Lauren Sparks

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Higher Education

August 13, 2021 by Lauren 22 Comments

My kids start back to school next week.  I can’t believe it’s that time of year again.  We bought shoes and backpacks and supplies this week.  I think we only need a pair of jeans or two and our list is complete.  Allie already started PSAT camp – not really CAMP in the fun sense of the word.  More like several hours a day of intensive preparation and practice for the standardized test.

 

If you have kids, you probably already sent yours off or are preparing as well.  It all puts me in a studious state of mind.  But what is there for those of us post matriculation?

 

I think God desires that we be in a perpetual state of learning.  Proverbs 19:8 says “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.”  (NASB)

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In Human Options, Norman Cousins gives this opinion:  “Education – the good education, that is – can help us to move out beyond the narrow and calcifying confines of the ego so that we can identify ourselves sympathetically – no, that word is not strong enough – identify ourselves compassionately with the mainstream humanity.”  What a noble pursuit!

 

What’s nobler still?  A biblical education.  Becoming a serious student of God’s Word not only increases knowledge of our Heavenly Father, but draws us into deeper relationship as we obey and apply.  Learning more about God shows our love for Him and brings Him glory and honor.  And the more we study, the better our understanding.  And the more understanding we have, the more we can become like Him.  His Word becomes a part of us as He lives in us.

 

Need resources?  Grab a copy of one (or all) of the devotional books pictured on right side of this page.  Or look back at this post from a few weeks ago, or this list of favorite study tools, this Bible review, or this article on Verse Mapping.  And that’s just a few of the many, many ways to explore the scriptures!

 

Form a study group if that word help you.  But one way or another, just hit that Book!  And while you’re at it, ask Him to shape, mold and better you in ways that please Him.  Happy back to “school”!

 

And now for this week’s featured post from the link up.

 

Jennifer Ross of  Tea with Jennifer captured what many of us must be feeling as the Delta variant ramps up.  She tackles the topic of resentment with grace and truth even as the consequences for her and her family feel daunting.  Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your heart with us in Letting Go of Resentment.

 

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2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.

3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).

 

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Filed Under: back to school, Bible reading, Christian, Grace & Truth Link Up

Comments

  1. Tea With Jennifer says

    August 13, 2021 at 4:11 am

    Thank you Lauren for featuring my post. I feel truly honoured.
    And I agree we need to continually study & learn God’s Word through the Holy Spirit’s guidance until we step into glory, it’s life to our souls 🤗
    Bless you,
    Jennifer

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 13, 2021 at 11:59 am

      I was pleased to feature your work. Thank you for your faithfulness to ministry!

      Reply
      • Tea With Jennifer says

        August 16, 2021 at 6:41 pm

        It’s a delight to be in the Potter’s hands Lauren. 😉

        Reply
        • Lauren says

          August 17, 2021 at 9:49 am

          It is. Challenging and peaceful and wonderful and hard. All the things.

          Reply
  2. Joanne Viola says

    August 13, 2021 at 9:01 am

    Lauren, this post brought a smile. Just a day or two ago, I mentioned to someone I think I could have been a perpetual student. Then I realized how in many ways, I am just that as I continue walking with the Lord and learning from Him each day. May God bless you and your family this school year!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 13, 2021 at 11:58 am

      Yes! Studying the most important thing of all, Joanne!

      Reply
  3. Rebecca Jones says

    August 13, 2021 at 12:57 pm

    I try to learn something new everyday.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 13, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      A great practice, Rebecca!

      Reply
  4. Lisa Blair says

    August 13, 2021 at 1:02 pm

    I agree, Lauren, “I think God desires that we be in a perpetual state of learning.” I’m learning so much as I walk with the Lord and study His Word.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 13, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      Me too, Lisa. That living and active Word constantly reveals different things to me. I’m so thankful.

      Reply
  5. ratnamurti says

    August 13, 2021 at 10:27 pm

    Love that quote by Norman Cousins. Sometimes we hear something and it sticks with us. I agree that one should never stop learning.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 14, 2021 at 2:11 pm

      I love it too! Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Reply
  6. Maryleigh says

    August 15, 2021 at 11:09 pm

    I think those who write must be perpetual students. To live to be 80 or 100 years old, we must be – otherwise, how would we fill those years without learning new things. Your post reminded me of the 1828 Noah Webster’s Dictionary definition of Education: “The bringing up, as of a child, instruction; formation of manners. education comprehends all that series of instruction and discipline which is intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give children a good education in manners, arts and science, is important; to give them a religious education is indispensable; and an immense responsibility rests on parents and guardians who neglect these duties.”

    Praying this week is filled with blessing, calm and laughter!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 16, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      Fit us for usefulness. I like that. I think all learning points to this!

      Reply
  7. Jeanne Takenaka says

    August 16, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    Lauren, I loved the heart of this post. Being a continual learner, especially being a student of God’s word. We do need to dig into His word and dig in deep. I’m challenged to begin an inductive study of His word. Thanks for reminding me just how much I love doing that!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 17, 2021 at 9:49 am

      Sounds great, Jeanne!

      Reply
  8. Danielle Butler says

    August 16, 2021 at 4:55 pm

    My girls started last week. Thanks for the reminder and learning points.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 17, 2021 at 9:49 am

      Thanks for reading, Danielle.

      Reply
  9. Barbara Harper says

    August 17, 2021 at 2:57 pm

    Amen. May we be always continually learning to know Him better.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 17, 2021 at 4:09 pm

      That’ll preach, Barbara.

      Reply
  10. April Harris says

    August 19, 2021 at 12:23 pm

    This is such a great time of year for fresh starts and to get back to a regular routine of reading Scripture!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      August 19, 2021 at 5:37 pm

      I think you’re right, April!

      Reply

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I love Jesus, my husband and caffeine. The order of these can change depending on how tired I am. When my two daughters, stepson, and 4 grandchildren get to be too much, I practice yoga. God graciously allows me to share our adventures, victories and flub-ups from my laptop. May He be glorified here.
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