"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
We discussed the scripture and talked about how sometimes everyone feels like they don't measure up. Perhaps feeling like the slowest kid in gym class, or the kid who's just not quite smart enough or funny enough. When these thoughts and feelings come, it is so important to know how God sees us. That He made us with great care, in His image, and He calls us His children and His friend. That each of us is made with tremendous gifts and for a purpose.
After discussion, each student took the time to write something complimentary and encouraging to each of his/her classmates. I compiled each student's compliments into a little booklet, and will have those for students tomorrow. It is my hope and prayer that students will feel encouraged and lifted up by their classmates, and that students will always remember just how far words of affirmation go. Every day, but especially on a bad day, a kind word can breathe hope into our lives.
With the 1st and 2nd grade class, we also read Jamie Lee Curtis' I'm Gonna Like Me.
In addition to sharing words of affirmation with classmates, students also submitted prayers for Joplin, to be permanently displayed as part of the Hope Memorial. Please take a few minutes to read about this amazing work of art, and share this album with your children. I didn't have access to the internet in class the other day, and many of the students were very interested in see just what the Hope Memorial is.
There are still a few students in 3rd-8th grades who are not yet finished with their silly story, so they will use their journaling time to work on them as we move on to our next project - an essay. Students will be writing essays, based on the following scripture:
Ages 7-10: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”—Romans 12:15
Ages 11-14: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”—Romans 12:12
This assignment in based on this essay contest; however, it will be up to each family to submit the essay, should you choose to do so. I'm excited about this writing project!
