Time for a New Start

All of a sudden, August 14th seems to be the date when most schools resume all over these United States (did you catch the irony in the name of this country? I digress). The Little One started high school on Monday and I am still trying to wrap my brain around it. She is my late in life child, the child of my old age, our surprise blessing. Prior to discovering I was pregnant with her, I was seeing my way across the finish line and looking forward to a respite from childrearing. This time, I'm much closer, and there will be no surprises.

She started High School with all of its promises of new beginnings, experiences, and excitement. As an older parent, I'm there for her but I'm also nudging her to embrace the good that High School has to offer. As I've prayed for all of my children, I'm more cognizant of how to intercede for her in light of what's happening around us.

I pray for peace; I pray that she has a peaceful disposition and that she is a peacemaker.
I pray that she has no anxiety and that when she becomes uneasy, she is reassured that she need not be anxious about anything.
I pray for favor with her teachers, guidance counselors, administration and any position of authority that she interacts with.
I pray that she is surrounded by good friends and that she is a bright light to all; that her light will shine.
I pray for protection from people and things that mean her harm.
I pray for bravery to combat injustice and to speak up as needed.
I pray for wisdom and discernment.
I pray for determination and strength as there will be things that she will just have to persevere through - whether it's dealing with a tough project, making a team or short-sightedness on her part.
I pray for memory to recall God's word that is hidden in her heart; to recall what she has studied.
I pray that she will be a friend to the friendless.I pray that she exudes joy.

I have prayed a variation of these prayers for my children daily as they navigated the halls of learning and will continue to do so. I found these scripture bracelets on Groupon and got her one with her favorite verse on it so she could have a visual reminder of God's promises.

We're all in need of fresh starts. This country is in need of a fresh start, just as the thousands of students who start school annually. In the midst of transition let's not forget the importance of prayer. At the beginning of this school year, let's take a moment to pray for our children, their teachers, their schools, their communities, their homes, their countries. Perhaps the Little Ones, empowered by love from praying parents, can truly initiate the fresh start we all need.

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

Always be joyful. 

Never stop praying. 

1 Thessalonians 5:14-17

It's time for a new start; start with prayer.

--Nylse

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Using Groupon Goods for the Unconventional

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

When we were looking for a mattress many years ago we went the traditional route - home and furniture stores. I have always been shocked by the cost of a good mattress. As a newlywed, I realized that we would have to set aside some serious money to get a bed, because, you know, a bed is very important in a marriage, especially to newlyweds. 

Fast forward to 2007 when we relocated to California. Again we needed a bed for one of our bedrooms, and again we went the traditional route. In trying to save some money, we may not have gotten the best mattress. Had I been aware of Groupon Goods in 2007 I would have surely acquired my mattress through them.

In the past two years, I have used Groupon Goods for Christmas presents, jewelry, apparel, and phone accessories and have been very happy with my purchases. If you're ever in the market for a mattress, check out Groupon Goods for a wide selection. I would recommend that you check out your selection via the traditional route (i.e. see it, touch it, lay down on it in a store) research online, etc. After doing all of this and being satisfied with your selection, I would then purchase via Groupon Goods. 

Did you know Groupon Goods sold mattresses? Would you use this option?