Gift Tags in Education

Dear Sister,

I accidentally mentioned to my god-sons that I was hiding presents in the attic.  How did I make that mistake! I had to move fast to get my daughters presents wrapped because those two rascals can't hold water! As for my son who lives on his own, he has hit that age of "necessity" when it comes to presents:  "Mom, just send me underwear and socks."

I pulled the gifts from the attic and began one of my favorite traditions in the Frazier family.  Each gift is labeled with name tags such as To: Hope , To: Wisdom, To: Grace, To: Knowledge, To: Kindness and of course the largest gift must say To: Love.  My intention is to keep my family and friends reminded that they are called to set their "hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1, NIV).

Sister, I want you and our brothers to meditate on this truth:  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1, NIV). That means that you and I have the greatest access to all those things that are above for ourselves and our students!  With that said, what are you going to ask Jesus to do for you and your students? 

Do you have students who are scheduled to be held back because they can't pass an exit exam?  Do you have a superintendent who wants to restrict access to foreign language instruction? Are you concerned with the descending academic standards of athletes? Please make sure you're paying attention to "those things" that are ultimately ruining the academic structure of all forms of education. 

We are called to watch and pray!  Use your access in Christ Jesus to  approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16, NIV).

In a recent article, the  writer asked, ”Is the End Near for Public Education?" I think a better question to ask is, "Is the End Near... period?  Public education isn't going anywhere until Jesus returns. Until that day public schools will be drastically transformed by people like us who realize our position in Christ. Get busy.

I returned to the classroom last week and what an adventure!  The first thing I told the students was that I'm allergic to ear buds and electronic devices so they needed to remove these items far from my presence.  "Otherwise, I'm going to have a bad reaction." It was a priceless moment as they obeyed : ). Next week I'm banning Chrome books!  One student was smiling over something he was viewing yet I'm pretty sure it wasn't Darwinism.

Enjoy the Christmas season and stay encouraged with these name tags: To: Faith , To: Understanding, To: Mercy, To: Perseverance, To: Endurance while you're holding fast to the greatest gift labeled To: Love.

Your sister in Christ,

Vanessa

About the Author

Vanessa Frazier is a visionary in education as she is led by God to change the face of public education through Christian professional development that redefines effective teachers, establishes long-lasting school turnaround strategies and eliminates educational gaps. As she consults with teachers, students and school board members, Frazier is proving the benefits of incorporating biblical principles and practices without crossing the boundaries of church and state. 

Author of the book, Dear God, Welcome Back to School (Redemption-press.com). Ms. Frazier is a Christian teachers coach (PS24online.com) with God-given ability to equip and encourage teachers throughout the year. The end result allows educational professionals to draw on the power of God to make extraordinary changes in their public schools. With over 20 years of experience walking with God in national and international school settings, she continues to go forward with the Great Commission—making disciples of public school teachers. Acknowledging Jesus Christ as her Teacher and Lord, she keeps passion and zeal on her side while diligently striving to inspire teachers to gravitate toward the Word of God for daily direction, counsel and guidance.  In the end, teachers return to school with a renewed passion for education and a clear understanding of what it means to legally follow Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, into public schools.

Please visit DisciplesEDU.com for more information.