Back to School

This proud, toothless boy is my son Nathan, taken five years ago for kindergarten graduation. Tomorrow, my baby starts fifth grade.

Although school means the end of summer, Nathan is actually excited. He likes to see his friends every day, enjoys learning new things, and is eager to start band for the first time. (He chose trumpet--lucky me.) In fifth grade, they get lockers, which is a very big deal. Who cares that they don't actually have locks on them; they are lockers and only the big kids get them. He isn't thrilled about getting up early, but the inconvenience is clearly worth what awaits him.

I, on the other hand, don't feel ready at all. After a summer that went way too fast, as usual, it seems too soon to face the daily routine of getting up and out the door, dealing with homework, and all the other details that make up a school year. I'm not ready for little Nate the Great to be in fifth grade, because that means next year he'll be in his last year at King's Academy then he'll be in middle school then . . .I don't even want to think about it.

But I'm glad that Nathan is excited for this new school year. He should be happy. It's fun to see friends and learn an instrument and get something new like a locker. Seeing time pass more quickly than I want it to is difficult, but it means that fun and exciting milestones lay ahead, experiences that I don't want to miss while I am wishing that things could stay as they are. Because, let's face it, they can't.

What new things does this upcoming school year mean for you? What are you excited about? What makes you wish that time would slow down a little?

Back to Reality

It seems like last week that I posted a story and picture from our beginning-of-summer trip to Disneyland, and now I’m getting ready to head home after a final get-away before school starts up again. As usual, the summer flew by.

This has been a strange summer for us, with some major life changes to deal with. While in some ways, it’ll be good for us to get back into the routine that school and our usual activities require we don’t feel ready to face that level of reality yet. So much of our summer got sucked away with errands and appointments and phone calls that still don’t seem real. Still, God was gracious enough to sandwich all that between two refreshing trips with family. He wove in plenty of fun activities for my youngest son to enjoy while I dealt with life. For that I am extremely thankful. I can send Nathan off to Day 1 of fourth grade knowing that, no matter what our circumstances look like, God was good to us this summer.

How has He shown His goodness to you this summer? As you see the new school year looming ahead, what are you most excited about? What are you dreading? How has summer refreshed you for the reality of fall?

A word for the school year

Camy here! Most of you are probably getting excited about going back to school, since you’ll see all your friends and get back into your sports and clubs.

But as you’re preparing to reenter the world of homework, team practices, and club meetings, also consider how God can use you this coming school year.

Every year in January I have a word for the year that I pick to help guide me spiritually in the coming year. One year, I had the word “fear” which isn’t as weird and scary as it sounds. I spent the year learning what it was to “fear” God, and learning how to respect Him and revere Him. It was a fantastic year because everytime I saw the word “fear” in my Bible reading, I would focus on the verse and learn something else about fearing God.

How about you pick a word to guide you spiritually for the school year?

Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to show you a word He would want you to keep in mind during the year. Read a bit from your Bible if you feel led to do so. Then pick your word.



You can write the word on your text book covers, or make a pretty bookmark with the word on it for your Bible. Or think of other creative ways to keep the word at the forefront of your mind and remind yourself throughout the school year to focus on what God wants to teach you through that word.

One of my friends had the word “prepare.” Throughout the year, she focused on preparing herself spiritually for changes in her life, and they eventually came--her husband started his own company, and she had some challenges with her daughter.

You obviously probably don’t have a husband and daughter, but you can see how a word for your school year can help you grow in your relationship with God.

So take some time to pick a word, and then let me know what you come up with! And tell me how I can pray for you!

Camy Tang writes romance with a kick of wasabi. Out now is the fourth book in her Sushi series, Weddings and Wasabi. She is a staff worker for her church youth group, and leads one of the worship teams for Sunday service. On her blog, she ponders frivolous things like knitting, running, dogs, and Asiana. Visit her website to sign up for her quarterly newsletter.

Click here to find out how you can join my Street Team—it’s free and there’s lots of chances to win prizes!

Back-to-School List

Next week I’ll send both of my kids back to school. As usual I can’t believe how fast the summer went. In six days Nathan will be a second grader and Christian a freshman in college.

We have spent the past few weeks dealing with back-to-school lists. We’ve slowly purchased uniforms for Nathan and items on his classroom supply sheet:
· 2 folders with pockets (check)
· Glue sticks (check)
· Ruler with inches and centimeters (use last year’s)
· Navy blue pants (offer an enticing reward if he can keep from tearing the knees until he has grown out of them)

Then of course we picked up things that we knew Christian would need, like highlighters, pens, paper for taking notes, a sturdier backpack, and a bus pass (he’s living at home and taking public transportation for now).

Today we have a list of things to accomplish while at his college campus:
· Pick up textbooks
· Find where his classes meet
· Locate the closest bus stop
· Sign some paperwork

I’m sure you have your own back-to-school lists to check off and double check. How about adding a goal or two while you’re at it? Here are a few suggestions.
· Reach out to one person who doesn’t seem to have a circle of friends
· Read your Bible each day even if it’s only one verse
· Pray for your teachers
· Read a book that is not required for school
· Try a new club or activity

· Share your faith with someone

As swimming and hanging out with your friends is replaced with early mornings and homework, pray that God will make his plan for you clear and help you see the next school year as an exciting new season.