Dream Small And Run With A Big Vision Update
Nearly 30,000 runners hit the streets of downtown Detroit last Sunday to run in numerous races, including the 2018 Detroit Free Press Chemical Bank Marathon. Among these enthusiastic and courageous participants were two amazing St. Matthew staff members!
St. Matthew Lutheran School Implementing NWEA Standardized Testing
"Whatever you do, work at it will all of your heart as working for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23
At the beginning of his freshman track season, my son's coach introduced him to the concept of pole vaulting. After learning the proper form and footing, he immediately had success with his first pole. However, my son soon learned that pole-vaulters can max out their success with a pole.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me" Matthew 25:40
If your eyes require corrective lenses, chances are you know the frustration of occasionally misplacing your glasses. Frequently, I joke with friends my age and in the "reading glasses" stage of life, that I probably own five pairs of readers and still have trouble locating at least one pair when I need them. However, last Monday, our 8th grade class experienced a perplexing Sherlock Holmes style mystery regarding "The Case of the Missing Glasses".
In the gym, there is a specific counter where all valuable items are placed, such as Mrs. Kendall's, our PE teacher, binders, bags, important pieces of equipment, etc. This same counter also serves as the designated area for student jewelry and eyeglasses. Following the typical routine that he has done for many years, one 8th grade boy came into the gym that day to volunteer being a character in a Peace Coaching skit and set his glasses on this designated spot at the beginning of this particular assembly. However,
"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"!
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
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!
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: