School will be back in session soon. Setting the tone for the year can make a huge difference. Starting each day on the right foot can make a big difference too. Here are a few suggestions that might help you get started on the right foot…
Here are a few suggestions to get your day, or school year, started on the right foot... Click To Tweet
Prayer
A new year is a reminder to pray for our school and try to plan according to God’s will. Click To TweetA new year is a reminder to pray for our school and try to plan according to God’s will. Each day we should wake up with a new dedicationl. We have to be alert and listening for God’s guidance. We need renewed patience and eyes to see our children and God sees him. We need courage and strength to shape our children into what God wants them to be.
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 ESV
Praying verses back to God is a great way to make sure we are on the right track. It’s also a great concept to teach our children. Here are some of my favorite verse to pray for school…
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 ESV
Dear Lord, we commit our school work to you today and throughout the year. We pray that we will follow your plans and not our own.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
God, we pray that you will help us focus and work hard. We want to please you with our work.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV
Father, we ask that you would transform our minds as we study your Word and your world. Help us to know your will and be able to choose what is best.
Bible Cheer
A Bible Cheer is a fun way to prepare our minds for the day ahead. You can do it before you begin to do Bible study. If you use a Christian curriculum, it can set the tone for your whole day. If you wish, you can write your own cheer, using your favorite Bible verses or promises from God. I also found this Bible Cheer that I love. (I don’t support the prosperity doctrine of Joel Olstein, but this really is a good cheer!)
Starting The Day with Bible Study
I am as guilty of this as anyone. Things get hectic and Bible study can be the first to go out the window. We think of all the things we “need” to get done, but Bible study doesn’t top the list. It’s not a state requirement after all, is it?
Even when I was planning our year, I was thinking that I should do the hard subjects first and get them out of the way. Then we were having a hard time and the best part of our day is when we finally sat time to do our Bible lesson. CONVICTION TIME! We have had two days of school and I have been convicted of this both days. Time to revamp the schedule before we go any further!
CONVICTION TIME! Click To TweetHalfway Herbert
Halfway Herbert is one of my favorite books for starting a new year. It’s written by Francis Chan, who writes amazing books for adults as well. Halfway Herbert is about a little boy who only does things halfway. His dad explains about how we are to love Jesus with our whole heart and not just halfway do anything. We use it as a springboard to talk about putting our whole heart into learning and having a good school year. Occasionally we revisit this book and concept throughout the year if need be!
Even If You Don’t Homeschool
Those of you who don’t homeschool shouldn’t feel left out. My son started school in a public kindergarten. Our time in the car on the way to school was priceless. We talked about the upcoming day and prayed for what was to come. It was one of the most precious parts of our day. If you don’t have a long ride to school, breakfast time might be a good time for this.
Make It Work for You
Everyone’s family and schedules are different. No matter what you do, figure out a way to make it work for you. When it doesn’t, just give yourself some grace and try again.
What do you do to start the day on the right foot and help your family focus on God?
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Andrea says
Yes yes and yes – I can’t imagine a day starting out without prayer! 🙂
Andrea recently posted…How Can I Pray For You This Week?
angie says
I have tried for years to promote quiet time in my life for many years. I love the ideas you shared
angie recently posted…Set Up An Ice Cream Bar
Laura Prater says
I love this! Perfect even if you do not homeschool! So important to start the day out right.
Missica says
I really needed this. I’ve been struggling with this for a while now.
Missica recently posted…Don’t Forget!
Lo says
I’m thinking I should get Halfway Herbert for my kiddos. It could be useful.
Lo recently posted…A Prayer for the Sick (In Spirit and In Health)
Pamela says
Our Walmart has lists of school needs for our different area schools when you walk in the door. I’ve always wished I could put a list of prayer Scriptures in the same place. Too often prayers are surface without specific needs. I wish I could put your whole post there!
Pamela recently posted…Pamela’s Daybook: July 21st
Tiffani says
Yes prayer is so important. God is calling His people back to prayer. I just read another article about prayer too. Very important!
Rachael says
We always pray together as we wait for the school bus. This post has some great ideas. Love it!
Rachael recently posted…To Whom Do We Pray
Caroline @ In Due Time says
Such good reminders. My day usually starts with the gym, so I really need to make sure I am doing a quick devotional before getting out of bed.
Caroline @ In Due Time recently posted…A Letter to the Mom in the Making
Jessica Harlow says
I love the idea of starting the day with the Bible. Whether it’s The Good Book or another motivational, positive read, I agree it’s important to reflect on your values and morals to get the day focused and started on the right foot!
Jessica Harlow recently posted…Comment on Tiny Toast Cereal is a Big Hit at my house! #GotItFree by saidah
Rachel Dahl - a la modest says
Doing things halfway! I am quite guilty of that at times. I usually start strong but then abandon projects very fast. Yikes.
Rachel Dahl – a la modest recently posted…Video Review/Tutorial: Pink Automatic Hair Curler
Rachel Dahl - a la modest says
and oh, I like that main photo with your right foot in a different angle! Clever 😉
Rachel Dahl – a la modest recently posted…Video Review/Tutorial: Pink Automatic Hair Curler
Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard says
I really need to stop procrastinating and start planning our new year. I love the teaching part, but choosing curriculum still has me in knots. I will definitely start in prayer and let God reveal His will for our year ahead.
Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard recently posted…My Aspiring Police Officer: Little Boy Blue
Lisa Rios says
A better start will always have a great progress anytime & these are some wonderful ideas to set things right when it comes to Back to School. Prayer is so important & a strong faith that your prayers will be answered is so important as well.
Jessica says
I agree that prayer and reading the Bible helps to start everyday on a good note. This school year my oldest will be in Kindergarten so we will be every morning from now until our last is out of school. We plan to make time for family Bible study before going to school/work.
Kristi says
I do notice such a difference when we start our day off in God’s word and when we don’t! Love starting off in God’s word and praying over our day.
Kristi recently posted…The Beauty in Unanswered Prayers