Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
We spent Christmas Eve evening at church with fellow believers focusing on the greatest gift ever given, Jesus. As we reflect on this year, we have many gifts to be thankful for. Family has been a huge gift to us this year. Both our biological families and spiritual families. With all of the transitions happening this year, we have been supported by family and God has used them to build us up and support us during this time.
We are so thankful for the school that we are apart of. The kids have been able to play sports and grow in their walk with God. I, Jessica, have grown in my teaching abilities and have been wonderfully challenged to pray for and with students and colleagues.
Asher playing defense in a soccer match.
Reese gathered with her basketball team during a game.
Paige posing with her soccer team after winning the championship.
My English classes have delved into the horror genre and Freak The Mighty. The eighth graders realized that the horror genre can show the worst of humanity when humans choose to do things on their own and seek their own desires. This made them want to seek God more and not go after their own desires even if they may seem good in the moment. My seventh graders realized that people can have preconceived misconceptions of others, but that we all have potential; sometimes, we need a good friend to help us realize our potential. Analyzing and studying text this semester has led to some great universal truths about how God has made us and who we are.
Words of wisdom that the eighth graders shared that they would tell the main characters from a horror story we read.
Students teaching each other what a relative clause is… it was a tough one, but they finally got it!
Students working on morning work while I walk around to check if they need help. Other students going to the board to write answers up for us to discuss.
Elijah continues to help people sell, buy, and rent properties. This has been a struggle all year, but we are praying that God will use his relationships to shine truth into their lives, even if a sale does not go through. We were able to begin date nights again and its wonderful to show our kids that we can have a strong relationship even when life is hard. God is the center of our lives and we want to give him all the glory for this year. Each time when we were at the brink of not having a place to stay or money to pay rent, God has seen us through. We thank Him for his provision and for the people who listen to His calling.
Starting our date nights again!
As we enter into the new year and finish up 2024, we pray for God’s continual help and guidance. We pray for those that we interact with; that we can share the love, joy, hope, and peace that comes with following Jesus. We pray for the world to know their creator and savior. May your year be filled with God’s blessings and provisions!