Friday, October 30, 2015

Good Good Father

I was sitting at my desk working on a few things related to the Transforming Churches Network prescriptions we have been working through in the church. As a part of this process, we have been meeting with community leaders to hear their perspectives on strengths of our community, vision for the next 5, 10, 15 years, challenges still facing our local neighborhood, and ways that we can build relationships to strengthen the place we all call home here in Saginaw.

And no matter if it was a local business leader, city official, or coordinator for a local non-profit organization, a common theme kept surfacing and that was the idea of family. There has been an increase in the breakdown of family units which definitely has an impact on our community.

Then this song came on and I thought about what a gift it is to be God's daughter..to be a part of His family. He is a perfect Father and we are LOVED by HIM. He reminded me through this song that no matter what circumstances we face here on earth, HE is our father. He provides for our needs. He listens to our problems. He answers our prayers. He gives us strength and encouragement. He is everything we need. He is the father to the fatherless.

I couldn't help but think how families would be strengthened with God as the foundation...if He was seen as Father....Good Good Father!!

Join me this week in praying for our community, our neighborhood, our families.









Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Broken Vessels

I love when old hymns like Amazing Grace are weaved into new songs. The first verse of this song reminds us that because of the great sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we are set free. The chains that bind us make us broken vessels, but because of HIS amazing grace He raises the broken back to life.

I want to be a vessel in which the world can see Jesus through me. Because of this, I have to offer up my heart and ask him for grace and mercy daily. I have to ask for forgiveness and seek His truth constantly. He takes our weaknesses and our failures and put His treasures in jars of clay because He loves us so much. Amazing grace how the sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.

Are you as thankful for this amazing gift as I am?

2 Timothy 2:21 says "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."


Broken

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Differentiated Instruction-What is it? Why does it matter?

On Friday, our teachers attended a NWEA Measures of Academic Progress professional development training to learn about reading student test results and deciphering what the reports mean for informing instruction.

The data generated from the MAP tests in Reading, Math, and Language Arts will allow teachers to see exactly where a student's optimum learning opportunities are and adjust instruction accordingly. There is a plethora of information available, so it was important to learn where to find the resources needed to meet our students right where they are in their learning. 

Differentiated instruction is defined as "a process to approach teaching and learning for students of differing abilities in the same class. The intent is to maximize each student's growth and individual success by meeting each student where he or she is . . . rather than expecting students to modify themselves for the curriculum. (Hall, 2002)."

There are many ways to address differentiation in the classroom to include innovative classroom management, varied instructional approaches, student engagement strategies, grouping students according to specific skill sets, and teaching to the students Zone of Proximal Development. Remember the post about productive struggle? 

We are going to be looking at some really effective ways to implement differentiated instruction at Bethlehem and I am excited about the possibilities. 

Ou goal for each and every student = Success! Can't wait to see the results!!

Reminders

Reminder there is no school on Thursday or Friday of this week as our teachers will be attending a professional development conference. Please pray for safe travels for the team. See you on Monday, October 26th.

Trunk or Treat will be this Saturday in the church parking lot starting at 4:00 p.m. The Steel Drum Band will be performing!! Come out for a fun night of fellowship!

The end of the quarter is quickly approaching. Please be sure that you check with your child's teacher if you have any concerns regarding current grades or progress. Conference invitations will be sent home next week.




Thursday, October 15, 2015

If I Told You My Story...

If I told you my story, you would undoubtedly see Jesus is my foundation. I shared this song with the staff at devotions today, and I am so energized by the words. I am 100% confident that when I share my story, Jesus is the truth, hope, resilience, joy, and peace. My story would not be what it is today if it were not for Him.

Someone told me the other day that the silence (waiting to hear from God) can be deafening, and I am here to say that it doesn't need to be. Reading scriptures, praying, worshipping, and doing daily devotions is a way to seek out His voice. But I also believe that sharing our stories about how God moves in our lives is a way to break the silence and really see the majestic works of Him in our daily lives.

He is always intimately weaving things together in our lives. Think about that, there is no better artist, creator, writer, sculptor, or author.

The Bible tells us:

Jeremiah 29:11-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 hope and a a future. 

Romans 8:28-And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

So even in the silence, He is at work in our lives. He is writing our story. 

Is Jesus the foundation of your story? Are you ready to share it with someone today?



My Story
Big Daddy Weave

If I told you my story
You would hear hope that wouldn't let go
If I told you my story
You would hear love that never gave up
If I told you my story
You would hear life but it wasn't mine

If I should speak then let it be

Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
To tell you my story is to tell of Him

If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
If told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
If I told you my story
You would hear life overcome the grave

If I should speak then let it be

This is my story this is my song praising my Savior all the day long























Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Upcoming Events



Please join us on October 14th at Buffalo Wild Wings for our family fundraiser. Last year we earned over $600 from our Bethlehem Supporters. We are looking to exceed that this year!! So come on out for some great food, fun, and fellowship! Tell all of your family and friends about it! Flyers are in the school office or they can be found on the school website www.bethlehemsaginaw.org.

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