GBA News

Developing a Thankful Heart

/in /by

The importance of being thankful is something almost everyone agrees on. Scripture commands us to give thanks in everything (I Thess. 5: 18). We acknowledge that we should be thankful, but the lack of gratitude around us is disheartening, to say the least. Being thankful doesn’t come naturally; it is an attitude that must be developed. Having reminders placed where they can be seen regularly is a good way to develop any habit, even thankfulness. In my classroom I have reminders of the importance of kindness, encouraging students to “Be Someone’s Reason to Smile” or to “Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti.” As we focus during this season on being thankful, I hope the following reminders about gratitude are an encouragement to you.

“No duty is more urgent than giving thanks.” – James Allen

“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.” – Douglas Wood

“In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F. Kennedy

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, it is the parent of all others.” Cicero

“Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices.” – Robert

Braathe

“Gratitude bestows reverence…changing forever how we see life and the world.” John Milton

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” Margaret Cousins

I am so thankful to teach at GBA. I am honored every day to work with people who love the Lord, each other, and their students. It is a blessing to see students who love the Lord, each other and their teachers. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your child’s life.

Written by Mrs. Cheryl Coné

Be a Sunshine in Someone’s Cloud

/in /by

In our 3rd & 4th grade class this year, I decided to implement a constructive way to teach our 3rd and 4th grade students how to develop quality character traits.

Each character trait is introduced and prominently displayed on a bulletin board in two places in our classroom with a, “Quote of the Week.” We read it together throughout the week along with a principle taught from the bible and discuss how it coincides with our class rules. I encourage our students to pray for the Lord to show them how they can practice the character trait during the week.

A week ago, we focused on the quote, “Be a Sunshine in Someone’s Cloud.” The corresponding verses were:

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:1-2

I wanted our students to remember we all sin, and no one is perfect. That is why we need God’s help to show us how we as Christians should treat one other. As Pastor Leversee preached in last Sunday’s sermon, we ought not judge or criticize each other. We need to show restoration to those caught in sin with gentleness and humility and help carry one another’s burdens.

One of my students was led by the Lord to draw a nice picture with a simple note of encouragement to another student that was caught in sin.

The student that choose to humbly exhibit godly character is acknowledged on our “Star Student” bulletin board for a week. They are also given a gem that signifies a treasure they have learned that week.

It has been such a heartwarming experience to witness how a student each week has humbly demonstrated godly character. It has also caused me to examine myself and question my actions and attitude. Has my behavior towards my students, my coworkers, my family members, and my church family been pleasing to the Lord?

It does not take much to encourage a brother or sister in Christ with a card, a phone call, a text, or a fist bump, but it means the world to the person receiving it!

Have you been a “Sunshine in Someone’s Cloud” lately?

Written by Mrs. Nanette Eleccion, 3rd-4th Grade Teacher

Preparation Time Is Not Wasted Time

/in /by

“It’s interesting how those sayings and quotes we heard in college Didn’t mean much to us then , but now nearly 20 years later are making much more sense:)  I remember a Country  preacher From Alabama sharing some simple sayings and truths that had helped him in Pastoring the same Small  country church For thirty years .. one quote that stands out is “PREPARATION TIME IS NOT WASTED TIME”

Does the Lord have you in a place of waiting or preparation right now? Have you found yourself at times seemingly spinning your wheels or wondering whether your part in the ministry is really accomplishing much for eternity ? Well, whether you’re a college student like I was , wondering what God was doing as I studied Greek and several other challenging classes , cranking out research papers , wondering if I’d ever graduate .. or maybe you’re a Sunday school teacher wondering if the students are truly gleaning a bit here or there . Remember to resolve to stay faithful ! It’s been said that “success in ministry is not measured in years but in decades “. Dr John Goetsch said “Response of our service is on God , but the resolve and obedience is on us” Remember God may be preparing you for something greater . Perhaps a great moving of God or harvest of souls is right around the corner 🙂 Stay with it!

On a personal note, with COVID forcing all of us indoors for five months or so, we decided to immerse our four year old son into the  Abeka  K4 video program. We thought “let’s at least be productive with all this extra time we have on our hands thanks to covid.” Has our son retained every concept from every video? Absolutely not and far from it , but the exposure to a classroom setting , submission to a new authority (video instructor) and just engaging his mind for the first three hours of his day have been well worth it.  Jeremiah 29:11 has meant a lot to us during this preparation time and waiting for the restrictions to be lifted and things to return to normal “For I know the thoughts I think toward you Saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

God has a plan for our life that’s far greater than anything our minds can conceive … just be faithful where you are . Remember, preparation time is not wasted time .”  – Mr. Ryan Mitchell, 5th-6th Grade Teacher