I’m very excited to announce that The Awakened Devotional Study Guide for Christian Educators is being released this week! This book has truly been a labor of love and I’m thrilled to share it with you all.
Last summer, I published Awakened: Change Your Mindset to Transform Your Teaching to share the story of how I went from being professionally burned out to feeling rejuvenated and ready to handle whatever life in the classroom brings. I explained how you can develop thought habits that produce an unshakeable sense of contentment, motivation, and purpose. The book drew upon principles of stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, spiritual truths, and personal experiences. Awakened is not a Christian book: it was written to speak to ALL educators, regardless of their faith or lack thereof. But its principles can be connected to countless biblical truths by those who choose to seek them out.
The Awakened Devotional Study Guide for Christian Educators is designed to deepen Christian teachers’ understanding of the principles in Awakened. The guide elaborates on what God’s word has to say about renewing our minds. It’s 8.5 x 11 and is designed to be a workbook where you can record your thoughts and respond to what you’ve read.
Each devotion is 4 pages: the first page includes the corresponding Awakened reading and an opening reflection where you can write down your initial thoughts as well as notes from Awakened if needed. The second page has the devotion and a wide left margin for notetaking. The third page has the application questions (with space for your responses) and an additional scripture reading (with space to add other related Bible verses you’re reminded of.) The fourth page has a “to do” challenge with a work space and a prayer.
You can use The Awakened Devotional Study Guide for Christian Educators on your own or with a group in your community. I’m also offering the first (and only?) online Bible study developed specifically for educators. Beginning the week of August 5th and continuing through the week of January 27, 2013, we’ll be working through one devotion together on a weekly basis. The application questions will be posted on a private blog each Sunday. You can read and respond to the devotion any time during that week, and then the next set of questions will be posted the following Sunday. I conducted a focus group for the devotional book before it was published and we used this format–it was so much fun to grow with one another, share prayer requests, etc! I definitely think it enhances the experience to have a group of educators who are working through the same topics and issues as you are.
Here are the details and sign-up for the online Bible study group and to get ordering/purchasing information. You can also read the reviews of the book and online Bible study book club from those who participated in the focus group.
Also, if you weren’t aware of it, I write a separate blog of free devotions for teachers, so there are some resources there, as well.
Want to win a copy of the devotional study guide? Just leave a super short comment on this post sharing one way your faith has had a positive impact on your teaching or attitude toward your work as an educator. If you haven’t already bought Awakened, I’ll also send the winner an eBook copy of that, as well. The contest will close at midnight on Monday, July 23rd and a winner will be selected at random. If you decide to buy the book now and then end up winning the give-away, I’ll refund your money. 
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UPDATE: CONTEST CLOSED! (I did not count the two entries that were replying to other commenters or the person who already has a copy and indicated she was not trying to win the book, just wanted to share how much she loved it. Those “side conversations” are perfectly fine–thank you for leaving them!) The winner is #67, Laura, who wrote, “I try to remind myself each day that the students I teach are God’s children. No matter how they act or what they do, they deserve to be treated as children of God.”
As always, I appreciate the thoughtful comments you all took the time to leave, and I am touched by your stories. If you didn’t win, but would like to participate in our online Bible study/book club starting August 5th, use this link to get Awakened and the devotional for $5 off (that’s $30 for both books including Priority Mail Shipping for U.S. residents). Another way to save money is to get the eBook versions.
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Although I teach in a public school, it is a rural community with a strong faith. We still have Christmas concerts and parties (not holiday parties). I love hearing comments about God and Jesus from students that happen on a regular basis when discussing issues. It is amazing what insights kids have without even realizing it. We still have Christmas concerts and parties. While I cannot directly talk about God, my hope my faith shows through with the way I treat my students. I also pray for my students and their needs.
Romans 4:17 New International Version (©1984)
As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed–the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
I use this in classroom management by complementing a student for doing something that they are only partially doing or not doing and then they do it.
Hey Angela,
I am looking forward to reading your book. There are several of us teachers at my school planning to start a Bible study/prayer group meeting at least once a week. This book would be a great resource for our group! Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
I am from a rural area, but the LORD brought me to the city. The first week here I cried my eyes out every night. I trusted the LORD and knew He had a purpose. He has been with me each step of the way. The first year I taught in a Christian school. I taught a good part of my English lessons using the Bible. What better way to teach compare/contrast! The WONDERFUL thing is they learned about Jesus! It was a beautiful thing to watch Jesus at work!
The LORD has since moved me to the public school system in this city. I live out my Christian life before the students, leaping through open doors that come about. I have found that allowing Jesus to live through you inspires students to inquire about Him. I do seek the LORD to teach through me because there is no way I can do it without Him.
God bless you!
Lacinda
Faith has led me over time to see my students, families, coworkers, and self with more compassion. It also helps me to remember that there is one savior of the world, and it’s not me!
I am blessed to teach in a Christian school where I can share the love of Jesus freely with my students. I was privileged to lead a student to faith in Christ last year. My hope is to be a witness and a blessing to my students and their families. I find them to be such a blessing in return. Even those students who choose to misbehave bless me by helping to “sand off the rough edges” in my heart – those areas where I still need to learn to be more like Jesus.
Being a Christian teacher in a public school is not the easiest. The way that I go around this is that I teach a class called “Surviving Middle School” and my husband “piggy backs” it with an “Introduction to Christian music” at my church and I invite all of my students to attend if they want. The book that I follow is Christian based and my students seem to love it! I would absolutley LOVE to get a copy of this book. I haven’t been able to find any books even close to this.
Thanks for writing it!
Denice
When I am having a rough day or a series of rough days in the classroom, I always try to reflect and remember why and how I felt called to teach. I remind myself that God has a plan for me within my classroom and as I pray for guidance and direction on those rough days, I always ask that God grant me the ability to see the Face of Christ in those young faces I serve. As I serve them I need to remember that I am serving Christ as well! In addition, I pray that my students may see the face of Christ in me as I try to serve them well.
When I’m struggling with a student, having faith reminds me to view the student through God’s eyes. I think that God probably doesn’t always differentiate between my behavior and that of my student. Having a relationship with Jesus is the only thing that allows me to change my attitude and approach toward a situation I want to change, instead of complaining that a student won’t change.
I’m so interested in this book! I find myself sometimes dreading the overwhelming demands of a new school year, and I need reminded of how much opportunity I have to be Christ to those I teach and to those with whom I teach. Instead of “job” done grudgingly ….we all need to have refreshed purpose to the “daily grind” to keep it from becoming only a income producing task. Our task is pointing all we meet to Jesus! THAT is invigorating
Hi Angela,
I have always felt called to teach , but circumstances prevented it. At 36, I went back to school and now at 40, God has opened doors! I will be teaching at a small private school, 5th and 6th grade. I feel so blessed and excited.
I believe that every child has something unique to offer and great potential to impact our world. My prayer is that I can help them to love learning and to know that God loves us and excepts us just as we are. We do not have to come to Him perfect, nor does He expect perfection. I’m thankful for that. I know that apart from Him, I can do nothing. With Him, I can move mountains, and I’m counting on it!!
Angela,
I am so thankful that I have found your web site and your books. I haven’t bought them yet, but I am planning to very soon. I read a few pages of your Awakened book on Amazon and it so reminded me of myself in a previous teaching position. I know that book will help me a lot when I get my next job! I took time off to be a stay at home mom and I am currently looking for a teaching job. Your job interview tips have helped a lot and I’m about to review them because I have another interview tomorrow! The market where I live is extremely competitive. I went to one interview for a teaching position and they told me that 100 people had applied for 2 positions! My faith is helping me to keep looking for a teaching position knowing that god will put me where he wants me to be.
I had the chance to help a student (a believer) through a rough time when his grandmother was ill. We talked about God’s path for our lives and how we can seek that path.
With another student, I was one of the few people who was able to witness her baptism as she happened to attend the same church as my wife and I, but her parents were not believers.
I just downloaded a Kindle sample of “The Cornerstone” after searching for books on teaching…then came looking for your website after a couple of reviewers mentioned it. Glad I did! I’m a new teacher at a Christian school in Maryland and am thankful that I can openly talk about and praise the Lord who gave us so many wonderful things to learn about.
Hi Angela,
First I apologize for mistakes I could write, I am French and my English is not always perfect. I’ve discovered you through a French teacher blog and thank God I did. I am reading the Cornerstone and it is just “the” book I was looking for. French education is very far from that I’m afraid, even in private schools like mine. Now, I am looking forward reading your new book, I am sure it corresponds to many christian educators.
Thanks for what you’re doing and I will end with this quotation from JPII “Education is much more than a job, it’s a mission that consists in helping each person to recognize what’s unique and irreplaceable in herself to make her grow and brighten up.
Sorry if the translation is not perfect
Knowing that not all of my students have a supportive and loving family makes it extremely important for me to love the children the way Jesus loves us. I’m not perfect but Jesus forgives me and each day is a brand new day. The same for my classroom: students make mistakes, we deal with it and move on. Each day is brand new. Mistakes (most of them anyways!!!) don’t carry over to the next day. Also knowing that I have Jesus to talk to and turn to at any time during the day has helped me with patience and also helps me think clearly and quickly! I’ll send up little prayers all day and have peace that I’m being helped from up above
My faith has enabled me to view the children as God’s beloved, and to love them with the love of the Lord. Just like me, they are unpolished treasures. I’m so thankful I’ve been chosen to minister to His children.
I view teaching as a ministry where God has placed me to be a light to the youth in my classroom. I teach in a public school where very often I am the only light of Christ in the life of some children. With this view I always try to find the positive in each of my students. My philosphy is that when I no longer can see the positive in each and every student, then that is the day that I no longer need to teach. Jesus set an example for us to follow when he died for us. Look within and see the greatness that was created in his image – have love for your brothers and sisters which includes his precious children – our future.
I try to remind myself each day that the students I teach are God’s children. No matter how they act or what they do, they deserve to be treated as children of God.
I had an instructor state that God said, “Feed my sheep.” He did not say, “Feed the cute ones, feed the fast learners, feed the ones that smell the best, feed the sheep with supportive parents…” God said to Feed His Sheep. That means all of them, every last one. They all deserve my best. When I become frustrated with a child or when I find it difficult to like them, I simply think “Feed my sheep.” and I am able to come back renewed and with a stronger sense of purpose.
Thank you for this, Alecia! I will remember this on those difficult days.
My faith has brought me so far. This will be my first year teaching and I have to put my trust in Jesus to help me with all I will face as an educator.
This is exciting!
The one way faith has impacted my teaching is that I’ve been able to speak great words of wisdom and life into my students. Last year was my 1st year of teaching…and it was very emotional for me to send my seniors off to graduation. I wrote them each individual notes (just one class of seniors) and gave quite an emotional speech about life’s hardships (minus the talking about God and Jesus). They were so moved that I cared so much about them. Several of my difficult students came up to me and were thanking me for those words. And because they knew it was my 1st year teaching them, and teaching them a difficult subject, they even gave me words of encouragement for my next year of teaching! It was amazing to see the fruit of the labor harvested right before my eyes and to see God work right through my actions and love.
I downloaded the sample of your book, Awakening just before I left on vacation. I just bought the Kindle edition and am settling into read. I live the idea of a devotion focused for teachers! Our sermon this morning was “making decisions” and dealt with committing our way to God and letting Him be in charge of guiding the path our decisions take us down! I want to commit the new school year to His leading . I also am in need of renewal of passion and purpose! Looking forward to reading your book this afternoon !
I recently purchased “Awakened” for my nook. It has literally changed my life. It is the most amazing book for self-renewal I have ever read; every sentence speaks to me. You have brought a whole new attitude and focus to me. I am going to go back to the first page and read it again, taking careful notes, as soon as I am done. How I would love to do so with this companion piece- your Devotional Study Guide. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You have made an amazing difference. Judy
Praise God for this type of literature! I am in the process of being certified and I need all the support I can get to teach in the public high school arena.
My Christian faith in a public school has allowed me to be forgiving, more compassionate, and understanding of why my students may misbehave or are difficult because of the backgrounds they come from. Also, I pray for the salvation of my fellow teachers and my principal, sometimes sharing in their lives outside of the school arena.
You`ve been an inspiration to me. Happy to have found you through a webnar. Every time a student
says something that hurts a fellow or me I ask for more grace to correct his behavior in love. What makes me not say a dozen more offensive words back is the amazing grace o my beloved Jesus poured over me each day and His care preserving me from the contamination of this filthy world we live in. Praised be the Lord for gifts and efforts like yours.
Strengthening my faith with God this past year has given me a ot more patience and understanding. I am grateful for every day and I believe my relay ship with Christ has keep me going in a very positive and calm direction.
I actually haven’t started teaching yet, I’ll begin my first year this Fall. Fortunately, because of my faith, I’m going in with the mindset that I can’t do it on my own. No matter how much I want to help all my students through everything they are walking through or how badly I want to “save the world”, I can’t do it all.
No matter how dark a painting may appear to be, I do my best to have a closer look. And that is how my “educational attitude” reflects my essence.
Interested in a free copy. Sounds great
I teach in a public school and for the past 3 years really struggled with my new principal. However, I have tried very hard to lean on my faith to get me through. I try to bless my principal on a regular basis. I also started a gratitude journal and try to write something to be thankful for everyday at school. Of course I pray a lot too!
I read Awakened this summer because I needed something that would lift my spirits for the coming school year. This will be my 11th year teaching and I was feeling the burnout. I could relate to this book so much. Two of my coworkers have started reading it too. All of the examples are so familiar to us and I love the self talk. I hope to win the devotional. Thank you for writing this book!
My faith guides my daily life I try to always respond with love.
With all the changes in education going on, it’s hard to stay positive all the time. This looks like a great book!
My faith has always gotten me through the rough days of teaching. I am fortunate to be part of a group through my school where we share our joys, struggles and faith with each other on a regular basis and this isn’t always easy in a public school setting. Thanks for all the awesome books!
When I first read The Cornerstone, it was huge for me. I had been teaching for several years, but I had never seen things explained so clearly and logically for me. When you wrote Awakened, I knew that I needed to get it right away, because The Cornerstone was so pivotal for my teaching. I have to admit that I struggle and have to refer back to Awakened often…the principles of not letting negativity get a grip on my life are so powerful, and yet sometimes so difficult to implement. But I’m so thankful that you wrote it because I need that!! I am looking forward to your newest book because I believe it will speak to my heart and the devotionals will help me connect with Jesus in a way I am craving.
As far as my connection with God in my classroom…. When I am struggling, either with a student or myself, I try to remember that each child is God’s creation. And that He KNEW I would somehow be a part of the students’ lives. He planned that our paths would cross. I remember that I have a huge responsibility to be a positive influence in my students’ lives and pray that I can do what He wants me to do to make a positive impact. This is something I struggle with, but it’s my hope that they will *feel* His love and see His light even though it’s not something we can teach in public school.
How exciting Angela! You’re such an inspiration to me. I can’t wait to read this one =D
My faith has kept me going during times when it would have been so easy to leave teaching. It has also given me the strength and courage to listen to and talk with my students when they have been dealing with difficult issues. When doing activities and programs about Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter I’ve made sure that the religious aspect has been included.
I don’t know how I would get through any day without starting it with Him!
I made it a point this year to make my commute to work all about prayer. I found it helpful to thank the Lord for entrusting these children to me. I asked him to help me see them with his eyes and love them with his heart, help me to build the kingdom of God through my work. It was the most rewarding and least stressful year of my career. Really looking forward to the book!
I always keep in mind the bible verse “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as unto the Lord.” It helps me keep my priorities straight at school, especially in this time of budget cuts and bad attitudes toward the teaching profession. It’s easy to go the other way!
Angela,
Thank you for providing these resources. It is so easy to get burned out in our field. This past year I really worked to find JOY in each day… especially in my classroom. I invited one of my fellow teachers to be my JOY accountability partner. Each morning and/or afternoon we would spend a few minutes sharing our “JOY snapshots” from the day. It really helped to put our minor struggles in perspective.
This school year I am going to begin everyday with biblical confessions. Confessions for myself to have a great day and confessions for my students to be successful. I know that there is power in the tongue and that confessing God’s word works!
Congratulations on your third book! I’m very excited to order and begin using it:)
Congratulations on your book. I do believe that teaching is a calling and it is a mission field.
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