Caught!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA7n7TwPDmw

Joy ~ for KING & COUNTRY

 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ~ Hebrews 10:24 NIV

 

When I was in elementary school, you wanted to get “caught” by the teachers. It meant you were doing something kind, helpful, or another good behavior, for which you’d receive a “Caught You Doing Something Good” certificate. After collecting a few, you could turn them in for a small prize. Although it was likely a cheap toy, every student wanted to get “caught”.

 

Fast forwarding to about four years ago, as small group leaders, our church asked us to send thank you notes to those who served at our church. While there were many greeters at church, one stood out for the way he purposefully greeted every child. Either with a high-five or just smile and hello to them, he made a point of greeting each one. Brad sent his note to this greeter, thanking him for making our girls feel special and welcome. He noted that even though they were shy, they definitely noticed when he wasn’t there to make them feel special and personally greeted.

 

Sadly, we live in a fallen world and in a time when many are quick to point out our errors, missteps, and how we’ve offended them. While it makes the world feel darker, it gives us, as the body of Christ, an opportunity to shine all the brighter. Anyone can see someone’s faults, but it takes practice and prayerful help from Holy Spirit to “catch” and compliment one another on their love and “good deeds” towards others.

 

Who needs a kind word, thanks, or “Caught You Doing Something Good” card? Regardless of our age, we all want to be seen, known, and loved. Today and over the next few weeks, I challenge you to ask Holy Spirit to help you “catch” others doing something good. You never know how it will encourage them.

©Heather Potts 2021

Thank You for Freedom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVvCA8w3Cm0

One and Only ~ Rend Collective

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ~ Galatians 5:1, 13 NIV

I was unprepared for the scene as the road to the grocery store took me past two cemeteries, where dozens of flags waved in honor of military heroes. One of my grandpas is among them. As I continued past, I realized that for far too many, this weekend would be a moment in which time would stand still, as memories of their fallen heroes flooded their minds.

It was shortly after my grandpa’s death that we found the article about his younger brother, Pfc. Clayton Hayes. The article told of how Clayton and his troop helped families carry their belongings back to their war-ravaged homes in Normandy. The article was written in June 1944, just three months before Clayton died as a war-hero.

For many of us, it’s been a long couple of months that we’ve felt our freedoms were stripped under orders to stay at home—not work, not see friends or family, not go out unless necessary. While it’s been a trying season and we’re all ready to experience more freedoms, let’s not forget those who died for them.

First and foremost, Jesus died—paying the highest price—so that you could live, not to please yourself, but for Him. Second, remember the men and women who fought and died protecting the freedoms we enjoy in this country. Today, take a moment to pray for the families who’ve lost loved ones in the wars. Pray also for those who are currently serving in the military, as well as their families. Then, as you see those who’ve served, say, “Thank you.” My stepdad, who served in both Vietnam and in Desert Storm, always says, “All anyone has to say is, ‘Thank you.’” Finally, spend time asking God how you can serve others. We’re not all called to the military, but we’re all called to serve one another in love.

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

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

©Heather Potts 2020

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