Henry is a new student in our class!

During our morning devotions this week, the students and I talked about looking for God even in the dark valleys and pits. The truth that God never leaves us  and we need to search for God even in the chaos and pain. When we find Him, a small feeling of comfort and bit of peace enters our world. It gave me goosebumps as the students, one by one, shared a moment when they saw God in their chaos or in someone else's chaos. One student mentioned that God healed Caroline's tumor, and now she is dancing in heaven. Another mentioned that they had a friend ask them to join their game outside. 

Then in Bible, we are reading about the chaos of Joseph's life. He was deeply hated, throw into a rocky pit, and sold by his own brothers. He was brought to another country and sold to a complete stranger. The students asked, "Where is God in this chaos?" and "Why is this happening to His child?" It was then that one of the students mentioned that this story was like our pray time that morning. Joseph had to look for God and find Him in the chaos. And He was there. The Lord was with Him and that same Lord is with us. 

I am blessed to watch these students come around a classmate, whose family is going through a deep dark valley. They bring in a desk for their classmate's stuffed puppy, write ideas for bedtime stories, share their faith in beautifully written cards, and consistently pray and love on ones who need an extra measure of grace. 
This is bringing the Kingdom of Heaven here! These little builders are building the Kingdom of Heaven. May we continue to guide them and learn from them too!
YEAH GOD!

Fish Folders:
Here is what came home in the weekend folders.
- Misc. Papers from the week
- Blue Filer about a program in the area (two-sided paper)
- Information about Rose Park's movie night

Spirit Days:
Besides our pajama day, the Parent Board has scheduled two more spirit days for the month of January. Jan. 19 and 26 will be spirit days at RP. Students can wear HC apparel and the class with the most participation will win an ice cream sundae party.

Important Dates:
Mon. Jan. 15: Reading Minutes due
Thurs. Jan 18: Library books due
Fri. Jan 19: Spirit Day 
                  Spelling Test
                  Math homework due
Thurs. Jan. 25: Rose Park's Discovery Night @ 6:00 (Share the invite)
Fri. Jan 26: Spirit Day
Tues. Jan 30: 100th Day of School--

                  Dress like you're 100 years old!

Feb. 2: Report Cards go home
Feb. 12-15: Maker's Week

Died of laughter when I saw this on Friday!