Cycle One

Introduction for Teachers

Dear Teachers, Welcome to The You Matter Program! We are so excited to pilot this program with you for the 2021-2022 Academic School Year! This program is designed to help students: ❖ Gain an understanding that they matter to God, are deeply loved by Him, and are designed

with purpose ❖ Develop empathy and focus on core godly character principles ❖ Learn more about those who are in need in their local community ❖ Use their creativity, gifts, talents, and skills to help others in meaningful ways ❖ Work individually and collaboratively as a group on monthly service projects

We do this in a simple, convenient, and cost-free way for teachers. Here is how it works:

1) At the beginning of the school year, teachers receive information about an individual or family who needs support and encouragement. This information and the concept of the program is introduced to students. There is a video on the website that students can also watch in class.

2) Next, our staff deliver a surprise box at the beginning of each month which contains: ● A 15-30 minute lesson that focuses on a core character trait ● An age appropriate discussion guide that fosters dialogue and thought ● A card for parents to describe the monthly theme ● A service project with directions and materials (teachers will have selected

their project from a list provided to them at the beginning of the year) ● A monthly storybook that emphasizes the theme for elementary students

3) Service projects are completed in class or at home and placed in the original box. 4) Pick-up of all projects is arranged during the last week of every month by our staff.

Projects are delivered to the individual or family in need. 5) Updates and feedback from those who receive the projects are provided to each classroom

so that students can tangibly see the difference they are making in others’ lives. We are so excited to partner with you!

Warmest Regards,

Geet� Nangi�  Geeta Nangia MD CEO of SEEN.KNOWN.LOVED.

Introduction to Parents

Dear Parents: It is such a privilege to be able to share The You Matter Program with your child this year! I am a physician and Board Certified Child Psychiatrist, and have been working in the field of mental health for 17 years. Over this time, I have had the privilege of walking alongside children and families through very difficult challenges. In all of these years, I have always been mindful of THREE simple Biblical truths that have the power to change a child’s journey. When children understand these truths, they develop an unshakable foundation in the Lord. For children, I liken this foundation to the roots of an oak tree that run deep. When storms come their way, it is in these truths about who God is and His love for them, that they find security. When they experience brokenness, it is in these truths that they find restoration. When the world says to them that they must live for themselves, these truths ground them in the knowledge that they were in fact made by God, to live for Him and for His glory. Here are the three truths and the Scriptures that support them. Truth One: GOD LOVES US. His love for us is beyond measure. He gave His son for us so that we might have eternal life. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. He pursues us, as the good shepherd, no matter how far away from Him we think we are. He is always faithful.

Eph 3:17-19 (NIV) “ And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” John 3:16 (NIV) “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Matthew 18:12-14 (NIV) “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the

one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” 1 John 1: 9 (NIV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Psalm 139:1-17 (NIV) “You have searched me, Lord and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!”

Truth Two: GOD CREATED EACH OF US WITH PURPOSE. He provided each of us with gifts, talents, and abilities to serve Him. He uses all things together for our good. He desires to give us hope and a future.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) “ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” James 1:17 (NIV) “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Truth Three: WE EACH MATTER TO GOD AND TO HIS KINGDOM. When we know how much He loves us, we live according to His purpose with gratitude to Him in all things. We obey Him in our thoughts and actions, and we serve others. In serving others and loving them as we love ourselves, we extend God’s love, and joy becomes ours in the process.

Romans 8:37-39 (NIV) “ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV) “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Isaiah 58:10 (NIV) “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” Luke 6:28: (NIV) “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Acts 20:35 (ESV) “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Isaiah 1:17 (ESV) “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.” Luke 10:27-37 (NIV) “And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’ But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’

Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.” Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’”

The You Matter Program has been designed to teach children these truths. Each month, children learn about God’s love for them. They are prompted to think about their purpose by examining a core godly principle relevant to how we are all called to live and serve God. They are taught that they matter to God and to His kingdom. Lastly, students engage in a service project for someone in need within their local community, understanding in the process that they can have an impact on others’ lives as they extend God’s love to others. My hope and prayer is that this program becomes a rich and memorable part of your child’s Christian education, and moreover, an experience that helps your child to have a firm foundation in the love of God.

With Gratitude,

Geet� Nangi�  Geeta Nangia MD CEO of SEEN.KNOWN.LOVED.

September: Kindness

Bible Lesson:

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop Kindness is being considerate, respectful, friendly, generous, selfless, compassionate and merciful. When we are kind to others, in everything we do, we can make a tremendous difference in their lives.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32

Throughout Jesus’ life, he was the ultimate example of love and kindness. He didn’t come to the earth to be popular, to fit in, or to have a great time. He came to love everyone and to show them a better way. Below are three examples, out of many in the Bible, of Jesus showing kindness and love toward others:

❖ Jesus wanted to help those who no one else wanted to go near. In Matthew 8:1-4 (read out

loud) Jesus healed a man with leprosy. Back then, no one would go near those with this disease. Jesus, however, showed the ultimate love for this man by touching him and healing him. Jesus always saw those who felt unloved, unclean, and alone. He ensured they knew that they mattered to Him. Those who were outcasts (people who everyone else didn’t want to be around) were loved by Him. ➢ Middle School and High School: Learn about leprosy and how it impacted social

living situations during this time period. Discuss how others might have viewed what Jesus did.

❖ In Luke 8:43-48, a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years found her way toward Jesus in a crowd, and touched his robe. He stopped and acknowledged her. He told her that she had been healed. He always made time to help those people who no one else would take time for!

➢ Middle School and High School: What does it mean to acknowledge someone? Talk about how acknowledgement of others has to do with pausing to show full recognition. This is something we often don’t take time to do. Jesus always took time and made sure that others knew He cared for them, that He found them worthy of love, and that they were fully known by Him.

❖ Luke 19:1-10 tells us the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector. Tax collectors worked for the

Romans, and most of them were very corrupt. They would add extra fees and make it very difficult for the Jews to earn enough money to provide for their families. The Jews often thought of the tax collectors as sinners. They weren’t supposed to come to the temples or the synagogues. One day, Jesus was coming through, and there was such a large crowd that Zacchaeus climbed a tree to be able to see Him, because he was curious about Him. Jesus saw Zacchaeus and told him to come down from the tree, and told him that He was going to come to his house! Others were shocked that Jesus would go to the home of a tax collector! Jesus spent time with Zacchaeus and showed him compassion. ➢ Middle School and High School: Learn more about tax collectors and how they

were often corrupt in their ways. Why do you think Jesus wanted to go to his house?

Discussion Points Encourage classroom discussion with these points and questions below, adapting them for the age group of your students:

1. Jesus loves everyone. His kindness was not just for one group of people. He extended

kindness to people regardless of who they were or their situation. He had compassion for the hurting and those whom everyone else had turned away.

Questions:

A. How has Jesus shown you kindness in your life? Think about how He has been there for you in times that were tough. Think of times when you knew He was there when you were alone. If this is something difficult to do, that is okay. It is important to know that Jesus loves you, sees you, and knows you. You are never alone.

B. Did Jesus care that others would look on when He healed the leper or the woman who was bleeding? What do you think that onlookers were saying as they watched? In other words, was He embarrassed or worried that they’d make fun of him or get angry? C. Should we show kindness to only people who are like us? Or only certain types of people? D. Have you ever been afraid to show kindness to someone because you were afraid of what others would think of you? Reflect on a time when it was hard to show kindness, but you did it anyway.

2. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an

honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia Questions:

A. What do you think of this quote?

B. How do you feel when someone smiles at you, says something kind or

encouraging, or takes time to listen to how you are feeling? Talk about times when someone’s unexpected kindness made a difference in the way that you were feeling.

Lesson highlights:

Jesus sees you, knows you, and loves you. His kindness is always extended to you, even in the midst of the toughest circumstances. When you feel shame or are caught up in sin, He offers you grace, forgiveness, and mercy. As Jesus shows us kindness, it is right for us to be kind to others, and to not worry about being judged or laughed at in doing so. Small acts of kindness make a big impact.

Service Project of the Month

Teachers, pick from the following service project options for your “surprise box” this month!

Kindness Tree: You will receive a box of branches and a vase. Ask students to design kindness ornaments for the tree branches by decorating each enclosed heart and writing an encouraging statement or quote on each one. Kindness Plate: You will receive a special dish that has a message on it. Each of your students has the assignment of baking one dozen cookies (to be brought in on pickup day). One cookie from each student will also be assembled onto the kindness plate, wrapped in the enclosed cellophane, tied with ribbon, and then boxed for pick up and delivery to the recipient. The other cookies are to be shared with classmates (as part of a “Kindness Celebration”). They also can be plated on the enclosed plastic platters for others at the school who would really benefit. Ask the children to think of some special people at the school with whom they could share a “kindness plate” of cookies. Basket of Kindness Rocks (activity not for seniors) : You will receive small garden rocks that can be painted by each student to brighten up the recipient’s day. The rocks can then be placed in the enclosed gift box for pick up on delivery day. Kindness Postcards: You will receive postcards for every student to design and create. Items needed to decorate them are included. The postcards can be mailed out all at once (stamps are included), or you can mail them out throughout the next 3-4 weeks so that the recipient receives encouraging messages all month long! Kindness Cards: You will receive a basket of cards for students to design and create. These can then be placed into the wooden box provided. Teachers may choose to paint the wooden box. The box will then be delivered to the recipient on pick-up day. Create Your Own: Have an idea for a unique or different class kindness project that can be picked up and delivered to the recipient? Have students who want to spend time thinking outside the box and coming up with something different?

We’d love to hear about it! Email us your idea, and as long as we can arrange to box up the project, we’d be thrilled to deliver it!

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Kindergarten through 2rd grade teachers will receive “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud. (please return the book on pickup day) Books for older children are listed on our webpage that are consistent with this month’s theme. Activities that foster kindness: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school. You can reach out to us at any time via our website. We’d love your input and value your feedback!

October: Encouragement Review: Last month, we focused on the kindness of Jesus. We talked about how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Jesus showed kindness toward people who felt alone, who were sick, and those whom everyone else had disregarded. He acknowledged them with kindness through His time, by listening to them, and helping them in their suffering. In this same way, His kindness toward you never ends. Even in your darkest times, He does not ever leave you.

Bible Lesson: This month, we focus on the topic of encouragement. Let’s look at how Jesus encourages us. In the passage below, Jesus tells us to not worry. Worry is when we are anxious (or nervous) about something, and we keep thinking about it because we aren’t sure if it will be okay. We can be encouraged by Jesus’s words below!

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) Do Not Worry

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

In this special passage, Jesus tells us how He cares for the flowers in the field, and the birds in the air. He takes care of them because He loves them, so we must remember all the more that Jesus will take care of us! His words are so encouraging and we can rest in them! See, encouraging words like these are like a salve. When you have a wound, and it stings, a salve is an ointment that can be placed over the wound and it takes the sting away and protects the wound underneath from germs and dirt. Jesus’s words are like a healing salve for our worry. He puts our minds at ease. Did you know that your words can be like a healing salve? You can offer encouragement to other people when they are sad, worried, frustrated, lonely, or struggling and God can use your words to bring someone healing and restoration.  

Discussion Points

1. How do you feel when you hear Jesus encourage us to not worry? Think about something that sometimes worries you, and remember that Jesus takes care of the birds of the sky and the flowers of the field. How much more does he care for you?!

2. Jesus gives comfort by encouraging us. Have you ever tried to give comfort to someone by

encouraging them? Share an example.

3. Do you know anyone that could use encouragement? Think of something that you could say that would help them.

Lesson Highlights:

Jesus offered us many words of encouragement. In today’s lesson, we learned how Jesus told us to not worry, because He loves us and takes care of us. Encouraging words can be very healing for us, and for those around us. By being an encouraging person, you can make a big difference in the lives of those around you.

 

Service Project of the Month

Teachers, pick from the following service project options for your “surprise box” this month!

Sunshine Box One: Fill the box with items that will be comforting and encouraging to your recipient (i.e. box of tea, a mug, chocolate). You can reference the profile of the person you are sponsoring to see what things they enjoy. You can set a price point of $1.00-5.00 for each child, brainstorm ideas with your class of what the box can be filled with, and send the list out to parents so that children can each bring in one item for the box. Ideas may include things like a blanket, mug, a water bottle, a journal, a magazine subscription, pens, a personalized tote bag, or a photo frame. Sunshine Box Two: Get creative! Let your students come up with ideas on their own for how they’d like to contribute something to the sunshine box that is encouraging for their recipient. Give them the assignment of thinking through the gifts God has given them, and using their gifts to contribute something thoughtful and intentional. For instance, if a child loves to sing or play an instrument, parents can help the child record a song and send in the audio file to us, for the recipient to hear. If a student loves to draw, a piece of art could be a wonderful contribution. Other ideas:

- A piece of poetry - A craft - A video of a great sports move with an encouraging comment in it (we have had a child take a video of a home run and write “Hope your day is over the fence!” on it) - A video of a child saying something positive and uplifting - A nature photo placed in a comforting card. - A book with a little comforting inscription by the child - A mug with some treats that the child shopped for

 

Have children share what they are contributing with the entire class!

Sunshine boxes will be picked up on pickup day.

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Kindergarten-2nd grade teachers will receive “Oh the Seeds You Can Sow” by Jessica Lisk. (please return the book on pickup day) Books for older children are listed on our webpage that are consistent with this month’s theme. Activities: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school. You can reach out to us at any time via our website. We’d love your input and value your feedback.

November: Gratitude

Review: Last month, we focused on how Jesus encouraged us, and how we are to encourage others. God wants us to use words with others that bring comfort, and that lift them up. Jesus was kind to everyone, and intentional with his speech. He spoke words that were thoughtful, gentle, healing, encouraging, and prompted others to think.

Bible Lesson: This month, we focus on the importance of being grateful in all things. When we think about what we are thankful to God for, it helps us to be joyful and hopeful, not just when things are going our way, but even when things are hard.

➢ Middle School and High School: Gratitude is the practice of being mindful and thankful for what you are blessed with. When we focus on gratitude in good times and we daily remind ourselves of what we are blessed with, our minds settle into a pattern of always thanking God and it becomes part of who we are! Then when things get to be difficult, it is easier to be thankful to God for His provision and His careful watch over us in the middle of our hardships. Our minds turn toward peace in Christ instead of sadness, and we rest gratefully in His faithfulness and presence, even when our circumstances are challenging.

The Bible speaks of gratitude all throughout scripture. Let’s read some wonderful scriptures about gratitude. (Teachers can select from Scriptures below to read out loud) Then we will look at how Jesus was always grateful to his Father in heaven, no matter what He was facing.

Psalm 9:1-2 (ESV) "I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 28:7 (ESV) "The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him."

1 Thessalonians 5:13 (ESV) "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

 

   

Philippians 4: 6-7 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:17 (NIV) "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

1 Samuel 12:24 (ESV) "Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you."

Jesus lived a life that was the ultimate sacrifice. He knew that He would face the betrayal of others, that He would go to the worst suffering and death possible for us, and yet He showed gratitude toward His father in all things.

Luke 22:19 (NIV) “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Matthew 15:36 (NIV) “Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.”

John 11: 41 (NIV) “So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”

Focusing on gratitude when things are going well is easy. Gratitude when life gets hard is a different ballgame. ➢ Middle School and High School: Many years ago, I had the privilege of working with

refugees who came to this country after having been tortured and beaten in their own countries. Their loved ones had been killed, and they now found themselves alone with so much pain and grief. I was moved by the fact that in the face of all their suffering, they were grateful to God for bringing them through, for the joy they had because of knowing they live for Christ, and knowing that in this country they could now have safety and freedom.

See, gratitude is a heart posture and a mindset that has the power to change how you feel, your outlook on life, your attitude toward others, and your ability to make it through tough things. We can always find something to be grateful to God for.

Discussion Points

1. What are the things that you are thankful for? Share some of these things with your class. Think through even the simple things: air you breathe, having food, shelter, safety. We tend to take for granted what so many others in our world lack. ➢ Middle School and High School: Reflect on what you are grateful for in your daily

life. Then reflect on a struggle that you recently encountered. What could you be grateful for within the experience that you faced?

2. Try and make a practice of thanking God daily. Doing so sets the tone for your day. It can

be helpful to keep a list of what you are thankful for! ➢ Middle School and High School: Some people even keep a gratitude list in their

phones! Being mindful of what you’ve been blessed with allows you to shift from negativity (sadness, frustration, seeing your glass as half full) to trusting God to work all things for your good even when life isn’t going as you planned. God is always faithful.

3. What are some times in your life when gratitude could have changed the way you saw a

situation? ➢ Middle School and High School: Reflect on a situation in which you felt you were

seeing things through a negative lens. How would gratitude have shifted your perspective?

4. How can we show gratitude toward the Lord for what He did for us on the cross?

Lesson Highlights: Gratitude is essential to us having peace and joy.

Service Project of the Month

Gratitude Jars: Students can take one home, and they can all collectively make one for the sponsored recipient. Student directions : Use the little papers in your box to write down all the things that you are grateful for. Place the papers in the jar, so that you can pull them out and read them on days when you aren’t feeling things are going well, or if you feel down. Add to it throughout the year. Thank God as you read each paper. God promises His peace to you, as you tell Him what is on your heart and you offer Him thanks. Think of that. Your thankfulness allows Him to give you peace! Each student can contribute one message of thanks to the collective jar to be picked up at the end of the month for the recipient. For example, messages in the collective jar could read, “Mrs, Smith, I am thankful for your beautiful smile” or “I am thankful to be able to get to know you this year”.

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Kindergarten through second grade teachers will receive “Apple Cake” by Dawn Casey. Elementary teachers will receive “Thankful” by Eileen Spinelli or “Maybe God is Like That Too” by Jennifer Grant.(please return the book on pickup day) Activities: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school.

December: Giving Review: Last month, we focused on how Jesus gave thanks in all things, even when He faced death. We talked about how important it is for us to be grateful to God in all things, and that our gratitude allows God to bring us joy and peace.

Bible Lesson Have you ever heard someone say it is better to give than to receive? Well, we are going to reverse that statement today! Christmas is a time of receiving, and THEN giving!! Does that sound backwards? Are we supposed to care about receiving gifts ourselves first before we give to others? Well, today we do. We want to receive the best gift of all time. When we receive this special gift, we can then give it to others! What is that gift? It is the gift of God’s love. This Christmas and every Christmas, we celebrate God sending His only son down to earth, born in a manger, the Savior of the world. God’s greatest gift! All for us! When we receive Him, as God’s perfect gift of love, we realize that it is because of Him that we are forgiven, saved, restored, and promised eternity with God in heaven! Then, we can share the gift of God’s love with others.

Matthew 1:18-23 (ESV)

The Birth of Jesus Christ

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ[ a ] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the

angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

Discussion Points

1. What does it mean to receive the gift of Jesus in your heart?

2. How does knowing God’s love in your heart change your heart and your mind? Read Romans 12:2.

3. Is God’s love for you conditional (does it depend on you doing something?) ? Does He

love all of you? Does he ever leave you? Does he forgive you even when you don’t forgive yourself?  

Lesson Highlights: Receiving God's gift means that you start the life journey of knowing His love for you more. Every day that you know it more, you get to give it and share it with those around you.

Service Project of the Month Here is the community service project for the month!

Christmas Caroling and Cookies: This month, students will have the opportunity to participate in caroling at local senior homes, and bring cookies to the person they are sponsoring. For classrooms sponsoring children in the community, caroling and cookies may be arranged in front of the child’s home through You Matter Staff.

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Kindergarten teachers will receive “The Christmas Child: A Story of Coming Home” by Max Lucado (please return the book on pickup day). Books for older children are listed on our webpage that are consistent with this month’s theme. Activities: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school.

January: Grace

Review : Last month we talked about Jesus, the ultimate gift to all of us. When we know how much He loves us, we can spread His love to others.

Bible Lesson It’s a New Year, which means everyone is making resolutions for the year to come. Many people use this month to think of the unhealthy habits they want to change or new decisions they want to make that will lead to a positive difference in their lives. New starts are wonderful! Did you know that God’s forgiveness offers you a new start every day? A lot of people carry around bad feelings about their past. Some people worry about things they’ve done wrong before. Some feel bad about something they said or something they’ve hidden in their hearts. Others feel they can’t let go of feelings like anger, guilt, sadness, or even shame. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about carrying these types of feelings around. and then let’s look at the new start that Jesus offers.

1 John 1:9 (ESV) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Psalm 103:12 (NIV) "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

Isaiah 43:25 (NIV) “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more ..."

Ephesians 1:7-8 (NIV) “ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding”

Romans 8:2 (NIV) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[ a ] free from the law of sin and death.”

Jesus said these kind words full of grace to those struggling with burdens (things on their hearts that felt heavy)    

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

 It’s important to know that God can take the heavy and hard things in your life. He can take the bad feelings of shame, sadness, fear, or doubt and offer you a new start. He loves you unconditionally. He forgives you when you come to him, washes you clean, and makes you whole. He doesn’t hold onto your past or hold it against you. He takes it and heals you so that you can rest in his love. He transforms you.

Romans 12:2 (KJV) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

No one else can offer a new start like He can. No one holds through to promises as He does. He is always faithful.

Discussion Points 1. Holding onto things in your heart that are difficult, like anger, shame, and guilt, can be very hard. One of the amazing things about God is that He is your best friend and your Heavenly Father. When you go to Him and talk about your thoughts and feelings, He listens. He knows you! The Bible, in Psalm 139, says He knit you in your mother’s womb! You are fearfully and wonderfully made! There is nothing that you can’t tell Him. He invites you to talk with him anytime! He draws closer to you and gives you peace, and He makes your yoke light. He gives new starts, and His forgiveness is always ours when we ask for it. Discuss what the word “yoke” means and why Jesus uses this term in Romans 12:2.

2. Has there ever been a time when you’ve gone to God in prayer, when you’ve asked HIm to take something heavy off your heart? How did you feel afterwards? Lesson highlights: In Christ, there is no condemnation. When we need forgiveness and we go to Him, it is ours. When we give Him our burdens, He takes them from us as we surrender the matters of our heart. In turn, He gives us peace and His yoke is light.  

Service Project of the Month Here is the community service project for the month!

A “New Start” Calendar for the New Year: Make a class calendar for the upcoming school year. Each student can submit a special photograph in a .jpeg or .png file to their teacher. These can then be submitted to the You Matter Team, and will be used to make a calendar for the recipient. A collection of encouraging special messages may also be collected by the teacher for submission, and the team will incorporate these messages into the calendar as well. Each teacher and student will also have the option to purchase their class calendar for personal use.

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Elementary classrooms will receive “Because I Love You” by Max Lucado. Books for older children are listed on our webpage that are consistent with this month’s theme. Activities: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school.

February: Loving God, Loving Others, Loving Yourself

Review: Last month, we learned about the importance of new starts, and how God gives us a new start through His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. He does not hold things against us, nor condemn us. When we come to Him and ask genuinely for forgiveness, it is ours. He gives us a clean slate. The more we know His love, the more we naturally desire to live for Him.

Bible Lesson

This month, most people are celebrating Valentine’s Day. It is a month to think about those we love and express our love to them.

What does godly love look like?

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV) says:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

What a standard for pure love to look like!

It feels good to love someone. But love isn’t just about feeling good. Love is an action that also can take a lot of effort, time, energy, forgiveness, patience, grace, and humility. That means that sometimes loving someone can be hard to do. It isn’t always all roses and hearts! Love takes commitment, and a foundation in God’s love.

Being loved also feels good.

God wants you to love Him first, love others, and let’s not forget…to know His love for yourself. God's love for you is pure. It is always yours for the keep. It doesn’t leave you, isn’t ever rejecting, and is always consistent...even on your worst days.

How do you realize God’s love for you? The first step is seeing yourself as worthy (or deserving) of God's love. When you look in the mirror, it is important that you see a person who God loves. No one else was made like you. He loves you so much that He knows the number of hairs on your head. You may sometimes not like the way you look, but God made you in His image. He is pleased with you and finds you beautiful. He placed gifts in you for His glory. Those gifts are the unique character traits, talents, skills, and qualities that make you YOU! And no matter how others see you, God always sees you as worthy of His love. So, when you look in the mirror next time, think about His love for you. Exactly as you are, at this moment.

Discussion Points

1. Have you ever felt unworthy of God's love for you? Have you ever doubted it? Rest in the fact that you are worthy of His love.

2. Do you think love like in this passage above is easy? What about it sounds challenging?

When you love someone, whether it is your parents, your siblings, your friends, or one day your future spouse, remember God calls us to loving like this.

Lesson Highlights: You are worthy of God’s love. Love is an action, not just a feeling. It is not always easy. It takes commitment, effort, understanding, grace, and forgiveness.

   

Service Project of the Month      

Box of Valentines: Make a box of valentines for your recipient. Be creative! Add treats to your valentines!

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Elementary students will receive “You are Mine” by Max Lucado. Books for older children are listed on our webpage that are consistent with this month’s theme. Activities: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school.

March: Patience, To Everything There Is a Season

Review: Last month, we talked about how important it is for us to know that we are worthy of God’s love.

Bible Lesson For some people, then winter can feel like it drags along, slow to end. When the holidays are over, it can seem that January and February are cold, sometimes a bit dark, and maybe even a bit sad! But around the corner, in March, comes the signs of new life. Birds are singing, squirrels are chirping, and frogs are heard croaking in ponds everywhere. The trees are gaining new leaves, flowers are blossoming, the grass is getting greener, and the air even smells distinctly like Spring. It is the end of winter, and the beginning of a beautiful and fresh season. Waiting for spring can be tough. Sometimes life can involve a lot of waiting. We wait for things that we are excited for. We wait for times that are tough to end. We wait for wishes to come true and good things to happen. Waiting takes patience. Patience….is difficult. What does the Bible say about patience and waiting for God's promises? Psalm 37:7 (NIV) “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” John 13:7 (NIV) “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV) “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Hebrews 10:36 (NIV) “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Exodus 14:14 (NIV) "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Proverbs 13:12 (NIV) “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” God always has a plan that is bigger than ours. We may be impatient sometimes, but when we wait on Him, we come to see that He works all things together for our good.

Discussion Points: 1. What kind of things are you waiting for today? Have you let your desires be known to God? Ask him for patience as you wait. 2. Sometimes things don’t always happen as we want them to, or in the timing we want them to be in. God wants us to be patient, and trust Him with the outcome. It doesn’t mean life can’t be hard. Sometimes, we go through a lot of hardship before we see what God is doing in us and for us. God will refine you and build you into the person He wants you to be. He knows the desires of your heart, and wants you to know joy. That joy can be found, even in the process of waiting on him for answers.

3. Is worrying helpful? What kind of practical and healthy things can you do as you wait? Lesson Highlights: We can take our worries, the things that make us feel heavy and burdened, and the things that we find painful to God. He invites us to come to Him. When we surrender these things to Him, He gives us peace. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Patience can be hard when we are longing for something. Waiting on God to provide isn’t easy, but God helps us to grow in the process and He is with us as we wait.

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Elementary students will receive “The Crippled Lamb” by Max Lucado and “It Will be Okay” by Lisa Terkheurst and teachers can rotate the books within the same grade. Books for older children are listed on our webpage that are consistent with this month’s theme. Activities: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school.

April: Forging Friendships Review: When we long for something, God knows our hearts. He is with us and His timing is perfect. He helps us to grow in the process of waiting on Him.

Bible Lesson This month, we are talking about friendship. Everyone wants a good friend, but sometimes making friends can be a challenge no matter how old you are. It can be hard to find words when you aren’t sure of what to say to someone when meeting them for the first time. Sometimes, walking into a new situation where you don’t know anyone can feel awkward and uncomfortable. Other times, when we have been hurt by a friend, it can be tough to find the courage to try and trust someone else again to be a kind friend. The first thing to remember is that no one is without a friend. You have a best friend in Jesus. He is the truest friend you’ll ever have. He listens, He cares, and He loves you. No matter where life goes or takes you, He is there by your side. Jesus did create you for relationships with others, as well. Let's take a look at how Jesus made friends, and learn how we can find a roadmap for making them ourselves. Believe it or not, no matter your age, these 12 steps never get old.

1. Jesus went where people were. 2. He took initiative and responded to the initiatives of others. That means he sought out

relationships, and he responded when others sought him out. 3. Jesus left room in his schedule for interruptions by friends and others seeking his help. 4. He didn't look for those who were popular. He treated all people the same regardless of

their social, racial, or socioeconomic status. 5. He acknowledged others (He stopped, saw them, listened to them, and paid attention to

them). 6. He listened to their stories, and wanted to know their hearts. 7. He commented on their positive qualities. 8. Jesus asked people questions, and prompted them to think. 9. He shared His story. 10. He did not pretend to be someone He was not; He was real.

11. Jesus respected the free choice of others, but was forthcoming and transparent with the

gospel truth. He stood unabashedly and unwaveringly for what was right. 12. He exercised grace, mercy, and spoke truth in love. Speaking truth in love means having

the courage to be honest about what is good and righteous, and doing so in a loving and respectful way.

Let’s translate this into how we should seek out friendships and respond to others who seek us out.

1. Ask yourself, is there a place where I might feel safe and comfortable getting to know others, and initiating conversation? For some young people, that means their school, their neighborhood, their youth group, or their sports team. If you can’t think of anywhere, ask your parents or a trusted person to help you.

2. Take the initiative to start conversations. Ask questions to show someone you care about their answer. If someone asks you something, answer with detail instead of being short in your response. For example, If someone says, “Hey, what’s up?” Respond by talking about what you are doing rather than “nothing”. Practice having conversation that goes back and forth where both you and the other person are talking and listening. Make the effort to talk, but also ask your own questions and listen well to others.

3. Make time for others. 4. Invite them to spend time with you doing something fun. 5. Encourage others. It will lift others up and lift you up. 6. Aim to find the good in others and in things around you. 7. Treat all people with the same respect. 8. Don’t change who you are to fit in with others. Be yourself, and be confident in

the fact that God made you beautiful inside and out. He didn’t make you to be someone else. He made you, YOU.

9. Have dialogue (good conversation where both people find room to be heard). Be open and listen.

10. Don’t be afraid to speak the truth, when a situation calls for it. Do so with kindness, respect, and love.

If you are listening to all this and saying, “I already have friends, I don’t need more”, know that Jesus still calls you to befriend others. He wants us to serve one another in love, and we are all brothers and sisters in God's family. Friendship is the living out of God's love toward one another.

It does not have to be with someone just like you. Remember, Jesus got to know people from every walk of life. He was a friend to all. Be a friend to others who need a friend. You might be saying, “Well, how do I know if a friend is right for me?” That is a great question to ask throughout your entire life! Sometimes, adults have to also ask themselves this question. The best way to know a good friend is to know that they are respectful, kind, and thoughtful toward you, considerate of your ideas and beliefs, and that they support you. A good friend will speak truth in love to you even when things get tough or you both disagree. A good friend is a person who will be there for you, encourage you, and help you to grow in a positive and healthy way.  

So, find someone you don’t know well this month, and plant the seed of friendship. Get to know them, learn from them, laugh with them, and grow with them. Be true to who God made you to be in the process! Lesson Highlights: Making friends can be hard at any age. Jesus set a great example of how to form relationships and make friends. A good friend can be healing for us. Looking for the right qualities in a good friend is important throughout life.

Service Project of the Month:

Planting seeds: Directions for Students: Plant seeds in the enclosed pots after filling them with soil. Using the markers provided, decorate the pot, and write the name of the person sitting next to you on it. Give it to that person to take home as a gesture of friendship. When you get home, place the pot you received near a window and don’t forget to water it.

For the recipient, students can take turns signing the big flowerpot. Students can help place the soil and plant in the pot. Someone else can water it, and place it by the window in the classroom until it is ready for pickup day.

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Kindergarten teachers will receive “A Friend Like You” by Andrea Schomburg. Elementary students will receive “Seeds and Trees” by Brandon Walden. Books for older children are listed on our webpage that are consistent with this month’s theme.

Activities: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school.

May: God’s Truth Over Me Review: Last month, we learned about friendship, and the qualities in a friend that are important. We also talked about how Jesus formed relationships and made friends, and that His example is one we should follow.

Bible Lesson

Imagine something with me. Imagine that you are in a room and facing a large beautiful sunlit window. A warm sunshine is coming through and it feels very good. A gentle breeze blows over you. Behind you, there is a door that is closed. You feel safe, comfortable, and happy. God’s truth over your life is very powerful. It is that warm sunshine that covers you. Here is a sweet compilation of scriptures that tell you what God says about you in His Word. Read this out loud as a class, or have your students watch this video: www.fathersloveletter.com (unknown author) A love letter from God to you My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. ( Psalm 139:1 )

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. ( Psalm 139:2 )

I am familiar with all your ways. ( Psalm 139:3 )

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. ( Matthew 10:29-31 )

For you were made in my image. ( Genesis 1:27 )

In me you live and move and have your being. ( Acts 17:28 )

For you are my offspring. ( Acts 17:28 )

I knew you even before you were conceived. ( Jeremiah 1:4-5 )

I chose you when I planned creation. ( Ephesians 1:11-12 )

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. ( Psalm 139:15-16 )

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. ( Acts 17:26 )

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. ( Psalm 139:14 )

I knit you together in your mother’s womb. ( Psalm 139:13 )

And brought you forth on the day you were born. ( Psalm 71:6 )

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. ( John 8:41-44 )

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. ( 1 John 4:16 )

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. ( 1 John 3:1 )

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. ( 1 John 3:1 )

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. ( Matthew 7:11 )

For I am the perfect father. ( Matthew 5:48 )

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. ( James 1:17 )

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. ( Matthew 6:31-33 )

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. ( Jeremiah 29:11 )

Because I love you with an everlasting love. ( Jeremiah 31:3 )

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. ( Psalm 139:17-18 )

And I rejoice over you with singing. ( Zephaniah 3:17 )

I will never stop doing good to you. ( Jeremiah 32:40 )

For you are my treasured possession. ( Exodus 19:5 )

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. ( Jeremiah 32:41 )

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. ( Jeremiah 33:3 )

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. ( Deuteronomy 4:29 )

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. ( Psalm 37:4 )

For it is I who gave you those desires. ( Philippians 2:13 )

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. ( Ephesians 3:20 )

For I am your greatest encourager. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 )

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 )

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. ( Psalm 34:18 )

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. ( Isaiah 40:11 )

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. ( Revelation 21:3-4 )

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. ( Revelation 21:3-4 )

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. ( John 17:23 )

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. ( John 17:26 )

He is the exact representation of my being. ( Hebrews 1:3 )

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. ( Romans 8:31 )

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. ( 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 )

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. ( 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 )

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. ( 1 John 4:10 )

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. ( Romans 8:31-32 )

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. ( 1 John 2:23 )

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. ( Romans 8:38-39 )

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. ( Luke 15:7 )

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. ( Ephesians 3:14-15 )

My question is … Will you be my child? ( John 1:12-13 )

I am waiting for you. ( Luke 15:11-32 )

Love, Your Dad.

Almighty God

That is pure love, isn’t it? That is how God loves you and sees you.

Have you ever had thoughts about yourself that you didn’t want to have? Have you found it hard to forgive yourself for something? Have you worried about not being good enough, or thought that you just won’t succeed? Have you wondered if you were loved or if things for you would work out? If you have had those thoughts, or they come up in the future, remember to close your eyes, and allow yourself to be in front of the light of God’s truth over you. Talk to Him. He is your Heavenly Father. You can talk to God about anything and everything. He listens and invites us daily to talk with Him and share our hearts. When our minds try to trick us into believing lies about who we are, or when we question if we are good or whether we are cared for, or whether we have purpose, we must remind ourselves of who God is, who we are in Him, and what He speaks over us.

Discussion Points

1. Have you ever talked to God? Try to make a habit of talking to Him through your day, and know that He listens and loves you. He also answers your prayers. It may not be in the

way you want or the timing you think is best, but He works all things together for your good and in His perfect time because He loves you.

2. Do you ever struggle with doubt, or negative self talk? Have you ever thought of all of these beautiful truths that God speaks over your life?

➢ Middle and High School Students: When people look at social media, how do they

feel afterwards? Did you know that studies show that after people look at Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram that they feel more depressed and anxious than they did beforehand? That is because they begin to believe more negatively about themselves as they compare themselves to others. What is healthier to fill your life with- God’s truth over you, or staring at social media photos of others and comparing your life to theirs?

➢ Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Does most social media line up with this verse? Consider using your time to dwell on things that are consistent with this scripture, and you will find that your mind is far less anxious, and your heart is happier.

3. Read the above letter when you are feeling down, anxious, or doubting who you are. It is

a great reminder of God’s truth. Sitting and dwelling in His truth is wonderful for you when you’ve had a long day or are feeling low. Scripture speaks life to your body, mind, and soul.

Lesson Highlights: God’s truth over your life is told all throughout scripture. Memorize these scriptures, and hide them in your heart. The Bible says in Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against God.” This means that when you place the Scriptures within your heart, they are so powerful that they keep you from doing things that aren’t right. They speak life to you, lift you up when you feel down, and calm your worries. When you doubt yourself, remember that God made you for His glory and He loves you as a perfect Father.

Service Project of the Month

Sending a Journal of Truths with Self Care Items: Using the journal enclosed, each student can write one 1-2 scriptures from the above “Father’s Love Letter” into the journal to be given to the recipient. It can be placed into the basket, alongside the self care items in the box.

Self Care Box: Make a basket of activities and fun self care items. Students can shop for things like crosswords, puzzles, pens, adult coloring books with colored pencils, journals, grip socks, slippers with grips, large alarm clocks, lotion, books, lap blankets, universal remotes. For any child recipients, kids can brainstorm what the child might like to have, and shop for the items for the basket. Basket is enclosed.

Fun Extras!

Storybook time: Kindergarten through second grade classrooms will receive “The Oak Inside the Acorn” by Max Lucado. Books for older children are listed on our webpage that are consistent with this month’s theme. Activities: Please visit our website, under the You Matter tab, and find links to WONDERFUL classroom activities that correspond with this month’s theme. Please send us pictures of your student’s projects! We will be featuring them on our webpage. You will find an attached waiver form that allows parents to give us permission to post a child’s first name, teacher, and school.