Today in my county, a new school year begins. My FB feed is filled with pictures of students of all ages and grade levels setting off for school, new backpacks filled with pristine school supplies.
I remember telling my students on the first day of school that this was a new year and a new beginning. Regardless of what had happened last year, this was a brand new “do-over.” Giving them control over the outcome of their education was truly empowering for some.
The “Voices” wish the best to the students, teachers, and parents of the 2018-2019 school year. There will be challenges, but when you work together, success is much more likely to happen. Our Chapter III, “Teacher to Parent,” emphasizes the importance of each of the groups I listed above (students, teachers, and parents) contributing to the learning process and supporting one another. Students truly benefit when teachers and parents work together. May this be the best school year ever!

Sue and Deidre

“The size of your ministry isn’t proof of the success of your ministry.”                                                                                            – Ann Voskamp

Do any of you out there have a need for this reminder? I sure did when I read it recently. Let me explain why.

It’s easy to get discouraged when you strive to grow what you believe is your calling . . . your ministry (our book), and the “No’s” outnumber the positive responses. You know you shouldn’t ask, but the “why’s” just keep popping into your head. So much effort, time, travel, and expense with less-than-anticipated results. I keep telling myself that “It’s all in God’s hands,” and then go back to working and wondering.

Then I read one of Ann Voskamp’s latest blogs, and that one sentence I shared above resonated immediately. I read it three times! I began to rethink my mindset and started focusing on the many enjoyable comments and discussions I’ve had with people at events I’ve attended over the last couple of years. I remember the many conventions Deidre and I have attended, spending valuable time together and speaking once again as a team. Probably the most unexpected blessing was an encouraging phone message from someone who read and enjoyed our book so much that she just had to reach out and call me. I still have that phone message saved on my cell. 🙂

Our book has made a difference. It has changed some people’s thinking, and encouraged others to keep doing things God’s way. We were obedient in writing and publishing what God laid on our hearts. The size of our book ministry has not reached our expectations – yet, but it has reached people, one reader at a time. I have to remember that is enough!

Sue

I can’t believe it’s been over a month since we’ve posted – the “Voices” have been busy!

My June consisted of two trips to Virginia to pick up and return grandchildren for our VBS, one book sale, and preparation for a 3-day Festival which I am just finishing today.

If you look carefully, you can see my table set-up for the Wild & Wonderful Festival in Cottageville, Wv. The organizers  joked that I was the official “greeter” for the Steer (beef) Barn. I can’t tell you how much my husband enjoyed that!

This barn provided a lesson for me as another vendor and I found first one Barn Swallow egg fragment yesterday, and then another one today. We had noticed the birds flying in and out, and then located the nest. The discarded shells were so fragile; almost translucent. As I examined the shell, I wondered how in the world it had been strong enough to hold and protect the growing bird. I was reminded that God knows what He’s doing, and cares for His creation. The Bible says He knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, and even the number of hairs on our head. He loves each of us – you can trust Him.

Sue

(clipartqueen)

It’s been a busy couple of weeks in my area. My Facebook feed has been flooded with pictures of prom couples, sports’ playoffs, and finally . . . high school and college graduations. Yet another group of young people are leaving home and being launched into the real world of higher education and career possibilities. We remember attending numerous high school graduation ceremonies, watching former eighth graders in cap and gown four years later – it was always a moving experience.

Nothing really prepares either side for these milestones. Parents are losing daily interactions with their child, and this grown child is moving out into perceived freedom, but a lot more daily responsibilities. Lives are changed forever, hopefully in a positive way. Regardless of the upcoming challenges, our prayers are offered for all.

Congratulations, Class of 2018! May God bless you and your families.

Sue and Deidre

• Don’t forget to check out YouTube for our four radio broadcasts taped last November with Pure Radio 103.7 FM & 1320 AM in Jacksonville. Just search for One God Two Voices and find the radio listing. Please let us know what you think. 

The “Voices” were busy last week, but separately. Deidre traveled back to Orlando where we had met Mrs. Cash at the 2017 FACCS convention (see our earlier post  – “Inspiring Young Writers”). She was invited to meet and speak to Mrs. Cash’s class, and thoroughly enjoyed them. During our recent conversation, she remarked to me that they were beautiful sixth graders, attentive to her, and were a blessing. I imagine there were lots of hugs going on! 🤗 🤗 🤗 🤗

On Saturday, I attended a craft/vendor show in St.Albans, WV, and was extended an invitation as well. I will be returning to St. Andrew UMC in October to discuss our book for their Ladies Circle. I am looking forward to it, and am thankful for the opportunity.

God bless – Sue

Today is day #2 at the Midwest Great Home School Convention. It will be a test in endurance as we will be exhibiting and selling the book from 9:30-6:45, and then presenting a workshop from 7:00-8:00. Centrum and coffee don’t fail us now!

All kidding aside, “We can do all things through Christ.”

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Deidre and I are together at the Midwest Great Home School Convention in Cincinnati for the next three days. It’s always good to share, reminisce, and catch up.