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From the desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe

To The Council of Temple Lutheran Church:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

Based in Scripture and Spirit-led conversation, The Adult Café proposes that the congregation of this church,

Request SEPA Synod establish a Reparation Fund for the Philadelphia area acknowledge the generational effects of historical slavery in the US and ongoing racial discrimination.

I was tasked to include what is important to me from a Black person’s perspective. With regards to social injustice, systemic racism, and repentance, reconciliation, and reparations for the oppressed and discriminated against people of African descent, three main things are important to me. It is essential  for me to make sure black people are seen in the appropriate light, that they are celebrated for their achievements and contributions to American society despite past and present oppression, and that their needs are clearly articulated and addresses by those who were instrumental in their oppression, and those that can appropriately represent their needs and concerns. 

Black people have traditionally been cast in a negative light since the early uses of print, mass and broadcast media. From print advertisements of enslaved Africans being sold and auctioned off as a fraction of a person, to being depicted on the big screen as a big lip, big nose sycophant that is happy being subservient and entertaining to white people, to the hoochie mama, sister girl, to the corner boy  with the pants sagging down, black people have been shown as uneducated, lazy, welfare recipients, criminals, and even menaces to society. Today Africa is often seen as desolate with starving children with swollen bellies and flies around them. While some Africans are suffering in that way, that does not reflect the continent as a whole. There are many civilized and advanced societies there that are not often shown to the world.  It is important to me that that small segment of the black and African population is not seen as representative of black people as a whole. Many black people are trying to survive, without having the same access to opportunity. They are trying to get an education or develop a skill so they can be marketable in the job market. Black people need to be seen as intellectually equal, not a fraction of a person, and viable members of society, deserving all God given rights and freedoms as every other social group.

It is important that people of African descent are celebrated for their achievements and contributions to American society in spite of past and present oppression and discrimination. Many of the scientific breakthroughs and inventions we enjoy today came from the minds of the enslaved Africans. Some enslaved African inventors could not afford to patent their ideas which white inventors completed and took credit for.  Many black people past and present have contributed to social changes, education, the arts, music, sports and entertainment. Black people have been able to rise to the occasion and be positive contributors to society despite systemic racism, discrimation, and lack of access to resources and opportunities.  

The needs of black people should be clearly articulated and addressed by those who were instrumental in their oppression, and by those who can appropriately represent their needs and concerns. The oppressed people should elect someone to clearly state their needs and concerns. We should not be taking our cues from people who are not representative of the black community as a whole. Nor should we lean on any one person or group to do the work of trying to solve problems they did not create. There should be a balance of leaning in to hear the story and struggles of black people past and present, with a resolve to make steps to try to reverse the effects of the oppression through repentance, reconciliation and reparation. 

Those steps  of reversal embrace the way God sees us all as the body of Christ with many viable members. For God does not see Jew nor Greek, our ethnic and/or racial differences. He does not divide us by bond or free, our socio/economic differences. God does not divide us by male or female, our gender differences, social norms and roles that cause divisive gender issues, or the importance of one gender over the other. God sees us all as one; His beloved children. And when black lives matter to everyone, all lives will benefit from God’s grace and provision, because we are aligning ourselves with God’s word, will and way.

Amen.

 Chaplain Nikita Johnson

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From the Desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe

Theme- Manifesting God’s Glory

January -  Maintaining a Positive Expectation of Good

Scripture Reference- (read these entire chapters, the ones before and the ones after for context) 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Isaiah 43:19 Behold I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth, shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Happy New Year! In January we celebrated New Year's Day, Dr. King’s Day, and the installation of our new President and our first female African American Vice President. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day is a celebration of service to the community. Service has taken on a new meaning during this pandemic. People from all walks of life have stepped up and answered the call to help solve some of the problems people are facing during this time of quarantine and isolation. Churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals have been making sure people in their community are fed and have the basic things they need to survive. The vulnerable population which include the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions are being looked after and cared for. While many people are suffering and dying during this time, many more are benefiting from the altruism of others who demonstrate God’s love. 

In the New Year, people often make New year’s resolutions.They may resolve to eat a healthier diet after the past holidays’ feasting. People may resolve to exercise, get into shape, and get more rest.  They may want to finish projects they started in the previous year, get more education and training, and get out of debt. Some people may have decided to start a business, write a book, support charities, and/or engage in religious activities online during this pandemic. 

All of these initiatives can potentially move our lives in a positive direction. But in order for anything to manifest in our lives, we have to make steps towards our dreams, goals, and initiatives. God has a good plan for everyone’s life. We have the choice whether or not to seize the opportunities He gives us, or let them pass us by. Even in a pandemic, we have so much to be grateful for. God promises to fill our lives with joy, peace and hope when we trust in Him. In the dark and uncertain times, God will wipe away our tears, and give us beauty for the ashes of pain and despair.  In the new year, let us believe that old things are passed away, and that God will make all things new, providing a way where we see no way. We can have a positive expectation of good because God promises to make all things, good and bad, work out for our good to give us a future and a hope. Amen.

Simple Sample Prayer

Father God, Thank you for allowing us to see a new year. Thank you for walking with us through the pain and adversity of this pandemic all last year up until this present moment. We ask that you help us to maintain a positive expectation of your goodness and love. Manifest your glory in every area of our lives this year as we submit to your word, will and way, and as we align ourselves with what you say about us. We pray for blessings, financial stability, divine health, and prosperity over the new year; and we pray for wisdom for our elected officials, religious leaders, and our political, judicial, legislative and executive civil servants. We are grateful for being (1) Deeply Loved, (2) Highly Favored, (3) Greatly Blessed, (4) Wondrously Redeemed, and (5) Miraculously Healed by you. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Songs to Meditate on this Month

Big by Pastor Mike Jr. 

     2.  Greater is Coming by Jekalyn Carr

     3.  Open Heaven by Maranda Curtis 

     4. Expect the Great by Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose

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From the Desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe

Spirit Led in the Bible days and in Everyday Life

Act 20:7-12

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord,my strength and my redeemer. Let your word go forth in love, authority and power, accomplishing what you sent it to do, for it will not return unto void. 

In this Scripture, on a Sunday, many disciples were gathered together to take Communion. Apostle Paul preached to them until midnight. Eutychus fell into a deep sleep while sitting in a window in the third floor loft. He fell out of the window and died. Apostle Paul came down, fell on him, embraced him and brought him back to life. They all broke bread and talked a long while until daybreak, and they were comforted by the young man being alive and well. 

Like Apostle Paul, I have been gathered together, and have had to work in non profit environments, particularly around black women who claim to be Christians. When they could not wear me down to join their backbiting,  sabotaging, gossiping group,  I became the object of their attacks. Paul was consistent in his preaching even when a young man fell asleep on him and fell out the window and died. I maintained my stand in spite of having all kinds of false allegations filed against me, and attacks made on me intended to kill me spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, and emotionally. Guided by the Holy Spirit. I continued to pray for my enemy coworkers, and put them on various prayer lines. God assured me that all things were working out for my good, even though it felt like my career and life fell out the window and died. Apostle Griffin kept telling me that I was experiencing so much trouble at my jobs because God was moving me into full time ministry where my work, business and ministry would be one in the same. I continued to do my job with integrity and excellence. Like Apostle Paul, I am learning to be steadfast in moving forward, doing what I was put there to do, and learning what I was supposed to learn. In that moment, it was difficult and exhausting, but I, like the disciples in the scripture, can be comforted that I and my career will depart from the situation alive and well.  To believers, trouble does not come to stay, it comes to pass. The Holy Spirit always provides where He guides. And I will follow where He leads even if I have to do it afraid. Amen.

Chaplain Nikita 

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From the desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe

Luke 1:26-38  4-6 minute reflection on how I experience  The Light of Christ

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight Oh, Lord my strength and my redeemer, Amen.

I was never really a fan of Christmas. As a child, I would ask for footballs, GI Joes, Superhero action figures, and Transformers, and under the tree was filled with Barbies and dolls that I   never played with. My Mom would get so upset, and  would make me bag them up and give all of them to my  female cousins to lay with .So I never really got anything except new underwear and pajamas for Christmas when I was young. It got so bad that I would just sleep in on Christmas day because I knew I was never getting anything I wanted or asked for. As an adult, my father would just give me money for Christmas so that I could buy what I wanted. When I was married my first and second ex-husbands would ask me what I wanted for Christmas. I would tell them some household items like new floors or new cabinets and they would give me jewelry that I would lose and they would get mad. I would go into debt getting gifts for my family and friends and most of the time, what I was given was cheap and not well thought out. I don’t have many pleasant and endearing memories of the holidays, and I often found myself dreading when they arrived. While many people were enjoying their families and loved ones at Christmas time, I often felt sad and alone even if I was surrounded by people. I never felt seen or known. So I learned to give myself whatever I wanted for the holidays, and have low or no expectations for what I would get as gifts from family and friends. I did become an expert gift giver, and I supported many charities and organizations around the holidays, which in turn blessed me abundantly.

I didn’t even like Christmas music or movies. They seemed irrelevant, unrealistic, and unnecessarily nostalgic. I knew it was highly unlikely that I would find love around the holidays like the movies diepicted, that I would probably not be roasting chestnuts on an open fire, or sledding in the snow when I don’t even like cold weather. I felt like a broken vessel ready to be discarded.

I know I  sound like a scrooge or grinch, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Jesus, the Gift of Love was born to bring light to a dark world. Light does not banish the dark; darkness still exists but is diminished. A broken vessel like me allows the light of Christ to shine through. The first Noel was not the pleasant, peaceful, silent night that Christmas songs, movies and pictures depict.  It was a night full of turmoil, fear, and noise. The angel told Mary to fear not because she had found favor with God.  God favoring us does not mean we will not have trouble, pain or disappointments. It just means that Emmanuel, God is with us through it all.  Mary pushed past the fear of what the angel’s message would entail, embraced the will of God for her life wholeheartedly and was blessed abundantly for it. And that is what I am learning to do. I am learning to receive God’s love for me and expect His goodness on a daily basis. For me, Christmas is receiving from God what I didn’t know I wanted and needed. It is about me allowing Him to fill me with His love, spirit and power, so that I can be a blessing to someone else. It is about understanding that I am seen, heard, loved and known by God, and am being filled with His light so that I can be a Light to the world. I don’t have to be a fan of Christmas to be a follower of Jesus. I can celebrate, proclaim, and be a fan of the real reason for the season. Jesus was born to die for the sins of everyone, past, present and future, so that we as believers can be His hands and feet shining His light in our world today. Amen.

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From the desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23

 Throughout my tumultuous life, God has always been faithful. Hello, I'm Chaplain Evangelist Nikita Johnson from Kiss the Son Chaplains International group, and the Mars Hill Iron Sharpens Iron Joy Alliance ministry group. I was born, raised, and educated in the historical city of Philadelphia. I went to a private, christian school, from 3 years old in preschool to 8th grade junior high. That school was connected to a Pentecostal Mission church, where the Pastor was also the director of the school. As the first born to a young unwed mother, I experienced child, mental, physical and emotional abuse from the teachers and leadership in that private christian school on a daily basis.They would maliciously and deceitfully tell me that I was "nothing and never would be anything, like my no good mother". Between being beaten regularly, they would lie to my mother telling her that I was bruised from fighting in school, while smiling in her face after discrediting and bad mouthing her to me behind her back. But God is faithful. He had my grandmother who was mentally unstable to teach me how to be emotionally healthy and honest with myself and those around me. He allowed my great grandparents to be a source of love, comfort and peace for me despite the many grandchildren in their care. And he allowed one of the teachers at that school to take me under her wing, inspire me to sing at a very young age, and spoke life into me on a regular basis. She would write me notes telling me how special and great I was, and told me to never let anyone tell me otherwise. 

  Having been a believer since around the age of 7, God's hand of protection, provision and purpose has always been on my life. Around 9 years old I was anointed by the Holy Spirit to speak in unknown tongues and sing under His unction melodies and octaves I could never reach on my own to this day. We know that once we become believers and anointed for service, Satan places a target on our backs. But we also know that no weapon formed against us will prosper, and every tongue that rises against us we shall condemn. Therefore, since I was a young child, many vile weapons have been formed to hinder, discourage and stop me. But I used my weapons of praise and worship, and being a student of the Word of God to quench the fiery darts of the enemy. I was in various church denominations from Holiness to Baptist, from Non-denominational to COGIC, from Presbyterian to Lutheran. As a timid, introverted child, I was forced to come out of myself and question things that did not line up with my revelation of the Word of God. I discovered how to be bold enough to confront behaviors that were hurtful to others and contrary to what I believe was God's intent. I learned to question the deeds of leadership that did not line up with the nature of Jesus Christ without being irreverent or disrespectful to their office. Because of all that I had been through, God revealed to me that I could ask Him questions without questioning His authority or sovereignty. Likewise, I could confront administrative issues without disrespecting the position or title of leadership using the Word of God in love. For all scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, or for instruction in righteousness. This often got me into trouble, and even directly or indirectly evicted from an organization; but God was with me and was faithful. 

I was educated at Overbrook High when it was a magnet school, and was the only one allowed to be in 2 magnet programs; Music Magnet and Scholars Magnet. I spent a lot of time evangelizing classmates, which often got me ostracized. I understood that people were not always good, but God is good all the time. Though transitioning to public school was difficult, I excelled academically and graduated with honors. I matriculated to Temple University for free most of my college career, as my mother worked there for many years. I wanted to go to school for writing textbooks, Sunday School booklets, and devotionals, but was placed in the school of Communications and Theater because they said that was the closest to what I wanted to do. Training in  what was then RTF, Radio, Television and Film, was not what I wanted at all, but I stuck with it just to get through. I learned mass media, and print and broadcast Journalism, which was obsolete by the time I graduated. I was erroneously told by an advisor that I could not get a teacher's certificate with my degree because he said Communications was so all encompassing. Of course, I found out later that it was not true.   

I bought my first home and got married  at age 18,  to the abusive father of my daughter, that I had a few years later. After being divorced and some time had passed, I got married again to an African from Benin, whom I also ended up divorcing because of the way he treated me. As a young adult, I worked as a broadcaster and educator, where I was paid significantly less than men, to do a better job. I also served in management, social services, behavioral health, and case management. I attended many graduate programs whose opportunities dried up while I was going to school for them. I was placed in a biblical studies program at one university, when I specifically requested to study for a master's in counseling. I quickly learned that the program was not for me when I tried to express ideas that did not align with their worldview.  

Thankfully, I was recently introduced to the KTS Chaplaincy program, directed by Apostle Dr. Chaplain Eileen Teel, by a fellow Chaplain who was a friend to my mother. Finally, I was exposed to a course of study that I was actually interested in and wanted to do.I also became a servant leader in the Joy Alliance group. I didn't know I had to be ordained as a minister before becoming a chaplain.  I was so disillusioned by so-called ministers in my family who were mean, malicious, women subordinating, and even deceitful. I wanted no parts of that. But when God calls you to ministry, He knows what He put inside of you, even if you do not. Because I was deep into the Iron Sharpens Iron  and Chaplaincy programs' biblical studies, I decided to trust the process. I have been training for global ministry, meeting the needs of the community, singing for God's glory, ministering at a nursing home, studying God's word on a daily basis, creating chaplain curriculum, developing, implementing and teaching Life Skills to people on the fringes of society and may be in recovery for substance abuse. I am staying open for whatever the next move of God will be in my life. Under the guidance and mentorship of Apostle Jenean Griffin, I am developing my teaching, mentoring and tutoring support ministry,  About My Father’s Business non- profit organization. From non-supportive family members, uncooperative neighbors, backstabbing coworkers, malicious church members, abusive spouses, an estranged child, financial lack, and being professionally overlooked,  God has given me beauty for ashes.I  found that I am deeply loved, highly favored,  greatly blessed, and miraculously healed in all areas of my life and brokenness by the Lord Jesus Christ. God promises to cause all things, good and bad, to work together for my good. He has a great plan for me, and is working it out daily in my life. Great is His faithfulness.  

Amen.

Chaplain Nikita Johnson

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Monthly Chaplain Blog

From the Desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe by Chaplain Nikita Johnson

Theme-Seeing From God’s Perspective

November 2020- A Time of Reflection

Scripture Reference- Isaiah 12:1-6, I Chronicles 16:8, 23-26,  and 34. Lamentations 3:19-23(read these entire chapters, the ones before, and the ones after for context)....”This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

In November, we celebrated the end of Daylight Saving Time, Election Day, Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving Day. We fall back with Fall, setting our clocks back one hour as our days appear shorter, and our nights seem longer. We had a record breaking voter turnout on Election Day this month, as many people celebrated the end of one administration for the highest office in the land, and the unofficial beginning of another. We pause to remember all veterans who serve our country, seasoned veterans who are experts in their fields, those who are currently fighting for our freedom, and all those who lost their lives serving in our military and armed forces. 

In November, we set aside time to commune with family and friends during the Thanksgiving holiday, while we feast on good food, and reflect on all we are thankful for. Many churches and various organizations are making sure their communities in need have a turkey dinner to enjoy during this season.

We all have so much to be thankful for. While still being restricted and affected by the pandemic, we can reflect on how God is with us and working in, through and for us during this stressful and uncertain time. We can reflect on the fact that God is always with us and promises to never leave nor forsake us. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, God is there. He is as close to us as our nearest breath, for He is the air we breathe.  We can have hope because God’s mercy will never let us be consumed. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed. God’s mercy and love for us never fails; it is new every morning. In dark times we can reflect on how great our God is, instead of worrying about how big our problems are. We can reflect on what the Lord has already done for us, instead of stressing out over our future. Reflecting on the fact in God’s presence there is fullness of joy, is far better than wallowing in self pity, and despair. This we can recall to mind. Great is His faithfulness yesterday, today and forevermore. Amen.

Simple Sample Prayer

Dear God, we come to you with praise and thanksgiving. Thank you for life, and that more abundantly, health for by your stripes we are healed, and strength for the joy of the Lord is our strength. Heavenly Father, we praise you for the time you have given us to reflect on our lives, our situations, and your goodness; knowing you will always see us through. We pray for all Veterans, those who served in the Armed Forces, the Crisis Intervention Organizations, the Essential Workers, and First Responders everywhere.Thank you Lord for we are (1) Deeply loved, (2) Highly Favored, (3) Greatly Blessed by you. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Songs to Meditate on This Month

“Grateful”- by Hezekiah Walker and LFC

      2. “God with Us”- by Terrain

      3. “Everyday is a day of Thanksgiving” by Dr.Charles Hayes and the CCoP Choir

      4. “Oceans” (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United

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Monthly Chaplain Blog

From the Desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe by Chaplain Nikita Johnson        Theme- Seeing From God’s Perspective October 2020-                            Taboo Celebrations                                                                                      Scripture Reference-  Ezra 3: 7-13 (read this entire chapter, the one before, and the one after for context. Cross reference to get a fuller understanding.)

In October, Columbus day and Halloween are celebrated. Many people are divided on the issue of celebrating Columbus Day, because Christopher Columbus was reported as being a murderer, rapist and thief. It is said that he took credit for discovering America, which was already occupied, by taking the land from the indigenous people. Some people do not want someone like him representing their nationality or heritage. While others feel that any observance that highlights their ethic group’s contribution to American society is a good thing. Likewise, people are divided on the celebration of Halloween. Some feel it is evil and encourages mischievous behavior behind a mask and costume. They feel that people wait for this time to do harm to others; some people even put dangerous things in the treats they give to the trick or treaters. Others believe it is a fun time to interact with neighbors, family and friends and even reach out to the community with God’s love. They believe it began as a religious celebration of All Saints Day Eve, where people remembered those loved ones and saints that went on before us. Some feel that, like many things, this positive celebration was hijacked by evil, and needs to be returned back to its original intent.  

In the text, there were those who were on the fence about celebrating the wall of the temple being rebuilt, as the project was just in its infancy. People are often not comfortable with celebrating small accomplishments, controversial people, contentious events, or during sad circumstances. People often believe that what is going on in life dictates their mental and emotional state. But we are in control of our emotions. We may not be able to control what comes to our mind, but we are in control of what we meditate on and what we choose to believe. We can choose to find joy in sorrow, to bless God when things are not going according to plans, and trust the Lord when we cannot see a way out. It is not easy to go against the grain, but it is worth it. When we are faced with trauma and grief, we can choose to not run from it, to process it, to not try to numb the pain of it, and to lay it at the feet of Jesus to heal it. God wants us to reveal our pain, feel the weight of its effect on our lives, deal with the consequences and effects of our grief, and give it to Him to heal our pain and sorrow. He does not want us to push it down, mistreat others because we were mistreated, or abuse substances to help us forget what we are going through. Even Jesus went through the grief process and came out victorious on the other side. God will always send ministering angels to help us in time of need. And we can celebrate every stage of the grief and healing process along the way. We don’t have to wait for the battle to be over, we can shout for joy right now.  We can smile when things are going wrong, knowing that God will make all things right in the end. We can have joy in our sorrow, knowing that God is with us and will never leave nor forsake us. We can celebrate any occasion along the way, knowing that everyday is a day of thanksgiving because God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. Let us continually celebrate God’s goodness regardless of the circumstance, for God will cause all things, good and bad, to work together for our good in the end. Amen.

Simple Prayer- Dear God, we come before you with praise and thanksgiving for who you are, who you were, and for who you always will be. We thank you for all that you have done, what you are doing now, and everything you are going to do to manifest your goodness in our lives. We agree with you about our position of authority, your undying love for us, and your good and prosperous plan for our lives. Heavenly Father, we pray for all saints around the world, especially those suffering persecution for their faith. We pray for those in crisis, those who are experiencing loss, all those who are grieving, and those suffering from natural disaster. We celebrate the answer to these prayers now, for we know they are already done in the spirit realm. We eagerly await the manifestation of your goodness, and the physical answer to our prayers, for we are 1. Deeply loved, 2. Highly favored, in Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

Songs to Meditate on this Month-

1. “All things Are Possible” by Tramaine Hawkins

2. “Man of your Word” by Maverick City Group

3. “Don’t Wait Til the Battle Over Shout Now” by Walter Hawkins Love Alive Choir III

4. “Wordless”  by Lauren Daigle

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Monthly Chaplain Blog

From the desk of the Eagle Eye Scribe  by Chaplain Nikita Johnson

Theme-Seeing from God’s Perspective

September 2020 -Learning the Season for Laboring to enter into God’s Rest

Scripture Reference- Hebrews 4:11 (read this entire chapter, the one before, and the one after for context)  Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 

In September, many students are returning back to school. We celebrate Labor Day this month and the beginning of Fall or Autumn. Labor Day was created in the 1880s by the labor movement, and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements and contributions of strength, prosperity and well being  made by the American worker. 

Going back to a scholastic setting looks very different this school year across the country and around the world because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Students are learning remotely via the internet, they are having a hybrid learning environment of partial restricted in-school and at-home remote learning, and they are in sanitized, restricted and monitored small group learning pods where they must wear face coverings, stay behind barriers, and consistently exercise 6 feet apart social distancing. There seems to be no end in sight. People are growing weary of and are not completely following mandatory restrictions and guidelines.  

But this season change from Summer to Fall reminds us that it will not always be this way. Change is coming. We will learn how to get through to and even enjoy a new normal. We are not alone; God is always with us. We have to be strategic and intentional about laboring to enter into God’s rest, trusting that He will cause all things to work together for our good. Rest is important physically and spiritually as well. When we rest in God’s promises, God works on our behalf. Rest is not inactivity. It is focused and Holy Spirit directed activity. We rest when we are not trying to make things happen in our own strength, but when we are relying on God for guidance, empowerment, and direction. It doesn’t come naturally for us, especially in the task and achievement driven society in which we live. We have to practice laboring to enter into God’s rest here on earth so that we can be effective witnesses for Jesus, who will daily help us to build His kingdom. And when our time here on earth has come to an end,  every believer will enjoy the eternal rest in heaven, resting in the bosom of Abraham.  Amen.    

 Simple Prayer- Heavenly Father, we come before you with praise and thanksgiving for who you are and for all you have done. We thank you for life, and that more abundantly, health, for by your stripes we are healed, and strength, for the joy of the Lord is our strength. We thank you for this day, for this is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Dear God, help us to labor to enter your rest, trusting your word and standing on your promises.We pray for all students everywhere, from early head start, to trade schools, to apprentices and interns, to graduate studies students.Bless them, keep them, and help them to excel the the positive things they endeavor to do.  We ask this in Jesus name, for we are (1) Deeply loved by you. Amen.

Songs to meditate on this month- 

1. “Intentional” by Travis Greene

2. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” by Lauren Daigle

3. “Changed” -by Tramaine Hawkins

4. “Near the Cross”- by Mississippi Mass Choir

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Tutoring in February 2019

Tutoring in February 2019

In February we celebrated Black/African American History, LGBT History and National Bird-Feeding month. When we teach our children to be self aware, understanding and accepting of themselves, they will more likely be tolerate and compassionate towards other people. They can learn how to appreciate and see the likeness and difference in others, and enjoy the beauty of nature around them. We can…

[nikijblog]

Tutoring in February 2019

In February we celebrate Black/African American History, LGBT History and National Bird-Feeding month. When we teach our children to be self aware, understanding and accepting of themselves, they will more likely be tolerate and compassionate towards other people. They can learn how to appreciate and see the likeness and difference in others, and enjoy the beauty in nature around them.We can teach them to understand that they matter, so they will be less likely to seek affirmation in destructive places.

We also celebrate many health related events in February; like American Heart, AMD/Low Vision Awareness, National Cancer Prevention, and International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month. We know that a healthy child is a confident child that is more ready to learn than one that is not. Staying on top of our children’s health not only benefits them mentally, but emotionally and intellectually as well.

There are special weeks celebrated in February too; like Patient Recognition, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness, National Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week. We also celebrate National Wear Red for Women’s heart health, World Cancer, National Donor, and National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day this month. Health is crucial to our overall well being. We all know someone struggling with a health issue. Educating ourselves on best practices for self care, disease prevention and control can give us the tools needed to improve our overall quality of life. Let us know how we can help. 

[nikijblog]

Tutoring in February 2019

In February we celebrate Black/African American History, LGBT History and National Bird-Feeding month. When we teach our children to be self aware, understanding and accepting of themselves, they will more likely be tolerate and compassionate towards other people. They can learn how to appreciate and see the likeness and difference in others, and enjoy the beauty in nature around them.We can teach them to understand that they matter, so they will be less likely to seek affirmation in destructive places.

We also celebrate many health related events in February; like American Heart, AMD/Low Vision Awareness, National Cancer Prevention, and International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month. We know that a healthy child is a confident child that is more ready to learn than one that is not. Staying on top of our children’s health not only benefits them mentally, but emotionally and intellectually as well.

There are special weeks celebrated in February too; like Patient Recognition, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness, National Cardiac Rehabilitation, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Staff Education Week. We also celebrate National Wear Red for Women’s heart health, World Cancer, National Donor, and National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day this month. Health is crucial to our overall well being. We all know someone struggling with a health issue. Educating ourselves on best practices for self care, disease prevention and control can give us the tools needed to improve our overall quality of life. Let us know how we can help. 

[nikijblog]

Tutoring in January 2017

Tutoring in January 2017

Happy New Year!!! January is Weight Loss Awareness Month, Stalking Awareness Month, Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Dry January (UK) and most importantly, National Mentoring Month.  Students are coming off of Winter Break after celebrating a myriad of holidays. In addition, many special days are commemorated in January as well. We celebrate New Years Day, Orthodox Christmas, Dr. Martin Luther…

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Tutoring in December In December, we celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah. Considering how much food and drink is consumed this month, December is Quince and Watermelon Month, Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits Month,Tomato and Winter Squash Month, Worldwide Food Service Safety Month, National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month and Take a New Year's Resolution to Stop Smoking Month.  

[nikijblog]

Tutoring in November

In November we celebrate many things. November is Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month, National Transgender Awareness Month, National Adoption Month,  and Novel Writing Month. In the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, we also celebrate National Diabetes Awareness Month and World Vegan Month. November is a time when people tend to want to reconnect with their families, heritage, and…

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Tutoring in October

Many things are celebrated in October. October is Disability Month, Down Syndrome Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Dwarfism  Awareness Month. October is also National Cyber Security Awareness Month, National Bullying Prevention Month, National  Work and Family  Month, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, LGBTQ History…

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Tutoring in September

September is National Guide Dog Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Honey Month, National Prostate Health Month, Pain Awareness Month and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month. September is also the time many students go back to school. While all of the things celebrated in this month seem unrelated, they all have a connection in some way.

We can teach students to make connects…

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Tutoring in August

August is National Caregivers Month and Digestive Tract Paralysis (DTP) Month. Not only is it a good time to think about health and our healthcare, August is also Back to School Month.  It is a time to deal with class and school registrations, and to purchase back-to- school supplies. Students often receive their class syllabus, and summer vacations are coming to a close.

August is a good time to…