I spent Sunday morning with my favorite high school girls. You’ve heard me talk about them before. They are the same bunch of girls I’ve watched grow since they were in 6th grade. Those precious girls are going to be seniors next year and I can’t even fathom what all that means. Sunday I gave them homework. If you know a teen then you know that homework is a 4-letter word. There was an audible laugh that ensued when I said, “This week you have homework.”
“Really, Mrs. Felicia?”
“Really.”
“This week let’s read Psalm 119.”
“Oh, just one verse? 1:19?”
“No, All of 119… one hundred and nineteen, people. 1-1-9.”
“That is Loooong!”
And when I got home I started to receive messages asking me what that homework was agin. My heart leaped for joy! I know they listen, but sometimes I wonder if what we are saying is going somewhere. Over the years I’ve watched these girls transform into beautiful young women but their hearts have blossomed with the beauty of God which is overwhelming and wonderful.
My prayer is that I have a heart like theirs sometimes. A heart full of wonder, life, hope and peace. What’s more, is that I pray for them, for us, that we have a heart like His. A heart that doesn’t wander. A heart that beats the truth, life, hope, wonder, peace and love of God.
So, it would only be appropriate that in Psalm 119 I found verse 10. With that I was reminded of the real reason we are here and anyone is that ministers to students. Then my mind goes to my boys. Those precious boys who innocently love God and worship him freely. Oh, to have a heart like theirs! A heart that is unashamed and unafraid in every single instance.
They are listening. Sometimes it may not be overtly obvious, but God is amazing and his love is never failing. Even when we can’t reach, He can.
“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!” Psalm 119:10
Today I start an exciting journey in Chicago learning more about Awana, a ministry our church uses to help minister to the hearts of my own children. Today I’m going remembering that God is greater and has big plans for these little people! It’s my prayer that they relentlessly pursue a heart like His all the days of their lives!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That psalm is beautiful and I love that you had the kids read it. My youngest will be starting the process to get his First Communion in September and I am looking forward to relearning some of the things along with him.
aimee fauci says
Love the respectful teenagers! Their mama’s did good! Glad you are mentoring them… that is awesome.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
I thought it was weird that you were giving bible verses for homework until I saw the “Sunday” part! I’ve read the whole bible at least once in my life.
Scott says
No one expects homework from ‘Sunday school’, so I can understand their groans. But, it sounds like they listened anyhow!
krystal says
Thanks for sharing your story. I really liked that love banner!
Brandi says
I loved Awana Club when my kids were in it! It is such a great resource for the kids, and the activities were always fun. I agree, I’d love to have a child’s mentality when it comes to life and to God. It’s so innocent and open.
Louida says
Thank you for sharing the love of God to your children! This is something that all children needs to know.
Melinda says
I’ve heard of Awana but never knew what it was. thanks for the little lesson
Alesha @ Full Time Mama says
It is a wonderful blessing to watch children grow in their love of God, from an innocent un-ending trust because it’s what they’ve been taught and all they know, to a different know it because you’ve experienced it firsthand trust. It all starts with the teaching though; Good for you for continuing to be that example and teacher, and for further pursuing it through Awana! Have a wonderful time! <3
Shell says
What a great verse! My boys were in Awana when they were younger and they loved it.
Rachael says
Thanks for sharing. It’s wonderful how you’ve gotten to bond with these girls.
Amanda Her says
I used to love going to Awana when I was a kid! My nephew still goes, and I want to get me son involved too.
Carly Bellard says
looks like you have a great group of kids. Lucky them for having a positive role model.
Katy Rawson says
My nieces are really involved with Awana program. I am amazed at how much they have learned about the scriptures and about the love of God. It is a wonderful program that strengthens their roots in Christianity.
Meagan says
Glad those kids can have such a positive role model! God in the home is so important!
Keikilani says
I appreciate you so much. Even though we have never met, taking the time to teach and mentor those girls in your class is such a big deal! I remember a few sunday school teachers I had growing up. Such a big impact in my life.
Liz Mays says
Felicia, I just love you. I love how you put your faith up front and truly live it. You are an amazing person and I adore you.
Jaime says
I love that you gave “homework” and that they were receptive to it. Kids (teens included) are so innocent and for the most part, so accepting. I hope and pray my son keeps this acceptance and innocence for a long, long time.
Debra says
I used to get theology homework all the time when I was a kid. Most times it had to do with something in the mass, so I’d have to answer it afterwards. Good for you on your new journey and new class!
Maggie @ The Love Nerds says
It is so important to take mentoring opportunities like this. It will help them so much.
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
We did get homework in Sunday school during years we were receiving a sacrament. There was a lot to remember.
Jenn @ The Rebel Chick says
I think it’s great that you not only teach them about God but you also practice what you preach!
Jessica says
It’s always those moments when you think children are not listening, that they really are! I admire the fact that you are taking your own time to mentor and guide these girls.
Christie says
A lovely story. We love Psalm 119 🙂
Cam | Bibs and Baubles says
What a beautiful post. I love the innocence of kids. My son has a fascination with God. We talk about Him all the time. His questions are endless. I love explaining my faith to my son. It challenges me to really know what I believe.
Veronica says
This is a great story and thanks for sharing the Psalm. We have Awana ministries at our church too and I think it is an awesome way to introduce Jesus to children in a fun way.
Danielle says
I really like that “LOVE” banner!
Pauline C. says
Such a cute story Felicia. I love how you seem to be close to your students. And I love this line: “Today I’m going remembering that God is greater and has big plans for these little people! “
Tracey says
Great story and thanks for sharing Felicia. It’s great that you make faith a priority in your family!
Amanda says
You have an adorable family! Love that you are passing and teaching your faith to your little ones!
Jennifer Bullock {MommyBKnowsBest} says
To see our children and others impacted by God’s love grow in Him is amazing. I often imagine how excited I would be if I won a new car or a new home and then realize that I should be that much more excited about God and all that He has to offer us. It’s the reminders to live this way all the time that is a constant back-and-forth struggle.
Amanda says
We have some family friends who are in AWANA and they love the program. Love to see the little ones so excited to learn about new things like this.
Dina says
We had awana at our church and our kids loved it. I taught the high school girls and they’vebeen such a blessing to me too.
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest says
It’s been awhile since I’ve read that Psalm. My bible study class just started Psalm’s but we haven’t gotten to that one yet. I might just have to read ahead a bit.
Katherine G says
I’m going to go find that psalm. I love how children’s hearts are so open. They just love freely.
Toni says
I am going to go re-read that right now. I love how you are making a spiritual impact on such an impressionable age!
Chelsea says
I think I should read this now too 🙂 I also think it’s amazing how open kids are to love.
Ashley M says
I see this even with my four year old. So often I wonder if she is really getting what I’m saying and then i’ll have this ahh-ha moment where I see she really is.
Autumn says
I really love Psalm 119, and really needed the reminder to visit it again. Thank you for sharing this, Felicia. It sounds like you are getting through to those girls 🙂
Angela says
Never knew Awana’s HQ was in Chicago – what a unique experience. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn says
It sounds like you are raising great and respectful kids. That isn’t always the easiest thing to do in this world.
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
I do so love reading Psalm 119. My kids just finished Awana for the year for the first time, and we loved it.
Christina S says
My munchkin is still too young for Awana, but soon he’ll actually go to Sunday School instead of the nursery. I also love the innocence of children.