There is a good feeling in the air. School starts tomorrow. We had the Blessings of the Backpacks this morning at church. God bless our precious children. As I looked around this morning, I saw so many happy faces. Happiness is a tonic for the soul. A Balm of Gilead. A hospital for the sick. We used to sing, I will enter into his gates with thanksgiving in my heart; I will enter his courts with praise.’ A bit of thanksgiving is a good thing.

The spirit of God is refreshing. A cool drink in the desert. Our natural state is hopeless and helpless without God’s help. We need an Oasis.

‘I must not forget paste,’ Chet said. ‘Teacher will ask us to hold up our paste for Arts and Crafts,’ Chet continued. ‘This year I will paint like Peter Max,’ Chet noted. ‘I have images of his paintings and drawings on my backpack,’ Chet laughed for joy. ‘Peter Max sees the world through groovy glasses,’ Chet thought. ‘I will paint Frankenstein with Peter Max illustrations on his sheep’s coat,’ Chet concluded.

‘This year we kids are going to band together to stop bullying,’ Jane promised. ‘We are tired of bullying making kids frightened and bringing down the whole school,’ Jane continued. ‘There is no place for bullies in our school,’ Jane proclaimed!

‘The President is a Bully,’ Neva J said. ‘He is just like the Bullies in school; you have to stand up to him,’ Neva J continued. ‘He will noticeably shrink if stood up to,’ Neva J laughed.