Author: Kimberly Smith

Kim is the mother of 3 grown children. One that is living is his heavenly home. She is a 2nd grade teacher at Lampeter-Strasburg and enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and walking the beach (wherever it is warm).

THE SAVIOR HAS COME

Remember the words of the 3-year-old.  “Jesus has come to be the Savior of the world!”

The beauty of a freshly cut Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights.  The ornaments shimmer and sparkle.  Strands of tinsel, spools of bright red ribbon and colorful balls enhance the appearance of the finished creation. This project takes the better part of a day to complete. Is this how Jesus wants us to remember Christmas?

MY TINY HANDS PLACED JESUS IN THE MANGER

I am drawn to a simpler perspective. When I was in preschool at the age of 3, we were taught the story of Jesus’ birth with a felt board.  My favorite part of the lesson was to recreate the nativity scene and tell the story all by myself; in simple 3-year-old language. I always saved baby Jesus for last because He is the best part of the story.  My tiny hands placed baby Jesus in the manger and covered Him with the white felt cloth. I said, “The Savior of the world was born, and His name was Jesus.”

The story of Jesus’ birth; so simple that a 3-year-old can tell it, yet so powerful that our grown-up minds still struggle to comprehend its majestic meaning. Luke 2: 11-12 announces, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

AT AGE 3, THE MEANING OF THIS BIRTH CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER

Shortly after learning the story in preschool, I made a simple craft for my Christmas tree.  A cracked walnut shell represented the manger.  My small hands found the perfect sized peanut shell to symbolize Jesus, and a rust-colored piece of fabric to swaddle the “baby”.  With fine-tipped Sharpie marker I drew simple face.  I chose to make the mouth of my baby Jesus smile since he really was the Savior of the world.  At the age of three, the meaning of this birth changed my heart forever.

THE ORNAMENT WITH JESUS TUCKED INSIDE

Fifty years later, I still have the walnut ornament with Jesus tucked inside. I see Its dull colors and the Sharpie black face has faded to gray. And yes, the peanut occasionally needs regluing. My once freshly cut Christmas tree is now artificial, but still beautiful.  I still have the twinkling lights and many beautifully colored ornaments. But my favorite ornament of all is the walnut shelled manger holding the peanut Jesus. It is front and center. What is your heart yearning for this Advent season?  May your hearts be filled with peace.  A peace that only the Holy Spirit can fill.  Simply slow down and be still.  Remember the words of the 3-year-old.  “Jesus has come to be the Savior of the world!”

It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.
For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.

GOD’S GRADING SYSTEM

Recently, I led 23 conferences with parents of my second graders. They all want to know how their children are doing.

It’s that time of year again.  Time for parent teacher conferences.  Parents come in to meet their child’s teacher and talk about their progress so far. Recently, I led 23 conferences with parents of my second graders. “How’s my child doing?” “Does my child make friends easily?” “Is my child behaving?” These are the top questions of many parents.

THE RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS’ RUBRIC

As part of the conference, I share the “Responsible Learners Rubric”. I rate how each child is progressing in areas like following directions, using time wisely, cooperating with others, knowing the rules and accepting responsibility. Most parents appreciate this feedback because it encompasses the whole child, not just academics.

MY SCORES FALL SHORT

How do we measure up as Christians living in a broken world? Would we rarely, occasionally, frequently or consistently be performing in the four areas? I am afraid to say that my scores often consistently fall far short.

Thankfully, God does not rate us using a system like this. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Our eternal admission into God’s class is totally the work of Jesus on the cross. Our acceptance of Him as our Savior and submitting our lives to Him is what God requires for our entrance.

THE BENEFITS TO LIVING A LIFE DESIGNED BY HIM

If we use this rubric to aid us in our Christian life after accepting Jesus as Savior, verses from the Bible show us the benefit of living a complete wonderful Christian life personally designed by Him.

  1. Following directions: “Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 12:28)
  2. Using time wisely: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
  3. Cooperating with others: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. And if one prevails against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)
  4. Knowing the rules and accepting responsibility: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)

God looks at our heart attitude regarding obeying His commands. That is awfully important if we want to graduate with honors from His teaching. May we attend the parent teacher conference with God and commit to Him: “My heart consistently knows you, loves you, and wants to serve you. I am your disciple. Use me today.”

For further reading: God’s grading system; Billy Graham 4 Steps to using time wisely

Kim, the author of this piece, is the mother of 3 grown children, one who is already living in his heavenly home.  She is a 2nd grade teacher at Lampeter-Strasburg and enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and walking the beach (wherever it is warm).

LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST IN THE DARK

God offers to help us to trust in our darkest times.

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that Jesus’ light shines the brightest in the darkest times.  Let me tell you of a time when Jesus’ brightness lit up a dreaded day in my life. 

THIS ISN’T MY HOME

It was a drive to East Stroudsburg University to empty the apartment bedroom of my son, Ryan, after his death of leukemia.  Pulling into the driveway, I was quickly caught off guard. I clearly heard Ryan’s voice say, “Mom, this isn’t my home.” I took a deep breath and walked inside. Dread filled the air like the smell of an old musty blanket taken out of storage.  Ry’s bedroom was untouched with accumulated dust commemorating Ry’s absence. 

My mind quickly switched from a grieving mom to a mom on a mission to box items as quickly as possible.  Ry’s voice again resonated in my heart, “This is not my home.” 

HOW ALONE I FELT

As the last boxes were placed in my pick-up truck, I went to turn the key in the ignition, but something made me stop. God was telling me to go back inside just in case I forgot one last piece of Ryan.  As I ascended the old creaky staircase, I thought how alone I felt.

Is this how Mary felt, knowing her son was going to die on a cross. What crossed her mind when she saw her son struggling to carry his own cross to his execution? 

THE SILVER GLIMMER SPARKLING

I opened the door to Ryan’s room.  It was empty.  But wait, wait…what was that?  A lone ray of sunlight peeked through the dusty blind. I saw a silver glimmer sparkling in what felt like Ry’s empty tomb.  A silver necklace hung from the closet doorknob.  “How could I have missed that?”  Yet here it was…a sign…a sign from God…a silver necklace with a cross engraved into it dangling from Ryan’s closet doorknob. 

HIS KINGDOM IS NOT HERE

In the book of John, John uses Jesus’ trial and crucifixion to teach about Jesus’ power.  Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33) Jesus doesn’t give a direct answer to Pilate.  Jesus replies that his kingdom is “not from here.” (John 18:36).

NO MORE DEATH

What is His kingdom like? It is unimaginable. The world’s power and authority, money, or status have no standing in this kingdom.  Christ’s kingdom comes from heaven, not earth, and it is far more splendorous. Can you imagine a place where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4)? This verse is a promise of restoration that the old world will pass, and the new world holds the promise that our eternal home will be free from pain, suffering, anxiety, and fear.

The silver glimmer of the cross necklace… a reminder that this world is not our home.  God offers to help us to trust in our darkest times.  May our eyes be opened to the mysterious ways God reveals His promises to us.  God, help us to see the silver glimmers shining brightly in this dark world.

Click to listen to the powerful story of Andy & Jamie Stewart    

TRANSFORMED FROM MARTHA TO MARY

All through the Martha years, I go to church, pray often, meet with a small group to discuss Christian values, and even teach Sunday school. I’m so tired.

Until five years ago, picture me a modern day “Martha”. I busy myself in the kitchen distracted by preparations; always cleaning, preparing, cooking, and organizing. My do-it-all mentality gets on my husband’s nerves as I tend to the needs of our three children. I begin my day by looking at the calendar, making a to-do-list, starting two loads of laundry, cleaning the bathroom, and unloading the dishwasher all before breakfast. All through the Martha years, I go to church, pray often, meet with a small group to discuss Christian values, and even teach Sunday school.

I PUSHED THAT VOICE ASIDE

Yet, I didn’t fully grasp the one thing that was necessary.  I heard a faint voice saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary.”  I pushed that voice aside for many years until one day I chose to listen.

BUSY MARTHA

Are you also a “Martha”? In the Bible, Martha busies herself cooking a meal for her guests, including Jesus. During the preparations, she becomes upset because her sister Mary should be helping her. Instead, sister Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening and learning from Him.

Martha harbors resentment and goes to Jesus. “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” Jesus replies to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

THE INVITATION TO COMPANIONSHIP

Jesus’ openly invites not only to Martha, but all of us. He asks us to worship first before we work. Joanna Weaver, author of “Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World” states, “In obedience to his invitation, we find the key to our longings, the secret to living beyond the daily pressures that would otherwise tear us apart. For as we learn what it means to choose the Better Part of intimacy with Christ, we begin to be changed.”

Weaver explains that our world may celebrate our accomplishments, but our God desires our companionship. Martha’s hurriedness in the kitchen made her lose sight of the intimacy of the living room. Opening her home did not mean she opened her heart. We do not need to prove our love to Jesus. When we serve Jesus, don’t miss the opportunity to know Jesus and how much he loves us. 

MY SURRENDER

Then, my son Ryan was diagnosed with leukemia. At that point, five years ago, I completely understood the magnitude of what I was missing in my life.  In August 2019, I fully surrendered myself to God and my new name became “Mary”. Mary, the sister of Martha, who worshipped at the feet of Jesus and humbly learned what is most important in life.

The morning before Ryan died, I watched my son’s chest rise and fall with labored breathing. His head had not left his pillow for days as his depleted energy made any movement difficult. My Mary heart waited for Jesus to come and take the suffering away for my dear son.  At that moment, I witnessed the transforming power of God as Ryan sat straight up in bed with a force not of this world. His hands stretched outright ready to greet his heavenly Father. The gasp heard from his voice made me think that he was seeing the glory that was to be his shortly.

My itinerary for my life ahead is not mine to decide. I seek to humbly and sacrificially serve instead of allowing my achievements and to-do-list to take priority. By giving my life to God and submitting to His plan, my worries are cast aside. 1 Peter 5:7 states, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  Do you also need to be renamed “Mary”?

HOW TO HAVE A GRATEFUL HEART

Don’t allow Satan to enter in and fill you with ungratefulness. What can we do to have a grateful heart?

The last day of school; a bittersweet time as some anxiously await summer vacation and others yearn for more time with friends and the stability of a school routine.  I sit in my rocking chair surrounded by sweet eight-year-old faces, opening the cards and gifts they bring me. The best gifts I receive are not the gift cards, flowers, or candy, but the words written in homemade cards or letters from parents. They state how grateful they are for loving and teaching their child. Hearts filled with gratefulness.

But not everyone. This year proved to be a challenging one.  The energy required for a few left me feeling exhausted at the end of each day.  These are the students and parents that I yearn to receive a thank-you from. A small note or email with a sincere thank-you or recognition of appreciation.

Is this how God feels when we are ungrateful or don’t take the time to express our gratitude for the blessings He has showered on us?  Luke 17:12-19 tells the story of ten lepers that asked Jesus to cleanse and heal them. Out of the ten, only one turned back and glorified and thanked God for his healing.  Only one. How many times have we been like the nine lepers? 

Ungratefulness is a sin, and it comes from Satan. 2 Timothy 3:1-4 states, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”  Don’t allow Satan to enter in and fill you with ungratefulness.

What can we do to have a grateful heart? Remember to thank God daily.  Psalm 92:1 reminds us that, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord and sing praises.” Remember to say please and thank-you often to others. The mental health benefits of showing gratitude are encouraging.  Symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression can be decreased when we show gratitude. Finally, don’t lose sight of God’s goodness. The Israelites were brought into the Promised Land after 40 years of bondage and they still questioned God’s provision. They even expressed a desire to go back to Egypt into slavery. In times of tribulation, look to see how God got you to where you are in life and give Him praise.  

The love I have given every student over the last 25 years is deep, but it doesn’t begin to compare to the love that God has for His children. He longs for us to recognize our ingratitude and repent. Henry Adams stated, “A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.” My influence on the lives of the most challenging students may not be noticed yet, but God is in control.  He has the power to change anyone’s ungrateful heart, even mine.

Click for podcast: “What does the Bible say about thankfulness and gratitude?”

THE RECIPE BOX

I began to question my purpose.  How was I supposed to continue educating these little ones, giving them the love, attention, and care they deserved when my whole world was turned upside down?

Sunday was a good day to make some soup.  The pitter patter of rain on the roof, the gray gloomy clouds darkening the sky, and the cooler temperature made me crave a delicious meal of homemade soup and bread.  I reached for my old-school recipe collection, ready to search for the spinach tortellini soup given to me by a colleague years ago.  My collection is a hodge-podge mess, housed in an old rectangular tin.  The recipes are haphazardly tucked inside following no structure or organization:  hand-written index cards, computer printed papers, recipe cards neatly written from my wedding shower 30 years ago, and many torn from magazines and newspapers.

SUDDENLY THE SEARCH FOR THE RECIPE DIDN’T MATTER

Then I came across a treasure far more outstanding than the tortellini soup recipe I was searching for.  It was a clipping from My Daily Bread dated Sunday, April 27, 2008 entitled “Following God’s Plan”.  Attached to it was a handwritten note from my mother who died ten years previously.  Suddenly the search for the soup recipe didn’t matter. 

TELLING GOD WHAT HER PLAN WAS

The Daily Bread message was about a high school teacher who taught eight years and wanted to quit her job. She needed the money for her family but felt depleted by the pressures of grading papers, lesson planning, and testing.  Feeling desperate, she took off the day from work to evaluate her career.  As she prayed, she realized that she was trying to follow her own lesson plans for her life instead of God’s plan.  All along, she had been telling God what her plan was, instead of asking Him to help find her purpose. 

CHALLENGES BECAME OPPORTUNITIES

She began changing her prayers from “Help me get out of teaching” to “Help me find your purpose for my life.  If it is to be a teacher, help me to accept it.”  Over time, her attitude toward her job began to improve.  Challenges became opportunities for growth.  Even though many days still brought stress and exhaustion, she had a renewed sense of hope knowing God’s purpose was clear. 

I BEGAN TO QUESTION MY PURPOSE

After my son died two and a half years ago from leukemia, I went back to the classroom teaching second grade.  I began to question my purpose.  How was I supposed to continue educating these little ones, giving them the love, attention, and care they deserved when my whole world was turned upside down?  How was I supposed to compartmentalize my grief so that my children didn’t see this side of their teacher? 

MEANT TO BE SHARED

While I continue to wrestle with these challenges, I know God hears my cries.  Sending me this little reminder tucked inside the recipe box was His way of telling me that He is in control and His plans for my life are so much bigger than mine.  1 Corinthians 12:4-6 reads, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” Gifts given to us are not meant for us to keep, instead, they are meant to be shared.

GOD’S PURPOSE IS CLEAR

My mom, who had left the note, who was also a former teacher.  She wrote, “Kimmy, I know you were meant to be a teacher and God’s purpose is clear. Peace. Love, Mom.” 

ASK GOD TO HELP YOU

Are you struggling with your job or circumstances in life? Give up trying to make your own plan for your life.  Instead, ask God to help you to know the plan He has for you.  May you find fulfillment in the work that you do, knowing God’s purpose is clear. As the soup simmered on the stove, I thanked God for nourishing my soul with an unexpected message from my dear departed mom.