1 00:00:02,680 --> 00:00:03,530 Speaker 1: Life Audio. 2 00:00:15,170 --> 00:00:17,700 Speaker 2: You're listening to Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms, where 3 00:00:17,739 --> 00:00:19,959 Speaker 2: we help you pray God's word for your family in 4 00:00:19,980 --> 00:00:23,239 Speaker 2: the areas you need it most. I'm your host, Nicolette Bell. Here, 5 00:00:23,360 --> 00:00:26,010 Speaker 2: we believe prayer isn't a last resort. It's our first 6 00:00:26,150 --> 00:00:29,389 Speaker 2: and best response in parenting. It's a partnership for the 7 00:00:29,430 --> 00:00:32,030 Speaker 2: hearts of our children that God invites us into. 8 00:00:32,159 --> 00:00:34,040 Speaker 1: Friend, I'm so glad that you have joined us today. 9 00:00:34,500 --> 00:00:38,400 Speaker 2: As we continue on in our Friday back to school conversations. 10 00:00:38,780 --> 00:00:40,910 Speaker 2: And I'm so excited because we've been trying to have 11 00:00:40,950 --> 00:00:43,570 Speaker 2: this conversation for a little while now. I've got my 12 00:00:43,630 --> 00:00:46,450 Speaker 2: friend April Graney on the call with us today on 13 00:00:46,470 --> 00:00:50,900 Speaker 2: the show. And April, I'm so glad you're here. Thanks. 14 00:00:50,960 --> 00:00:52,220 Speaker 3: I'm really excited to be here. 15 00:00:55,250 --> 00:00:58,870 Speaker 2: April has written devotions for us. You've probably heard her 16 00:00:59,130 --> 00:01:02,510 Speaker 2: on the Everyday Prayers podcast, and she is a source 17 00:01:02,530 --> 00:01:05,830 Speaker 2: of encouragement to us and has been just an encouragement 18 00:01:05,890 --> 00:01:08,130 Speaker 2: to me as I've been in this role, and I'm 19 00:01:08,230 --> 00:01:12,179 Speaker 2: very grateful for the connection, being connected to her. And 20 00:01:12,440 --> 00:01:14,339 Speaker 2: I'm really excited to get to have you as part 21 00:01:14,500 --> 00:01:18,759 Speaker 2: of this back-to-school conversation. So April, for those that don't 22 00:01:18,800 --> 00:01:20,880 Speaker 2: know you, could you get us started by just telling. 23 00:01:20,660 --> 00:01:23,600 Speaker 1: Us a little bit about you? Sure, yeah. 24 00:01:23,920 --> 00:01:25,620 Speaker 3: I am a mother of five. 25 00:01:25,780 --> 00:01:28,520 Speaker 4: My children are grown now, so I just started Empty 26 00:01:28,580 --> 00:01:34,280 Speaker 4: Nest in January of this year, but it was just 27 00:01:34,319 --> 00:01:37,700 Speaker 4: a joy and pleasure as they were little reading them 28 00:01:37,750 --> 00:01:40,410 Speaker 4: children's books. I loved reading picture books to them, and 29 00:01:40,430 --> 00:01:43,910 Speaker 4: I always dreamt of writing one, and so today I 30 00:01:44,410 --> 00:01:47,590 Speaker 4: am a children's book author of three published books, and 31 00:01:47,810 --> 00:01:50,310 Speaker 4: I'm also a teacher. I teach at a school for 32 00:01:50,430 --> 00:01:54,940 Speaker 4: at-risk students in Oklahoma. And so the book that I 33 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:57,860 Speaker 4: just released last summer, If Jesus Came to My School, 34 00:01:57,960 --> 00:02:01,280 Speaker 4: was a result of being in that school environment and 35 00:02:01,380 --> 00:02:04,420 Speaker 4: just seeing on a daily basis the impact of the 36 00:02:04,460 --> 00:02:08,019 Speaker 4: way kids treat each other and how they view one another, 37 00:02:08,040 --> 00:02:11,190 Speaker 4: you know, whether there's cliques or bullying going on or 38 00:02:11,690 --> 00:02:14,250 Speaker 4: you know, just what a difference it makes when kids 39 00:02:14,330 --> 00:02:18,010 Speaker 4: are kind and loving to one another. And so, yeah, 40 00:02:18,130 --> 00:02:24,730 Speaker 4: children's book author and teacher and happy new grandmother. I 41 00:02:24,910 --> 00:02:27,470 Speaker 4: had a grandbaby that was born last September. So even 42 00:02:27,790 --> 00:02:30,110 Speaker 4: though we're empty notes, we're like, we're excited because we're 43 00:02:30,130 --> 00:02:31,799 Speaker 4: in that grandmother stage and we love it. 44 00:02:31,889 --> 00:02:32,029 Speaker 2: So. 45 00:02:32,740 --> 00:02:35,440 Speaker 1: That's so fun. That's the best. That is so good. 46 00:02:35,800 --> 00:02:37,920 Speaker 2: It's such a blessing to your kids when you're able 47 00:02:38,040 --> 00:02:40,720 Speaker 2: to support them in that role. It's just a sweet, 48 00:02:41,000 --> 00:02:44,200 Speaker 2: really sweet season. My mom is here now watching my baby. 49 00:02:44,040 --> 00:02:46,400 Speaker 3: So that we can have this conversation. 50 00:02:46,780 --> 00:02:49,030 Speaker 2: She came into town. My husband is out of town. 51 00:02:49,150 --> 00:02:53,350 Speaker 2: So we love grandparents. And I love that you are 52 00:02:53,410 --> 00:02:57,190 Speaker 2: in this season of your life kind of writing books 53 00:02:57,389 --> 00:02:58,210 Speaker 2: that you'll be able. 54 00:02:58,110 --> 00:03:01,210 Speaker 1: To read to your grandkids. That's really special. 55 00:03:01,940 --> 00:03:05,620 Speaker 2: Okay, so what inspired If Jesus Came to my school? 56 00:03:05,639 --> 00:03:09,470 Speaker 2: Was there a specific moment or student that sparked the idea? 57 00:03:11,110 --> 00:03:14,350 Speaker 4: It was during my first year. My first year as 58 00:03:14,410 --> 00:03:18,470 Speaker 4: a teacher where I teach at Cooks and Hills. And yeah, 59 00:03:18,590 --> 00:03:22,400 Speaker 4: just I had some... I had one classroom that was 60 00:03:22,520 --> 00:03:27,800 Speaker 4: all boys, very ADHD active, you know, boys. And there 61 00:03:27,840 --> 00:03:30,190 Speaker 4: was one boy who was kind of being bullied on 62 00:03:30,210 --> 00:03:32,150 Speaker 4: the sidelines a little bit. And we had to address 63 00:03:32,190 --> 00:03:33,310 Speaker 4: that and work on that. 64 00:03:33,550 --> 00:03:35,790 Speaker 3: And for me, I began. 65 00:03:35,530 --> 00:03:40,610 Speaker 4: Praying, Lord, help these kids see each other as you 66 00:03:40,650 --> 00:03:43,570 Speaker 4: see them. help them to know, you know, that we 67 00:03:43,610 --> 00:03:45,470 Speaker 4: are all made in the image of God. We are 68 00:03:45,570 --> 00:03:49,880 Speaker 4: all worthy of love and encouragement and acceptance and just 69 00:03:49,920 --> 00:03:54,460 Speaker 4: bring unity to these kids. And so I started just imagining, 70 00:03:54,500 --> 00:03:57,760 Speaker 4: you know, if Jesus was here in the hallways with us, 71 00:03:57,820 --> 00:03:59,910 Speaker 4: if he was in the classroom, you know, if he 72 00:03:59,950 --> 00:04:02,760 Speaker 4: was your age, What do you think he would be 73 00:04:02,820 --> 00:04:07,100 Speaker 4: like and how would interjecting him into that situation change 74 00:04:07,650 --> 00:04:09,660 Speaker 4: everyone's attitudes and everyone's thoughts? 75 00:04:09,820 --> 00:04:11,790 Speaker 3: And so, yeah, if Jesus came to. 76 00:04:11,730 --> 00:04:15,210 Speaker 4: My school, it's about a little girl who imagines if 77 00:04:15,270 --> 00:04:17,850 Speaker 4: Jesus was her age and he came to school with her, 78 00:04:18,029 --> 00:04:20,670 Speaker 4: like how he would treat everyone with love and kindness. 79 00:04:20,910 --> 00:04:24,330 Speaker 4: And while I work with middle school students, the setting 80 00:04:24,370 --> 00:04:27,609 Speaker 4: is with elementary kids, you know, it's like kindergarten, first grade. 81 00:04:28,410 --> 00:04:29,990 Speaker 4: But they go through the day, they go on the 82 00:04:30,029 --> 00:04:34,190 Speaker 4: playground and they do art and math and they. 83 00:04:34,040 --> 00:04:36,240 Speaker 3: Share, you know, their snacks with each other. 84 00:04:36,260 --> 00:04:39,320 Speaker 4: But then Jesus notices the child who was left out 85 00:04:40,140 --> 00:04:43,340 Speaker 4: and is feeling sad and sitting alone. And so he 86 00:04:43,380 --> 00:04:46,859 Speaker 4: goes over and says, you know, ask, are you okay? 87 00:04:47,080 --> 00:04:50,010 Speaker 4: And let's play and invites them to play. And then 88 00:04:50,029 --> 00:04:53,070 Speaker 4: the little girl in the story, she realizes about halfway through, 89 00:04:53,130 --> 00:04:55,529 Speaker 4: you know, I know Jesus can't come to school with me. 90 00:04:56,050 --> 00:04:58,729 Speaker 4: I can't physically see him, but he is with me. 91 00:04:58,790 --> 00:05:01,190 Speaker 4: He is in my heart and he wants to live 92 00:05:01,330 --> 00:05:03,930 Speaker 4: through me and he wants me to shine his love 93 00:05:03,950 --> 00:05:07,270 Speaker 4: and light through my actions. And I can be kind 94 00:05:07,330 --> 00:05:09,130 Speaker 4: and I can share and I can help and I 95 00:05:09,170 --> 00:05:12,300 Speaker 4: can make sure, you know, that no one feels too small, 96 00:05:12,360 --> 00:05:14,710 Speaker 4: that no one feels, you know, that they're less or 97 00:05:14,760 --> 00:05:18,159 Speaker 4: that they're not part of the group. So that's really 98 00:05:18,180 --> 00:05:20,540 Speaker 4: it just was from my first year in the classroom. 99 00:05:21,570 --> 00:05:22,810 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's so special. 100 00:05:23,070 --> 00:05:25,970 Speaker 2: What a cool setting and way to think about that. 101 00:05:26,050 --> 00:05:28,120 Speaker 2: You know, as you were talking there, I was thinking 102 00:05:28,180 --> 00:05:30,120 Speaker 2: about a conversation I had with my husband just two 103 00:05:30,160 --> 00:05:33,919 Speaker 2: days ago where our little girl was kind of pushing 104 00:05:33,980 --> 00:05:36,040 Speaker 2: us a little bit on some things and he had 105 00:05:36,420 --> 00:05:40,369 Speaker 2: had to discipline her and hold her accountable for something 106 00:05:40,390 --> 00:05:41,970 Speaker 2: we had said, you know, if you do this, this 107 00:05:41,990 --> 00:05:43,050 Speaker 2: will be the consequences. 108 00:05:43,070 --> 00:05:44,650 Speaker 1: So he had to carry out the consequences. 109 00:05:45,310 --> 00:05:47,290 Speaker 2: And he sat down next to me at the dinner 110 00:05:47,310 --> 00:05:51,040 Speaker 2: table and he goes, I mean, how would Jesus parent? 111 00:05:51,060 --> 00:05:53,150 Speaker 1: Like, I just don't know. How would He do it? 112 00:05:53,200 --> 00:05:54,630 Speaker 1: If He was a parent, how would He do it? 113 00:05:55,080 --> 00:05:58,960 Speaker 2: It's exactly the same concept, right, of this interjecting Jesus 114 00:05:59,100 --> 00:06:02,400 Speaker 2: into wherever we are, wherever we are going, whatever we 115 00:06:02,460 --> 00:06:04,839 Speaker 2: are doing. Jesus is right there with us, doing it 116 00:06:04,880 --> 00:06:07,780 Speaker 2: with us, because that's the way He designed us to 117 00:06:07,820 --> 00:06:10,719 Speaker 2: be with His Spirit living in us. But so often 118 00:06:10,779 --> 00:06:15,370 Speaker 2: we don't recognize Him with us or allow Him. that 119 00:06:15,450 --> 00:06:18,979 Speaker 2: awareness of His presence to move us to compassion or 120 00:06:19,020 --> 00:06:22,280 Speaker 2: to different types of action. What do you think are 121 00:06:22,320 --> 00:06:25,980 Speaker 2: some of the main challenges that are facing our kids 122 00:06:26,180 --> 00:06:27,770 Speaker 2: in their schools today? 123 00:06:28,740 --> 00:06:32,820 Speaker 4: Yeah, I think going to school, especially for the first 124 00:06:32,880 --> 00:06:37,200 Speaker 4: time for these younger kids, it's a completely new environment, 125 00:06:37,260 --> 00:06:39,799 Speaker 4: whether it's a public school or a private school. 126 00:06:39,860 --> 00:06:43,360 Speaker 3: You know, they're meeting all kinds of new people. They're learning, 127 00:06:43,580 --> 00:06:44,940 Speaker 3: you know, the structure. 128 00:06:44,500 --> 00:06:46,659 Speaker 4: Of the day and the rules of the classroom and 129 00:06:46,720 --> 00:06:50,310 Speaker 4: how to behave and how to interact with their age group. 130 00:06:50,870 --> 00:06:54,380 Speaker 4: And sometimes they will come across kids who... maybe aren't 131 00:06:54,420 --> 00:06:59,060 Speaker 4: that lovable. Maybe they aren't that kind. And maybe they 132 00:06:59,100 --> 00:07:01,960 Speaker 4: even run across a bully, you know, bullying and in 133 00:07:02,000 --> 00:07:05,060 Speaker 4: schools is a big issue that whether that's even in 134 00:07:05,100 --> 00:07:07,000 Speaker 4: school or online, right. 135 00:07:07,700 --> 00:07:10,000 Speaker 3: That kids are facing at school. 136 00:07:10,300 --> 00:07:14,120 Speaker 4: And so I think it's really important that we, our 137 00:07:14,190 --> 00:07:17,010 Speaker 4: children are able to be salt and light, you know, 138 00:07:17,150 --> 00:07:23,170 Speaker 4: in those classrooms and able to, stand against the things 139 00:07:23,210 --> 00:07:26,430 Speaker 4: that are wrong. You know, salt is a preservative. Salt 140 00:07:26,490 --> 00:07:30,360 Speaker 4: gives flavor. We can talk to our kids about being salt. 141 00:07:30,480 --> 00:07:33,040 Speaker 4: We can talk to our kids about being light. You know, 142 00:07:33,160 --> 00:07:37,739 Speaker 4: often maybe kids are, they're hiding things or they're whispering 143 00:07:37,780 --> 00:07:40,230 Speaker 4: about things or, you know, they're in cliques or whatever. 144 00:07:40,260 --> 00:07:43,110 Speaker 4: But we want to bring light to situations and we 145 00:07:43,150 --> 00:07:46,730 Speaker 4: want to bring goodness and truth and beauty, right, to 146 00:07:46,770 --> 00:07:49,990 Speaker 4: those situations. And so our kids, you know, we can 147 00:07:50,030 --> 00:07:51,090 Speaker 4: talk to them about that. 148 00:07:51,210 --> 00:07:53,410 Speaker 3: About how... you know, a city set on a hill 149 00:07:53,490 --> 00:07:54,530 Speaker 3: is not to be hidden. 150 00:07:54,590 --> 00:07:57,900 Speaker 4: We don't, um, hide, hide our light under a lamp, 151 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:00,560 Speaker 4: but it's okay to go to school in the classroom 152 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:02,960 Speaker 4: and be different than the other kids and say, you 153 00:08:02,980 --> 00:08:04,740 Speaker 4: know what, I'm not going to lie or I'm not 154 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:07,140 Speaker 4: going to cheat on this test. Um, I'm not going 155 00:08:07,170 --> 00:08:08,470 Speaker 4: to bully that kid and I'm not going to let 156 00:08:08,510 --> 00:08:10,750 Speaker 4: you bully that kid, you know, that, that our kids 157 00:08:10,790 --> 00:08:13,990 Speaker 4: are able, um, to stand up and do that. But, 158 00:08:14,490 --> 00:08:17,250 Speaker 4: but it can be, um, It can be hard sending 159 00:08:17,270 --> 00:08:20,150 Speaker 4: your kid off to school. I remember we had homeschooled 160 00:08:20,190 --> 00:08:22,790 Speaker 4: for many years. And of course, there's kids in homeschool 161 00:08:22,810 --> 00:08:25,030 Speaker 4: groups that need the light and love of Jesus as well. 162 00:08:25,090 --> 00:08:28,530 Speaker 4: But the first time we sent our kids to public school, 163 00:08:28,870 --> 00:08:32,650 Speaker 4: I was terrified. I was just counting the hours until 164 00:08:32,670 --> 00:08:34,530 Speaker 4: I would pick them up after the first day. And thankfully, 165 00:08:34,550 --> 00:08:38,350 Speaker 4: there was a prayer group of moms that was actually 166 00:08:38,410 --> 00:08:40,390 Speaker 4: meeting that very first day. And I went to that 167 00:08:40,429 --> 00:08:43,429 Speaker 4: group and I just... poured out my heart and cried 168 00:08:43,480 --> 00:08:46,099 Speaker 4: through the whole prayer time, you know, and, but God 169 00:08:46,140 --> 00:08:49,110 Speaker 4: was good and he was faithful and he, he brought 170 00:08:49,170 --> 00:08:52,670 Speaker 4: our kids friends and he, he helped our children to, 171 00:08:53,290 --> 00:08:57,150 Speaker 4: find a couple of friends who were also believers, but 172 00:08:57,170 --> 00:09:01,590 Speaker 4: then also impact their classmates and still be able to 173 00:09:01,730 --> 00:09:05,050 Speaker 4: love on and include. And for us to get to 174 00:09:05,150 --> 00:09:09,410 Speaker 4: know those other kids and their families, it really was 175 00:09:09,450 --> 00:09:10,970 Speaker 4: a great thing for us to be a part of. 176 00:09:10,980 --> 00:09:13,410 Speaker 3: But it was scary at first. 177 00:09:13,460 --> 00:09:16,280 Speaker 4: Because we think of all those influence and all those worldly, 178 00:09:16,720 --> 00:09:19,280 Speaker 4: you know, things that they might be exposed to at school. 179 00:09:20,090 --> 00:09:21,890 Speaker 2: And it's really out of your control. You feel like 180 00:09:21,950 --> 00:09:23,870 Speaker 2: a lot of it as a mom, right? Like you 181 00:09:23,890 --> 00:09:26,030 Speaker 2: send them and you're like, you know, my daughter says 182 00:09:26,050 --> 00:09:27,730 Speaker 2: something the other day and I'm like, where did you 183 00:09:27,770 --> 00:09:28,350 Speaker 2: hear that from? 184 00:09:28,410 --> 00:09:29,970 Speaker 1: Because you did not hear that in our. 185 00:09:30,920 --> 00:09:33,660 Speaker 2: in our home, right? Like you did not learn that here. 186 00:09:33,679 --> 00:09:36,240 Speaker 2: And I don't even remember what she was talking about, 187 00:09:36,260 --> 00:09:38,860 Speaker 2: but it was something I just went, whoa, whoa, whoa, 188 00:09:39,140 --> 00:09:39,990 Speaker 2: we don't know about that. 189 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:40,870 Speaker 1: You know, how do you know about that? 190 00:09:40,900 --> 00:09:42,870 Speaker 2: Of course, it was a friend at school who probably 191 00:09:42,890 --> 00:09:46,670 Speaker 2: had older siblings and, you know, just a different environment 192 00:09:46,730 --> 00:09:50,610 Speaker 2: or a different season than our family is in. And so, yeah, 193 00:09:50,630 --> 00:09:53,210 Speaker 2: there's so much of that that's just out of your control. 194 00:09:53,230 --> 00:09:56,790 Speaker 2: And it's such a trust exercise for moms. And so 195 00:09:56,850 --> 00:09:59,250 Speaker 2: really your book is also a great reminder to us 196 00:09:59,450 --> 00:10:02,800 Speaker 2: as moms that Jesus does go with our kids and 197 00:10:02,840 --> 00:10:05,780 Speaker 2: that we can be so confident in the fact that 198 00:10:05,830 --> 00:10:08,570 Speaker 2: when we send them, we are not sending them alone, 199 00:10:08,650 --> 00:10:12,189 Speaker 2: that we are sending them with Him right there with them, 200 00:10:12,250 --> 00:10:14,890 Speaker 2: present with them in all of their moments, protecting them. 201 00:10:15,809 --> 00:10:16,620 Speaker 1: And guiding them. 202 00:10:17,050 --> 00:10:20,679 Speaker 2: But I love this idea that you were just discussing 203 00:10:20,720 --> 00:10:23,320 Speaker 2: and that is really present in the book of really 204 00:10:23,380 --> 00:10:25,980 Speaker 2: our kids being on mission in school. Like we're really 205 00:10:26,020 --> 00:10:28,569 Speaker 2: talking about what it means to live out their faith 206 00:10:28,610 --> 00:10:31,929 Speaker 2: from a young age. You have a line about talking 207 00:10:31,950 --> 00:10:34,670 Speaker 2: about being His hands and feet. And I really love 208 00:10:34,710 --> 00:10:37,429 Speaker 2: that because that's something that's so important that we can 209 00:10:37,510 --> 00:10:40,800 Speaker 2: teach our children, even from those first days at school, 210 00:10:41,410 --> 00:10:45,469 Speaker 2: is what it means to live a life that is others-focused, 211 00:10:45,610 --> 00:10:48,740 Speaker 2: that we are seeing how we are influencing. We're not 212 00:10:48,770 --> 00:10:51,160 Speaker 2: just going to school to learn. We are certainly going 213 00:10:51,200 --> 00:10:53,719 Speaker 2: to learn, but that's not the only purpose. We're going 214 00:10:54,080 --> 00:10:55,760 Speaker 2: so that we can be allied and so that we 215 00:10:55,780 --> 00:10:58,040 Speaker 2: can love. How do you think, as moms, we can 216 00:10:58,200 --> 00:11:01,620 Speaker 2: begin to really instill that mindset in our children of that, 217 00:11:02,280 --> 00:11:05,000 Speaker 2: looking at others in a world that teaches them to 218 00:11:05,110 --> 00:11:05,950 Speaker 2: really look only at themselves? 219 00:11:08,580 --> 00:11:09,340 Speaker 3: Right, yeah. 220 00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:13,780 Speaker 4: So some practical tips there would be, first of all, 221 00:11:13,820 --> 00:11:15,400 Speaker 4: you're talking about this at home, right? 222 00:11:15,420 --> 00:11:18,410 Speaker 3: You're talking about it with your child. 223 00:11:18,650 --> 00:11:20,930 Speaker 4: And then one of the things you can do is, hey, 224 00:11:21,050 --> 00:11:23,069 Speaker 4: go ahead and contact your child's teacher and say, hey, 225 00:11:23,090 --> 00:11:25,740 Speaker 4: can I get a roster? Can we have the names 226 00:11:25,770 --> 00:11:27,719 Speaker 4: of the students in the class? And then maybe with 227 00:11:27,780 --> 00:11:31,290 Speaker 4: your child, let's pray for these kids. Let's pray for 228 00:11:31,309 --> 00:11:33,290 Speaker 4: a couple of them each day, or let's pray for 229 00:11:33,330 --> 00:11:37,960 Speaker 4: the class and just get to know who those kids 230 00:11:38,200 --> 00:11:41,199 Speaker 4: are in your child's classroom. And then you can sit 231 00:11:41,240 --> 00:11:43,439 Speaker 4: next to your child as the school year goes on. 232 00:11:43,480 --> 00:11:45,720 Speaker 4: You can't do this all the first day, but throughout 233 00:11:45,740 --> 00:11:48,699 Speaker 4: the fall, the first of the year, you say, okay, 234 00:11:49,020 --> 00:11:51,880 Speaker 4: what's something kind that you can do for this classmate? 235 00:11:52,420 --> 00:11:56,020 Speaker 4: What's a need that you have seen? Have you seen 236 00:11:56,040 --> 00:11:59,900 Speaker 4: this little girl being upset about maybe something she's having 237 00:11:59,920 --> 00:12:03,020 Speaker 4: trouble learning or she left something at home that she 238 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:05,640 Speaker 4: should have brought to school like how can you encourage 239 00:12:06,120 --> 00:12:09,210 Speaker 4: your friends um that are at school so you you 240 00:12:09,230 --> 00:12:11,230 Speaker 4: get to know them one-on-one and you just kind of 241 00:12:11,270 --> 00:12:13,630 Speaker 4: talk about those things and i think you can do 242 00:12:13,650 --> 00:12:16,770 Speaker 4: that with with any age right as they get older 243 00:12:17,110 --> 00:12:20,430 Speaker 4: there's more significant interactions and impact you can have with 244 00:12:20,470 --> 00:12:22,870 Speaker 4: those kids but even at a young age our kids 245 00:12:22,890 --> 00:12:25,840 Speaker 4: can be taught hey i'm Let's be aware and have 246 00:12:25,890 --> 00:12:28,180 Speaker 4: our eyes open to where we're thinking about. When I 247 00:12:28,220 --> 00:12:30,740 Speaker 4: come home, I can say, hey, mom, I noticed, you know, 248 00:12:30,820 --> 00:12:35,780 Speaker 4: that Ruth doesn't have something, you know, she doesn't have 249 00:12:35,800 --> 00:12:37,710 Speaker 4: a special pencil pouch like all of the rest of us. 250 00:12:37,679 --> 00:12:40,150 Speaker 3: Has, you know, and so maybe you could help with that. 251 00:12:39,910 --> 00:12:43,610 Speaker 4: Or just, you know, this child is having trouble kind 252 00:12:43,670 --> 00:12:45,679 Speaker 4: of getting along with other kids and how can we... 253 00:12:46,090 --> 00:12:47,890 Speaker 4: Can you high five them in the morning? Can you 254 00:12:47,910 --> 00:12:50,550 Speaker 4: just give them a smile? Like just a high five 255 00:12:50,590 --> 00:12:52,760 Speaker 4: or a fist bump or a smile can go a 256 00:12:52,860 --> 00:12:57,780 Speaker 4: long way in helping a child just feel welcome and loved. 257 00:12:57,920 --> 00:12:59,700 Speaker 4: And then the other thing I wanted to mention, and 258 00:12:59,740 --> 00:13:02,400 Speaker 4: this is, I don't know, there might be some pushback 259 00:13:02,520 --> 00:13:05,700 Speaker 4: on it, but I'm thinking about birthday parties. So one 260 00:13:05,720 --> 00:13:07,780 Speaker 4: of the things in my classroom I've noticed, one of 261 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:10,580 Speaker 4: the most dividing things is is when there's a birthday 262 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:13,460 Speaker 4: party and there's two or three kids who are invited 263 00:13:13,480 --> 00:13:15,939 Speaker 4: and a couple who are not invited. And that all 264 00:13:15,960 --> 00:13:19,440 Speaker 4: gets talked about, spread around the classroom. And when our 265 00:13:19,460 --> 00:13:21,420 Speaker 4: daughter went to sixth grade for the first time, we 266 00:13:21,440 --> 00:13:24,600 Speaker 4: didn't know any of her classmates. We're like, her birthday's 267 00:13:24,640 --> 00:13:26,679 Speaker 4: coming up. We're going to invite all the girls to 268 00:13:26,700 --> 00:13:29,679 Speaker 4: the party. And so we did. And it was great 269 00:13:29,740 --> 00:13:32,220 Speaker 4: because we got to know them. We got to know 270 00:13:32,260 --> 00:13:34,880 Speaker 4: their faces, their names. We got to meet their parents 271 00:13:34,920 --> 00:13:37,850 Speaker 4: when they dropped them off. And the next day, the 272 00:13:37,900 --> 00:13:42,010 Speaker 4: teacher was just like, thank you so, so much for 273 00:13:42,050 --> 00:13:45,360 Speaker 4: inviting all of the girls and not just a select few, 274 00:13:45,900 --> 00:13:49,000 Speaker 4: because she saw that in the classroom every day when 275 00:13:49,179 --> 00:13:52,120 Speaker 4: kids weren't invited or they weren't included, you know, in 276 00:13:52,620 --> 00:13:55,350 Speaker 4: a situation and whatnot. We took one of the girls 277 00:13:55,429 --> 00:13:57,589 Speaker 4: home from the birthday party and I got to see 278 00:13:57,630 --> 00:14:01,469 Speaker 4: where she lived and meet her mom. And that led 279 00:14:01,510 --> 00:14:04,070 Speaker 4: to a couple of years later, that girl ended up 280 00:14:04,150 --> 00:14:06,290 Speaker 4: living with us for a little while while her mom 281 00:14:06,340 --> 00:14:08,640 Speaker 4: was in jail. And so that's one of those situations 282 00:14:08,660 --> 00:14:12,520 Speaker 4: we would never have had the opportunity to minister and 283 00:14:12,559 --> 00:14:15,400 Speaker 4: encounter if we hadn't said, okay, we're going to open 284 00:14:15,460 --> 00:14:16,080 Speaker 4: up our home. 285 00:14:16,580 --> 00:14:19,270 Speaker 3: To everyone. 286 00:14:19,310 --> 00:14:21,350 Speaker 4: Maybe it's not a birthday party, but maybe it's like, hey, 287 00:14:21,370 --> 00:14:23,350 Speaker 4: we want to do a little back to school bash 288 00:14:23,390 --> 00:14:26,180 Speaker 4: or we want to do a fun skating, meet at 289 00:14:26,240 --> 00:14:30,890 Speaker 4: the skating or the park, something, or maybe you're just 290 00:14:30,970 --> 00:14:33,750 Speaker 4: volunteering at the school. You know, not as many schools 291 00:14:33,790 --> 00:14:35,930 Speaker 4: are as small as the one we've been involved in, 292 00:14:35,990 --> 00:14:38,890 Speaker 4: but maybe you're able to come to the class parties 293 00:14:38,950 --> 00:14:40,850 Speaker 4: and be a part of that and get to know 294 00:14:40,890 --> 00:14:44,030 Speaker 4: the kids and other moms that way. But really, it 295 00:14:44,070 --> 00:14:47,390 Speaker 4: starts with, I think, the parents and mom being intentional 296 00:14:47,500 --> 00:14:50,280 Speaker 4: to be like, okay, We're going to serve these kids 297 00:14:50,680 --> 00:14:53,180 Speaker 4: this year in your classroom. This might be the only 298 00:14:53,240 --> 00:14:56,700 Speaker 4: year that you're together in them with this classroom, with 299 00:14:56,720 --> 00:14:59,150 Speaker 4: this teacher. And how can you have an impact on 300 00:14:59,190 --> 00:15:01,050 Speaker 4: them and show them the love and light of Jesus? 301 00:15:01,610 --> 00:15:03,650 Speaker 1: Oh, that's good. And I love that, just being intentional 302 00:15:03,690 --> 00:15:04,710 Speaker 1: about our conversations. 303 00:15:04,770 --> 00:15:06,650 Speaker 2: That just takes a minute of us to think about 304 00:15:06,690 --> 00:15:09,070 Speaker 2: that and then to talk about that with our kids. 305 00:15:09,110 --> 00:15:11,780 Speaker 2: Because really, if that's a pattern or something that we're 306 00:15:11,800 --> 00:15:14,200 Speaker 2: teaching them to think about and talk about, that is 307 00:15:14,240 --> 00:15:16,960 Speaker 2: something that they're going to catch on to. because they 308 00:15:17,020 --> 00:15:20,480 Speaker 2: are so attentive and they absorb so much of what 309 00:15:20,540 --> 00:15:24,850 Speaker 2: we do and what we say that comes out in 310 00:15:24,890 --> 00:15:28,490 Speaker 2: their lives. Okay, so for a mom that may be listening, April, 311 00:15:28,670 --> 00:15:33,160 Speaker 2: that feels like she's really failing at that, maybe at 312 00:15:33,280 --> 00:15:37,800 Speaker 2: showing Jesus to her kids, what would you say to her? 313 00:15:39,550 --> 00:15:42,450 Speaker 4: Well, it's not too late to start, right? I mean, 314 00:15:43,010 --> 00:15:45,520 Speaker 4: if a mom is sitting here going, oh, I've done 315 00:15:45,560 --> 00:15:50,530 Speaker 4: such a horrible job, recognizing that and then moving past 316 00:15:50,670 --> 00:15:53,650 Speaker 4: it and say, you know what? there are things that 317 00:15:53,750 --> 00:15:56,130 Speaker 4: I think back, like my kids are all grown and 318 00:15:56,150 --> 00:15:57,190 Speaker 4: there are things I look back and. 319 00:15:57,170 --> 00:15:59,000 Speaker 3: Go, oh, we didn't do that. 320 00:15:59,120 --> 00:16:00,430 Speaker 1: I wish we had done that. 321 00:16:00,980 --> 00:16:03,160 Speaker 4: You know, and I listened to a lot of mom 322 00:16:03,180 --> 00:16:07,600 Speaker 4: podcasts and, you know, they're giving such wonderful, amazing tips. 323 00:16:07,660 --> 00:16:09,660 Speaker 4: You know, I listened to one of you with Christy 324 00:16:09,700 --> 00:16:11,580 Speaker 4: Thomas that, you know, a few weeks ago that released 325 00:16:11,600 --> 00:16:12,220 Speaker 4: and I was like, oh. 326 00:16:12,260 --> 00:16:14,520 Speaker 3: That's such a great idea. I wish I had known that, 327 00:16:14,590 --> 00:16:17,310 Speaker 3: done that. But, you know, my kids turned out, they 328 00:16:17,410 --> 00:16:18,490 Speaker 3: love the Lord. 329 00:16:19,050 --> 00:16:21,870 Speaker 4: We're never going to be perfect. We're not going to, 330 00:16:22,320 --> 00:16:26,540 Speaker 4: Do every single thing, every tip that's given. If we 331 00:16:26,560 --> 00:16:30,180 Speaker 4: tried to do every single thing, probably our kids would 332 00:16:30,220 --> 00:16:33,420 Speaker 4: get sick of it, right? They would be like, you're 333 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:37,540 Speaker 4: too perfect. And they would put that pressure on themselves. 334 00:16:37,580 --> 00:16:38,620 Speaker 4: So it's okay. 335 00:16:39,000 --> 00:16:39,640 Speaker 1: It's okay. 336 00:16:39,840 --> 00:16:43,340 Speaker 4: And then just take one small step. Say, Lord, what 337 00:16:43,400 --> 00:16:45,940 Speaker 4: is the one thing that you want us to focus 338 00:16:46,100 --> 00:16:48,000 Speaker 4: on this school year with our kids? 339 00:16:48,040 --> 00:16:50,380 Speaker 3: What's one simple thing? that we can do. 340 00:16:50,440 --> 00:16:53,760 Speaker 4: Maybe we teach our kids, you know, to look for 341 00:16:53,820 --> 00:16:56,180 Speaker 4: someone who's sitting by themselves and give them a smile 342 00:16:56,220 --> 00:16:58,620 Speaker 4: and a high five that day. Maybe that's all they 343 00:16:58,640 --> 00:17:00,920 Speaker 4: learned that to do that school year. Hey, who'd you 344 00:17:00,940 --> 00:17:03,720 Speaker 4: high five today? You know, who'd you talk to today? 345 00:17:04,440 --> 00:17:08,080 Speaker 4: And that's one small step that you can build on 346 00:17:08,180 --> 00:17:10,900 Speaker 4: the following year. You know, maybe next year, Hey, let's, 347 00:17:11,400 --> 00:17:15,470 Speaker 4: let's start asking kids, um, how are you doing today? 348 00:17:16,560 --> 00:17:20,220 Speaker 4: What's going on? Can I help you with anything? Or 349 00:17:20,260 --> 00:17:22,770 Speaker 4: maybe you ask, can I pray for you? Maybe it 350 00:17:22,810 --> 00:17:25,210 Speaker 4: leads to that next. Like, hey, how can I pray 351 00:17:25,250 --> 00:17:27,770 Speaker 4: for you? And you just take it one little step 352 00:17:27,790 --> 00:17:32,800 Speaker 4: at a time and continue. And then you say, can 353 00:17:32,820 --> 00:17:35,600 Speaker 4: I tell you something really great that happened to me? 354 00:17:36,130 --> 00:17:38,230 Speaker 4: And then you get to share how Jesus changed your life, 355 00:17:38,490 --> 00:17:40,629 Speaker 4: how Jesus changed your family's life. And there you are 356 00:17:40,690 --> 00:17:43,639 Speaker 4: sharing the gospel. So just one baby step at a 357 00:17:43,690 --> 00:17:47,120 Speaker 4: time to move your kid into kind of that mindset 358 00:17:47,500 --> 00:17:51,640 Speaker 4: of being salt and light and presenting the gospel eventually 359 00:17:51,720 --> 00:17:52,800 Speaker 4: to their classmates, right? 360 00:17:52,880 --> 00:17:56,300 Speaker 2: Yeah, wherever they are. Yeah, that's so good. That's such 361 00:17:56,320 --> 00:17:59,419 Speaker 2: a good reminder. And you're so right. I think in 362 00:17:59,540 --> 00:18:04,300 Speaker 2: our digital world where we have so much coming at 363 00:18:04,460 --> 00:18:07,790 Speaker 2: us so much information available to us and that we're 364 00:18:07,830 --> 00:18:11,360 Speaker 2: listening to and absorbing and It's so important to remember, like, 365 00:18:11,560 --> 00:18:14,619 Speaker 2: God gave us these children, right? We are the best 366 00:18:14,700 --> 00:18:19,070 Speaker 2: mom for this child and these children that He's given us. 367 00:18:19,250 --> 00:18:22,590 Speaker 2: And so we do have to trust our instincts, you know, 368 00:18:23,070 --> 00:18:25,929 Speaker 2: baptized by the Holy Spirit, right? As we're walking with 369 00:18:25,970 --> 00:18:28,430 Speaker 2: Jesus and we're keeping in step with the Spirit, then 370 00:18:28,450 --> 00:18:30,659 Speaker 2: we allow His Spirit in us to lead us and 371 00:18:30,700 --> 00:18:35,780 Speaker 2: discern which ways we should walk and step with our children, 372 00:18:35,880 --> 00:18:37,780 Speaker 2: what we should encourage them to do. And we can 373 00:18:38,100 --> 00:18:42,640 Speaker 2: ask for very specific. 374 00:18:41,400 --> 00:18:42,970 Speaker 1: Direction from him on that. 375 00:18:43,030 --> 00:18:45,949 Speaker 2: You know, Father, show me how to talk to my 376 00:18:45,990 --> 00:18:50,810 Speaker 2: child about this. What area do they need encouragement in? 377 00:18:50,910 --> 00:18:54,409 Speaker 2: Help it to be clear to me, Father. You know, 378 00:18:54,869 --> 00:18:57,310 Speaker 2: bring your light. Show me what I need to see 379 00:18:57,490 --> 00:19:00,130 Speaker 2: about my children and what you want me to do 380 00:19:00,260 --> 00:19:03,470 Speaker 2: in response to that. You know, that we're praying about 381 00:19:03,540 --> 00:19:07,120 Speaker 2: those things really kind of takes that pressure off from 382 00:19:07,160 --> 00:19:10,520 Speaker 2: that perfection because then we've got God with us, right? 383 00:19:10,580 --> 00:19:11,400 Speaker 1: It's that concept. 384 00:19:11,460 --> 00:19:14,520 Speaker 2: And we're just teaching them, Jesus is with you. He's 385 00:19:14,560 --> 00:19:16,119 Speaker 2: with you when you go to school. He's with you 386 00:19:16,140 --> 00:19:18,619 Speaker 2: when you are doing your extracurricular activities. 387 00:19:19,160 --> 00:19:19,840 Speaker 1: He's with you. 388 00:19:20,390 --> 00:19:25,500 Speaker 2: Why is that promise so fundamental for our children to know? 389 00:19:26,780 --> 00:19:27,659 Speaker 3: Yeah, absolutely. 390 00:19:27,680 --> 00:19:32,320 Speaker 4: I think feeling alone in this would be something really 391 00:19:32,380 --> 00:19:35,800 Speaker 4: detrimental to a child going to school and feeling like, oh, 392 00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:39,830 Speaker 4: I'm alone here, right? Jesus, you know, we look at 393 00:19:39,869 --> 00:19:42,429 Speaker 4: the example of Jesus. He came down to earth. He 394 00:19:42,510 --> 00:19:45,030 Speaker 4: left heaven and he came to earth to minister and 395 00:19:45,050 --> 00:19:48,250 Speaker 4: to serve. And he didn't do it alone, right? He 396 00:19:48,330 --> 00:19:59,520 Speaker 4: gathered in the disciples. And so Jesus, He came all 397 00:19:59,560 --> 00:20:01,639 Speaker 4: the way from heaven down to earth to be with us. 398 00:20:01,810 --> 00:20:04,070 Speaker 4: And when we believe in Him, He's with us in 399 00:20:04,109 --> 00:20:07,150 Speaker 4: our heart. His Spirit lives inside of us. And so, yeah, 400 00:20:07,170 --> 00:20:09,530 Speaker 4: it's just really important for kids to know that and 401 00:20:09,570 --> 00:20:13,410 Speaker 4: to know they don't have to be alone because Jesus 402 00:20:13,450 --> 00:20:16,390 Speaker 4: is with them, but also they can find other Christian 403 00:20:16,450 --> 00:20:19,990 Speaker 4: kids to be an encouragement and to have accountability with 404 00:20:20,060 --> 00:20:22,520 Speaker 4: each other. And then you as a parent, you're with them, right? 405 00:20:22,560 --> 00:20:26,000 Speaker 4: You're praying for them. You're with them in uh, encouraging 406 00:20:26,060 --> 00:20:30,750 Speaker 4: them and you're having those car conversations, right. Um, on 407 00:20:30,770 --> 00:20:34,730 Speaker 4: the way to school where you're, you're praying together and, um, yeah, 408 00:20:34,750 --> 00:20:37,470 Speaker 4: it's important to never feel alone in that for sure. 409 00:20:37,490 --> 00:20:40,609 Speaker 2: Hmm. Okay, April, and I want to ask you kind 410 00:20:40,690 --> 00:20:42,710 Speaker 2: of one more question, and then I want to talk 411 00:20:42,730 --> 00:20:44,570 Speaker 2: to you about where we can connect with you and 412 00:20:44,850 --> 00:20:47,530 Speaker 2: find your book. But I always love when I have 413 00:20:47,550 --> 00:20:50,410 Speaker 2: moms who are a step further down the road than 414 00:20:50,470 --> 00:20:51,430 Speaker 2: me on the. 415 00:20:51,390 --> 00:20:53,790 Speaker 1: Podcast, and I just want to be like a sponge. 416 00:20:54,690 --> 00:20:55,690 Speaker 1: I want to soak in. 417 00:20:55,710 --> 00:21:00,760 Speaker 2: All of the advice and tips and information and all 418 00:21:00,800 --> 00:21:01,600 Speaker 2: of the things. 419 00:21:01,640 --> 00:21:04,000 Speaker 1: So as a mom who's kind of on. 420 00:21:03,960 --> 00:21:07,780 Speaker 2: The other side now, what would you say, uh, to 421 00:21:08,060 --> 00:21:11,800 Speaker 2: us younger moms who are just kind of, uh, starting 422 00:21:11,880 --> 00:21:14,500 Speaker 2: out sending our kids to school and, and wanting to 423 00:21:14,560 --> 00:21:17,260 Speaker 2: seek Jesus in, in our roles as moms? 424 00:21:19,530 --> 00:21:20,659 Speaker 1: Um, yeah, pressure. 425 00:21:20,700 --> 00:21:21,420 Speaker 3: I'm not perfect. 426 00:21:21,440 --> 00:21:22,810 Speaker 1: That's for sure. 427 00:21:22,850 --> 00:21:24,630 Speaker 3: You know, my kids aren't either, but right. 428 00:21:24,810 --> 00:21:27,669 Speaker 4: Um, yeah, they love, they love Jesus and we're thankful 429 00:21:27,730 --> 00:21:31,750 Speaker 4: for that, um, that they are loving and serving Jesus. But, um, 430 00:21:33,359 --> 00:21:38,520 Speaker 4: I would say as a mom, two things that you, 431 00:21:39,869 --> 00:21:42,750 Speaker 4: what you're teaching your kids or what they're learning at 432 00:21:42,850 --> 00:21:45,750 Speaker 4: church is, is the same at home. Like you're living 433 00:21:45,810 --> 00:21:51,010 Speaker 4: a genuine, authentic walk with Jesus at home yourself. 434 00:21:51,030 --> 00:21:52,149 Speaker 2: Yeah. 435 00:21:53,640 --> 00:21:59,850 Speaker 4: When they see a disconnect there and they don't really 436 00:21:59,930 --> 00:22:02,930 Speaker 4: see that you're passionate about Jesus and your walk with Him, 437 00:22:03,010 --> 00:22:04,820 Speaker 4: then they're not going to be. 438 00:22:05,859 --> 00:22:08,180 Speaker 3: But you don't have to be perfect. I made a 439 00:22:08,220 --> 00:22:10,640 Speaker 3: lot of mistakes. And I apologized to them. 440 00:22:10,700 --> 00:22:14,270 Speaker 4: And I had days where, you know, walked through harder 441 00:22:14,350 --> 00:22:18,030 Speaker 4: seasons where it was harder to get out of bed 442 00:22:18,109 --> 00:22:19,830 Speaker 4: and do the things that I needed to do. And 443 00:22:21,030 --> 00:22:23,510 Speaker 4: so then I had to talk to them about that. Hey, moms, 444 00:22:23,950 --> 00:22:27,070 Speaker 4: I'm struggling, you know, but I am seeking God, even 445 00:22:27,109 --> 00:22:32,240 Speaker 4: though I'm still struggling. So just living authentically an authentic 446 00:22:32,400 --> 00:22:35,730 Speaker 4: spiritual life and walk with Jesus at home. And then 447 00:22:35,790 --> 00:22:38,869 Speaker 4: the other would be just to have other moms that 448 00:22:38,890 --> 00:22:41,429 Speaker 4: are in the same season that are walking through and 449 00:22:41,550 --> 00:22:44,390 Speaker 4: maybe even a step ahead, like you said, that can 450 00:22:44,430 --> 00:22:47,859 Speaker 4: encourage you. The moms group at my church and a 451 00:22:47,900 --> 00:22:51,830 Speaker 4: couple of my mom friends were lifesavers. in that area 452 00:22:51,930 --> 00:22:55,920 Speaker 4: for me, whenever I had struggles, um, they had tips 453 00:22:55,980 --> 00:22:58,510 Speaker 4: or they had gone through similar situations or they were 454 00:22:58,550 --> 00:23:00,810 Speaker 4: able to pray for me and encourage me. And, um, 455 00:23:01,260 --> 00:23:05,580 Speaker 4: If we try to do this alone, it's really hard. Again, 456 00:23:05,660 --> 00:23:09,420 Speaker 4: talking about not being alone, right? We need other mom friends, 457 00:23:09,500 --> 00:23:14,500 Speaker 4: other encouraging people in our lives, both face-to-face and through 458 00:23:15,280 --> 00:23:18,740 Speaker 4: groups like Million Praying Moms, right? Just having that encouragement 459 00:23:18,760 --> 00:23:24,100 Speaker 4: through a podcast or other sources, books and things that 460 00:23:24,160 --> 00:23:25,220 Speaker 4: you are encouraged by. 461 00:23:25,240 --> 00:23:29,890 Speaker 1: That's good advice. You're not in it alone. You're not 462 00:23:29,970 --> 00:23:32,230 Speaker 1: in it alone. What a great promise. 463 00:23:32,340 --> 00:23:35,760 Speaker 2: Okay, April, how can our listeners connect with you and 464 00:23:35,800 --> 00:23:38,100 Speaker 2: how can they grab a copy of this book for 465 00:23:38,160 --> 00:23:41,500 Speaker 2: either their kid or a kid that they love that 466 00:23:41,560 --> 00:23:42,840 Speaker 2: maybe has just started school? 467 00:23:43,440 --> 00:23:46,070 Speaker 1: Yeah, or a grandkid, right? That's right. 468 00:23:46,090 --> 00:23:47,750 Speaker 3: I'm a grandparent now, so I'm like, get it for 469 00:23:47,790 --> 00:23:48,390 Speaker 3: your grandkid. 470 00:23:48,690 --> 00:23:49,270 Speaker 1: That's right. 471 00:23:49,369 --> 00:23:54,580 Speaker 4: I'm online at aprilgraney.com. I have a few resources there. 472 00:23:54,619 --> 00:23:57,300 Speaker 4: I have some family prayer guides for back to school 473 00:23:57,320 --> 00:24:02,440 Speaker 4: that people can download and then... I have a newsletter 474 00:24:02,500 --> 00:24:05,730 Speaker 4: they can sign up for there. Um, there is a, 475 00:24:05,830 --> 00:24:08,310 Speaker 4: on the you version Bible app, there is a five 476 00:24:08,350 --> 00:24:11,410 Speaker 4: day devotional for if Jesus came to my school. So, 477 00:24:11,450 --> 00:24:15,700 Speaker 4: and it's meant to be done with your kids. So, um, yeah, pick, 478 00:24:16,200 --> 00:24:17,639 Speaker 4: pick that up on your phone, grab it. 479 00:24:17,800 --> 00:24:18,760 Speaker 1: And that's free, right? 480 00:24:19,260 --> 00:24:19,460 Speaker 2: Yeah. 481 00:24:19,619 --> 00:24:20,560 Speaker 3: On the you version Bible app. 482 00:24:20,580 --> 00:24:24,379 Speaker 4: I also have a, um, Teacher's resource for teachers who 483 00:24:24,400 --> 00:24:26,090 Speaker 4: would like to use this book in the classroom. I 484 00:24:26,750 --> 00:24:31,310 Speaker 4: have a classroom packet for them as well on aprilgraney.com. 485 00:24:31,990 --> 00:24:34,870 Speaker 2: Yeah, that'd be a cool gift for a teacher as well. 486 00:24:35,490 --> 00:24:36,450 Speaker 1: So yeah, I love that. 487 00:24:36,490 --> 00:24:39,400 Speaker 2: Well, April, thank you so much for being with us today. 488 00:24:39,560 --> 00:24:41,480 Speaker 2: And I wonder if you would close us out by 489 00:24:41,540 --> 00:24:42,760 Speaker 2: praying for our listeners. 490 00:24:43,060 --> 00:24:44,379 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'd love to. Thank you, Nicolette. 491 00:24:45,350 --> 00:24:48,750 Speaker 4: Heavenly Father, Lord God, I just thank you for this opportunity. Lord, 492 00:24:48,770 --> 00:24:52,230 Speaker 4: I thank you for just the blessing it is to 493 00:24:52,300 --> 00:24:56,780 Speaker 4: be moms and grandmothers and to be caring for children 494 00:24:57,580 --> 00:25:00,640 Speaker 4: as we lead them to you and lead them to 495 00:25:00,660 --> 00:25:04,220 Speaker 4: the knowledge that you are always with them and go 496 00:25:04,280 --> 00:25:07,420 Speaker 4: before them and that you can empower and encourage them 497 00:25:07,480 --> 00:25:10,480 Speaker 4: to be salt and light in their classrooms and wherever 498 00:25:10,500 --> 00:25:13,780 Speaker 4: they Wherever we go, Lord, I pray that you would 499 00:25:13,800 --> 00:25:16,679 Speaker 4: just use our conversation that we just had, Father, to 500 00:25:16,720 --> 00:25:20,440 Speaker 4: encourage some families that they would be able to impact 501 00:25:20,800 --> 00:25:24,240 Speaker 4: the kids in the schools that they're involved with, Lord. 502 00:25:25,270 --> 00:25:29,109 Speaker 4: teach their children about you and your presence with us. 503 00:25:29,290 --> 00:25:30,030 Speaker 3: In your name I pray. 504 00:25:30,190 --> 00:25:30,430 Speaker 4: Amen. 505 00:25:31,010 --> 00:25:31,869 Speaker 2: Amen. Amen. 506 00:25:31,890 --> 00:25:33,790 Speaker 1: Thanks so much, April. And guys, we'll see you back 507 00:25:33,869 --> 00:25:34,350 Speaker 1: on Monday. 508 00:25:34,990 --> 00:25:37,050 Speaker 2: As part of our Fruit of the Spirit prayers and 509 00:25:37,130 --> 00:25:40,859 Speaker 2: everyday prayers for the school year book club, Tara Cole 510 00:25:40,950 --> 00:25:44,460 Speaker 2: and I created a free car conversations guide for your 511 00:25:44,520 --> 00:25:48,040 Speaker 2: family to use this fall. The car is sometimes the 512 00:25:48,080 --> 00:25:52,340 Speaker 2: best place for our most precious conversations with our kids. 513 00:25:52,859 --> 00:25:55,140 Speaker 2: As we are praying through the fruit of the Spirit, 514 00:25:55,320 --> 00:25:58,680 Speaker 2: our hope is that you can have meaningful conversations with 515 00:25:58,760 --> 00:26:02,369 Speaker 2: your kids about what living out these fruit looks like 516 00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:05,310 Speaker 2: in their daily lives. Tara and I created a series 517 00:26:05,369 --> 00:26:06,230 Speaker 2: of quick questions. 518 00:26:06,390 --> 00:26:08,510 Speaker 1: She wrote some for the older kids. I wrote some 519 00:26:08,550 --> 00:26:09,310 Speaker 1: for younger kids. 520 00:26:09,670 --> 00:26:12,070 Speaker 2: And we share a prayer that you can share with 521 00:26:12,109 --> 00:26:14,649 Speaker 2: your children about each of the fruit of the Spirit. 522 00:26:15,270 --> 00:26:18,270 Speaker 2: Download your copy for free on our website or the 523 00:26:18,330 --> 00:26:22,060 Speaker 2: link in our show notes. Until next time, friends. The 524 00:26:22,100 --> 00:26:26,010 Speaker 2: Lord bless you and keep you. Make His face shine 525 00:26:26,050 --> 00:26:29,409 Speaker 2: upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord 526 00:26:29,650 --> 00:26:31,859 Speaker 2: look with favor on you and give you peace.