Happy Holiday Weekend to all. I pray your travels and your visits will be blessed. This is a time we as a nation pause and remember our deceased love ones. Their memories will continue to live in and through us.

This is the last week of school here in Tulsa, OK. The semester has brought experiences I will cherish and utilize as the ministry progresses. Our children are such a valuable asset in our society. We must go to great lengths to protect and nurture them. As we all know the summer months present hours of non-supervised activities for some of our children. If the opportunity presents itself take time to talk or read to a child.

I will never tire of stating how America should be ashame for neglecting the quality of pay for the teachers. The bumper sticker (remember those things) I saw some time ago stated "if you can read this you should thank your teacher" remains with me to this very day.

It is my prayer that America will soon make education and the educating of our children a high priority. Since everything begins at home, I pray that parents will not neglect the care of their children...protect them! Teaching is truly is a calling and if you know God has called you to be an educator come forth. Our children need you! I am excited about the decision I have made; to continue to advocate for and instruct our future generation. It's such an honor and a privilege to touch lives that are our future. God I praise You for using me for....such a time as this.

I remain in His Grip!!!
Sharon

The school year will soon be ending. This brief period of time I have been Substitute Teaching in the Tulsa Public Schools has been a great eye opener! I began volunteering in a middle school. Witnessing the behavior of the children toward the teachers and at times one another caught my undivided attention. Such dispresct came forth out of such young people. Thus, began my soul searching.

Classroom settings when it is just me to teach, manage behavior, and conduct all other duties that are required for the students made me realize America is doing our children a disservice. But when I think the way our Creator thinks; it becomes personal. I am a sent one to proactively intervene in young people's lives. The world is not truly concerned but it's His Heart. His childern. So with that full understanding I have decided to what He whats me to do. Making such a decision...to follow Jesus, comes with resistance and obstacles that is when His Spirit reminds me..."I will never leave you nor forsake you".

The Board Members of G.R.A.C.E. remain supportive and faithful to the vision. We all agree we are well able to take the land which God has given us. Their love and prayers keeps me motivated to continue on this journey. I expect because God promised!

I remain in His Grip!!!
Sharon

Here I am once again still standing. There was a time I use to say I'm still holdin' on. But as the broadway song goes..."getting to know you...getting to know all about you!" I no longer say that; I have the confidence and the privilege to stand on the Truth and the Strength of God's Word. He said He would do the exceedingly and the abundantly for me as the Power of the Holy Spirit works within me. I believe and have faith in Him and His Word. So I will continue to say...watch out for the big announcement of G.R.A.C.E. coming totally out and functioning in the fullness in which God intended it to function! Can I get an AMEN!!!

I was sharing the behavior concerns I have with many of my students with my son and daughter. Their responses are so true, "Mom they are going through adult things and they're only children." My chest just heaves with anger and compassion till I just want to say..."I'll take them ALL!" I know I am not the only one feeling such anger and desire to intervene. The school year will soon be ending and the degradation the children experience will be extended as there will be no school hours that will allow them to escape. I will remain prayerful and continue to seek opportunities to get into the agencies or systems that will allow me to touch, intervene, and advocate for them.

The Tulsa Public School-Schoolhouse Project will leave serveral schools empty. I want an empty building and use it to establish a concept that will impart and educate both the child and its parents. Home is the base of many things and to produce healthy people, it too must be healthy. I am soooo ready to work and keep my hands to the plow; I have no desire to look back. The future is before us and its success depends on us. I have decided to follow Jesus, NO turning back.

I remain in His Grip!!!
Sharon