(Gopthedailydose.com)

As February draws to a close, we would be remiss not to acknowledge the importance of Black History month. While the “Voices” have always thought that Black history is American history, we also feel that Native American, Latino, Asian, and a myriad of other cultures have contributed to the fabric of America.

Let’s celebrate diversity and unite as “one nation under God.”

More from us soon . . .

Deidre and Sue

I saw this plaque at an Amish store in Huntington, WV. My sister-in-law and I were hitting an outlet near our campground, and decided to check out the cheeses and the brownies!! As we browsed the shop, I found an Arts & Crafts area which displayed several pictures and this thought-provoking quote caught my eye. Thinking of Deidre and our “Two Voices” blog, I snapped a picture on my phone. It’s a perfect lead-in for our title. What do you think? Born, bred, or both?

I know that Deidre and I agree and write about our observation that talented, creative teachers seem to be born for the career (Ch. II – Teacher To Teacher). Gifted from the beginning with an innate ability to educate, emphasize, and encourage, they also demonstrate the care and patience it takes to reach even the most difficult learners. However, can beginning educators learn from experienced teachers and become experts in their craft? I believe so, because mentorship programs have proven highly successful in this area. We need people who want to make a difference in the lives of our children and young people to enter our Colleges of Education. We are each given talents by our Creator; the Bible even mentions that “It was He who gave some to be . . . teachers.”

The person who designed the plaque shown above seems to possess the caring qualities I would want in my child’s or grandchild’s classroom. A robot can share information . . . I don’t think it can teach. There’s a difference.

Sue – Voice II

My co-author has made several great points. I do believe that some teachers are truly born to teach according to Ephesians 4:11-12. Based on scripture, some individuals have been given the gift of teaching from God in order to help equip other people in the church and also help them reach their own full potential in Christ. This precious gift of teaching includes teachers preparing other teachers as well.

In some cases, people may feel like they were bred to become a teacher because they come from a family of talented teachers who enjoy teaching and have a love for sharing knowledge. They believe that they must pass it down from generation to generation and may even state how teaching is in their blood. That simply means they were born to do it. What a blessing it is to be given the high calling and responsibility to teach. Either way, once you discover being a teacher is a vital part of your existence, begin to do exactly what you were born to do.

Deidre- Voice I

Copies of the book can be purchased at https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/

Also, check out out newest Youtube video “Why Teach…?”

If you watch the video accompanying this blog (please ignore my expression!), you will meet Deidre and I just minutes before we shared our first convention presentation, “Be the Salt & Light in Your Classroom.” As we say, we were excited, nervous, but ready – we thought.

We had our Power Point presentation ready to accompany our words, the video camera was ready to record excerpts from what we said, the music was playing to welcome those who chose to come to our presentation. Then, we realized that our computer wouldn’t communicate with the projector, so there would be no pictures and the room was filling.

What do you do when the plans fail? You pray and continue; then watch God move as only He can which is what He did for us. It was a wonderful presentation with many teachers moved to tears as they realized how important they are and how God can use them in their students’ lives. We were as blessed as the participants!

Deidre and Sue – The Two Voices

Readers, we want you to join our voices! Please leave your comments, and feel free to find us on facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to get more information or book events.

Copies of the book can be purchased at https://onegodtwovoices.com/purchase/

Check out the video below:

(123RF.com)

“Our culture confuses love with emotion – as something we ‘fall’ into or out of. While love certainly includes powerful emotions, we know from the scriptures that love is characterized by a choice to act, even when our emotions are leading the other way.”                       –  David Schmus *

The Voices agree with this statement because true love or Agape love can only come  from God through us. It is that idea of sacrificial love that God taught us when He gave His only begotten Son to die on a cross for our sins. We in turn must show love to family, friends, strangers – even our enemies – whether we want to or not. This is because God lives in us and His love is pure, honest, and true. We must understand that in us is “no good thing” (“There is no one righteous, not even one.” Romans 3:10; “All of our righteous acts are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6).  God’s love has to be given to others in spite of ourselves because that is what God requires, and when we love Him, He gives us the ability to love others.

I Corinthians 13 teaches us about love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” The last line of this well-known chapter is probably quoted the most often: “Now these three remain – faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

On Valentine’s Day, the day that symbolizes love, whether you give flowers, candy, a card, etc. to a spouse, a child, a student, or loved one, remember that any good thing in us comes from God.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deidre and Sue

* CEAI Outreach Director

(Billy Graham-My Hope website image)

Watching the news is a daunting task lately. Comments and actions range from hatred and fear to optimism and celebration. Do we want to stay in this situation?

Our encouragement to everyone is to remember that GOD IS IN CONTROL! Our responsibility is to pray for our country’s future, its government and leaders, and leave the rest in God’s hands. If you are experiencing fear, pray for God’s peace. If you’re confused, pray for His guidance and direction. If you’re hopeful, pray that others will be able to find hope as well.

Whose side are we on . . . we remain on the Lord’s side and that side is full of hope, love, and kindness.

Deidre and Sue