Whether you are the parent of one of our younger students, a secondary student, or alumni, the start of the new school year can be a challenging time.

Here are some of the top tips we think might help you as you settle in to your new routine.

    Start forming healthy habits. Practice regular bedtime routines with your family so that waking up at the same time every day (and on time) will be second nature for you. Learn to say no to foods that are unhealthy and pack healthy snacks for your children and yourself.
    Manage your time well. Our older children can learn self-control by not procrastinating on homework and assignments. This is a skill that with the help of the Holy Spirit, parents can teach younger children as well.  One tip is to always start homework as soon as you arrive home and reserve time for studying each day. Our alumni can benefit from this advice as well.
    Set the Example. Be the student who prays at your lunch table. Whether you are a student at Timothy or one of our alumni, shine your light. Remember you are to be salt and light. What good is salt that loses its saltiness? You are light – and the darkness cannot hide the light. So let it shine! Matthew 5:13-16.
    Choose your friends wisely. Along the same lines of being the example, surround yourself with friends who will support you and what you believe. Parents, pray for your child’s friends. They will face opposition and yes, people who do not like them because they are a Christian.
    When your faith is tested, stand firm – do the right thing. Part of growing stronger in your faith is to let it be tested. At Timothy, we are teaching children to understand the Word of God so that it pierces their hearts and becomes real to them. It is only then that they can stand strong in their beliefs no matter who questions them. Whether big or small, you will no doubt face many trials. Alumni, remember what you learned in Mr. Barr’s Worldview Studies class! Do not turn away from God in the hard times – turn toward Him instead. He will guide you through it and make you stronger. Parents can be an example of this for their children at home.And not only this, but let us exalt in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Romans 5:3-4

    Carve out quiet time with God. It is easy to push this aside as the demands of classes, athletics and social activities take over your schedule. Do not let this happen. You will be less stressed and wiser to give your day to the Lord. He is calling you to grow in Him. How will you change the world if you’re not first meeting with the Creator of it? Read His Word and pray!
    Attend church on Sunday. Unfortunately, it is so easy to fall out of the habit of going to church especially with busy school and activity schedules. However, the Lord tells us to “not to give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:25 .If you do not have a church home, stop by the main office and we would be happy to help you find one.
    We dedicate this school year to the Lord, as we are praying for health, wisdom and a closer relationship with the Lord for each of you! Want to join us in prayer? Parents in Prayer meets each Friday morning at 8 a.m. in the Chapel.