Bedtime Blessings 2021, episode 3

We worked on one of my favorite memory verses in all five classes last week. All of my eighty students wrote The Blessing Of Aaron for a grade as a memory verse and repeated it on their test. Found in Numbers 6:24-26, God commanded the first high priest of Israel to use these words to bless his chosen people:

"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
We spoke of the human need for approval and how parents can have such an effect on the self-worth of their children. We talked of bedtime rituals and how moms and dads can make their kids feel important and ease their fears. I told them about how our folks tucked us in when we were small, prayed with us, and kissed us good-night. With that discussion as background, I gave each student the assignment to pen a bedtime blessing to the child they will bring into the world in future years. I'll let some of them speak for me. Tonight's entries are all girls from my third period NT Survey class and all are used with permission!

My dear child, oh so dear to my heart, the love that I have for you is unconditional. The love I have for you stretches far beyond the seas. I am always with you as God is always with His creation. Our bond is deeper than the ocean’s abyss. May you thrive in righteousness. May you be kind to yourself and others. May you develop in righteousness. You are a blessing sent to me from God, and the Heavens above. You are my pride and joy, oh so gentle and mild. You are my light. You are my pride and joy. You are God’s. And you are mine. Jada

Bonjour my beautiful Api. Mommy and Daddy love you more than words can say. You are the reason I wake up every morning knowing that in the future I will get to see your charming little face.You can be anything you put your mind to, and know forever you are the stars to my sky.Just know that me, your father, and God are always there for you no matter what comes around, no matter what happens we will always love you for who you are. Always be who you are and stand up for what you believe in, my baby boy. Love you from here to eternity, my dear Apollo. You are my everything. que la vie vous emmène dans des endroits incroyables. May life take you to amazing places. Always trust in God for He has great plans for you, I just know it! Love always and forever, mommy. Melanie

To my dear Faith, Hope , and Prince Amore (TBD last name). I would like to let you know that I have loved you since before I was conceiving any of you. The reason I named you three Faith, Hope, and Prince Amore was because Saint Sophia and her three children were named the same thing. I always think of the virtues Faith, Hope, and Love.Your dad and I will always be there for you three no matter what. Just like it says in Matthew 28:20, "I will be with you always even unto the end of the world." I will support you three through any of your life choices, so will God, too. He didn't just create you to just create you- He created you because all three of you have a purpose in life. I promise I will always provide for all three of you and take care of you all and whatever it takes to keep you three in my life for as long as I live. If and when I die before you three, promise me that you guys will take care of each other and your dad if he is still alive whenever I go. I will always love you. Mom;) Sophia 

My dear angel, I am so thankful to have you in my life. Take a deep breath in, close your eyes and rest your body in your bed. I know you are working so hard to accomplish all your work. I do not expect you to become the best person in the world but be the best version of you. If you are overwhelmed by school, friends, or anything, please communicate with me as a friend of yours. I will always be here whenever you need me. I will be your mother, I will be your friend. I will always have your back and support you. If you want to try new things, go for it as long as you know you are doing it right. But daughter, remember one thing: you always can take a break whenever you feel exhausted, but do not give up. Your mother, your father, your family and God will always and always bless you, my angel. Keep dreaming and chase for it. Don’t be nervous and don’t be scared of anything. A dream always comes as long as you work on it. Hope you have a great school day tomorrow! Sweet dreams, my daughter!  Brittney
Good morning my love- I hope you slept well. Every night, I pray that GOD will watch over you while you sleep, and protect you from any evil spirits or forces that you encounter as you go about your day. I'll always be here for advice, whether the situation is big or small, and I'm always willing to listen, because I know that sometimes that's all a person needs. Just remember that I'm doing everything in my best interest to help you, not hurt you. I'm amazed at how much you've grown and shaped into the beautiful young woman that you are. I see my mom in you, I see my nana in you... these are two are both outstanding women who made me who I am today, and I thank GOD that I was given the opportunity to become a mother and raise you. I know for a fact that you will be successful and independent, doing big things and making positive changes in your adult life while honoring and making your mom proud. I'll love you always, xoxo Mom <3  Keiwan

My beloved angel, if you are ever feeling stressed or overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for guidance whether it be from me or the Lord. I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and protected and to make sure that no danger comes your way. I hope you are always kept safe and warm in the world that the Lord created and provided for us. Let me be your beacon of light as you are mine. Treat others with as much love as I have for you and serve others how the Lord would like for you to do. I love you so much and every day thank God for you and praise the fact that you are in my life. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and the world is very lucky to have you in it. You are truly one of a kind. Peyton

To my unborn son: I want to give you advice and guidance about following the Lord. When doing this you must understand and accept that as humans, we were born into a sinful world. At first that may sound a bit scary but I promise that it is not. I want you to know that Christ died for your sins so that you could live and be forgiven. As humans, we cannot be perfect in every way like God and that is alright. God understands that we can still try to be true followers of God. To be followers of God, we must listen to what is said in the Bible. We must not lie, judge, steal, etc. You must also accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. To be a child of God, you have to live in God’s image. I want you to be caring, kind, and considerate as Jesus was. Love, Mom Lauren

God bless, Steve Luke 18:1