Relaxation, reflections and reading are all how I try to celebrate the Sabbath. I am trying to whittle down to no electronics on that day as well. For me, reading online translates into time spent meandering sites; unfocused, uninspired reads; and blogging attempts 😎. I would like to slide into Monday renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated. I have a plethora of books to indulge and plenty of paper to write on. My ultimate earthly favorite sabbath would be to be RV’ing the Blue Ridges Mountains somewhere. Just sitting at a site and sharing a bible study with complete strangers. Until then, my backyard will have to do.
My reflections today are upon the riots in Charlottesville, the issue of religion in schools in Canada and upon the apostle Paul (Acts 21 -yep riots were in times of antiquities as well) and our 4th grade discussion in Sunday school this morning. Sometimes there is so much going on in my mind and in the world until I simply must walk away from it all and walk with the One who knows all, sees all and bears all. It is heart wrenching to interact with fourth graders who are watching world events unfold in front of them as they try to understand these things with their limited fourth grade minds. Minds that should be focusing on joy, toys, games, friends and learning, are now dealing with things that could detrimentally impact their view of eternity. Each Sunday, I try to give them a couple of biblical truths that they can carry with them throughout the week. It is vital to pray for our children without ceasing. I pray that they do not worry and stress over what they can see but grow to full knowledge and understanding of what they can not see. It is in this realm of the unseen that we find the true battle, fight and victory. What we can see is only a physical manifestation of what we cannot see or what we Christians know to be the spirit realm. It is vital that we pray ‘with’ our youth, teach our youth about God’s truth. It is equally important that we live lives that exemplifies what we believe to be God’s Truth. We can not simply think that going to church on Sunday and Wednesday is enough if we live contradictory to those two days on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Our youth are smart and observant and hear what we say but -it is what we do that they will actually see, feel and remember.
Yes, I teach fourth grade Sunday school and I mentor girls of about the same age. I hope that God uses me as an instrument in their lives for his kingdom purposes. I am not focusing on the crumbling world around us but on the youth that are looking, watching, seeking, growing. Pray over and for children returning to school. Use lunch breaks to pray for our nation at large. After dinner, take the time to pray for your family, household, job, circle of influence. It is time to pray! The question is …will we?
Pure & Lovely Gifts 
Beautiful!!#
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