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Encouragement for the New School Year


Many of the students along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are beginning school today. There will be plenty of excitement mingled with the fear of the unknown.  As a psychometrist and counselor in various school settings, I saw it all the time.  The age of the student is irrelevant.  Whether it is an elementary student or student bound for college, there is often some amount of apprehension.

An extremely polite kindergartner once told me, "Thank you for inviting me, but I don't think I will be back"! Loved his forthrightness!  You can be sure that I sought out the little fellow the next school day, knowing that his hopes of staying home would be crushed and he might need a little encouragement.  On the other end of the spectrum, I recently spoke with a college bound student who needed a good dose of encouragement before setting off into the big world of college.  

Encouragement...we all need it.  I draw so much encouragement from God's word.  Many families start each new year with a theme Bible verse.  My good friend Lisa has a theme hymn to begin a new year.  What about an encouraging Bible verse for the new school year?  I can think of no better way to begin the adventure of a new school year than with words of encouragement from the Lord.    May I suggest a few for you to consider?

Proverbs 18:10 
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Psalm 16:8  
I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With Him at my right hand, 
I will not be shaken.

Psalm 55:22  
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; 
He will never let the righteous be shaken.

2 Timothy 1:7  
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, 
love and self-discipline.  
(Great for a shy child)

Proverbs 3: 5-6  
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.  

Ephesians 4:32.  
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, 
just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Great for conflict with friends)

Isaiah 40:31  
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings 
like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:13  
I can do all things through Christ because he strengthens me.  (ICB)

Do you have a theme verse for the school year?  Would you be willing to share it with all of us?  Please leave me a comment with your family's favorite Bible verse.  If you don't, I hope you will consider spending some time with your family deciding on your theme Bible verse for the school year.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful new school year!
Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse

Comments

  1. I think it's way too early for school to start and finally, finally . . . our county pushed back the start of school to August 22 or 23rd. Can't remember exactly, because since we homeschool now, it doesn't affect us, except for the number of teenagers showing up in my kitchen. Very good words of bravery. When I taught school, I would get teary eyed on the first day just thinking about how nervous all the children and parents were!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, but schools want to get a full semester in for high school credits before the Christmas break. I actually am a fan of year round school. Great smaller breaks throughout the school year and you do not have that lapse of knowledge that may occur with a long summer break. My cousin works in TN and they have year round school in her district. They can actually enjoy a trip to Disney World when its a little cooler! Have a great weekend!
      Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse

      Delete
  2. Hi Lynda, thanks for sharing your encouraging words @Vintage Charm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome. Have a wonderful week!
      Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse

      Delete
  3. Some people have the gift of being encouragers and you do.

    Thanks so much for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw...thank you Stacey! I appreciate your kind words.
      Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse

      Delete
  4. Yes, you are an encourager. Thank you for your blog ministry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Connie for your own words of encouragement! I hope you are having a wonderful week. We are having lots of rain on the MS Gulf Coast. Good time to be inside and catch up on cleaning!
      Blessings from Lynda at Still Woods Farmhouse

      Delete

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