Happy Monday, Siestas! I’ve missed you! I have a long to-do list for today, and one of the most important things on it is “Blog!”
We had an amazing time in Wyoming. I have so much to say about it and a hundred pictures to share, but something else is pressing on my heart right now.
Back to School Day varies from district to district, but today’s the big day around these parts. I can’t get my sweet teacher friends off my mind. And don’t even get me started about our dear co-worker, Jenn, who sent her firstborn to kindergarten this morning. Weren’t we all crowded together in her hospital room holding that sweet baby boy just yesterday? Don’t think I haven’t imagined what this day will be like for me just two years from now.
I would love it if we could pray for all of our school teachers who are returning or preparing to return to the classroom. If you are a teacher, please chime in and let us know how we can pray for you. If you are a homeschooling parent or a college professor, please let us hear from you, too!
And, in honor of our Jenn and Nathan, I’d love it if we could also pray for our kiddos who are starting the year at new schools. Mamas, let’s not mention school names, but do let us know if your son or daughter is entering a new school environment and could use some prayer.
Oh, I just can’t stand the thought of leaving anyone out! If your student needs prayer for any other reason, I want us to pray for them, too.
Lord, thank You for the men and women who dedicate their lives to educating children. I ask You to bless them with strength, joy, favor with students and parents, and a strong sense of purpose. Make them fruitful in every way. Give them wisdom, creativity, patience, insight, and endurance. Give them Your supernatural love for each student, so much so that those kids go home each day with a keen sense of being loved by You. Use these teachers to make an eternal difference in the lives of their students. I pray that their families will have an easy and peaceful transition into the school year.
I also pray for all of our students, particularly those who are entering new schools this year. Father, please give them courage, peace, and joy. Let them make friends easily and connect well with their teachers. Let them find their security in You, Lord. Please sharpen their minds and help them learn. Build godly character in them. Use our Christ-following sons and daughters to draw others to You. Help them let go of what others think and to love the unlovely. Help them obey You even when it’s really hard. Father, for our sons and daughters who have not yet made decisions to follow You, let this be the year. Let them see their need of You and surrender their precious lives to You.
Thank You in advance for the work You’re going to do in our teachers and students’ lives this year, Lord. I pray all of these things in the strong and mighty name of Jesus. Amen!
Thank you for the prayers!!! I teach at a small Christian School for kids with Learning Disabilities(21 kids). I pray that not only we make an eternal difference in their lives but that we may have discernment and sound judgement in teaching them. That we build there flattened self esteem and that each will make supernatural progress this year. Also we are praying for financial help for a scholarship for a special child. Pray that God will speak confirmation to the person(s) heart that is generously considering a donation. Again thank you all for your prayers. We are desperate for them!!!
Thank you so much for the needed prayers. I am a school teacher and I pray for my co-workers and students daily. I also pray for my son, who is a senior this year. I pray that he follows the right road, and that he finds the right college for his needs. Also, for my baby girl, who is a
5th grader this year! Thank you Father in Heaven for your many blessings.
Thank You!!
A Blessed Bayou Girl
I'm a homeschoolin' mommy. 🙂 This is our fourth year, but this year is a little different. Our oldest (6th grade) is attending what I call a hybrid homeschool. She attends class 2 days a week for instruction and then works from home 2 days. Both girls go on Friday for electives. We're in week 2 and so far it has been great! However, I'm just a little nervous about the whole middle school thing. 🙂
Praying for all our students!
Blessings,
steph
Please pray for my first born going off to college in two weeks. My prayer is that he would be courageous, live above the influence and find Jesus to be the most enticing thing on campus.
I am a teacher in Alabama. Thank you so much for that prayer! Don't forget about teachers and students throughout the year. We need constant prayer, not just at the beginning of the year.
I am a teacher in Alabama. Thank you so much for that prayer! Don't forget about teachers and students throughout the year. We need constant prayer, not just at the beginning of the year.
Next monday I send my first born to all day kindergarten. I am excied and anxious for him. He tends to be nervous about new situations (like his mama no doubt) and so we are praying that he feels confident, makes good friends with ease, that he loves his teacher and that he will be in a classroom that nurtures and excitment about learning. We are also praying that I would really have wisdom about where and how to be involved in his school. Thanks for all the prayers, for all our sweet kiddos.
I am a teacher in NJ. I don't go back until next week, but was touched by your prayer for all of us, students and teachers! Thank you! I am forwarding it to all my teacher friends! 🙂
My husband, Joe is a teacher and football coach headed back for another year in his high school room.
Our oldest, Matt is going to 4th grade, a new school.
Our second son – 2nd grade.
Youngest son – entering kindergarten and will rise the bus for the first time next Monday.
Where di this summer go? Where did this season of my life as a stay at home mom to three precious boys go?
I cry out as Moses did: "Lord teach me to number my days aright that I may gain a heart of wisdom."
Love, Jennifer
A new year for us and a new beginning….
We had issues with our 10 year old being bullied last year in school. It went on quite awhile before we even knew about it. After a ton of prayer and counseling, we decided to move him to a private school. A new school, new teachers, new kids…..I am praying he has a good year with a much needed boost in his confidence. It is absolutely heart and gut wrenching to watch your child go through something like that.
Our 8 year old is staying put where he was so I am spending a ton of time in my car driving between schools that are far apart…..guess I need to beef up on my CD collection!!
My baby starts kindergarten on Wednesday! (How is that possible?) My 7 year old starts second grade, and I love his teacher already. My teenager is looking for his first job and taking AP classes, and will really have a full plate this year. (He is now a junior. EEK!!!)
Please pray for us all: teachers, parents, kids, assistants, and bosses who have to cope with crying mommies who just sent their babies to big school!!
Honestly, I was very sad to send my youngest to kindergarten this year, but I am not any longer. No, it's not because he has been a stinker lately (he kind of has). I have a friend who just lost her 3 year old in a tragic accident. Unimaginable pain. I will be able to pick my kids up from school and hug them. She doesn't get that pleasure. It breaks my heart. Please pray for her. Not for me.
Beth, I have your message about wrestling our way to a new identity on my heart for her and her husband so heavily. It is what has helped me deal with the pain of this loss, and I am praying on the family's behalf for the victory that comes with a new name. Rev. 2:17 Thank you for that message.
beth-our eldest daughter is a senior…our son in 10th.
our other daughter is attending 7th grade. the first time in public school. she turns 13 this fall beth and she is a young lady who loves the Lord and His Word. these three know they are on a mission field. they bless our socks off!
We praise the Lord for our Christian Principal and his family in our public school may the Lord continue to be glorified!
this one maybe keith can pray for too…
our youngest 11yrs is still home schooled this year. my prayer is for his attention…right now he is running in the dune grass with cut apple. he just saw the twin deer both have spikes and he needs a closer look! how can a mom compete with that?
and for me…i need to be focused on Him, what He wills, and be the wife, mom & home school mom He wants me to be-my mom has brain cancer and…life is not the same.
Lovin life in Him…it's all good it's just hard-lisa
Sunny and warm at the beach.
My dear, dear children both need prayer. One is 17, one is 15. They lost their dear, dear sister last year (one year ago tomorrow). Both are struggling in their own ways. One is still deep in denial. The other, already suffering from clinical depression and anxiety responded by immersing himself in drugs and alcohol (he is doing much better and continues to recover by God's grace). They so need prayer, they so need God (and do not see this right now). Thank you so much for your prayers ladies. I love you all.
Four kids…four schools this year. Only two new schools. One now in high school. Second full week and husband leaves tomorrow for a week long mission trip. This Mama request some prayer!
Thanks!
Sallie
Please pray for my husband and our family. This past spring with budget cuts and the bad economy he was laid off from his teaching job. So he is a teacher that is searching! This school year will be rough for us financially as he will be subbing in the area schools but we trust that God is a faithful God and will provide for us like he has always done.
Thanks!
Please pray for my four year old son who is entering his second year of preschool. Last year he had so much anxiety he hardly spoke to his teachers or the other children ALL YEAR. He is starting at a new school and I have done everything I can think of to prepare him,(visited the classroom several times, met his teacher, etc.) and now I pray that the peace that surpasses all understanding will fill him and push out every ounce of anxiety.
Oh thank you for the prayers ladies! I am a fifth grade teacher in Massachusetts. I am 50, but just a fourth year teacher! Please pray for me to continue to learn and grow as a new teacher! Help me to meet their individual needs Lord! I love my job and could not be happier with my career change…the children bless ME everyday. It is an honor to be part of their lives…and I am so, so blessed with wonderful colleagues. And many are Christian too! Woot-woot! Our principal jokes that we have the holiest building in the school system! :))
Praying for my sons as they start back to school. Travis will be a senior in college this year. Last year he struggled and had to write a letter to get back into school for this fall. I am praying that he makes better choices this year, as far as studying and choosing friends and activities that will be a positive influence on him and that he will be successful and finish college. Jake is going into 9th grade and is very excited about school starting. I pray that he continues to be motivated to do his best and make wise choices as far as friends go. My youngest Ryan will be in 6th grade. He is in a wheelchair and is very shy, school has always been a struggle for him. I pray that this year will be a good year for him and that he will make some good friends and enjoy school this year!
Prayers for Little Blessings Christian Preschool in French Lick, IN. I will have 12 little ones (one being my own little man) that need to feel the love of Jesus and see Him through me! Thanks! Glad you are back Beth, we have missed you! Will be in Salem IN on Friday watching the simulcast!
I teach sixth grade "up north" in the D/FW area. I can't tell you how it made me feel to get home at 6 tonight, turn on my computer, and read the prayers for students and teachers alike. Thank you for your heart(s), Amanda and all of you at LPM! I am so encouraged!
I teach sixth grade "up north" in the D/FW area. I can't tell you how it made me feel to get home at 6 tonight, turn on my computer, and read the prayers for students and teachers alike. Thank you for your heart(s), Amanda and all of you at LPM! I am so encouraged!
Thank you sweet Siesta Mama!!! I begin homeschooling my babies on Monday the 31st, so I so appreciate the prayers!
(Cant wait to see you via Simulcast this weekend!)
Please pray for my friend and I who teach in a public school in Florida. We have made Phil 2:14-15 our verse to focus on for the year. may we shine on a dark world this year. Thank you!
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe."
Thank you for praying for us. So many friends at church yesterday were telling me that they'd be praying for me today as we started back to school & it meant so much. Teaching truly is a ministry opportunity. For some of my students, I may be the only Jesus follower they ever meet. That weighs on my greatly. Thank you.
Oh, and we'd also love some prayers after Spring Break when we're struggling to make it to summer. 😉
I'm a college professor and would appreciate prayers for wisdom. I'm back in the college classroom after a couple of years absence and need the wisdom and skill to rise to the occasion. I have two developmental writing classes this semester that I am particularly anxious about – I so want the students to master a subject that they are not particularly good at.
Pray for our Christian college students who will be faced with so many worldly distractions while they are at school. They need eyes fixed firmly on Jesus and on the goal they have set out to reach.
Anne
Caleb is my son, he started kindergarten today. He loved it. I'm a SAHM and know I will miss him but know also that God will help us adjust to our new routine.
My oldest just started her first year of college. Not only did she move away from home but we did as well. My husband was called to a new ministry in May. Now my oldest daughter and I are 11 hours apart.
Also remember my youngest daughter who will be starting a new school due to our ministry move. She will be in the 11th grade.
Thanks!
God is GOOD! I just arrived home from my son's open house. He begins 7th grade tomorrow. My heart was so heavy watching him this evening. I asked the Lord to help me pray for him. I came home, opened this blog and YES LORD may our children find their security, their identity and their hope in You alone. I am so overwhelmed by God's unfailing love tonight. Are you kidding me – reaching out to this Mom through a blog??? Our God is BIG! Who ever said God doesn't use technology?
I am a speech pathologist (part of special education). My husband is a middle school teacher. Our oldest starts high school tomorrow.
Pray for me: wisdom and discernment to help children who are challenged with learning. To accept that I cannot "fix" these children or their home environments. To show the love of Jesus in my words and actions each day to the children, their parents, and the other teachers.
Thank you. It means a lot to know that someone is praying for me.
Nancy D.
Missouri
What a great post to read this afternoon as I'm mourning the loss of summer and having to report back to work tomorrow!
Please pray for me as I make the transition from 4th Grade Teacher to Librarian…that this new position would be a blessing to all-my daughter, husband, co-workers and the multiple students I will be working with! Thanks!
Thank you for this… Today was my first full day teaching 5th grade at a Bilengual Christian school in Honduras. It's an extremely challenging job, and this encouragement is much appreciated. 🙂
As a kindergarten teacher, I am so grateful for your prayers. I would also appreciate prayers for my own two children–a senior in high school and one entering law school. May all three of us glorify God right where He has placed us this year. Thank you!
I'm sending my first born off to COLLEGE this week and I'm an emotional wreck. Please pray for him as he starts this new journey: that he stays close to the Lord, he makes good choices, that transition is smooth. I'm teary as I even ask for prayer for him – being his mom is what I've done for the past 18 years, it's been my job and now it's all changing. I'm so thrilled for him BUT change is hard and letting go is even harder. Just lift him up and all the other college bound kids this fall.
Thanks
Thank you so much for the prayers! I am an elementary teacher who has been staying at home with my son. I am a single mom now, and this is my first year back in the classroom in five years, and my 4 1/2 year olds first year in pre-k, and first year away from me all day. Please pray for us as we adjust. Thank you so much! I am so honored that you would think of us – but isn't our God just like that!
Jillian
My 6 year old is starting Kindergarten and my 3 year old is starting pre-school… my heart is aching… please pray for a wonderful experience for both of them and a peaceful experience for me…
Just what I needed today. Although my children are in 2nd and 5th grades, they both started new schools today. Thank you so much for your prayer.
I start my first day of my senior year of college tomorrow!! Praise the Lord!! This has been a long time coming! I am 26 years old…I started college at 18 yrs old, but had a difficult time transitioning + other mess in my life, which made for bad grades and a few years of wandering and figuring out who the heck I was and where I fit and how the world worked. Praise the Lord, I figured out my identity was in Christ Jesus after all that mess(even though my dad's in the ministry and I had been saved since 10 and had heard about Jesus forever) and God began using this time of struggling to bring me to Him and show me a greater purpose in life then just to get a degree and "be successful". So after a few years of balancing work and school, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I finally feel I have victory in something. YAY! 🙂
Anywho you can specifically pray that in His time, God will show me where He would have me after next May!! I will have an middle grades education degree, BUT I love working in the church, and have a heart for missions…so…just seeing what doors will be opened!
Also, pray for the Appalachian State University students who dont know the Lord!! THank you (sorry so long!) -Jami
My son Spencer started kindergarten today, and my daughter Anna started Pre-K. I am a college professor and our first day of class was today as well. We appreciate all the prayers.
Please pray for me as I start my first semester at an online university and as philosophy major in a couple of weeks. Please pray that God will give me the discipline needed for an online university and that He will give me wisdom and help me to see His truth through any lies I may be exposed to. So far, He has done so many things to keep me securely in His arms and I am entering the new school year trusting that He will continue to do so as long as I continue to seek Him. Thank you and God bless!
I'm so blessed to have 4 precious kiddos, 3 of whom were to start school today. Unfortunately 3 of the 4 and I myself have come down with the flu ("most likely swine flu", says the doctor). So I'm praying for quick healing for all of us, and that God will protect anyone with whom we've shared our germs.
God, there are so many things we can't protect our babies from. Please place your hedge of protection around them as they enter a new school year and are exposed to "viruses" of every kind. May they grow in wisdom, stature and in favor with you and with others.
I am a preschool special education teacher. We reported to school on Aug. 6th and students began August 12-including my 4 year old daughter! I just found out that I am pregnant and will be delievering around the beginning of May-before school ends. Please pray for strength and energy as I teach with my students as well as a healthy pregnancy-we have lost a baby before…so I am a little nervous right now!
My son started year-round middle school (6th grade) in early July. The transition from elementary to middle has overall gone well, but he is having trouble staying focused and currently has an "F" in two subjects. For some reason, I feel guilty because if I was a better mom HE would be doing better….typical low self-esteem mom. Please pray for wisdom for me and his dad to know what to do to help him be the best he can be. He's our only child and I don't want to "mess him up". Thank you!
Praise His Name! From the east to the west. What a wonderful Father to answer such dire prayers. My son and daughter started Christian school for the first time today. After years and years of battling with our local public school district they are starting their day with the One and Only.
Thank you God!
My "baby" started as a new freshman at the University of Arkansas today.
Thank you!
I work at a private Christian university and would love the prayers, too. My role has me working with students in a variety of settings and the importance of the college years is never lost on me since I just came out of them myself.
We started school Aug. 5th. My daughter started middle school and my son started high school. So far, things are ok.
Also, today is my daughter's spiritual birthday. She is 5 in her spiritual walk. Please pray for her to desire more and more of Him.
Jill in KY
Please pray for my two sons. Neither of them has made a decision for Christ. The oldest became a driver 2 weeks ago, so it's difficult to let him go behind the wheel. The youngest has suffered from a chronic skin condition that has been flared up for over a year. Middle school is tough enough without added alterations to your outward appearance. Pray for decisions to follow Jesus as Savior, desire to learn academically and spiritually, and for healing for my youngest (without the constant use of strong medications). And pray as I minister as a school staff member. Thank you!
Yes, my son 6 yrs old new elementary and he came home today saying they were talking about fortune telling in reading class…wisdom to know how to handle it and teach him the word!
Please pray for my oldest, a senior this year. We have had an awesome summer of missions work and she is seeking God on where to attend college. She has a burning desire to be a teacher, so please pray for those future teacher. She is waiting to hear about an after-school job working with toddlers at our local fitness center. I can see God working in her in awesome ways and I want Him to become more real to her every day and for her to continue to grow into the woman He desires her to be! It is wonderful, yet very hard to watch her grow up and it all seems to be happening so quickly.
Beth, I know you have been where I am twice and I do appreciate your prayers.
Blessings to you and your ministry!
Chris
Canton, NC