Dear SCCS parents,
Such a lovely fall day like this one gives me more reasons to be thankful for the opportunity to homeschool! We have found school on the deck to be an effective motivator on several days, and are thankful for the glorious color in our woods, and brisk breezes that mean autumn is in full swing. Find some time to get outdoors and learn, hiking, exploring nature in your yard, or visiting a park, if you can. We even have a special park day to end this current week, so plan on joining us then if you are not able to get outside much before then.
Thankfulness is the common theme for this month, and with good reason. We honor the Lord's goodness in the courage He gave early settlers to our country like the Pilgrims; the kindness shown by Native Americans who generously shared knowledge with their guests; and the Christian heritage we enjoy because of those who came before us. I truly am grateful for our nation and the life we enjoy here in America. Having now traveled to Africa three years in a row, I have more of a realization how very much our lives here are privileged and affluent compared to others across the world. However, beyond material blessings (and even more importantly), I recognize the numerous freedoms we enjoy, the educational and employment opportunities available, and beautiful relationships surrounding my family as incredible gifts from our Father.
In keeping with the theme of thankfulness and His gifts to us, I have contemplated the meaning of James 1:17 lately.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
I think it is pretty easy to say that God is the giver of good gifts. Most followers of Christ would agree and recognize this as true. However, the part that struck me this week was the last half of the verse - with Him 'there is no variation or shadow due to change.'
I don't know about you, but unfortunately, the same cannot said about me. He is always good, faithful, consistent, and unchanging. His character does not waver. Anything that is good is from God. We can depend on Him to remain true to His holy self, and do not have to fear that He will fail us. Sometimes we may not understand His ways or see His entire plan until it has unfolded, but we can trust that the outcome will be in accordance with His goodness and sovereignty. THAT is a wonderful reason to celebrate and be thankful!
We have some neat opportunities to show others His love and goodness again this year as we prepare shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child this Friday, and decorate Christmas cards for those who have served in our military. Please consider joining us as we desire to give to those we do not even know, and use this as a real life teaching opportunity for your family!
Here are the November events. Hope to see you soon!
7 Friday 1:00
PARK DAY and Service Project at Veterans Park on Valleydale Rd in Hoover. Gather to pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, decorate cards for mailing to service members in time for holiday delivery, and play at the park too. See http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/ for helpful info.
11 Tuesday 1:30
Nation’s Oldest and Largest Veteran’s Day Parade – downtown Birmingham. We park in the McWane Center deck with our membership and watch from 2nd Ave N but you can park anywhere.
14 Friday 11:00
Thanksgiving Feast at the Loudons’ home – a potluck lunch with fun and games in Birmingham’s beautiful Southside. Sign up info and directions on shelbycrossingschristian.com under Events.
21 Friday 10:00
Apologia Wilderness School – Led by Dr. Luke Milam, an expert on survival and the outdoors, join as we learn about basic orienteering and creation camouflage in the woods of Turkey Creek near Pinson, Alabama. Bring a picnic, blindfold, and wear hiking shoes. $6 per person, RSVP and payment due by 11/12 on shelbycrossingschristian.com under Events.
