Is Anybody Feeling Stressed?

Hey Guys!

            Is anybody feeling stressed out there? Research teaches us that isolation can produce anxiety. Take the social isolation on top of the new ways of distance learning, and add the unknowns of the virus and the question of when will all this end... on top of a lot of family togetherness and maybe family worries, and you may have a recipe for being extra stressed!!!!

         Well, did you know that stress can be good? That's right! Let me explain. When you trim off the branches of a tree, it stresses the tree, but that stress forces new growth and a fuller more productive tree! As a student, when you feel a little stress about an upcoming test or assignment, that stress propels you to study and get prepared. Another example is exercise. You've heard the expression, "No pain, no gain." When you stress your body, it strengthens it....as long as you don't overdo it.
Discipline is a form of stress which motivates you to hone your skills and make improvements in your behavior.

          What is most important is how we cope with stress. If we respond to stress properly, it can strengthen and improve us. The Bible teaches us that "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (Hebrews 12:11)

           Stress is like pain. It can be a warning that something needs to be changed. When you accidentally put your hand on the burner, the pain signifies that you need to draw back. When you feel stressed, it's important to examine your situation and make a plan. The most important part of your plan is to pray and ask the Lord to help and direct you. Next, identify the source of your stress and brainstorm solutions. For example, if you are stressed because of your schoolwork or technology you don't understand, contact your teacher. If you have a question, others probably do, too.
            Here are some other important tips for managing your level of stress:

*        Each day read scripture. The Lord will prepare you through His word with whatever you are to            face during the day.

*         Spend a lot of time outside. Nature brings you closer to God.

*         Avoid excess screen time. Research shows gaming and too much screen time increases anxiety.

*         Communicate with someone you know is wise and will listen.

*         Focus outward on others instead of inward on your own problems. Think of ways to help other people. (I bet your mom or dad could use some help around the house.)

*         Choose friends who are fun and are peacemakers. Spend time especially with other believers.

*         Eat a balanced diet. The nutrients metabolize stress. Junk food does not.

*         Exercise releases endorphins which minimizes stress.

*         Ask for forgiveness if you have wronged someone.

*         Organize your time and use it wisely.

*         Make sure that you are not putting undue stress on yourself. Be a person of excellence, not a perfectionist. It's hard for others to live with you and hard for you to live with yourself if you seek perfection.

*         Get plenty of rest for your body.

*         Spend time developing your gifts and talents. God has created us to find joy and satisfaction in the gifts He has given us to share with others.

*          Know that you are loved, and that God has a wonderful plan for your life. John 3:16, John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:11

            So, when you feel stressed, use it as a sign to lean into the Lord and trust Him!

Lots of love,

 Counselor Causey   Here is a video made for you:  https://vimeo.com/408400531

Strss Clipart

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

       Hey Guys! Welcome back from Spring Break! Wait a minute, that wasn't exactly Spring Break. It was Spring and a break from our usual routine, but not your typical pack up and go somewhere Spring Break. Anyway, glad we are all back together...sort of...connecting in any way we can.
        There  seems to be a lot to worry, I mean think about these days....distance learning, washing hands, social distancing, etc...In 1988 a number one hit song came out called "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin. Give it a listen:

  https://open.spotify.com/album/0L2VM5iuoVRAQXvw2lyRzV?highlight=spotify:track:4v52HuhZqVV0eNpP6vzH5I

          The great news is that after we have done all the things we need to do, we can put our trust in the only One who can save us. The Lord has all of our days numbered, and He has a plan for our lives. He has told us not to worry about anything, but with prayer and thanksgiving to let our requests be known to Him, so don't worry, be thankful, and pray! We have a Savior who loves us. That is something to be happy about!  

Lots of love, Counselor Causey
Enjoy this clip:
http://www.viewpure.com/oMv1O6QO6Fw?start=0&end=0

Are you bored?

Hey Ya'll!  

      We are in our 2nd week of "distance learning"  and social distancing. I hope you are all doing great and enjoying your time off with your families. Are any of you bored? Sometimes, I think that is exactly where God wants us to be. 
     When we are still, we can hear Him talk to us. Maybe that is part of what He wants us to be doing during this time. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." When we are always busy and being entertained, our knowledge and love for the Lord is stiffled. 
    Use this time wisely. When you are bored, listen to the Lord. Read His word. Get to know Him and learn to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is He that has made us. He does not want us to stay so busy that we forget. May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Lots of Love,
 Couselor Causey

Challenge: Put God first!

For elementary students:

https://douglastalks.com/watch-douglas-talks/

For MS/HS students

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILK2vNeMwQI

How to Pray

Hi Guys!

This is Counselor Causey. Guess what? We missed you at school Monday! Even though you did not come to school, all of your teachers were here! We were preparing to teach you while you are still at home. Is that awesome or what? FPD is one of the few schools that is already prepared to be able to do this, since we have been using one-on-one technology for years, and have spent a lot of time learning how to use it! Your teachers know that you have a lot going on, so their assignments are going to be simple, but effective. The main thing we want you to do, is enjoy your time with your family and spend your time wisely. One of the wise ways you can use your time is to learn to pray always and trust in the Lord. So I have sent you this video to teach you more about prayer.

http://www.viewpure.com/ZhyvL0QFKHc?start=0&end=0

Counselor Causey will be sending you out some words of encouragement, and distance lessons and hugs to let you know we are thinking of you and that I am still here for you. If you  need me for any reason, just e-mail me or call me.

Lots of love,  

Counselor Causey

   

                                   

    School is in full swing now. Our field has been dedicated. Our international students are acclimated. The first quarter is almost half over. Next week we will be taking our school pictures.
    Counselor Causey has been visiting the elementary classrooms. We have been focusing on "Getting To Know Each Other" and learning that God makes everyone unique with special gifts and talents. It is the task of the student to discover his or her gifts while at FPD so that he will be able to use them to help others and to bring God glory. We learned that God wants us to use our individuality to work together with others just as each part of our body is necessary. In first grade we read the "Crayon Box That Talked."
In second grade we played the "I am nuts about getting to know you game." Third graders loved the "Mystery Classmate Game," drew self portraits
and learned how not to catch "A Bad Case Of the Stripes."
   Next week, the fourth graders will play "High Five," fifth grade will soon make their perfect fit puzzles, and we will talk about what the "Body of Christ" means while looking closely at I Corinthians 12:1-27.
Also, the sixth grade seminar, "Lifeboat Lessons for Surviving Middle School" will begin. The Beacons have started visiting the seventh grade advisories teaching them about "Families."

September 13, 2013 Elementary Newsletter

                                 

Counselor’s Corner      -   September 6, 2013

“Game Day” by Susan Causey

Last week was the first football game of the season and the first to be played on FPD’s new George Johnson Stadium and Austin Childers Field! Boy, were we pumped. For the past couple of weeks things have been really humming. We watched from a far as the stadium went up. Bricklayers came to build the brick wall around the bottom of the bleachers. There were probably 8-10 men each with his own pallet of bricks and concrete and trowel. They were lined up ready to stack the bricks. It reminded me of the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem!

            As told in Nehemiah 2, each worker was given a specific section of the wall to rebuild. They worked side by side for the common goal of giving protection to the holy city. Matthew Henry’s commentary describes it this way;

The work was divided, so that everyone might know what he had to do, and mind it, with a desire to excel; yet without contention, or separate interests. No strife appears among them, but which should do most for the public good. Every Israelite should lend a hand toward the building up of Jerusalem. Let not nobles think anything below them, by which they may advance the good of their country… When a general good work is to be done, each should apply himself to that part which is within his reach. If everyone will sweep before his own door, the street will be clean; if everyone will mend one, we shall all be mended. Some that had first done helped their fellows. The walls of Jerusalem, in heaps of rubbish, represent the desperate state of the world around, while the number and malice of those who hindered the building, give some faint idea of the enemies we have to contend with, while executing the work of God. Everyone must begin at home; for it is by getting the work of God advanced in our own souls that we shall best contribute to the good of the church of Christ. May the Lord thus stir up the hearts of his people, to lay aside their petty disputes, and to disregard their worldly interests, compared with building the walls of Jerusalem, and defending the cause of truth and godliness against the assaults of avowed enemies.*

What a beautiful picture of team work with each person focusing on his or her job using the gifts within his own sphere of responsibility which God has given us to bring Him glory.  

 

Just as enthusiastically and as diligently as we prepared for our first football game, let’s set our hearts and minds to prepare for the ultimate game day when we shall meet the Lord!

*http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/Matthew-Henry/Neh/Rebuilding-Walls-Jerusalem

 

The Beacons

The Beacons are a small group of High School students who are committed to Christ and to lives of integrity. Their goal is to mentor Middle School students and to encourage them to develop God honoring relationships with family and friends. The Beacons have each signed a “contract and honor code” for the school year committing to being a positive role model.  They meet once a week with Counselor Causey for Bible study and in preparation for their presentations during activity period. The material, which they will present to the seventh grade girls and boys, is from Teen Advisors and Velocity of Columbus, Georgia. The leadership training material is biblically based. Topics to be delivered this year are “Families”,  “Knowing Your Great Value as God’s Created Being,” “Building Quality Friendships,” and being a person of “Character and Integrity.” Under Counselor Causey’s oversight, The Beacons will be presenting the programs on a monthly basis to the seventh grade advisories. The Beacons are so excited about this ministry. They hope to develop enduring relationships with the younger students and to inspire and guide them to be young men and women devoted to Christ. Please pray for The Beacons and for their impact on our Middle School students.