Worthy Life

https://youtu.be/FYMjO9mL0Tw

Build My Life ~ House Fires

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ~ Ephesians 4:1 NIV

Last year, on Memorial Day, I took Savannah over to see my grandpa, Lyle Hayes. She was old enough to grasp some of what Memorial Day is and why we celebrate it. While we were visiting, she asked to explore his house. My grandpa had an older home with many rooms. In the office was a war memorial display case, which housed a model plane, the same kind of bomber on which my grandpa fought. It also housed many medals and other memorial items that belonged to both my grandpa, as well as his brother, Clayton. 

Just about every time I went to visit Grandpa Hayes, he'd tell me stories of his time in the service, especially his training in Florida, but rarely did he talk about Clayton. Shortly after my grandpa died last summer, we found a newspaper article about my great-uncle, Pfc. Clayton Hayes, and how he helped a mom and her son carry belongings back to their war-ravaged home in Normandy. The article was from June 3, 1944. At the end of the war, many men came home as war heroes. Unfortunately, Clayton Hayes, died as one, in September 1944, during Operation Market Garden in Holland.

This Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember the fallen heroes and pray for their families. Please also pray for those who are currently serving in the military. Before the day is out, take a moment and thank those you know who have served and fought to keep us safe and free. And finally, ask God to give you the strength and courage to live a life worthy of both their sacrifice, and of the Lord's calling on your life. 

Who do you know and want to thank on this Memorial Day? 

http://normandie44.canalblog.com/archives/2012/01/14/23241133.html

Article on Pfc. Clayton Hayes, and the others in his troop.

©Heather Potts 2019

Thank you, Teachers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eQd3K2Fxp4&list=RD7j0Pedpgiag&index=3

Only Jesus ~ Casting Crowns

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMPC

With the school year ending, I began thinking about all the girls learned this year. Then my thoughts turned to my own teachers, of which there were many. From Mr. Holba, my fifth-grade teacher, to Mr. Knaus, my senior-year high school English teacher, to Dr. Lipscomb and Dr. Stein, my two favorite Lit professors at USF. Clearly, I had more than four teachers, but these are the ones who’ve stood out over the years. It wasn’t because of the zoo in Mr. Holba’s class, or even the fruit and vegetable nicknames Dr. Stein had us choose for ourselves, the way those who were revolting the Christian church did in the time-periods we studied. It’s not about their titles, or even necessarily the lessons they taught. They stand out above the rest because of how they made me feel: special, smart, strong, able, important. They all challenged me to be the best version of myself. But my teachers didn’t stop at the completion of my BA. Over the years, I’ve had countless teachers with many titles: Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle, Aunt, Husband, Teacher, Leader, Brother, Pastor, Mentor, and Friend.

Today marks the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week at our girls’ school. To all the teachers we’ve had over the years: THANK YOU! You have and are making a difference! On the days you feel like pulling out your hair, just remember: for the child, it won’t be about passing the test, becoming the greatest artist, or even singing on-key. Years down the road, it will be about the days you were there, the way you cared, the way you smiled and always had a hug. It’ll be the way you were Jesus to that child.

We’re told to give thanks in all things. To all our teachers: Thank you!

©Heather Potts 2019