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How Much Is In Your Tank?

by Principal Sue Palka | April 28, 2017

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

Have you ever experienced an issue with your car that only seemed to happen when you are driving it, but as soon as you take it to the dealership, the issue mysteriously disappears?

For the past few months, my car has developed an odd habit that only seems to occur when I am sitting in the driver's seat.  At least once every few days, while the car is in motion, the interior lights will suddenly turn on and the automatic driver's seat will unexpectedly move backwards.  At first, this was quite alarming as I found myself moving away from the steering wheel while the car was in motion!  When I have passengers that witness the unexpected chain of events, they are often startled as they watch me slowly move backwards as they are speaking to me. Sometimes, it is even comical to watch passengers' reactions as I try to nonchalantly act like nothing wrong is happening. However, what's frustrating is that every time my husband takes it to the dealership or a mechanic... it NEVER happens!

Want To Learn How To Trust God More? Dr. Micah Parker Visits St. Matthew this Sunday!

by Principal Sue Palka | April 24, 2017

"One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go!"

For years, this was the motivating cheer that my husband would use to encourage my young children to jump into his arms as he waited for them in the deep end of the swimming pool.  But what causes little ones to ignore the depth of the water and still leap into the air as well as their father's waiting arms?

The answer is... trust!

Children will jump into their parents' arms because they trust that they will catch them.

A SMASHING TALE OF FORGIVENESS!

by Principal Sue Palka | April 13, 2017

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

When I first became the principal of St. Matthew Lutheran School, the white H.O.M.E. next to the parking lot was designated as the "Teacherage", and it was always part of the compensation package offered to every St. Matthew principal.  This house offered a multitude of benefits and blessings to my family, such as being close to home when I worked, no traffic congestion to deal with during my walking commute across the parking lot, having an automatic wake-up call when the garbage was picked up at 5:30 a.m., and not having to worry about finding a parking spot for church on Sundays!  In addition, my children greatly benefited from the friendships and coaching of the four extremely athletic Pastor's sons that lived next door.  As a result, I have always attributed my boys' athletic skills to these early next-door mentors.

Paid In Full

by Principal Sue Palka | March 31, 2017

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16

Have you ever tried to convince yourself that you were not sick?  Despite your sore throat, runny nose, aching head, have you ever made a deal with yourself that if I'm not better in two days, then I'll go to the doctor?

After playing this game with myself for two weeks, I finally wove the white flag of surrender last Sunday and went to the Urgent Care.  After a few minutes of taking deep breaths and sticking my tongue out, it was determined that I had an upper respiratory infection. A few clicks on the computer sent three prescriptions to CVS and within fifteen minutes, this lengthy two week medical issue was on the path of resolution.

The Beauty of Holland

by Principal Sue Palka | March 23, 2017

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Nine years ago, I remember answering the phone and being greeted with the question... "Are you sitting down?  We just found out that we are having a baby girl and a baby boy!"  The ecstatic voice on the other end of the phone belonged to a dear family friend who we've watched grow from a little girl into a beautiful adult woman.  During her college years, she would spend the summer with us and she basically became another member of our family.  As a result, my young children would endearingly refer to her as "Kristen from the Basement", which would always generate a few puzzled looks from those who were unaware of the situation.

What An Incre-DI-ble Night!

by Principal Sue Palka | March 16, 2017

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:13
 
Last Saturday, 55 students from St. Matthew Lutheran School permeated that hallways of Waterford Mott High School to participate in the Destination Imagination Region One Tournament.  Wearing their "Do Something" themed shirts, each team was prepared to do something creative for Jesus! By the end of the day, every team did a fantastic job representing our school and our Savior.  Listed below are the results:

Exciting News!

by Principal Sue Palka | March 9, 2017

"Every good and perfect gift is from Heaven above."  James 1:7

It is with great joy that our second grade teacher, Mrs. Alicia Brown, would like to announce that the Lord is blessing her and her husband, Ryan,  with... A BABY!

We are so incredibly happy for Mr. and Mrs. Brown (and dog, Bo!) and share in their excitement!  This baby is such an incredible gift, and we so look forward to his/her arrival into our St. Matthew family!

Jesus Can Fix Anything!

by Principal Sue Palka | March 2, 2017

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."      John 3:16

If you think about some of your most treasured earthly possessions, what would they be?  Perhaps your list may include a family heirloom, a piece of jewelry from a grandparent, or a special handwritten letter?  For me, especially as my children entered into adulthood, my family photos are some of my most treasured earthly possessions.  There is a popular saying that states, "A picture is worth a thousand words," and I believe that photographers have an exceptional talent that allows them to capture treasured moments and precious memories for people. 

All School Open House with Solution Action Sports!

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

Fly into the 2017/2018 school year by attending our All School Open House on Friday, March 3, 2017!

All currently enrolled students, as well as all perspective students, are invited to attend this "EXTREME" Open House, where attendants will have the opportunity to visit their next year teacher and classroom, make a family art project, and eat a light dinner.  The evening will conclude with a BMX bike stunt show, performed by Solution Action Sports.

The "Key" To Staying Positive

by Principal Sue Palka | February 16, 2017

"For we know that in all things, God works for the good for those who love Him."       Romans 8:28

Have you ever made a decision that seemed to make perfect sense at the time, only to find out shortly afterwards that there were serious flaws in your logic?

Last Sunday, we had the opportunity to celebrate Ken's mom's 80th birthday! With a guest list of approximately 60 people, we decided to utilize a party venue that was close to her home in Howell, Michigan.
 
Minutes before my son and daughter-in-law left their condo in Plymouth, they decided to take Courtney's car.  However, my son determined that the house keys on her key chain made the set of keys too bulky to fit in the pockets of his new coat so he took them off the key chain and placed them on the kitchen counter.  Courtney immediately questioned his actions, but he reassured her that everything would be fine and off they went.

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