Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Back to School: Heart



Over the summer I've spent a fair amount of my study time looking at verses pertaining to home, dwelling, households and more. One morning during my quiet time, I landed on Colossians 3 and it jumped out at me as just what we needed to start our school year. I'm sharing with you in case it is a blessing to you today as well!

Colossians 3:15-17, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

I initially ended up here because I was studying the word dwell. But I thought the verses before and after added so much depth and beauty that I began studying those as well. Then when I looked at them together I saw how much they exemplified what I wanted for my children and our home. Let's take a look!






First, we read, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." I must allow His peace to rule. For something to rule, it has to be given utmost authority, respect, honor. And to let it rule: let it be the authority, the dictator, the guide, the law that governs. I also think of the relationships in our home: are they ruled by the peace of Christ?

"...be thankful." Isn't that the key to so much of life? Being thankful shifts my focus from upset and unsettled and gives me a heart and focus of contentment.





"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly..." Another key is letting {allowing/choosing} God's Word to set up house in our hearts. Is the environment welcoming, inviting, receptive? Does His Word find an open door, a friendly "Come on in!" greeting? Is my heart soft? Also, to dwell richly - think about that: not to dwell poorly, not scanty or in grungy conditions. It makes me think of lavish, abundant, quality, has depth and breadth. It is a feasting more than a snack.

"...as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom..."  This is a sharing from the overflow of the Word dwelling in my heart. Teaching is a natural companion. II Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Also: teaching and admonishing from a place of resting in Him, letting His peace rule and dwelling richly in His Word.





"...and as we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude..." There is thankfulness again! I want to teach this to my children! I want to start our day with His Word and with singing.

And I love that the next part reminds that whatever we do - all should be done in the name of Jesus giving thanks to Him!




It sounds like a recipe for our upcoming school year:
* Let peace of Christ rule
* Be thankful
* Let the Word dwell richly
* Do everything in Jesus' name
{repeat}

This is the secret to making it through another school year no matter how our children are educated: school, homeschool, co-op, whatever! We can't do any of it without Him but with Him in charge - He can do anything.

Excited to see how He works in and through us this year!



Links:
Printable Happy First Day of School banner
Printable First Day signs
Ruler runner inspiration {mine is made of Christmas wrapping paper turned around backwards!}
Ruler wreath 

Related:
Dear Homeschooling Mama
Back to School: A Prayer for Students
Back to School: A Prayer for the Homeschooling Mom

8 comments:

Wendi said...

I've also been reading from Colossians. When thinking and praying about our school year I keep going back and forth between Proverbs 3:5-6 and Colossians 3:23. In the end Chuck chose Colossians 3:23 for our school verse. I used parts of Proverbs 3:5-6 when I wrote out the in our school expectaions.

Sweet decor. I see plenty of smiles so I hope that means the school year is off to a great start! Praying you have a smooth, production and educational year.

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

great verse to claim for your school year! I love your decor every year for school and all your pictures. Do you have a link for the pinwheels? Those are darling.

Monica Wilkinson said...

@Debbie Fisher: Thanks friend! My sweet blog friend Elise made the pinwheels - I typed in "fabric pinwheels" on Pinterest and several things came up so maybe try that!

Mrs. Chrissy T said...

Beautiful word. Love Colossians. Happy School year!

Billie Jo said...

Hello!
And so nice to meet you!
I am visiting from my friend Chrissy T's blog, and am so happy to be your newest follower.
What a lovely space you have created here, one filled with thoughts I share!
Blessings for a happy, healthy, successful school year!

Monica Wilkinson said...

@Billie Jo: Welcome friend! So happy to have you here - blessings to you and yours as well! :)

Debbie Fisher (debbiedee) said...

Thank you Monica! I will go search on Pinterest.

Anonymous said...

Precious reminders!! Wrote them down to keep on my heart all day!! <3 tammy