Second B Blessing

This has been a tough week.  Teaching is a tough job and especially the end of the year.  Students are tired. Teachers are tired. Parents are tired.  The focus still must be on teaching and learning.  Since I woke up at 3:00 AM today, I am exhausted. But I been revived because of my brothers and sisters at Second Baptist Church.

Four years ago, Second B started Kid's Hope at Parkway. Tonight the celebrated as they have graduated the first class.  The mentors have worked with some students for the entire four years. I attended the program and learned that each mentor and child had a person praying for them and the school. God is so good, and I give Him the glory for bringing this program to my students.

Violence, drug abuse, neglect, and other things of the world are teeming around the school. In the midst of all that turmoil there is a building that is a haven for the students. Parkway! A few years ago I ministered to an inmate in the county jail. His words to me were - when he was released he was not going back to the neighborhood because it was too rough. I reminded him that my children walked home everyday through that rough neighborhood. I thank God that the members of Second B chose to participate and be light and salt to those children.  As I've watched the relationships that have formed and the strong bond I know that this is all part of God's plan - to take care of His children. It's nothing that I have done.

God puts things on our heart. The Holy Spirit speaks to us.  We do not always respond. I am so grateful to those individuals that chose to be obedient when this was placed on their hearts.  It's all about relationships - and I give God the glory for allowing our paths to cross. Thank you Second B for sharing the Kingdom with my kids.

But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."  Matthew 19:14


Be bless-ed ~ tio ween

People Matter

I sat with a friend today while her husband had surgery. It hit me that friends can be like family. This couple would do anything to help me, since I have no family living here. 


I was off work today and I missed the students, staff, and parents. They are like my family too.


People matter.  


We are His creation and made in His image. In His likeness.  In my thinking I believe it means as humans we can be kind, giving, loving, and forgiving.  Just like Jesus!  Many scriptures tell us how we are to treat one another.

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31 (NIV)

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

To the teachers that I work with I have always told them to treat the students the way that they would want their own children treated.  

Today, take time for a family member, friend, or co-worker. Let them know you care.  

I love my family, friends, and my Parkway Family.

Be bless-ed ~ tio ween

Family

Family is important.  Yet, I have more family that I love and that is the church family.  We are God's creation and His children.  I am thrilled that my immediate family is also a part of the family in Christ. Many years ago I began praying for their salvation.  God answered those prayers. 


On the drive home from church it was nice to reflect on the Christian Family. There is an old hymn that expresses this better than my words.

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here, It's because we're a family and these are so near; When one has a heartache, we all share the tears, And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
Chorus I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King, No longer an outcast, a new song I sing; From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong, I'm not worthy to be here, but PRAISE GOD! I belong!

See what love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Praise God I not only have a large family - I am an heir, because of Jesus Christ.

Be bless-ed ~ tio ween

Why Now?

It's the first of May and I have decided to start this blog. 

After thirty-seven years in the field, I've decided it's time to reflect. I might have words that encourage someone. They might even deem them as wise. It will be interesting to see how long this last, since I could be the picture on a poster for adult ADHD. 

My family gave me the name Ween.  How you get Ween from Edwin is beyond me. My sweet nieces - Amy, Sarah, and Leah called me Ween when they were young.  You must admit it's better than Edweener.  Now their children call me Uncle Ween or Tio Ween.  There's nothing like Hilary saying - "Uncle Ween" or Henry saying - "Uncle Wee" or hearing Caleb say - "Tio".  Whatever the term of endearment, I have learned that family is important.

Today I want my family to know I love and appreciate them.


Have a bless-ed day!