school Archives - Truths for Tots

Back to School and On Our Knees

Truthsfortots Uncategorized September 4, 2015September 4, 2015children, christian, parenting, school, scripture 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

School buses in the neighborhood means that school is back in full swing. Morning alarms are set for the new schedule. New books to study, new friends to meet, new teachers to greet, and children with a variety of emotions.

Some children look forward to the routine, meeting new friends, seeing old friends, learning new things, eating a school lunch or opening and eating a packed lunch. Other children want to keep playing outside, have no interest in a schedule particularly one that includes homework. Children approach the back to school time of year with a variety of emotions.

Preschool age or college age the child prepares for school in their own way.

Our youngest son made sure that his electronics were in order with the most current technology before he left for college. No need for thinking about clothing or toiletries it was all about the electronics. As I reflect on my daughter as she got ready for college she wanted to coordinate the dorm room decorating with her roommate. It was all about the design, color, and organization of the room. Our oldest son made sure that he had new strings on his guitar. I can still see him sitting on his bed tuning his guitar after restringing the instrument with clothing in piles at his feet a day before he left for his freshman year of college.

God has made each child with likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. As parents we need to watch with wisdom as our children grow. Sometimes a cheerleader is needed while at other times a listening ear and discerning spirit is required. It is good to know that our heavenly Father knows what we all need, parents included.

I think one reason God gives us children that are so different from one another and ourselves is so we will have to cling to Him for guidance. If not we can become prideful if all is going well (those rare moments are cherished) or we can become overwhelmed with inadequacy (which is often the case).

There are many books that are helpful in guiding us as we pray for our children. Shepherding the Child’s Heart and Praying the Scriptures for Your Children are two of my favorites.

The main thing about parenting is to remain on your knees. Parenting is a wonderful journey even though not always easy but, when we enlist our Heavenly Father to lead the way the journey is sweeter. We are can only see what is in front of us but God’s perspective is infinite and perfect.

No matter the age of your children you will always be their parent. Roles change but it is good to know that God is always for us and that we can talk with Him in prayer and study His Word that so richly leads us to truth.

Children, families, parents, backgrounds, environments, are all different yet God is the same and wants us to love and trust Him. With God on our side who can be against us?

This school year will present new challenges but we are not alone. I have a provided a “PRAYER” chart for parents and a prayer organizer to encourage you as you lift your child in prayer this year. PRAYER for parents as you raise your children

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Make This Year’s School Shoes Last a Lifetime

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog August 15, 2013August 15, 2013children, family, parenting, school, scripture 0 Comment

Daily Truth: Shoes “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” Ephesians 6:15

Father and Child's Feet

Baby steps then toddler steps and before you know it your child is grown. Each stage of growth means new shoes.

New shoes are almost always part of the items purchased for a new school year. This year while buying school supplies, clothing and shoes make it a special time and also go out to lunch after shopping.

Bring up the verse from Ephesians 6 about shoes. Discuss how shoes are important to protect feet. Discuss how different shoes are needed for various sports, gym class, and school. The correct type of shoe helps us to do our best.

In Ephesians 6:15 there are several words that may need explaination to the child. The word “shod” means to bind on. I grew up with horses so when I think of the word “shod” I think of nailing on a horse’s shoe. So “bind” would mean to tightly fasten to your feet. The word “preparation” means to be prepared. The word “gospel” means the good news of Jesus Christ. The word “peace” means the salvation we have through Jesus Christ. Sure there are other kinds of peace but true peace is only found in Jesus.

Help your child remember each day when he or she puts on those new shoes to also put on the shoes of peace from God’s Word.

The special shoes that God teaches us about in Ephesians 6 are just a part of the entire armor of God. To learn more about all of the armor of God read Ephesians 6:10-20.

God is so good to teach us His Word through things such as shoes in our every day life. Take advantage of “teachable moments” and bring God’s Word alive to your child.

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

A Season and a Time: It’s Time for School!

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog August 12, 2013children, family, school 2 Comments

Daily Truth: “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Well, It’s that time and season of year again. Another season of my little family’s life is approaching.

Yes, it’s that time again – school starts tomorrow.

Unlike the Staple’s commercial, in which the father is merrily wheeling the shopping cart up and down the aisle while throwing school supplies into his cart and the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” plays in the background – I don’t view this time of the year as “the most wonderful time of the year”. In fact, I am more like the kids following their dad around – head hung low.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love the school we send our kids too. Their teachers are fantastic. I know that they are being taught well both academically and spiritually.

It’s just that I love everything about summer!

I love the carefree of the summer days. I love the lack of a time schedule. But most of all I love spending all that time with my kids.

Once again I must make a confession. There were a few moments when I wondered if I would be able to make it through the summer. After all, one can only take so much fighting especially in the car. But overall, I love spending time with my kids.

Honestly, this has been a very full last week of summer. How much can one cram into 7 days.

– Two visits to the state fair

– A trip to the pool

– A trip to a local museum park

– A birthday celebration

– A trip to a favorite local restaurant

– A trip to another favorite local dine

– Trip to the Lego store

– Camp out at the house

– And then finish up with a 6th grade backyard back to school bash

And the list goes on.

So, here we are again. That time of year. Like I said, it’s another season in our lives.

My oldest is finishing up elementary school. Thus the time for starting things like sports practices has come. Now, mom will be attending as many games as possible with the siblings in tote wearing the school colors.

Now the time for all three of the siblings to be in school has come. My two middle ones will be sharing teachers and classroom. (Praying for those teachers!) The youngest starts his school time in preschool – part time. I’m not quite ready to let him go full time yet.

So, four back packs are ready to go. Two lunches packed. Three uniforms and one first day of school outfit pressed and ready to go.

Tomorrow, I will be one of those mom’s shedding tears as I see my kids off to school and realize that we are entering another passage of time.

Then I will join some other moms for breakfast, talk, laugh, and count my precious 3 1/2 hours until I have to get my two youngest from school.

I wonder how much I can get done in that short amount of time?

Until next Monday,

Rebekah