Elohim

Elohim: Embracing Creativity and Connection

Discovering the Creator Within

Elohim. On the first page of the Bible, the Lord identifies Himself as the Creator. He reveals the wonders of His creation, inviting us to reflect on the vastness and uniqueness of His creativity. When we approach Him with righteous motives, He delights in sharing His creativity with us. This divine gift allows us to explore and create new things in our lives.

A Journey of Faith and Teaching

I was a special education teacher in my 20s when I accepted Jesus as my Savior. Not long after that, my church was desperate for Sunday school teachers. I started teaching a group of first-graders and learned the Bible stories alongside my class. The first topic was Moses. When we reached the Passover, I decided to hold a Seder for them. With help from Jewish friends, I put it together. It was the first one I ever experienced.

As special needs teachers, we are trained to teach lessons that engage students through various modalities. These include sight, sound, smell, taste, tactile experiences, and kinesthetic movement. God spoke this truth years ago, guiding teachers to reach their students effectively. The Seder exemplifies how to incorporate all these modalities, helping people of all ages engage and learn. From that moment on, I sought God's guidance to better equip myself to meet my students' learning needs. He communicated with me through listening prayer, and I have some examples to share.

Engaging Through Music and Movement

In my experience teaching kindergarten and first graders, I discovered the power of songs. I found fun, repetitive songs to help with memorization, such as counting, the months, and the days of the week. For instance, after teaching the money song with the names of the coins and their values, a mother told me she had to raise her son's allowance and the amount the Tooth Fairy left.

Building on this, the Lord inspired me through my love of cooking. I created recipes to teach spatial concepts, vocabulary, and much more. For example, I developed a recipe for each stage of the butterfly life cycle. I also crafted recipes to help students experience the different tastes our tongues can detect: sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. When we made hot chocolate from scratch, I cautioned them to take only the tiniest taste of the unsweetened cocoa powder. There was usually at least one in each class who didn’t heed the warning. Perhaps they still remember the taste of bitterness.

Art as a Gateway to Learning

I cherished developing art projects that provided hands-on experiences. For instance, I had an art activity for each letter of the alphabet. A mother shared that when her son came home with one of his projects, he would take it out of his backpack, hide it behind his back, and say, “Mom, you won't believe this one.”

Embracing Technology in the Classroom

Throughout my career, I witnessed the availability of technology and its potential to enhance learning. The Lord continually inspired me with new applications. I often created teaching materials using technology and developed ways for my students to interact with it.

The Power of Listening Prayer

Reflecting on these experiences, I realized that when God inspires us, we are engaging in listening prayer, even if we are unaware of it. There are many ways He speaks to us: a picture in your mind, a still small voice, an impression, a thought, a dream, a vision, a memory, a scripture, and more. It’s essential to incorporate listening prayer into your time with God as often as possible.

We might think of prayer as merely our talking to God, but I read an article that suggested God is more eager to communicate with us than we are to listen. This realization encourages me to create space for His voice in my life.

Cultivating a Spiritual Connection

As we journey through life, nurturing our spiritual connection is vital. We can cultivate this connection by engaging in practices that foster growth and understanding. Consider setting aside time for meditation, journaling, or simply being still in His presence.

Embracing Your Divine Identity

As you explore your spiritual path, remember that you are a Daughter of the King. Embrace your divine identity and the unique gifts you possess. Allow yourself to be seen, understood, and heard.

Building Community and Connection

Finding a community that supports your spiritual growth can be transformative. Seek out spaces where you can connect with others who share your journey. These connections can provide encouragement, strength, and a sense of belonging.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In closing, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences and how God has inspired you. Embrace your creativity and the unique ways you can share it with the world. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Together, we can foster hope and strength within ourselves and others as we embrace our authentic selves and fulfill our divine purpose.

Click Here to connect with Peggy.