Daniel Skognes

Dear 4^th Graders:

I wanted to take a minute and tell all of you how proud I am of you! This has been a tough year in a lot of ways, but you did it! I want you to know that you will do well in your life if you build upon the things we taught you this year, and I am not just talking about English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Here are a few of the other things you have learned from us:

1. Taking responsibility for your own actions is a huge step in growing up, and if you remember to do that, it will help keep you on the right path.

2. There are always consequences to actions. Good one when you choose wisely. Bad ones when you choose poorly.

3. Your words either heal and encourage or wound and discourage others. You get to choose, but don’t forget there are always consequences.

4. You don’t have to like everyone, but you do need to show respect. Respect your Parents, your Teachers, your Classmates, and all those in authority. That one thing will make the road ahead a lot less bumpy.

5. Being able to forgive one another is also so important because we all make mistakes, and everyone needs forgiveness at some point.

6. Listening is critical to learning. If you don’t remember to listen, you may miss the entire point of the lesson.

7. If you want to have friends, you have to be a friend yourself. Choose your friends wisely, as they will influence you either in a good way or a bad way.

8. You get to play after the work is done! As you grow up you will realize the value of hard work. It is not a punishment, but a blessing…and there are great rewards to hard work.

9. Believe in yourself. That takes the pressure off of what other people think of you. Not everyone will like you. Let’s face it, if you are being honest, there are people who just rub you wrong. So, if you know in your heart who you are, then you need to trust that when others say unkind things to you or about you. That will make it a lot easier to forgive them and move on.

10. Do the right thing even when others have done you wrong. If you can remember to do that it will calm many of the conflicts that you will face in the future. You will never go wrong by doing right.

Some of you will grow up to be Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Construction Workers, Plumbers, Salesmen, or maybe even the President of the United States. Much of that will depend on choices you make and relationships you establish. I pray that God direct your steps and bless you and your families in the years to come. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Love,

Mr. Dan

Superman

Have you noticed how many people are mad about something these days? We seem to live in a world filled with angry people and the media does not help. Social media allows people to vent anonymously on folks to whom they would otherwise show at least a shred of respect and self-restraint…and don’t get me started on all the knuckleheads on the highway!

It seems that people are looking for a fight and anyone that causes them the least bit of annoyance is going to get it with both barrels. We are in the last week and a half of the school year and almost everyone seems on edge. The teachers are burned out. The kids are tired of all the testing and being forced to be silent for 5 or more hours.

Just my opinion, but I believe we are witnessing spiritual warfare at it’s finest. You may not believe in God or the Devil, and I am not trying to convince you of their existence. I am simply pointing out the evidence is there for those who will see. The powers of darkness are working overtime to steal, kill, and destroy our families, our nation, and our very lives.

The Bible says that we are to avoid associating ourselves with angry people lest we become like them. Evil company corrupts. We are bombarded on every side with things to make us angry. The question is, “When you are tempted to become angry over something, how do you handle it? Do you react or respond?” We are often undone by a quick retort instead of just letting it go or at least thinking before we respond.

We expect a lot from others, don’t we? The biggest problem we seem to have is in managing unmet expectations and controlling our own emotions. Next time you are offended by someone, think before you speak, don’t react…respond, and don’t send an email or leave a voicemail when you are angry. It is OK to vent to God. He can handle it, but don’t dwell on it. The more you stew….the more you brew and eventually you will erupt just like a volcano…spewing on anyone in close proximity. Remember that words have the power of life and death, and once they are expressed, they can never be retracted.

Speak life, love, and peace into those who are distraught. God’s Word is our instruction manual, Jesus is our peace, and the Holy Spirit is our guide and comforter. Let God fight your fights, and when you pray, ask God to change YOU, not the person who offended you. In truth, there are many times where we are our own worst enemy and unless we address our own anger issues and lack of self-control, we are destined to a life of Hell on Earth. That is not what God intended. Don’t let the Devil steal your joy. Resist him and he will flee.

P.S. There is such a thing as righteous anger. That is Biblical. Just make sure it does not turn in to self-righteous anger. That never ends well for anyone.

Shalom!

Dan Skognes