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<p><em>You better watch out; you better not cry; <br>Better not pout,</em><em>I'm telling you why: &nbsp;<br>Jesus Christ is coming to town. <br>He 's made a list, no checking it twice; &nbsp;<br>He already knows who's naughty or nice: <br>Jesus Christ is coming to town. &nbsp;<br></em><em>He sees you when you 're sleeping; <br>He knows when you 're awake; &nbsp;<br>He knows if you've been bad or good; <br>So be good for Goodness sake. &nbsp;<br>Ohl You better watch out; you better not cry; B<br>etter not pout; I'm telling you why: <br>Jesus Christ is coming to town. <br>He's made a list, no checking it twice; &nbsp;He already knows who's naughty or nice: <br>Jesus Christ is coming to town.&nbsp;</em></p><p>Dear Friends in Christ, &nbsp;</p><p>You're already familiar with the tune for the above edited Christmas song. I believe this edit clearly identifies the Biblical truths we have been taught. Jesus Christ is coming in just a few short days. So, in these remaining days of Advent each of us should be preparing for the arrival of the King of Kings. Not only should we prepare for the anniversary arrival of Jesus, known as Christmas, but also for the personal arrival of Jesus when He comes to take each of us from this life. &nbsp;</p><p>In either case we need to be ready. We prepare for visitors in our homes, often taking weeks to make our homes ready. Do we take that same amount of time to prepare for His arrival to take us home? Ready or not, Christmas will be here. Ready or not, Jesus already knows the year, month, day, hour, minute &amp; second He will call us from this earthly life. &nbsp;</p><p>Interesting is that by properly preparing for the anniversary of His birth, we prepare for His coming for us. That preparation is not in the gifts we give to others (although it may be) but it is in the preparation of our hearts to receive Him, His teachings, His words into ourselves so seamlessly that everyone will know that we are His followers known as Christians. Just as Jesus is seamlessly both God &amp; Man, we are to be seamlessly both human and Christian in thought word &amp; deed in all the places He places us each &amp; every day. The revised wording to the song above says it all. &nbsp;</p><p>Merry Christmas from Donna &amp; me,</p><p>Pastor Dale Skurla</p>

From The Pastor's Desk - Jesus Christ is Coming to Town

<p><em>This is the second post in a new series in which we sat down with our staff members and asked them about their experiences at St. Paul, and what brought them here. We are blessed beyond measure to have faculty ready to share of the Lord’s goodness with our children. We are blessed that Meredith has been able to embrace her true calling here at St. Paul. I encourage you to continue to pray over each individual faculty member and student, so that we can continue to receive and share of His glory.&nbsp;<br>– Pam Robinson, Principal</em></p><h2><strong>Spotlight: Meredith McKenzie</strong></h2><figure id="figure-fxeh3esapomhcaeyds"><img id="fxeh3esapomhcaeyds" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3brvZI3hjr4Lud2Ts2IUwqOPqyzIBZh1CGCK3MsDCEYAvNB4K9aew4q16SZpkdWk.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3brvZI3hjr4Lud2Ts2IUwqOPqyzIBZh1CGCK3MsDCEYAvNB4K9aew4q16SZpkdWk.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;"></figure><p>I’m a military spouse of almost 19 years, with two sports-loving boys and two sweet fur babies. Thanks to the craziness of military life, I have had the opportunity to gain teaching experience in a wide range of areas from preschool to elementary school to adult ESL. &nbsp;</p><p>Teaching little ones has been my favorite teaching experience and my true calling! This is our second time stationed at Ft. Leavenworth and both times we have been here, St. Paul has been a blessing in our lives. In 2017, my oldest son attended Pre-K 3 here and I was thrilled to be able to join the faculty and staff in 2024.</p><p> &nbsp;Teaching preschool in a church setting isn’t where I originally saw my career going, but it’s definitely where God knew I needed to be. It brings me such joy to not only impact little lives though their education and development, but also through their growing knowledge and love of Jesus. I pray that my time as their teacher is fruitful service to the Lord! &nbsp;I have treasured all the time I’ve spent in church schools, and St. Paul is no exception. There is nothing better for a teacher than to be spiritually nourished within the school environment- to have colleagues who pray for and with you, lift you up, and remind you of the path that God has set before you. &nbsp;</p>

Principally Speaking - Embracing Her True Calling

High Five in a Children's Educational Setting

<h2>The Importance of Teaching Gratefulness</h2><blockquote><p>"In everthing, give thanks." </p></blockquote><p>We are commanded many times thoughout God's word to be thankful for every thing, and in every circumstance. Gratefulness is more than just saying "thank you." Our attitude of gratefulness or ungratfulness can significantly impact our life. Teaching children to be grateful from a young age can help them develop into empathetic and compassionate individuals, in addtion to giving God the praise he is due. Here are five effective ways to instill this valuable, Biblical trait in your children.</p><figure id="figure-9sfs3o2e5kmi6gyng8"><img id="9sfs3o2e5kmi6gyng8" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3aOuZ15HuE5ZeDJac08BdrZn9727zb0WKtrzLZBK8JD0WfZD9vjnqldudHwG7sNC.jpeg" alt="children gratitude" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3aOuZ15HuE5ZeDJac08BdrZn9727zb0WKtrzLZBK8JD0WfZD9vjnqldudHwG7sNC.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Model Grateful Behavior</h2><p>Children learn a lot by observing the adults around them. By consistently demonstrating grateful behavior, parents and caregivers can set a powerful example. This can be as simple as expressing thanks for small acts of kindness or acknowledging the positive aspects of daily life. When children see adults practicing gratitude, they are more likely to mimic these behaviors.</p><h2>Incorporate Interactive Gratitude Activities</h2><p>Interactive activities can make learning about gratefulness fun and engaging. You don't have to incorporate every graditute exercise, especially not all at once. Choose one or two that you can easily incoorpate into your family life and culture. Here are some ideas to get started:</p><ul><li><strong>Gratitude Jar:</strong> Have children write down things they're thankful for on slips of paper and place them in a jar. Review these notes together regularly. Thanksgiving can be an especially wonderful time to review how many notes are in teh jar over the course of a single year! You could even use accumulated jars to decorate, creating a lasting testimony of God's goodness.</li><li><strong>Thank You Notes:</strong> Encourage children to write thank you notes to friends, family, or teachers. This simple act can make a big impact on both the giver and the receiver. Even young children can scribble on a card, and graduate to drawing a picture, with you writing "Thank you" before having them hand off the note. Start small and build habbits through practice.</li><li><strong>Gratitude Walks:</strong> Take a walk and discuss things you both feel grateful for along the way. The Bible tells us in Psalm 19:1 that <em>"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."</em> and getting outdoors is not only good for your mental health, but makes a wonderful conversation starter for thankfulness.</li><li><strong>Gratitude Journal:</strong> Ask them to draw or write down three things they are thankful for each day. This practice not only helps children with reading and wrting skills, it will help them recognize the positives in their lives, and also fosters a habit of reflection and appreciation. Don't be afriad to use prompts like "What made you smile today?" or "Who helped you today?"</li><li><strong>Good Deeds Detective:&nbsp;</strong>Teach your kids to recognize good deeds. Ask them to scout for acts of kindess wherever they are: at home with family, at school, at the grocery store, or the gas station. Look for people who hold open doors, give way to others, lend a helping hand, or share a kind word. Have them share their evidence to discuss together. You could also give them "Caught Being Kind" stickers to share with others. The goal is to teach children to spot those who serve, and to lavish praise on them, rather than expecting the world to serve them.&nbsp;<em>"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phillipians 4:8</em></li></ul><figure id="figure-k1in39djmi6gyw8a" class=""><img id="k1in39djmi6gyw8a" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/9LIvTfwPSYNtxgFjLLMfVTVyevd2U9sEfnObBUGtJrULyrRk5znA53YkvzD9TVjl.jpeg" alt="family activity gratitude" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/9LIvTfwPSYNtxgFjLLMfVTVyevd2U9sEfnObBUGtJrULyrRk5znA53YkvzD9TVjl.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Storytelling and Books</h2><p>Books and stories are excellent tools for teaching children about gratitude. Choose stories that highlight themes of appreciation and thankfulness. Reading together not only strengthens the bond between parent and child but also provides opportunities to discuss and reflect on the lessons presented in the stories.</p><h2>Creating a Grateful Environment</h2><p>A grateful environment is essential for nurturing this trait in children. Encourage open discussions about what each family member is thankful for during meals or family gatherings. This practice normalizes sharing positive feelings and builds a supportive atmosphere at home.</p><h3>Incorporate Gratefulness into Daily Routines</h3><p>Making gratitude a part of daily life can solidify this value in children. Consider integrating gratitude into bedtime routines by discussing the day's events and highlighting what everyone is thankful for. Over time, this will become a cherished family activity that reinforces the importance of being grateful.</p><figure id="figure-dqj7jbwpasmi6gzbpf"><img id="dqj7jbwpasmi6gzbpf" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1393780584/photo/mature-woman-with-her-little-granddaughter-praying-together-over-bible-in-bedroom.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Txr-qgBJRT78qbYL-8iBr63e1DHbruwCGB5qBej6h68=" alt="Mature woman with her little granddaughter praying together over Bible in bedroom" title="Mature woman with her little granddaughter praying together over Bible in bedroom" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1393780584/photo/mature-woman-with-her-little-granddaughter-praying-together-over-bible-in-bedroom.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Txr-qgBJRT78qbYL-8iBr63e1DHbruwCGB5qBej6h68=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Conclusion: The Lifelong Benefits of Gratefulness</h2><p>Teaching children to be grateful is an investment in their future well-being. Grateful individuals tend to experience greater happiness, improved relationships, and better overall health. <span id="_mce_caret" data-mce-bogus="1" data-mce-type="format-caret"><em>﻿"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:6-7. </em></span>By fostering an attitude of gratitude in children, you equip them with a tool that will serve them well throughout their lives.</p>

5 Effective Ways to Teach Children Gratefulness

<p>All of us tend to complain. We complain about the long lines at the checkout counter. We complain if traffic is crawling. Our kids complain if they don't like what's for dinner. Our Heavenly Father is not happy with us when we complain. In the Book of Exodus, we read that the Israelites complained - a lot!! They started complaining about three days after their escape from Egypt. They had witnessed God perform some incredible miracles, including the Ten Plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, but still, they complained. They complained about a lack of water. They complained that they didn't have enough to eat, and God provided them manna. They ate the manna, but then they complained that they didn't have meat. Later, they complained openly and the Lord was angry. "Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused." (Numbers11:1)</p><p>&nbsp;The Lord doesn't like it when we complain. We should be thankful that there is abundant food in the supermarket. We should be thankful that we can afford to put food on our kids' plates. We should be thankful that we have a car to drive and that the road is paved. We should be thankful for the sunshine and for the water that falls from the sky to feed our crops. &nbsp;<br></p><p>"(L)et us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” (Heb 12:28) &nbsp;</p><p>In His Service,</p><p><br>Pastor Dale Skurla</p>

From The Pastor's Desk - The Complainers

<p><em>This is the first post in a new series in which we sat down with our staff members and asked them about their experiences at St. Paul, and what brought them here. As you read about our new Kindergarten teacher, Clover Jensen’s testimony as to why<br>she serves at SPLCS , you will see the blessing she has been to the SPLCS family.<br>– Pam Robinson, Principal</em></p><h2><strong>Spotlight: Clover Jensen</strong></h2><figure id="figure-fxeh3esapomhcaeyds" class=""><img id="fxeh3esapomhcaeyds" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/crYii7qF9MkXuNXohRzxslu7CRWGED1BLGPpSggOYzrpK8VqGYJ1hqVTZy0dhpds.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/crYii7qF9MkXuNXohRzxslu7CRWGED1BLGPpSggOYzrpK8VqGYJ1hqVTZy0dhpds.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 50%;"></figure><p>Teaching at St. Paul Lutheran School is more than a professional calling—it's a<br>personal mission rooted in faith, purpose, and love for children. I chose to become a<br>kindergarten teacher here because I believe that the foundation of both academic and spiritual growth begins at an early age. In these formative years, children are not only learning letters and numbers but also discovering who they are as beloved children of God.</p><h3>Personal Perspective</h3><p>I have always felt a deep joy nuturing young hearts and minds. THere is something profoundly special avout witnessing the wonder, curiosity, and growth that takes place in a kindergarten classroom. I wanted to be a part of that journey-- helping children feel safe, seen, and celebrated for who they are. St. Paul Lutheran School provides an enviroment where I can teach with both structure and creativity, while also building meaningful relatipnships with families and student.&nbsp;</p><h3>Ministry Perspective</h3><p><br>From a ministry standpoint, I view my role as a teacher as a calling to serve and to sow seeds of faith. In a world that can feel uncertain and divided, I am honored to be part of a school where Christ is the center of everything we do. I came to St. Paul Lutheran School because it allows me to not only teach children about reading and math, but to also guide them in the love of Jesus. Each morning meeting, each moment of kindness, and each story shared in our classroom is an opportunity to reflect God's grace.</p><p><br>Being here is not just about what I give—it's also about what I receive. I am continually inspired by the Christ-centered community at St. Paul Lutheran, and I am grateful to be surrounded by staff, families, and students who are committed to growing together in faith.</p>

Principally Speaking - Celebrating the Gift to Serve

<h2>Introduction to Martin Luther's Impact</h2><p>In the annals of history, few figures have had as profound an impact as Martin Luther. His actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, a movement that dramatically reshaped the religious, cultural, and political landscape of Europe. Born in 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, Luther was a monk, theologian, and a seminal figure in Western Christianity. By challenging the practices of the Catholic Church, he set in motion a wave of changes that would forever alter the course of history.</p><figure id="figure-ie6o2l3c1cmgidzt4o"><img id="ie6o2l3c1cmgidzt4o" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2bqskigIYoYcVV9Ggay672COv5CohdCJRafArVC9zW8jCHcjz9njzwzcZwlNfwko.jpeg" alt="martin luther" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2bqskigIYoYcVV9Ggay672COv5CohdCJRafArVC9zW8jCHcjz9njzwzcZwlNfwko.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Early Life of Martin Luther</h3><p>Martin Luther's journey began in humble surroundings. Despite his initial path toward a career in law, he chose to join a monastery after a life-changing experience during a thunderstorm. This decision led him to delve deeply into religious studies, where he became increasingly concerned with the practices of the Catholic Church. His acute insights into theology and the church's role in society laid the groundwork for his later actions.</p><p>Luther's dissatisfaction grew as he observed the church's indulgence-selling practices, which promised salvation in exchange for monetary contributions. This practice, he believed, contradicted the very essence of Christian teachings and salvation through faith alone. Luther's conviction that faith should be at the heart of Christianity would become the cornerstone of his reformative efforts.</p><figure id="figure-eu7uvi5v6amgidzwjd"><img id="eu7uvi5v6amgidzwjd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2bqskigIYoYcVV9Ggay672COv5CohdCJRafArVC9zW8jCHcjz9njzwzcZwlNfwko.jpeg" alt="protestant reformation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2bqskigIYoYcVV9Ggay672COv5CohdCJRafArVC9zW8jCHcjz9njzwzcZwlNfwko.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The 95 Theses: A Catalyst for Change</h3><p>On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther famously nailed his <strong>95 Theses</strong> to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. This bold act was intended to spark debate and discussion about the church’s practices. The theses criticized the church's sale of indulgences and called for a return to biblical teachings. This document quickly spread across Europe, thanks to the advent of the printing press, igniting widespread support for reform.</p><p>Luther's theses questioned the very foundation of the Catholic Church's authority and sparked discussions that resonated far beyond Germany. As his ideas gained traction, they inspired countless others to question established doctrines and seek religious reforms.</p><figure id="figure-ha9tiuyt37mgie02dz"><img id="ha9tiuyt37mgie02dz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/377XKv8FQXLiL4GljpxSd2TvEYH4Iw1yNyiBCvsVkHUMWSOhFVLIW4DeJEfU1Hcp.jpeg" alt="german castle door" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/377XKv8FQXLiL4GljpxSd2TvEYH4Iw1yNyiBCvsVkHUMWSOhFVLIW4DeJEfU1Hcp.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Legacy of Reformation</h3><p>The Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther brought about significant religious transformations, paving the way for new Christian denominations that emphasized personal faith and direct access to sacred texts. His work led to the translation of the Bible into vernacular languages, making it accessible to ordinary people and empowering them with knowledge previously reserved for clergy.</p><p>Beyond its religious implications, Luther's reformation had profound social and political ramifications. It challenged existing power structures and encouraged educational reforms, fostering a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking that contributed to the development of modern Western society.</p><figure id="figure-6kpdkuqr7mgie0785"><img id="6kpdkuqr7mgie0785" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1tRkGMa0KlXkik9K0baC1CeHc4WhwRvfRyIrGB4FKcOMpH6QYjs05gYi7LJTcOl6.jpeg" alt="bible translation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1tRkGMa0KlXkik9K0baC1CeHc4WhwRvfRyIrGB4FKcOMpH6QYjs05gYi7LJTcOl6.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Honoring Martin Luther Today</h3><p>Today, we celebrate Martin Luther and the beginning of the Reformation every October 31st. His courage to stand for what is&nbsp; is right allowed God to use him to spark change across the entire world. Martin Luther once said, "Everything that is done in this world is done by hope." That matches with Hebrews 11:1, which says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."&nbsp;</p><p>In honoring Luther, we are reminded to be strong in our faith, regardless of the obstacles we might face. Through faith alone we can lay hold on salvation from eternal punishment for our sins, and with thanksgiving we can honor God's gift to us through service to him.&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-wsw8jzi0lmgie0boq"><img id="wsw8jzi0lmgie0boq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/7fObsZsG9LWLvuSPaxUTdDpPmrRmmFvNsxhGiwCvdkzG15mOEntUv4OJdE7pz84R.jpeg" alt="martin luther statue" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/7fObsZsG9LWLvuSPaxUTdDpPmrRmmFvNsxhGiwCvdkzG15mOEntUv4OJdE7pz84R.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Martin Luther's legacy is one of faith, courage, and reform.&nbsp; As we remember Martin Luther, we are reminded of our capacity to enact change and the enduring power of conviction. It only takes one little spark to turn into a flame that lights up a dark world, and as Martin Luther showed us, that spark is simply taking God at His word.</p>