Give your problems to Jesus, he has the answers.

Does Jesus walk with you?

Have you hit the 12-14 year age group?  Do you feel you don't count?

It happens to each and every one of us sometime during this age.  Your body is changing, your mind is changing and it seems as if your world is changing.  You have questions you are afraid to ask and when you do ask the answers don't seem to fit. 

It does get better!  Slow down and take your time.  Watch your words and think before you speak. 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16  NIV

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:13-14  NIV

Boy Scouts of America is terrific! 

Respect Is

... putting on a clean shirt and combing your hair before you go to the store with your parents
... staying with you grandparents rather than spending the night with a friend
... saying "yes ma'am" without being told
... helping your granddad when you had rather be playing ball
... not interrupting your Mom when she is talking on the phone
... opening the door for your Mom when she is bringing in the groceries, then offering to help with the rest
... thinking about the feelings of others before you make a comment


Self Respect is
... putting on a clean shirt and combing your hair before you go to the store with your friends - caring about how you look to others
... caring that your teeth are clean
... caring how others view you and your actions
... feeling good about yourself
... not picking a fight with your brother or sister - it makes you look bad

Oh my! I just heard that school begins August 2nd!
Summer vacation is all but over!

Things from my past

Pogo stick

Hula hoop

Paddle ball

Kalediascope

Hop scotch

Marbles

Hangman

I spy

Simon says

Tag alphabet

Pick up sticks

Jacks

Hours of fun from these simple games!

Half Over

Our independence as a nation was celebrated this past weekend.  That marks the half way point of summer vacation for those in school.  The rest of the summer will be focused on the "going back to school" chores and getting ready for another year of sitting in a classroom.

Some of you will be going to school for the first time and you are looking forward to the newness of the learning experience.  The fear and uncertainty that you are feeling will disappear as soon as you know the rules and find your place in the "pecking order" of your classmates. 

Those of you returning to the same school, the same classmates, the same teachers will be more secure in your return and you may or may not be looking forward to the return.  Alas, it makes no difference whether you like it or not, it is the process one must go through to learn the essential facts needed to go forward in this life.

The experience of learning something new is invigorating, stimulating and a joy.  It motivates a person to go further, learn more, and stimulates the mind to reach out for more. 

I have had teachers that made me learn facts and figures and I have had teachers that made me want to learn the facts and figures.  My hope for you is that you have teachers that challenge your mind and gives you the desire to learn and succeed.

Enjoy the rest of the summer - there are several weeks left of fun and play - then get ready to learn, learn, learn!

Happy reading!
Belle