~1 Corinthians 8:10~
Do you not know that in a race all the
runners run, but only one receives the
prize? So run that you may obtain it.
THE RACE IS ON!
Wow! Do you feel like you’re running a marathon, too? It’s been quite a year. Maybe you feel more like you’re running a sprint–the 100-meter dash (not much time left and lot to get done yet)? Or maybe the 400-meter? Or running a relay—are you ready to hand the baton on to someone else? I’ll be honest—I feel like I’m running an 800- meter race right now (it’s getting a little long–about 2 laps/months left ☺). I can’t hardly hand the baton on to someone else, and I’ll need to gain some energy in the end to cross that finish line; but God-willing, the reward will be amazing!
We’re all running a race! The physical component is always at the forefront of our thoughts and actions. There are multiple factors involved, too—the condition of the track, who may get in your way or pass you by. But there’s a bigger part of the race to worry about. The spiritual component! This race is about YOU vs. the
devil! Who is going to win? The verse above tells us there is ONLY 1 WINNER!
Luckily, you don’t have to be a fine-tuned athlete that has spent hours in the gym or have a robust workout plan each morning for this one. But there is some work to be done that can help us along the way! We can fine-tune our faith, go to church, read devotions and read our Bible—and even eat all the donuts you want while reading— that part doesn’t matter–remember it’s the spiritual race we’re talking about. Think about where you are at in that race and know that God is by our side to ward off the other racers that come in your way or lift you up over those hurdles!
We’ve rounded another lap here at school and are super close to that finish line; it’s time to rest and regain
some strength for another race. Let’s finish strong and hold on to the ONE who can help us win any race we’re in and help us focus on the spiritual component in everything we do!
REMINDERS
Please sign up ASAP for VBS June 27-July 1 @6-8 p.m. Checkout the church website www.immanuelgaylord.org or give the church or school a call! They are in the ordering process so need to know participant numbers!
CALENDAR
May 22: Plant Yourself in Gaylord (Make-N-Take Event sponsored by ILS and lunch in Pepsi Shack from the Youth Group)!
May 27: Last Day of School -Closing Service at 6:30 p.m.
Jeramiah 6:21 ~ Therefore this
is what the Lord says: “I will put obstacles before this people.” ~
Problem Solved!
Did you know the co-founder of the Post-It Note, Spencer Silver, died last Saturday? Spencer invented the adhesive agent that was later used in that popular 3M product. His co-worker wanted to prevent bookmarks from falling out of his hymnal as he sang in church. Silver and his co-worker knew they had a “solution waiting for a problem to solve.”
They were quite successful in my opinion—I love my sticky notes! Sometimes though, we are not as successful in some situations. We may be unable to solve problems that are in front of us. We rely on our own thoughts or put our trust in our government or other experts. Some of these may help initially. But eventually, these problems cause us to realize that we may need to turn to God.
As we face challenges, may we “stick by Him.” Maybe go out and buy yourself a fun-colored pack of those handy Post-Its and make reminders for yourself to rely on Him; or post Bible passages around in places that will remind you to turn to Him always.
REMINDERS 
CALENDAR
May 21: Field Day @ Purple Park (Parent help will be needed)
May 22: Plant Yourself in Gaylord (Make-N-Take Event sponsored by ILS and lunch in Pepsi Shack from the Youth Group)!
May 27: Last Day of School -Closing Service at 6:30 p.m.
A Prayer for Our Teachers
Dear God,
Grant our teachers an abundance of your wisdom. Prepare their hearts to welcome and love our loved ones, and may we make sure to show them love and respect in return. Give them grace as they help students who aren’t thriving, courage to say what needs to be said, tools and knowledge on how and when to speak love, and strength when to speak love, and strength when they feel weak. When they feel unseen, remind them that no moment goes unnoticed. They are shaping the future in one million small- yet, incredibly important-ways every day. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of learning they share with our children. Bless them, Lord, and may they see even just a glimpse of how their faithfulness will forever impact generations to come.
Amen
REMINDERS
Lots of events coming up in our last days of school so keep your eye out for reminders and separate notes home, etc.!
CALENDAR
May 10-14: BOGO Spring Book Fair
May 14: Spring Carnival @5:30
May 21: Field Day @ Purple Park (Parent help will be needed)
May 27: Last Day of School -Closing Service at 6:30 p.m.