EVERYBODY OUGHT TO GO TO SUNDAY SCHOOL

"Everybody ought to go to Sunday school, Sunday school, Sunday school, the men and the women and the boys and the girls, everybody ought to go to Sunday school."

I grew up singing that song in Sunday school. Sunday school was where you made friends, learned Bible stories, memorized scriptures, sang faith-building songs, and where you were nurtured by loving, faithful teachers. It was where your spiritual life was shaped, and it was also where you got sticky fingers from lots of Elmer's glue!

Christian comedian Chonda Pierce talks about some of her early experiences in Sunday school, and they're a hoot. Check out her DVDs and books here. Milton and I have heard her routines in person, and sometimes we like to watch her DVDs with family or friends.

Sunday, I taught fourth and fifth graders. Three of my students are refugees recently arrived from war-torn Liberia. It'd make the hair on your arm stand on end to hear of what they've endured. I choke up thinking about it. One little boy is so new to America, he can't speak a word of English. One little girl I taught several years ago would come to class and writhe on the floor like a snake and lick the bottoms of kids' shoes and scream. (Talk about stress? Oh, my, yes. I felt like a dishrag after dealing with her.) Today, she's a cute little thing with a ready mind and a big heart, drinking up the Word of God.

Our lesson was "Choose Right Input," and we had two memory verses:

"Whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things."
Philippians 4:8 NIV

and

"Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life."
Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Great verses!

I instructed them about their thought life, and about what they allowed to come into their minds, such as music and TV programs, etc., and why this is so important.

Great lesson.

Oh, Lord, guard my heart. Always.