"I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1
When the alarm went off at 3:45 a.m. last Sunday morning, various emotions immediately awoke with me. In my thoughts, excitement was battling with nervousness, as anxiety competed to overtake both of them while I prepared to walk in the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon for Team World Vision.
“We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace God gave us.” Romans 12:6
Have you ever tried to pack everything a college student will need for ten months into one van? If you have ever moved a child to college, especially to a school a significant distance away, you realize that you only have one opportunity to take a majority of personal belongings that are necessary for living independently throughout three seasons of the year.
St. Matthew Institutes Faith Families
"A new commandment I give you, that you love one another." John 13:34
"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand." John 10:27 & 28
Do you have any television shows that just seem to captivate your attention to the point that you eagerly await for the next episode? I have just a few shows that elevate my interest to this level. Although I am very excited about the return of "American Ninja Warrior", I was very eager to watch last Monday's opening premier of "The Voice".
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Last week, as I was greeting students at the doors wearing my new knee brace, one of our sweet grandpas quietly inquired, "So I take it you won't be competing on this season's "Dancing With The Stars?" After a good laugh and confirmation that his hypothesis was indeed correct, he then inquired, "So what happened?"
And thus, my story began….
"Back to School" BMX Bike Show this Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
For the past few days, our little neighbor boy has been outside learning how to ride his bike without training wheels. However, what started as a mom/son project has evolved into a neighborhood bonding experience as we all have become invested in Drew’s success by shouting out words of encouragement, cheers, and applause.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but has eternal life.” John 3:1
Would you consider yourself proficient at the game of chess? My children have always been fascinated with this game, but I have to admit that they did not acquire their skills or understanding of chess from me! So it was really helpful when a friend of ours, who is a pastor, shared his chess story with us!
"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepare in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
For those of us who work at St. Matthew over the summer, everyone tends to comment that the building is way too quiet! However, this building immediately becomes alive again as soon as all of the students return; you can just feel the excitement resonate throughout the hallways!
"A new command I give you: Love one another!" John 13:34
Each year, it is the responsibility of the current sixth grade class to select the theme for the upcoming school year. After much intense debate and deliberation, last year's sixth graders selected "Love is Everything We Need" as our "battle cry" for the 2022/2023 school year.
As I spent time this past weekend reflecting upon the 2022/2023 school year, I was reminded of these precious memories that occurred and provided our students with numerous opportunities to share God's love with others:
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6