August is here! Another change of rhythms is upon us and as much as we may want control over time, we can be sure that it will continue on despite our desire to stop it (or speed it up??). We know that the Lord does not change (Malachi 3:6), and He knows the number of days we have on Earth (Psalm 90:12). As we head into the school year, let us seek Him daily, ask for His help in spending our days well, and remember all He has done for us.

Looking Back on Summer

Take some time this week and reflect on your summer:

  • Did you travel?

  • Did you have slow mornings and hot coffee?

  • Read good books?

  • Celebrate holidays or anniversaries or birthdays?

  • Go swimming?

  • Ride bikes?

  • Go to work?

  • Exercise in the heat?

  • Dream of football?

  • Watch the world cup?

Summer in OriginsKids

When I reflect on our Summer in OriginsKids, our PreK-5th graders started with families in our Large Worship gathering. Worshiping together was a highlight of the summer for me. Once kids went to their classes, they opened their Bibles and used The Biggest Story, hearing stories from 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalm, Proverbs (stories 32-40). Our Two and Three year olds danced to songs like Wiggle Worm (Proverbs 1:5), Robot Rock, Jesus Loves Me, Jesus is Alive, This Little Light of Mine. Our Babies are learning they are safe and loved and that mom and dad always come back! We had kids go to Camps like Camp McCall and had our very first Origins Mother Daughter Camp. (more on these in a future blog post!).

Embracing a New School Year

The saying "the days are long but the years are short" rings true for our family in this season, as I am sure some of you agree with this sentiment. Heading into another school year brings the first day of school pictures, new shoes (why do their feet grow so fast!), and having to set those alarms that maybe went off a little later in the Summer. The first week of school can bring excitement, and can also add an extra layer of care so that we start off on the right foot (anyone starting to meal prep??).

Be encouraged, The Lord has gone before you, your kids, and knows exactly how this year is going to go!

A Prayer Calendar for the First Week

We've created a prayer calendar for you to use daily during this first week. Add your own prayers, share it with a friend, print it out and pray with your kids on the way to school. These short prayers in the car or as you are packing lunches, or at bedtime are just ideas to "impress them on your children" (Deut 6). Prayer and scripture woven throughout our days with our kids is a part of discipleship.

Resources for Discipling Your Kids

If you are interested in reading more about discipling your kids, I recently read Disciple Them Like Jesus by Barrett Johnson and highly recommend it. It has some practical tools and some great encouragement. If you're interested in playing scripture in the car on your drive, check out this Spotify playlist.

Wherever God Has Planted You

No matter how you decide to educate your children, whether that is homeschooling, private schooling, public schooling, or even preschool, we trust that the Lord is good and wants good for us. He guides our paths and we can trust Him with today. Let us scatter to these places and be salt and light to a dark world, wherever your family is planted. May you be a blessing to those you spend your days with and we pray your children are protected and thrive this school year.

To God be ALL the glory! We love you, Origins Fam!

-Haley Pope, Children’s Ministry Director