Matthew 23:37
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.
Our granddaughter, Virginia Rose, recently celebrates Awards Day with her fellow second grade classmates. As you can tell by these photos, this is on exciting time for her!
Refreshments add to the festive atmosphere, and Virginia, as always, ends up wearing a bit of what she's eaten.
Virginia's teacher, Ms. R., has created a marvelous slideshow featuring photos of her class from year's beginning to end. Of course, all the students are enthralled.
Every student receives a Certificate of Participation, par for the course in this day and age, but it does allow parents and grandparents a fantastic photo-op.
Ms. R. also gives two folders to each of her students, documenting their best work throughout the year. How thoughtful and caring of her! A priceless keepsake, and a wonderful way to allow the children to see how far they have come in just one school year.
But of all the accolades of the day, Virginia and I are proudest of this one:
Taking care of her friends . . .
Wow!
And this award suits Virginia to a "T." She is always reaching out to others, making friends out of strangers, caring for others' feelings, willing to lend an ear or a comforting hug to anyone in need.
Jesus longs to do the same.
Are you willing to let Him?
Amen!
~
It's Memorial Day weekend, and the official arrival of summer break for Virginia, so she and I are heading to my mother's home in Oxford for several days. I do so treasure your comments on my blog, my friends, but my response will be delayed due to being out of town. Never fear! I will get back to you just as soon as possible. Blessings for a safe and happy weekend, and may we remember to pray and give thanks for all the men and women who died in service to our country.
Congratulations and well done, Virginia.
ReplyDeletePraying for Memorial Day. Here in the UK Memorial Day is in November (the Sunday nearest to the 11th.)
The other day I found my school report from when I was at school. It said: "Victor will go down in History ... and Geography ... Science ... Maths ... Literature ..."
God bless.
Thanks, Victor, for your kind words about Virginia, and for the laugh you gave me early this morning. Lol! May your weekend be grand!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Virginia is beautiful and has the most lovely blue eyes...congratulations on the Hen award...she is walking in her Papa God's footsteps...bless her heart and keep give her a long, healthy, courageous fulfilling life!!! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words here, Marla. And yes, may she continue to walk in her Father's footsteps!
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Awww, such a sweet girl. I'm happy she was recognized for her special character trait of taking car of her friends.
ReplyDeleteI always smile when I see pictures of Virginia Rose!
I'm glad her photos make you smile, Beckie. They have the same effect on me!
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What a great award!! I never heard of that one before, but it is so good. I think that is an award well worth striving for. So glad your sweet Virginia Rose is a Mother Hen type...that is a sweet and kind way to be. Have a wonderful time at your mother's. What a treat!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Pamela! Yes, the teacher was pretty inventive, but that scripture came immediately to mind upon Virginia's award. I've shared this blog with her, and explained the context of the Scripture, and it has delighted her beyond words. She has loved all the comments here regarding her special status as the Mother Hen. May she serve God well in the years to come!
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Safe travels!! Virginia is adorable! The Hen Award is certainly one to be treasured and proud of. Have a fun weekend as we offer prayers for the souls of those who gave their lives for us to remain free.
ReplyDeleteWe did have safe travels and a marvelous time, Terri, though it's also good to be home. Yes, can't help but be proud of that Hen Award - Virginia is so deserving!
DeleteLove and blessings!
One things is sure: i can tell you aren't very proud of Virginia. :) Have a great few days Martha.
ReplyDeleteLol, Bill! Yes, we had a great time.
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I hope she always remains as sweet as you have described her. She must be a precious girl. I pray for her to remain a Jesus girl throughout her life.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Nells, that is my prayer for Virginia, too! May Jesus be the first love of her life.
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your sweet girls shows us what enthusiasm, joy, and beauty look like!
ReplyDeletemay she be a leader of leaders as she continues to grow!
weekend blessings to you all, Martha ...
Thank you, Linda, I think she does, too. Virginia is always upbeat and positive, always looking at the bright side of things. May she stay that way, and grow in God's love!
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Martha, thank you for sharing a snapshot of Virginia's second grade year. Her teacher sounds like a true encourager! And yes, there seems to be a reward for everything these days. However, that may not be all bad--for some students that may be the only true encouragement they ever receive!
ReplyDeleteMay we all care for and encourage others--being the hands and feet of Jesus!
Love and blessings!
That's such a good observation, Kim, about the awards - that one certificate might be the only encouragement some children receive - how sad to think about, but if it changes their outlook about themselves and their abilities, how great is that?
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Congrats to such a sweet granddaughter. I forget she was a second grader - so is my granddaughter Kyla. Or was as school is out now and onto third grade. We do have lots in common!!
ReplyDeleteYes, we sure do have lots in common, Jean, the ages of our granddaughters being one of them. Virginia is already excited about third grade and attending VBS with me in a few weeks. Exhausting for me, but oh, so rewarding!
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Our Tanner just finished first grade. He too is a care giver. I love seeing that in him. Their smiles and enthusiasm are absolutely day-brighteners, aren't they? Thanks for this sweet peek into your joy, Martha!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Deb! And how exciting to hear about Tanner and his caring nature. The Lord has blessed him, and all of you, richly in this. May he always have that sweet spirit!
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What a sweet spirit your grand must have. Nothing better!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time away!
Blessings!
Oh, she does, Lulu! What a joy it was to spend the entire weekend with her; and Mom, of course, loved seeing the both of us. :)
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That's an award to be proud of!! I sometimes play the "kindness game" with my grandson. He calls me after school, and we talk about the nice things we did to help people that day. It helps him focus on looking for opportunities to be kind. Your granddaughter does not need to play this game. She is already a master.
ReplyDeleteOh, Galen, how your words of affirmation regarding Virginia's character touched my heart! And I'm so gratified to hear that you play the "kindness game" with your grandson, reinforcing his innate abilities to channel empathy and love. Sounds to me that he is on the right track via some grandmother inspiration!
DeleteMay God bless your grandchildren and children, and mine!
Love and blessings!
That's awesome! Isn't it amazing how early in life the gifts God has bestowed on young ones becomes obvious?
ReplyDeleteSo thrilled for you as grandparents!
She is an absolute beauty inside and out!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Floyd! Yes, I think it's the coolest thing to see God's gifts emerging in young ones. It's our job as parents and grandparents to nurture and encourage those.
DeleteLove and blessings!