Heart Choices: Remember the Children -->

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Remember the Children


Remember the children of Newtown, Connecticut.

Friday morning in our Pre-K 3 classroom, Heidi motioned for me to check out something on her computer.  Her face showed deep concern so I moved quickly to see what was going on.  I read the news headline about the shootings in an elementary school and immediately felt ...shock.

Who could ever hurt innocent children?  What would cause a person to take out their anger on students and teachers like this?

Since that fateful day, my heart has been heavy. I listen to the interviews of experts in their fields.  Why did this happen?  How can something like this be prevented?

Is the answer: 

  • Improved healthcare for those suffering with mental health issues 
  • Better security at schools
  • Banning violent video games
  • Banning certain types of assault weapons
After a while, I had to turn off the television.  I don't have the answer.

At church on Sunday, my pastor talked about evil.  And then he brought up the topic of ...sin.  

Sin is nothing new.  Rebelling against God and His ways.  Sin is a word people don't like to hear or mention.  Rationalization for behavior is often cited.  Sin is nothing new.


Matthew 2:16-18

New Living Translation (NLT)
16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. 17 Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
18 “A cry was heard in Ramah—
    weeping and great mourning.
Rachel weeps for her children,
    refusing to be comforted,
    for they are dead.”[a]


During the time of Jesus' birth, there was evil and sin.  Jesus came to give Life.  But the enemy tries to steal it.

We had our class Christmas party yesterday.  I gazed around our classroom at the faces of the little ones I've come to love.  Sweet innocence, open arms ...if only they would never have to experience or learn about the bad that lurks out in this world.

But we must go on ...

So how do we go about our normal activities during this Christmas season?

Stephanie Ackerman is an artist.  She loves to doodle and is very good at it.  She created this design to remember the names of those who lost their lives in Newtown last Friday morning.  I noticed it on Facebook as she posted it as a tribute to the victims of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary.

Stephanie wrote the following words above her beautiful design:

"When you don't know what to do, do what you know how to do, and then pray."

Created by: Stephanie Ackerman
So as we go about our days, may we remember the ones who lost their lives.  Pray for their families.  Pray for their community.  Pray for their school.  I printed out Stephanie's design to remember the children (and the teachers).  It reminds me to ...pray.

Blessings and love,



photo credit: TschiAe via photopin cc

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Debbie Petras
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9 comments:

  1. Oh Deb, I was thinking of you the past few days and meaning to visit your place, knowing you teach the little ones. The print is beautiful. I will put it in my journal. Love and hugs, Dawn

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  2. Beautifully said my friend. Unfortunately we live in a wicked sinful world and tragedies will continue. My heart and prayers go out to these families. I cannot imagine their pain.

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  3. Your words echo what so many of us feel, Debbie, and the sad thing is, as I was reading your post it was on the news that gun sales have gone up. We are a nation who fears what may happen next. We hold our children and grandchildren closer, and our hearts are filled with prayers for the families who no longer can hold theirs. Thank you for sharing you heart, and I know you are loving those little ones in your care and praying for them each day.

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  4. Wow! Debbie, this is an incredibly beautiful and moving post--Love Stephanie's design--so meaningful--thank you!

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  5. Oh my friend, you've been on my heart. This tragedy has paralyzed me. I am feeling emotions that aren't really mine to bear. I must give them over to God. It's so hard to understand why this would happen to little ones, for anyone for that matter. I just cannot comprehend this senseless act of violence. Praying for the families!

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  6. Hi Debbie
    Yes, my dear friend, I know in South Africa we stagger under violence and crime, but this is beyond what my mind can comprehend! The design is such a beautiful gift of compassion. Thank you for sharing it with us all! I wish ou and your family a God- filled Christmas.
    Much love to you XX
    Mia

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  7. Stephanie's art is gorgeous, Debbie. My daughter was assigned to a kindergarten classroom this semester, and I could just imagine the scene. Unspeakable evil, something we can't even wrap our brains around.

    And you're right - no amount of legislation will fix the sin problem. Only One can do that, and I'm ready for His return.

    May you have a very Merry Christmas!
    Hugs, Susan

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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