Reading, writing and recharging our faith

A mother kneels down to hug her son; the son is wearing a backpack, suggesting that he is headed to school.

There’s something in the air. Parents and kids scurry through the retail aisles, checking supply lists, picking out notebooks, testing out backpacks, filling baskets with crayons, pencils and pens. College-bound students feel it, too, as they find the perfect décor for dorm rooms. Summer may be great fun, but nothing beats the energy and anticipation of back-to-school time!  

The enthusiasm that kids bring for these new beginnings is contagious, fueling grown-up nostalgia for the hopeful promise of a blank page. As students return to classrooms and meet new teachers and friends, lifelong learners can also find renewal by recharging their faith and refilling the joy and inspiration in their lives.  

So, grab your lunchbox and sharpen your number two pencils! Check out these creative suggestions for renewing your faith as you jump into the back-to-school vibe.  

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

Shift your prayer, faith and Bible study into high gear  

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 NIV 

In this season of new beginnings, open your Bible and discover new meaning in the verses you love.  Invite a new friend to pray or worship with you. Pray that God will keep the season’s excitement growing through the year. 

Take or teach a class  

“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.” Deuteronomy 32:2 NIV

God created an amazing world, and Scripture encourages us to learn all about it. Online or in-person, check out a subject you’ve always wondered about. 

Look at Mars through a telescope. Polish up your computer skills. Cook something delicious. (No long division required.) Make a list of your special talents. Someone out there would love to have you teach them! 

Fitness is fun  

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30 NIV  

A brand-new exercise practice is medicine for the mind, body and spirit. As the kids are lining up in the gym, grab your towel and lace up your shoes for an invigorating workout of your own. Our bodies are gifts from God, and it pleases Him when we work to keep them strong. 

Express your creativity  

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV 

By expressing our faith through art, we bring new joy and beauty to our communities and our world. Dust off your guitar. Get your hands in the clay. Channel God’s inspiration as you write a poem or story. Dance, sing, draw or paint, sharing your revitalized spirit.

See the world—or your neighborhood  

“God watches over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:8 NIV

Did someone say “field trip”?! Whether you’re planning a one-day excursion to a favorite state park or orchestrating a major getaway, travel coaxes us out of our ruts and widens our perspective. When we travel with wonder and gratitude, our faith comes alive.

Make new friends  

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV 

Remember walking into your classroom the first day and being happy to see both familiar faces and potential new friends? Now’s the time to join a church group, out-to-dinner fellowship, book club or Bible study. It feels good to meet new people as we embrace God’s gifts of companionship and fun.  

Love thy neighbor  

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV

Celebrate the season of beginnings by finding new ways to share your time and talent.  Joining the board of a community nonprofit, serving meals to those in need, visiting the homebound or helping children read are just a few ways to open our hearts to the people in our communities. Our lives are truly enriched when we give to others.  

 

 

It’s inspiring to rediscover the joyful energy of the back-to-school season. The world is our classroom and playground when we make the most of each autumn day. With God’s help, we become new creations, eager to learn and committed to living our faith.