Blog

How Does Your Garden Grow?

"Whatever you do for the least of these, you've done unto Me."  Matthew 25:40

Are you the type of family that enjoys gardening? One frequent comment that I hear from those who have been blessed with green thumbs is that is was a very bountiful summer for zucchinis and tomatoes, making it nearly impossible to gather all of the crops!

However... can you imagine the overwhelming task to harvest 43 acres of produce for needy families? Sounds like a great time to have a "small dream and watch God bless in BIG ways"!

It's a Match!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly Lights." - James 1:17

What is some of the most exciting news that you have ever received? For former teacher and recently diagnosed cancer patient, Mr. John Carlton, I can only imagine the joy he experienced learning that his brother was a 100% bone marrow match! As a result, John has the ability to participate in a bone marrow transplant that has the potential to cure his recent leukemia diagnosis. It has been said that the bond of brotherhood runs deep, and for these two brothers, this bond only continues to intensify!
 
Mr. John Carlton served on staff at St. Matthew from 1987 until 1990. His wife, Ruth, also served as a PE teacher for over ten years at St. Matthew, while their four children attended our school for their kindergarten through eighth grade years.
 
Last spring, life changed dramatically for John when he received the diagnosis of leukemia. Beginning in August, John has spent many days as a patient at the University of Michigan Hospital, receiving the bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and numerous other medications that assisted in these processes or have assisted in alleviating some of the painful side effects.

From Trash to Treasure! An Explosive Tale Regarding The Landfill Harmonic Orchestra

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

If there was an instrument that you would love to learn to play, what would it be?
 
During a principals' conference this summer, I had the opportunity to hear an amazing story entitled, Ada's Violin, which is a true account based on a young girl named Ada Gomez. Ada lives in Caturea, a city in Paraguay, that is built on a landfill and is also one of the poorest cities in South America. Yet, Ada's dream was to learn how to play the violin.

Dream Small, and Run With a BIG Vision!

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Did you know that nearly 1,000 children under age 5 die every day from illnesses caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene? Even though this is such an overwhelming and staggering statistic, Mr. Czinder is "dreaming small" in regards to helping reduce this tragedy by running in the Detroit Marathon as a member of the World Vision "Clean Water" Team.

On October 20, 2018, Mr. Czinder will join over 100 World Vision teammates to run 26.2 miles through the streets of Detroit. Every dollar that Mr. Czinder raises will help children in remote parts of Africa gain access to clean water.

Pardon Me, I Think You're In My Seat?

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

The birthday card that came from my husband this summer read "pick a concert of your choice" and I gladly took him up on this offer. My love and appreciation for live music began in the 8th grade when my best friend's mom took my friend and me to see Elton John at the Pontiac Silverdome! (How's that for dating myself?) Ever since then, my concert attendance for various musical genres has grown abundantly!

Immediately, I began to search the internet to view all of my options. However, in my quest, I was absolutely thrilled to learn that Lauren Daigle, the current winner of the Dove "Best New Christian Artist" Award, was coming soon to Toledo, Ohio. As I searched for available tickets, I was disappointed to learn that the concert was already sold out, so I immediately checked out my options on Stub Hub. During my initial search, I just couldn't justify paying the inflated ticket prices that averaged triple the original ticket price. However, in my determination to attend that concert, I continued to stalk the Stub Hub site on a daily basis. Finally, very late one evening, my persistence paid off when two main floor tickets at the original cost appeared for sale. With lightening speed, my finger clicked the purchase button and my joyful and victorious squeal woke Ken out of a sound sleep.

Dream Small and Watch God Work in BIG Ways

Welcome Back!

"Back in my day", we used to walk to school, call our parents from pay phones, use encyclopedias to look up information, and make popcorn on the stove. Frequently, my sisters and I would make a game out of waiting to see how long it would take for the first kernel to explode before we would put the lid on the pan. Sometimes, if your reflexes were a little sluggish that day, you would end up with a lot of popcorn all over the kitchen! It was amazing how something so small as popcorn kernels could turn into such a huge bowl of delicious enjoyment!

Praising God For A Tremendous School Year!

We began this school year with the motto of "Give Me Your Eyes", based on the Scripture verse "Whatever you do for the least of these, you've done unto Me." (Matthew 25:40).

Throughout the year, we have been in awe of the tremendous blessings that the Lord has showered upon us and the opportunities that He has given us to do many great things in His name.

As I sat and reflected with a group of eighth graders, we came up with the following list of memorable 2017/2018 blessings:

God's Got This!

Update Regarding 6th Grade Teacher Vacancy

"He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over you will not slumber."    Psalm 121:3

Years ago, we had a school family that had three of the most adorable and energetic boys that you ever met. Both mom and dad were wonderful Christian parents who did an outstanding job channeling the abundant levels of ingenuity and creativity that these boys exuded into very positive learning experiences. However, it seemed that whatever activity they would present to their boys, the lively gentlemen had a knack to always raise the risk factor. If the parents took them skiing, they were going down the most challenging courses backwards. When they purchased skateboards, the boys were always looking for the steepest hill to ride them down. And when trampolines were just starting to become popular, this set of parents were some of the initial pioneers who purchased one for their backyard in hopes that it would allow the boys to release some of their energy.

Listen and Follow the Most Important Voice

"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand." John 10:27 & 28

Do you have any television shows that just seem to captivate your attention to the point that you eagerly await for the next episode? I have just a few shows that elevate my interest to this level. And although I am very excited about the return of "American Ninja Warrior" in a few weeks, for the past few months, my attention has been focused on "The Voice".
 
In fact, I have been a faithful fan since this show began, so when I discovered that I had a meeting on the evening of Season 14's finale, my heart sank just a little. However, the words "meeting adjourned" sent me out of this building like a bullet, and I was thrilled to make it home in time to watch Brynn Cartelli, a 15 year old girl from Massachusetts, be announced as this season's winner.

Happy Mother's Day!

"Train up a child in the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it."   Proverbs 22:6

There's a spot in our living room that serves as a gathering place for when we are packing up items that we don't want to forget. Many years ago, my children would place their backpacks in this room each night, so we could quickly locate them in the morning. As they grew older, athletic bags with clean uniforms and socks would frequently occupy this space. When the dancer entered into the picture, her "rack and roll" would be set up in this room as she could take inventory and ensure that she had every required costume, shoe, and hair piece. As we prepared for vacations, suitcases, coolers, and beach toys would often be stored in this location. When each child prepared to go to college, this area also served as a holding place as we would frequently check items off the packing list. Before our son's wedding, this room was the designated location for tuxedos and dresses to hang and not get wrinkled. And last spring, this room held items as we prepared for our first baby shower for our future granddaughter. It is amazing the amount of precious memories this little room has seen!

Pages

Ready To Learn More?