Training Up Our Children
An interesting article put out by Summit ministries presented some concerning data on how well kids from Christian homes hold to their faith. Research indicates that “…only 1% of early teens, ages 13–14, hold a consistent biblical worldview" and “…many of these students are walking away from Christianity because they do not believe it tells the truth about reality.” Worst of all, the article notes, “…64% of youth leave the church after high school.”
This article cited the same verses that I presented here at First Baptist Church of Fort Ogden when they invited us to do our GCS Sunday last May. Dueteronomy 6:6-9:
"“These words . . . are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Here at Grace, we truly love the opportunity we have to speak truth into your children and lay a foundation that affords them the opportunity to see the truth of God's Word in their academics. However, it is critical that the efforts at school are followed up by training in the home and in church. Our kids are bound to have questions as they grow in their faith, and it is so impactful when they get to have these conversations at home, as well as at school. I also realize that as our kids get older, they can ask questions about things where we as parents can feel out of our depth. I wanted to provide you the link to the full article at their website as it is a timely reminder for us. It is less than a 7 minute read, and has some recommended resources that you can use in your home to help strengthen the faith of your student(s).
Summit Article: When Your Kids Ask Why: Everyday Apologetics for Parents
Tech update
In case you missed it, Microsoft will be ending their support for Windows 10 on October 14th, also called it's “sunset date”. I have gone through our classes to make sure none of our students have Windows 10 as their operating system (OS), but wanted to put this out for any of our families who might still have a computer at home using Windows 10. When Microsoft ends support for an OS, they are no longer analyzing what vulnerabilities may be present. Hackers try to exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to your computer in an attempt to gain your personal/financial information or lock your computer and hold it hostage unless you pay them. It is recommended that you check to see if any computers you have with Windows 10 can be updated to Windows 11. Some computers are not able to run it, and it is recommended that those be replaced.
Here is a link to Microsoft's page with FAQs if you need more information: Windows 10 Sunset date
All to the glory of God
To start off the school year, I presented students with an exhortation to honor God in all we do. The best verse that I feel captures this idea for us is 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Paul encourages us to understand that even the most basic of activities like eating and drinking are to be done to the glory of God. Paul extends this idea to “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”. I gave students a challenge embrace this mindset and accomplish all that is set before them in a way that would glorify God. Work in class in a way that glorifies God. Do your homework in a way that glorifies God. Treat your family in a way that glorifies God. I want to encourage all of our upper school parents to continue this discussion at home and help your student(s) focus on how they can glorify God in all they do.
Ready for School?
Summer is winding down, and the time for Back to School prep is at hand. Beyond getting new school attire and supplies, there are three things parents can do that will help get your student off to a solid start for the new school year. Many of you have possibly engaged in one or two of these practices all summer, and the third is something you may be able to do with your student(s).
First, much as you may encounter resistance, it is HIGHLY advisable for students to be reading something over the summer. Having your student reading for even 20-30 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week can make a huge difference in their ability to improve or keep their reading comprehension high. As it is the summer, have them pick books that are of interest to them and see if you can foster a love of reading in them.
Second, and I know this is possibly the greater challenge, have your student(s) engage in math work over the summer, again 20-30 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week. This does not have to be textbook work. Doing things that involve math can sometimes be easier to coax them in. Even math games and online programs that engage them can make a tremendous difference.
Finally, have your students learn and understand their sleep schedule. I'm not saying you have to curb their bedtime just yet, but it can be a good experiment for them to see how long they need to plan to sleep in order to be truly rested. This involves simply paying attention to when they go to bed, learning how long it takes them to fall asleep, and then noting when their body naturally wakes up. Having your students recognize this can help them maximize their energy, not just for when they wake up, but to carry them through the whole day. They should equally learn to respect the fact that staying in bed and trying to go back to sleep once your body wakes up from its natural sleep cycle can be detrimental to their metabolism and make them equally as irritable as having too little sleep.
You might be thinking that with school starting in just more than two weeks that it's too late to start now, but It's not! Less than an hour a day, even four days a week in reading and math is very much worth the benefits that can be realized. You might also benefit from tracking your own sleep schedule! Whatever time you can use to invest in some of these practices can yield huge dividends in your student(s) entering this school with a huge boost in confidence. Praying you have a great end to your summer, and we are looking forward to seeing our students return!