What's Different About Bethlehem?

When we talk about our school, we all say "There's something different about Bethlehem" and today I am going to tell you a very personal story about our school and my own daughter.

So here goes....you see, the science fair is coming up next week and my daughter who is in 4th grade has been struggling to find an idea that peeks her interest. And I am sure many of you can commiserate with me on this one...it looks a little something like this....

Me: Please work on finding a science fair project...

Her: I can't...

Me: Yes, you can, just go on the Internet and look there are a ton of projects....

Her: I can't find one...
Me: Let me help you...How about this one?
Her: No
Me: Well, what about this one?
Her: No

And the battle goes on and on...

I believe in teaching my children about natural consequences of not following through with personal responsibilities, so I informed her that she would have to do the work or receive whatever grade she got for choosing not to do it. She was okay with that. :)

However, I love school and understand the importance of the learning process and as her parent I do not want to see her fail, so I have been worrying about this.....

Today, I decided that I was going to talk to her teacher about it and let her know the impasse we had come to regarding the science fair project...and I did. I asked her teacher if she could speak with her about it and help motivate her just a bit to get some work done. I know that she loves my daughter and wants to see her succeed. We are a team!!

A few hours later, her teacher excitedly came to me and said, "You need to come and see what she made." When I walked into the classroom and they displayed a science fair question and demonstration I stood in awe. Her teacher and a classmate helped her find something she's excited about and willing to work on to get the project completed in time.

I didn't even know what to say, but as I walked down the hallway back to my office the only thing I could think of is...THIS is what's different about Bethlehem.

You see....we do life together. We count on each other. We support each other. We motivate each other. And my daughter's life has been changed as a result of amazing teachers who are not only her cheerleaders, but who love her as their own. We are a family!

THIS IS WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT BETHLEHEM! 

I'm telling you.....God continues to show up and show off here. 

If you are looking for a school home, please consider checking us out!!!

(This blog has been printed with my daughter's permission!!) 

Sinking Deep

Sometimes we come into seasons of hope and joy. We look around and can visibly see God's blessings in our life. And then there are times when we come into seasons where we need Him to be relentless in pursuing us so that we can be stirred by His amazing grace...A time when we need to do nothing but sink deep into His presence.

Seasons can be hard. But I am so thankful God provides a beautiful shelter from whatever it is we need to weather. He showers us with His love and just waits for us to make Him our everything, our one true desire.

I love that He is ever present because I can praise Him and rejoice in Him for the many blessings He gives me in one season, but without any doubt, I can cry out to Him and He will be there and He will be faithful in every way in the very next season. That's the beauty of who He is.

Sometimes the lion roars, but have no fear! God is bigger than the lion!! He is your safety and shelter from any and every storm.  And He deserves all of the glory!

Prayer: Lord God, most Heavenly Father, thank you for your protection and faithfulness. Thank you for always being ready for our cries, both in rejoice and in need. You know us so intimately and you know our needs so well. Help us to trust in You and Your goodness. We praise you for our blessings and seek you as our one desire, our everything. We love you Lord! Amen

Psalm 91: 1-13

 1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
    spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
    I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
    shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
    under them you’re perfectly safe;
    his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
    not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
    not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
    drop like flies right and left,
    no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
    watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
    the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
    harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
    to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
    their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
    and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

Please Spread the Word

"Are You Okay?"

This morning while I was on gym duty, I watched the following scenario unfold.....Two students were playing basketball and they were scrambling across the court when one of the students fell. Immediately the other student stopped, bent down, and said "Are you okay?"

I grinned as I watched this happen because this is what we are teaching our students. We are teaching them to stop and pay attention. We are teaching them to care about each other. We are teaching them to ask tough questions. And it was in that moment that this blog post came to my mind....

Are You Okay? 

It seems like such a simple question, but it can actually be a pretty tough one especially when you are not sure what the response is going to be.

We are all very busy in our lives, worrying about our own stuff, tending to our own needs, and as a result, we often overlook those around us who need a caring ear, a loving embrace, or a helping hand. Facial expressions, body language, short/curt answers are all signs that someone may not be okay and may need your love and support right in that moment. Do you take the time to stop and ask the question: Are you okay? Is there anything I can do for you?

I have a feeling that many of you do....that's why Bethlehem is the family it is....but I would encourage you to continue to be intentional in this area because I can see that our kids are getting it!!!

I John 4:19 "We love because He first loved us!"

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us and for sending Jesus to be the perfect leader and model of love here on Earth. I pray that you continue to fill our hearts with love, so that we can continue to be your hands and feet not only in our church and school, but also out in our community and across the world. Help us to ask the important question, "Are you okay?" to our brothers and sisters and give us the strength to walk through life together side by side offering whatever support is needed. Amen!