Posts

Memorial Day | JOY for Today

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(Updated 5/26/2023) Memorial Day is not just a day to remember the fallen, but a day to commit to carrying on in their footsteps. What fallen heroes' memories do you honor? What contribution obtained by their bravery and sacrifice brings you joy? How might you continue their labor? Answering these questions and committing to the fight are surefire ways for joy to burst through in your life. Remembrance Day: In Flanders Fields  by Chuchmouse and Churchmouse Campanologist Memorial Day Offerings: Did You Know...   One we knew; four we didn't. Wolfe Stew Connects  To memory preservation. Bible Verses and Quotes  Inspired by Memorial Day Activity Suggestions   Poetry, crafts & barbecue Did You Know: Memorial Day began after the Civil War? The Civil War claimed more American lives than any other war and many communities started holding ceremonies to honor lives lost each spring. The ceremonies consisted of graveside flower arrangements and prayers to honor the fallen. ( History.c

June 2022 Calendars | Printable and Holiday Options

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June. That sweet month of freedom. The month before the reality sets in that you really should start planning for the next school year. This year, our June consists of a vacation with the Mr.'s parents and "Aunt E. School" (so named only moments ago). "Aunt E. School" is when I get to torture my nieces and nephews with summer learning activities. I stew all school year long over how to torture them and they dine on the results of my efforts all summer long.  What about you? What does June 2022 bring for you? Whether it brings freedom, relaxation, or a continued resilience in your efforts, we're here to walk through it with you. Here's what we're offering on the June 2022  Wolfe Stew  menu: June 2022 Ideas for  Every  Day Calendar  (family friendly, educational) June 2022 Growth for Today Calendar  (personal growth, Bible-based) Blank 2022 Calendars   Bible verses  Inspirational Quotes June 2022 Ideas for EVERY Day  View the current month's

World Turtle Day | JOY for Today

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After watching my turtle recover from his tumble down the stairs yesterday (he's alright), I realized this is what turtles do: they take risks. They don't know what's at the bottom of that fall, but they trust their shell to protect them. I wonder, what shell protects you? Does your shell of protection provide joy and confidence or fear and isolation?  Meet Our Turtle: Waldo World Turtle Day Stops: Did You Know...   Two we knew; three we didn't. Wolfe Stew Connects  Musings by the Mrs. Bible Verses and Quotes  Inspired by turtles. Activity Suggestions   Care, costumes, reading, crafting, games, habitats, and maps. Did You Know: Turtles existed alongside dinosaurs?  Turtles lived more than 220 million years ago, before snakes, crocodiles, and alligators. ( World Atlas ) The oldest turtle on record lived to 188?  Named, Tu'i Malila, this female radiated tortoise lived on Tonga Island but was originally from Madagascar. ( Tongan Tribes ) More than 356 species exist?  T

National Chocolate Chip Day | JOY for Today

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I refuse to imagine a single day that couldn't be made better by chocolate. And chocolate chips, to quote the Mr., "are a teacher's best friend." So, however you utilize your chocolate chips of joy - whether independently or in a recipe - be certain you take the time to savor them. May 15th Annually Chocolate Chip Day Samplings: Did You Know...   Five things we didn't know. Wolfe Stew Connects  Musings by the Mrs. Bible Verses and Quotes  Inspired by chocolate. Activity Suggestions   Our chocolate chip cookie recipe and educational tie-ins. Did You Know: Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip accidentally? In the 1930's, while mixing a batch of her favorite butter drop do cookies, she realized she had no baker's chocolate. She substituted a semi-sweet chocolate bar, first breaking it into bits. What emerged was unexpected: a cookie with chocolate chunks. Now, however, we know this cookie as our beloved chocolate chip cookie ( Lemelson.Mit.Edu ). For he

Mother's Day | JOY for Today

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(Updated 5.11.2023) To our moms and sisters-in-arms (whether by blood or by faith), here's to the happiest of Mother's Days. We pray that today you see a glimpse of your worth and a reflection of the JOY you inspire in others. Thank you for carrying out in faithful diligence your role and for your continued resilience in fighting the good fight. JOY flows through you. May's Second Sunday Mother's Day   Offerings: Did You Know...  Five we didn't. Wolfe Stew Connects  To knowing your worth. Bible Verses and Quotes  About motherhood. Activity Suggestions  Card-making ideas, "Would you rather...?", and Family challenge. Did You Know: The founder of Mother's Day was a grieving daughter? A year after her mother passed, Anna Jarvis honored her at church. The following year, 1907, Jarvis organized the first Mother's Day observance where every mother in attendance received recognition. ( Farmers' Almanac ) Carnations are the original Mother's Day fl

Star Wars Day | JOY for Today

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Wield your lightsabers and don your Jedi robes: it's Star Wars Day! Annually we embrace this sci-fi universe and greet each other with the common phrase, "May the Fourth be with you." It is a day to dream of a reality beyond this one, to connect in our common interests, and to imagine ourselves as epically awesome (Which, I want you to know, you already are.). Even if you are not an avid fan, engaging in  Star Wars  discourse, celebrations, or observations will likely elicit JOY in someone you know. And, if nothing else, it always helps to know, "the 'Force' will be with you, always." Star Wars  Topics: Did You Know...  (Tidbits we find intriguing.) Wolfe Stew Connects  (Why it matters to us.) Bible Verses and Quotes  (Words that resonate.) Activity Suggestions  (Ways to celebrate. New feature: "Our Nephew's Suggestion" ) Did You Know: "Gobbledygook" was the adjective associated with Lucas' original Star Wars  draft?  20th Cen

May 2022 Calendars | Blank, Holiday, and Personal Growth Options

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Oh May... you're nearly here. We've been waiting for you. The end of a school year is always bittersweet. In many ways we cannot wait for it to end, but then there are the goodbyes and the beginning of next year's worries (if that hasn't started already). As you wind up your school year, know that we are right here winding it up with you. We're offering ideas and growth activities to aid you in the journey. Here's what we're offering on the May 2022 Wolfe Stew menu: May 2022 Ideas for Every  Day Calendar  (family friendly, educational) May 2022 Growth for Today Calendar  (personal growth, Bible-based) Blank 2022 Calendars   Bible verses  Inspirational Quotes May 2022 Ideas for EVERY Day  View the current month's calendar  at the Learning Lab Tab. May 2022  (updated for you!) May 2021   May 2020 Also, consider sampling our  JOY for Today  posts, where we celebrate selected days throughout the year by offering facts, connections, scripture, quotes, and