additionally, does teacher stress justify this behavior?  The little girl told Milwaukee’s News12 that the teacher called her over to the desk, said that she was going to give her candy, then cut the braid and threw it in the trash while the entire class watched and laughed. Lamya went back to her desk in tears. She says that the teacher asked her, “‘Now what you gonna go home and say to your momma?,’” to which she sensibly replied, “‘That you cut off my hair,’” according to News12.

Although the local school district would not comment on the specifics of the case, an apology was given.

The News12 report says that the District Attorney has decided not to press charges, but police did issue a $175 fine for Disorderly Conduct.

So, what would you do if this happened to your child?

Just a Reminder for all the Mothers

According to Titus 2:5 it is important that a young woman keep her home. She is “to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to [her] husband, so that no one will malign the Word of God.”  Unfortunately, our society has taken this out of context and we have placed more importance on keeping up appearances than anything else.  I ran across this great poem today that was a refreshing reminder of what my most important role in my home is…raising my children. Too many days are spent focusing on the aesthetics and not on the tasks that have true value, real merit and will place an indelible mark on the future.

I Took His Hand and Followed
Mrs. Roy L. Peifer

My dishes went unwashed today,I didn’t make the bed,

I took his hand and followed Where his eager footsteps led.

Oh yes, we went adventuring, My little son and I…

Exploring all the great outdoors Beneath the summer sky

We waded in a crystal stream,We wandered through a wood…

My kitchen wasn’t swept today, But life was gay and good.

We found a cool, sun-dappled glade, And now my small son knows

How Mother Bunny hides her nest, Where jack-in-the-pulpit grows.

We watched a robin feed her young, We climbed a sunlit hill…

Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky, We plucked a daffodil.

That my house was neglected, That I didn’t brush the stairs,

In twenty years, no one on earth, Will know, or even care.

But that I’ve helped my little boy, To noble manhood grow,

In twenty years, the whole wide world, May look and see and know.

Although it appears that the author of the poem was referring to educating her son in general, Christian mothers (which should really be all mothers) have the added responsibility of raising our children in God-centered homes.  A mother’s faithful instruction multiplies to bless others as her children grow into mature servants of God. 2 Tim. 1:5

2 Timothy 1:5 (ASV)
⁵ having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.

Be blessed…

Godly Girls Invest in a Good Girdle

Godly Girls Invest in a Good Girdle
By Valerie Ralston

How many times have you read Proverbs 31 and wondered, “How can I possibly be this woman?” Well I have good news for you! The Bible is like a mirror, as you look into it, and start appropriating what it is reflecting back to you, you begin to resemble more and more what the Word says you are! In light of this, I want to share with you one of the “reflections” God has shown me.

Proverbs 31:17 (Amplified Bible) says, “She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.”

While reading Proverbs 31 countless times, I continually found myself feeling like this verse was a speed-bump. I would be reading along, but would come to verse 17 and feel like God was trying to get me to slow down and hang out on this verse for a while. The word “girds” captivated me and I knew the Holy Spirit wanted to reveal something to me. The word gird means: to enclose, to surround, to equip, to clothe. It’s where we get the word girdle. It means to invest, which is to furnish w/power, privilege & authority! Honey, when you get your girdle on, you are furnishing or clothing yourself with God’s power, privilege and authority!!!

As I read this verse, God directed me to something I had not paid much attention to before. It says, “She girds herself.” So who does the girding? The godly woman that is being described. You see, it’s my job to gird myself! It’s not someone else’s job to gird me! It’s not my pastor’s job to gird me! And guess what?! It’s not even God’s job to gird me! It’s my job! Have you ever tried to put on a girdle? Let me tell you it takes some effort! Now imagine trying to put it on one of your sisters! I don’t think so! You know, there are just some things you have to do for yourself! I love that God did not make us robots, obeying pre-programmed commands, but instead, as a loving Father calls us to a loving relationship based on us choosing Him.

In the Amplified Bible, the strength she girds herself with is described as 3-fold, it says “spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task”. She doesn’t neglect any of these areas because she understands that all 3 have a part in her fulfilling everything that God has for her.

Listen to this definition of gird: to prepare oneself for action. She prepares herself for action so she will be ready for God’s use!

She prepares physically she strengthens her body why? Well it’s not only so she can be looking and feeling good, although that is a benefit of physical fitness. No, her 1st reason for physical fitness is to be strong for her God-given task. You know it’s going to take some physical strength and stamina to fulfill God’s assignment for you.

She prepares mentally strengthening her mind. She understands learning doesn’t end with graduation! We should constantly be growing & learning as long as we have breath.

She prepares spiritually how? Here are 2 ways: first, getting God’s Word in you, and speaking that Word out; and second, developing a daily prayer time, praying in the spirit and in your understanding.

Girls, one of the best investments we will ever make is in a good girdle! Only you can make that investment, nobody else can do that for you. Let me encourage you that whatever the cost of investment of your time, your talent, your heart to your Creator will have eternal benefits for both you, and everyone God wants your life to touch. So come on girlfriend! Get your girdle on!

Valerie Ralston’s more than 16 years of ministry, teaching, & living out the principles established in God’s Word enable her to teach with passion, humor & conviction. Her message is straightforward, extremely real, & will inspire you to be the one of a kind original God intends for you to be.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

Raising them Right…

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4

As believers our first ministry is to our family.  We are to consistently live and teach the gospel to our children.  These gifts are our responsibility and none of us should want to get caught with our work undone.   I was so very moved when I watched the video below.  It shares the testimony of a young man, named Brady, that came to Christ during a bout with brain cancer and how it built his faith as well as his parents’.

Keeping Up Appearances

The doorbell rings and your heart flutters.  “I’m not expecting any company today,” you think to yourself.  You look around at the toys on the floor, the laundry basket in the corner and other miscellaneous items scattered around the room in frustration.  As you approach the door you attempt to gather yourself and put on your best face.  “Oh, good afternoon sister.  What a pleasant surprise.  Come on in.” you say as gleefully as possible.  Then, it happens–the apologies and excuses begin.  Please excuse our untidiness today,we got a late start; these kids never pick up after themselves; it’s laundry day, just to name a few.

It’s no different when you get a call and someone requests to stop by, the anxiety still exists.  But why?  What has given us the notion that we all have to be Martha Stewart or B. Smith with Style?  What has given us the notion that we should appear to be prepared to entertain like Martha or B. Smith at a moments notice?  I like things to be aesthetically pleasing so, I recently wrestled in this area and became extremely frustrated.

We struggle in the area of hospitality.   After a few conversations lately, I realize that I’m not the only one. My house is lived in.   I have two young daughters, that love to play,  Although we have systems set into place, sometimes something just doesn’t get put away and I have to learn to be okay with that. Why should I feel rushed to make someone think that our family doesn’t live in our home? Should I wait until I’m ready to be featured in Better Homes and Gardens or In Style Homes to open our home to company?  That can’t be true.

Remember, if you will,  the commercial when the woman convinces her family that their dessert “takes time” as she relaxes while reading a novel.  She then, hurriedly splatters her face and clothes with flour and bursts from the kitchen with the Rice Krispy Treats as if she slaved over them.  It is easy to want everyone to remember all the work we put into our centerpieces and how we slaved over a meal. That’s our flesh just doing what it does.  It should be more important to us that our guest are comfortable than how impressed they are with us.  Hospitality begins in our hearts.  We can forgo fancy feasts and lavish decorations and open our hearts when we open our homes.

Our culture has caused us to be consumed with keeping up appearances.  We have confused the true meaning of Biblical hospitality.  It is not about living in the right neighborhood or having the “right house”.  It’s about serving others and not about others praising us for doing so.  Jesus often crossed economic, cultural and social divides in order to be hospitable to others, even though he wasn’t in his own home.

Being hospitable may not always be convenient or comfortable.  As a child, my parents opened up our three bedroom home all the time.  Often, to people that they had just met. My mom and her sisters would get together and prepare meals and there would always be more than enough. My parents would lend their vehicles to people while other saints questioned their actions.   I did not understand why I had to crash on the couch or why we were down to one vehicle then but, now I understand what they felt compelled to do.  They had to show the love of Christ.  The following scriptures highlight the importance of the hospitality of believers:

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.  Romans 12:13 (NLT)

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!  Hebrews 13:2 (NLT)

Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him). 1 Peter 4:9 (Amplified)

After meditating on these scriptures I feel at peace with our lived in abode.  I thank God that we always have a place for someone to rest their head, something to satisfy their hunger and word of prayer. I thank God that those unexpected visits might have been preordained.  No more concern with keeping up appearances.

On every level of life from housework to the heights of prayer, in all judgement and all efforts to get things done, hurry and impatience are the sure marks of an amateur.   Evelyn Underhill

The Benefits of Eating Together

The Family Who Eats Together Stays Together

– By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietician

Come and get it!” It may be dinnertime, but when was the last time your family sat down and enjoyed a mealtogether? With music lessons, ball practice, play rehearsal, and work schedules, it can be tough. Rounding up the troops for an evening meal can be almost impossible! However, research is beginning to show that eating as a family has great benefits for your children and teenagers. Here are 8 more reasons why you should try to sit down together 5-6 times a week, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Reason #1: Communication and Well-Being
Conversations during the meal provide opportunities for the family to bond, plan, connect, and learn from one another. It’s a chance to share information and news of the day, as well as give extra attention to your children and teens. Family meals foster warmth, security and love, as well as feelings of belonging. It can be a unifying experience for all.  

 

A Prayer for Fathers

by Joan Costner

Father in Heaven,
Today we pray for father’s. First, for old fathers. Some living alone, some in rest homes, some who have had children, but have outlived them, some, who are longing for some word of reconciliation – some indication of love.
Then, Lord, we pray for the brand new fathers, who have just looked into those innocent eyes of the newborn. Who dream of all they will do, all the protecting they will provide for the tiny soul that sleeps in their arms.
Father, then we would remember the wise fathers who have, with great determination, sought the way You told us to go, planting the seeds, building the faith “line upon line, precept upon precept” until they have seen the fruit, the harvest of their diligence, pay off.
And, Father, we would not forget the foolish fathers, who discovered late, that nothing is worth more than a child’s love and devotion. That selfish motives of wanting our own way cannot compare to being willing to lay our desires aside for the good of our family. Teach them, Father, in time.
And we want to pray for father who can overlook faults (remembering their own)
and forgive mistakes (for we made a few) without a big fuss.
Also for those who can’t forgive and overlook. Help them see the bridge they construct is the one they also must pass over.
Today we would remember the many, many fathers separated from their children by service for our country, by divorce, by illness, by pride. Oh, Father, these may need strength more than any. Help them we pray.
We pray for those struggling with fatherhood because they had no model. Help them find the way to be the good father that they never had.
Father, for those who have had the blessing of a good and righteous and self sacrificing father, who never rebelled but became comrades with their father, we ask additional blessings…for this is their day.
And we thank You, for the women who stand in the wings of their lives cheering them on when the going is rough.
But most of all, Father, we just thank and praise You, our Heavenly Father, for
ALWAYS being there, for never sleeping, for never being tired of our pettiness, for never being too busy with games or too involved with wars, to answer our prayers,
to touch and heal, to save our souls. You never go away…and if anyone lacks a father You will be that to them. You never move away…You never turn out the lights of home.
Thank You, Father, thank You, thank You…Our Father, Who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil….for Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory….forever!!
Amen.

©© 2005 by Joan Clifton Costner
Under His Wings Heavenly Poetry
Joan is a Heavenly Inspirations Author.
This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact,
for non-profit ministering purposes.

Princess and the Frog

Finally, we have the full trailer for Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, which features their first African-American princess!  Sure, they gave us the Shana and Thes Proud Family with Penny Proud to pacify us but, she was not a princess.  So, I’m sure many of you share the same sentiments that I did when I initially began to hear rumors that they were finally going to have a princess my daughters could relate to.  I pondered the many storylines the rumors reported.  Some of them made me angry and other made me laugh at how trivial many people believe African-American culture is.  Nevertheless, right now I plan to support this film because I would like to see more like it.

Disney estimates they will make a ton of revenue from the Tiana dolls, manufactured by Mattel.  They are hoping she will help carry them through tough times.  In addition, Mattel has plans to launch their first complete line of African-American dolls.  The So in Style Dolls will launch in the fall, just in time for the holiday shopping season.  Reportedly, the line differs from its previous releases of African-American toys.  The new line is set to have more realistic features like fuller lips, different noses, and complexions, etc.

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