“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” Isaiah 61:1-2
Anyone else counting the days ’til Thanksgiving break cause you know the homestretch to Christmas vacation is close behind?
Let’s be honest… this time of year is a little darker, colder, and maybe even rainier… and we’re feeling more like curling up into a ball and hiding under a blanket than seeing ourselves as seed sowers.
This is exactly when we need to gather with other Christian Educators to hear testimonies of what God is doing, be reminded of our mighty calling to be ambassadors for Christ, and learn ways we can partner with Jesus to make a meaningful impact in our schools.
All over the U.S. there are AWAKE EXPERIENCES being hosted to encourage, equip, and connect your teacher-heart with the truth of your calling to be a world-changer in your school… A Self-Care MUST! In fact, I’ll wager this is the best PD you’ll ever invest in… or your money back 🙂 … I’m so confident in this self-care PD that I’m hosting the Wichita, KS AWAKE Sat Feb 8, 8:30-4pm!!! (Clock hours available.) I’d love to personally welcome you to join us for this day of investing in you!
Hear what… the AWAKE one-day retreat was like for Kristyn:
“Before AWAKE, I was in a deep depression about work. I had applied for a job that I really wanted and did not get it. I felt like my whole world was collapsing professionally. I felt depressed, jilted, and angry. Every time I would step into the building my blood pressure would skyrocket to the point of being put on blood pressure meds. My doctor told me that this job was not worth my health. He offered to write a note so I could step away to get healthy. He thought I was going to stroke out at any point, because even with meds my blood pressure was way too high. I told him I could make it the remaining two months with prayer. The school year ended and I prayed about what to do for the following year. I didn’t feel like I could go back and face the same circumstances. I earnestly prayed for God to show me what to do. I applied at a Christian school, but nothing happened. Meanwhile, I was getting texts and emails about an AWAKE Experience in Ohio. I signed up to go. If I was going back I needed something.
“At AWAKE, God revealed many things to me. First, I am an Ambassador of Christ and if I had changed jobs, I would not see kids as much as I do in my present job. I needed to repent of my anger and prideful feelings. That is not what God wanted of me. I needed to rest in the arms of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit work within me to create a person who walks as an Ambassador for Christ. I need to be the Christ that some of those kids never see. In my present position, I can create an environment of hope and encouragement for an entire district to see.
“After AWAKE, I have felt the overwhelming power of the Holy Spirit guiding me each day. He has kept me driven and alive in my position. I am off meds and my blood pressure and overall health have been normal. I am eager to start the day and be the Ambassador I was created to be. This has been my favorite year in the last 15 years. My own kids have noticed a huge difference in the way I talk about school. Amazing!
“I know I have been put here for several reasons. One of those reasons is to be a light for students. I have added extra Bibles for the students to check out if they wish. One day, I had a stack of them on the counter and a middle school student asked if he could have one. I told him to pick one out.. A couple of months later, he was in the library and asked me to share my favorite verse. It kind of caught me off guard, but I told him and he rattled off his favorite verse. He then asked other people walking by. Surprisingly a few shared their favorite verses.
“I have learned that God has placed me in an environment where I can pray over the 125 kids that I see each day. I can shine brightly when I stay in the Presence of God. AWAKE has helped me see the ‘light” of day at work and I will continue on this path to encourage others and bring hope to students and staff alike.”
We all need an extra boost of encouragement and support this time of year. I hope you’ll sign up an AWAKE event in your area today cause I know it will spur on your teacher heart.
Keep your eyes open for the ways God is inviting you to connect with other Kingdom Educators this week.
Who knows how much a coffee date of exchanging testimonies of what God IS doing could encourage your teacher heart to continue ask God to direct your path as a world-changing educator.
P.S. Want to learn more about AWAKE? LISTEN HERE to my interview with Heather Kohnen, the AWAKE Director at Christian Educators.