Facebook memories are often a real treat and I enjoy seeing the things that were important at the time, reliving memories, and smiling knowing we survived it all - so far. Several years ago I post about my joy in nailing the classroom Valentine. My kids -especially my sons - has rules about what they could bring for the class.
Nothing mushy.
Nothing that sounded ANYTHING like converation hearts.
Had to be cool
... you get the idea

I found these nose pencil sharpners and they were a hit! I giggle the entire time that I was putting these gems together - and laughed again today at the thought of it all! I added a tag that read, "You BLOW me away, Valentine" It checked all the boxes and I think I got bonus Mom Points for being gross.

Get your own pencil sharpners Valentine supplies here
Amazon Link for Nose Sharpeners
Amazon Link for Self Seal Bags for gifting
FREE Gift Tag Printable Link

The 5th and 6th grade girls that I have been teaching on Wednesday nights since they were in 1st grade, were invited to sit in on youth group for the first time. There was a special speaker and an extended worship time. You could tell they were nervous as we filed into "big church" and as the service progressed, they relaxed. As we were leaving, they were talking about how they couldn't wait to be in youth.

Being in a youth group was essential to my well-being. I cherish the relationships and lessons I learned there.

Those years can be difficult and lonely, struggling to fit in, taking on new responsibilities, and filtering messages from all sides. Teens can use as much encouragement and love as we can give them!

I had a verse taped inside my locker each year. One of the most memorable I remember, I traced a picture our of my Precious Moments bible. The verse read, " I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord...." Reading Jeremiah 29:11 between classes offered comfort many times.

Here are a few options for middle school or high school lockers you may know of...

• 1 Corinthians 10:13
  13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
• 1 Timothy 4:12
  12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
• Deuteronomy 31:6
  6 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.”
• Ephesians 4:29
  29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
• Exodus 20:12
  12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
• Galatians 6:9
  9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
• Isaiah 41:10
  10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
• Jeremiah 29:11
  11 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.
• Psalm 119:9
  9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
• Psalm 119:105
  105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
• Romans 15:13
  13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Philippians 4:6-7
  6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
• Proverbs 1:8-9
  8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 9 They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
• Proverbs 3:5-6
  5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
• Matthew 11:28-30
  28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
• Isaiah 40:29-31
  29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORDwill renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
• Ephesians 6:1-3
  1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

Oftentimes in college, students who want to pursue graduate work or medical school, etc. are faced with "weed courses". Courses that set the students up for a incredibly challenging semester.  These assignments aren’t set up for their failure, but rather to help them expand their talents, gifts, and mental abilities to accomplish a project. Many times students don’t know what they can do until they are in a position where they need to figure things out for themselves. 

God often gives His people "weed" experiences as well. He allows us to deal with trials and situations that we feel very incapable of working out. It’s in these times, that we discover more about God’s power within us that gives us the ability to overcome insurmountable problems.

If we were given the choice to enroll in these faith-stretching courses, most all of us would respond by asking for a withdrawal slip. Many times these "assignments" are exceptionally difficult and we feel like there’s no way it could ever work itself out.

It seems, more often than not, we discover our faith in God, our ability to pray through difficulty, and  deepen our understanding of God’s word.  Our prayers become more intense and focused. When our stretch assignment has been completed, we will then be more ready for the next one—because we know what our God can do even with a tiny mustard seed of faith!

PRAYER
Dear Lord, I feel like I’m in a faith-stretching assignment that is well beyond me. I need your wisdom and insight to finish this task well. In Jesus’ name, amen.